[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by FallDreamer

Who wouldn't buy a house in seaside? For anyone that is not familiar with this area, I believe that one of those neighborhoods was filmed in the Jim Carey film "The Truman Show". All of those neighborhoods are very Stepford-esque. And all price above $500,000. If you are a single mom, I doubt this would be realistic for you.

I suggest moving to Lynn Haven. It is the most quiet and family oriented town near panama city. I have friends that went to school there, and they seem to be the best. Your son would also be far enough away from all of the spring break rif-raff. You also would be fairly close to our 2 main hospitals in panama city, Bay Medical, and Gulf Coast Medical Center.

You are correct that "The Truman Show" was filmed in Seaside. But we wouldn't call it Stepford-esque. Seaside is expensive and used to be more charming back in the day. However, there are neighborhoods along the same beach road, the Scenic Hwy 30A, where homes are much less than $500,000. In fact, we live in a neighborhood along this stretch of beaches. We are only 6 blocks up from the beach - a nice safe distance. A home in our neighborhood sold for $150,000 this year, another at around $180,000 and a couple more at around $200,000. Prices have dropped DRAMATICALLY and people are willing to negotiate. You can pick land up for under $100,000 now. Several years ago you would have been looking at a minimum of $300,000 for a small lot.

In our area you have the Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast hospital.

We've lived in Panama City many years ago, in the downtown Cove are, and we really enjoyed our time there. There is a paper mill nearby and sometimes you will smell it. But honestly, I think you get used to it. We don't even remember it back then but know it was there.

These areas are very different. It all depends on what you seek. The beaches of Panama City can be pretty crazy in Spring & Summer, and so can Destin.

[GIgirl1997]

In normal traffic how long of a commute are you looking at from Lynn Haven to the two primary hospitals? I too am in the medical field and relocating. After reading some of this Panama City frightens me a little. Lynn Haven sounds much more appealing!

[AAbsolute]

Originally Posted by GIgirl1997

In normal traffic how long of a commute are you looking at from Lynn Haven to the two primary hospitals? I too am in the medical field and relocating. After reading some of this Panama City frightens me a little. Lynn Haven sounds much more appealing!

There are 2 hospitals in Panama City and one in Santa Rosa Beach. It sure seems like you might prefer the West End of Panama City Beach. The commute from Lynn Haven to the Panama City Hospitals is about 10 minutes and from Panama City Beach 15 to 25 depending on bridge traffic.

The West End of Panama City Beach is being updated in a massive way as the new Panama City International Airport nears it's grand opening. Project updates on construction of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport — The New PFN

[Inmylife]

I'd like to add some info and hopefully help with the process of making your decision. My wife and I moved to PC about a year ago and as "outsiders" I think that I can give a real sense of the area.

To begin, I am a business owner and a huge beach person. Our perception was that the area was on the brink of exploding and it would be great to get in on the ground floor of the process. This might still be true, but we won't be here to find out. Here's why:

Despite the entry of new stores and restaurants, for 8 or 9 months of the year the only people shopping in those stores are locals, the only people at the beach are locals, the only folks driving the streets are locals. So what, you say? Well, I'm sure I will get bashed as a yankee elitist but these local residents, by and large, are some of the most backward individuals I have ever encountered. My wife and I usually feel like we have stepped into a B-movie when we go out for dinner or a drink.

There is such a total lack of cultural enrichment here that it is truly sad. The area is so, so, so pretty - the beaches are awesome and the forests are green and nice. It is just about the people. By and large very trashy and yes, rednecky, they just bring the place way down.

Now, I am in a field where I must deal with the so called "professional" element of the city. Using the professionals of this town as a standard let me tell you this place has more than 2 decades worth of advancement in front of it prior to being what would be considered normal by the majority of the country. When supposedly learned professionals are rednecks, we've got a problem.

Suffice it to say, we are leaving in the next 12 to 18 months. I will likely be posting on here looking for a few suggestions.

[AAbsolute]

Originally Posted by Inmylife

I'd like to add some info and hopefully help with the process of making your decision. My wife and I moved to PC about a year ago and as "outsiders" I think that I can give a real sense of the area.

To begin, I am a business owner and a huge beach person. Our perception was that the area was on the brink of exploding and it would be great to get in on the ground floor of the process. This might still be true, but we won't be here to find out. Here's why:

Despite the entry of new stores and restaurants, for 8 or 9 months of the year the only people shopping in those stores are locals, the only people at the beach are locals, the only folks driving the streets are locals. So what, you say? Well, I'm sure I will get bashed as a yankee elitist but these local residents, by and large, are some of the most backward individuals I have ever encountered. My wife and I usually feel like we have stepped into a B-movie when we go out for dinner or a drink.

There is such a total lack of cultural enrichment here that it is truly sad. The area is so, so, so pretty - the beaches are awesome and the forests are green and nice. It is just about the people. By and large very trashy and yes, rednecky, they just bring the place way down.

Now, I am in a field where I must deal with the so called "professional" element of the city. Using the professionals of this town as a standard let me tell you this place has more than 2 decades worth of advancement in front of it prior to being what would be considered normal by the majority of the country. When supposedly learned professionals are rednecks, we've got a problem.

Suffice it to say, we are leaving in the next 12 to 18 months. I will likely be posting on here looking for a few suggestions.

Pretty bold first Post. Did you join just for that?

A piece of me wants to agree, but can't. This is the age of the mind. Some call it the Psychozoic Era. The world is connected via the www and city-data.com This cultural advancement will not take a generation anymore. I italicised cultural advancemement because that is in the eye of the beholder for sure. If someone wants to generalize or average a statement like that then they might take a sampling of the nation right now and decipher the stat's on what is cultural adavancement.

Whatsoever may come in the next 10 years of our nations future the Emerald Coast of Florida is going to be one of the places to be. This is a natural wonder that can't be duplicated by man. Northerners will find when relocating here that just as the winter doldrums begin to creep in we are pulling out and into the season. Imagine NJ's Fall only lasting a month and Winter only lasting a month and a half.

[Inmylife]

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

Pretty bold first Post. Did you join just for that?

A piece of me wants to agree, but can't. This is the age of the mind. Some call it the Psychozoic Era. The world is connected via the www and city-data.com This cultural advancement will not take a generation anymore. I italicised cultural advancemement because that is in the eye of the beholder for sure. If someone wants to generalize or average a statement like that then they might take a sampling of the nation right now and decipher the stat's on what is cultural adavancement.

Whatsoever may come in the next 10 years of our nations future the Emerald Coast of Florida is going to be one of the places to be. This is a natural wonder that can't be duplicated by man. Northerners will find when relocating here that just as the winter doldrums begin to creep in we are pulling out and into the season. Imagine NJ's Fall only lasting a month and Winter only lasting a month and a half.

No, I didn't join just for that. I actually joined to ask questions about other areas of the country, etc. I do though feel that I can service other people who might consider moving to PC through my viewpoint. Each individual can take my posts with as many grains of salt as they care to swallow. My opinion of the area, however, remains firm.

[AAbsolute]

Originally Posted by Inmylife

No, I didn't join just for that. I actually joined to ask questions about other areas of the country, etc. I do though feel that I can service other people who might consider moving to PC through my viewpoint. Each individual can take my posts with as many grains of salt as they care to swallow. My opinion of the area, however, remains firm.

Believe me when I say I hear you. Panama City and the rest of the panhandle are goodole'boyville but, that will change. The local's children know more about communicating worldwide than their 19th centurylike parents do and they will not be held back.

I'm guessing you are calling on medical professionals?

[janetboil]

Hello to a fellow Buckeye! I have lived in Panama City in the St. Andrews area but also worked on the beach selling new homes. I loved Pannama City and was very sad when i had to leave. I lived alone with just my dog and always felt safe! the police presence was always very visible in town. I am back in ohio now due to family illness but am searching daily for a place to move back to in the panhandle area. I also have lived down near Clearwater for 4+ years. the job market there is much better then nW Florida but in my opinion the panhandle area is the most beautiful, friendly place in the entire state. Can't wait to get back to those beautiful beaches and emerald waters!

[enchantdapril]

i can tell you that my husband and 16 yr old son and i recently moved here from ohio. we now live in lynn haven as i read these posts many times before we came here. i was more concerned with our son being able to attend a good school as i believe he does now at A. Crawford Mosley High School here in Lynn Haven. everything is accessible here...and although i was happy with living in ohio ~ the cold was hurting my husband more and more with every passing year. ive learned quite a bit aout the local areas and will share what this newbie has discovered if you care to hear.
i can say that i am disappointed with some things, and quite charmed with others...but all in all i am happy with our adventure to florida. hope you find peace in your journey!!! God bless!!

[janetboil]

Hello,

I lived in panama City before losing my job and then moved to the Clearwater area. I loved Panama City and did not experience the "redneck" thing that folks are speaking of. I lived in town in the St. Andrew Bay area which is beautiful. I walked my dog at all hours around the bay area with never a problem. I would suggest you check jobs at the Bay County hospital. There are two hospitals in town but I believe Bay is the biggest. If you go to the beach during spring break, avoid going to the WalMart. if you take Middle Beach road further west you can avoid the mess of traffic on front beach road and the mobs of college students.

Hope this helps. If I could I would move back in a heartbeat but I am stuck in Ohio now for a couple of years. hate the snow and ice too! You will totally enjoy the mild winter season in the PC area. Its a wonderful time of year to put on a light jacket and walk the beach.

Good luck to you.