[Amybear]

Can someone give me a little feedback on Panama City Beach.

1. What would job prospects look for someone in the medical field (I'm a medical biller) -- how many hospitals are there?

2. Is the area very un-friendly to "newcomers" to the area? Does PCB have a "small town" mentality in that respect? Be honest!
I read a thread somewhere in here referring to the Emerald coast as the "Redneck Riviera"...hmmmmm.
I keep hearing about how the area of PCB is growing....so I would hope they would welcome a "transplant" such as myself.

3. How well does PCB handle Hurricaine season? I keep thinking about those poor folks in New Orleans (which isn't that far away)....how well is PCB prepared?

I currently live in Tucson,Az......relocated here from New York City last year (talk about culture shock)....but I'm actually a very "adjustable" type to new places....
I wouldn't be looking to move now.....but in a few years I would since my family lives nearby.

Any advice you all can give would be most helpful
Thank You!

[heydade]

u will party like a rockstar come spring break though....that I can guarantee you !

[Criss1956]

Originally Posted by Amybear

Can someone give me a little feedback on Panama City Beach.

1. What would job prospects look for someone in the medical field (I'm a medical biller) -- how many hospitals are there?

2. Is the area very un-friendly to "newcomers" to the area? Does PCB have a "small town" mentality in that respect? Be honest!
I read a thread somewhere in here referring to the Emerald coast as the "Redneck Riviera"...hmmmmm.
I keep hearing about how the area of PCB is growing....so I would hope they would welcome a "transplant" such as myself.

3. How well does PCB handle Hurricaine season? I keep thinking about those poor folks in New Orleans (which isn't that far away)....how well is PCB prepared?

I currently live in Tucson,Az......relocated here from New York City last year (talk about culture shock)....but I'm actually a very "adjustable" type to new places....
I wouldn't be looking to move now.....but in a few years I would since my family lives nearby.

Any advice you all can give would be most helpful
Thank You!

There are 2 hospitals in Panama City: Bay and Gulf Medical. Down the road a little ways, in Walton County, there is Sacred Heart.
There are many Doctor's offices and clinics here

We are very friendly to newcomers. Most of the people living here are from somewhere else. Treat others as you would like to be treated and you will do just fine - just don't insult our grits (grin). There are many New Yorkers living here and love it. Our accents keeps them entertained.

We used to be really redneck, white socks and blue ribbon beer type folk.
That's all changed. Go to Panama City Beach & Panama City Florida - hotels, motels, condos, condominiums and Multimedia Travel Guide for Popular Destinations in the Southeast the Pier Park shopping center is now open and it is really nice. Our local newspaper is: NewsHerald.com : Homepage
If I can help you in any way, feel free to email me and I will help in anyway possible.

Criss719@wmconnect.com

[2bohemians]

Here's the link to our hospital in Walton County:

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast

[gbugmiami]

A friend of mine moved to Panama City about a year ago. They absolutely love it. Ive been up there a few times to visit and liked it as well. Its a cool laid back beachy place. My friends say the locals pretty much hide come spring break time, but the rest of the time its nice.

[innocence123]

You guys should include some pictures of panama city beach, now i know that it is beautiful but what is life really like there?

[FallDreamer]

I am a transplant from Maine, and have been living here for about 6 years now. I too experienced massive culture shock! Personally, I can't wait to move. I used to live in town near Lynn Haven, but my recent move onto the beach has made me all too aware of the spring break issues. This spring break was particularly bad for some reason. A lot more shootings, stabbings, DUI's, and the usual people falling off of condo balconys. Spring break usually lasts for about 6 weeks, you then get about 2 weeks of normalcy before Thunder Beach sets in.

I know a lot of people who were born and raised here and they were lucky to come out of the local school systems unscathed. From what I understand Bay High (the beach high school) has a serious drug problem, most likely due to the crazy partying ways on the beach (especially during spring break). I would imagine that it would be difficult to keep your kids out of the party scene.

If you happen to be a liberal, then beware! Bay county is one of the most conservative counties in Florida. Many people describe the panhandle as being a southern extension of Alabama. However, I am hoping that with the upcoming international airport, that this area will become a little more diverse.

I have to agree that our beach is beautiful, but I miss a lot of other things that nature has to offer. There are not any good hiking/biking areas nearby, not many pretty fields of flowers, and sand is EVERYWHERE!! Not to mention you have to worry about stepping on a poisonous snake or getting bit by a poisonous spider wherever you stroll. (For some reason I am extremely bothered by this, which my friends laugh at! :-) ).

I know I may sound like a "grumpy gus" but I am just trying to express my experience here as a transplant from the north, such as the original poster. Many people absolutely love it here and would not want to live anywhere else. I however know that there are other areas of the US that have beautiful beaches with much more to offer.

Also...Take note that the only pictures posted on this page are of the beach. Besides pier park and the ritzier areas to the west (seaside, rosemary beach, carillon beach, practically anything near fort walton), the town leaves much to be desired as far as beauty (a lot of old run down, boarded up homes and hotels.)