[jessysunshine]

My husband is in the Air Force and has applied for a position at Tyndall AFB in Panama City. We have one child, a three year old girl.

I am searching and scouring the net for info on whether Panama City is a good place to raise a family. I would like to hear from those of you who have chosen to raise your children there.

Here is a bit about us:
White; mid-30's; non-denominational Christian; health-focused; love outdoor activities like mountain biking, IDPA, beaching, and camping; plan to homeschool... I guess that's a good start... So, anyone? THANKS SO MUCH!

Jessica

[beachmouse]

I'd say pretty good for younger kids. It's when they hit high school age and start to want to hang out with the college spring break crowd over at Panama City Beach that you have to worry.

[On-da-Beach]

it seems like a good place to me...


our son likes it, too...

[Trickmystir700]

Honestly I would say its one of the worst areas in the country to raise a child, but that's just my opinion.

[jessysunshine]

Originally Posted by Trickmystir700

Honestly I would say its one of the worst areas in the country to raise a child, but that's just my opinion.

Wow. One of the worst? What makes it so?

[FallDreamer]

I completely agree with you. I would not want to raise my kids here either. Several of my friends went to school here and they came out alright, but I consider them lucky. I heard that the high school on the beach has a serious drug problem. Spring break is also a serious issue. This is definately not a family town. I completely try to avoid the beach at all costs from February-May due to spring break, it's atrocious!! Trash and beer cans everywhere, not to mention the constant cop car sirens due to crazy spring breakers being killed or falling off balconys (this year is the worst spring break I've experienced: Girl being shot, dead spring breaker found next to hotel, man falling off balcony). Keep in mind I am writing this at the peak of spring break, so I am at my limit :-) !! I am ready to move back up north, the snow is worth it.

[TD*]

Panama city is FAIL for raising kids. If you want them to fail, raise them there.

[grapico]

I agree, probably one of the worst... my parents were around that area and after 1.5 year in the schools there in elementary they moved to Tallahassee where they have pretty good schools if you are looking for a place in North Fla. I was born in Panama City but once I hit school age... outta there.

[On-da-Beach]

Originally Posted by Trickmystir700

Honestly I would say its one of the worst areas in the country to raise a child, but that's just my opinion.

Originally Posted by FallDreamer

I completely agree with you. I would not want to raise my kids here either. Several of my friends went to school here and they came out alright, but I consider them lucky. I heard that the high school on the beach has a serious drug problem. Spring break is also a serious issue. This is definately not a family town. I completely try to avoid the beach at all costs from February-May due to spring break, it's atrocious!! Trash and beer cans everywhere, not to mention the constant cop car sirens due to crazy spring breakers being killed or falling off balconys (this year is the worst spring break I've experienced: Girl being shot, dead spring breaker found next to hotel, man falling off balcony). Keep in mind I am writing this at the peak of spring break, so I am at my limit :-) !! I am ready to move back up north, the snow is worth it.

Originally Posted by TD*

Panama city is FAIL for raising kids. If you want them to fail, raise them there.

Originally Posted by grapico

I agree, probably one of the worst... my parents were around that area and after 1.5 year in the schools there in elementary they moved to Tallahassee where they have pretty good schools if you are looking for a place in North Fla. I was born in Panama City but once I hit school age... outta there.

I believe raising children is about being involved in their abilities to make good decisions. There is no place on the planet where they won't face peer pressure. As a parent with life experiences to guide you, use them to help your children understand the rewards and consequences of their decisions. Drugs are in every school...teach your kids to handle any pressures to experiment. That goes for smoking and drinking as well. Then there's the sex pressures. All of this and they're expected to learn the courses that put them on their chosen path.

Kids need healthy options to spend their energy (don't we all?). Provide whatever you can and share their interests. This area of Panama City and Panama City Beach provides lots of healthy options to take advantage of. If you choose to allow your children to run amok, I guess you'll learn about the consequences of that decision.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by On-da-Beach

I believe raising children is about being involved in their abilities to make good decisions. There is no place on the planet where they won't face peer pressure. As a parent with life experiences to guide you, use them to help your children understand the rewards and consequences of their decisions. Drugs are in every school...teach your kids to handle any pressures to experiment. That goes for smoking and drinking as well. Then there's the sex pressures. All of this and they're expected to learn the courses that put them on their chosen path.

Kids need healthy options to spend their energy (don't we all?). Provide whatever you can and share their interests. This area of Panama City and Panama City Beach provides lots of healthy options to take advantage of. If you choose to allow your children to run amok, I guess you'll learn about the consequences of that decision.

I suppose, but not even close to the environment just a drive over to Tallahassee would offer as far as family stuff and public education...

of course, PC is also 70%+ Repub while Tal is 70%+ Dem ... if that is an issue to the OP.