Firstly why Panama-City, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Panama-City
• State: Florida
• Population: 36,866 people
• Panama-City’s quick summary would be Panama City residents recall Hurricane Michael’s impact but take pride in rebuilding and still having gorgeous beaches.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 5,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it well-known for its beaches attracting tourists and retirees

Perk #1: Panama-City Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $48,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Panama-City is $56,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $8000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Panama-City’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,812
• Property Tax %: 1.07%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Panama City
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Panama-City, Callaway, Lynn-Haven, Mexico-Beach, and probably could include Parker
• Avg. Age of Homes in Panama-City: 37 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Panama-City’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Panama-City are  Tourism, Retail, and Government
• Panama-City Job Scene: limited job market focused on tourism and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence mainly focused on tourism and local services , ,
• Panama-City Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Panama-City: 7.5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Panama-City

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 231 provides access to Panama City and surrounding regions
• Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Highway 98
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Panama-City: 38,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Panama-City: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Panama-City’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Panama-City is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with occasional thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Panama-City i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Panama-City can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Panama-City are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Panama-City is usually warm with occasional rain
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 60 days in summer
• Days in a row in Panama-City below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 61 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by its coastal position
• Panama-City Winter Air average air quality with some seasonal pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Panama-City Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Panama-City 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Panama-Citys’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Panama City Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Panama-City Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Panama-City only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Panama-City only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Panama-City’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Panama-City’s Monthly Gym Membership: $43
• Panama-City’s Water Quality Score: 67

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Panama-City

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: beach destination with a focus on tourism and recreation
• You might enjoy local theater performances
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Panama-City  features a beach-town vibe with lively bars restaurants and entertainment options along the coast

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Panama-City

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and beachside eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Panama-City
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Panama-City can be described as conservative coastal area primarily driven by tourism
• Panama-City’s Longer standing religious establishment is Panama City First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Panama-City Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Panama-City has 15 Parks?
• Cove Park is Panama-City’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Panama City Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, fishing, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Panama-City Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Panama-City can be described as laid-back coastal town focused on tourism and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Panama-City exploring beaches visiting local parks arts and crafts
• The Cities people commute to from Panama-City are Tallahassee 81 miles away Destin 56 miles away Lynn-Haven 13 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Panama-City or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Highway 98. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Panama-City’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Panama City is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Panama-City are Tallahassee 81 miles away Destin 56 miles away Lynn-Haven 13 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Panama-City has 0 days in a row below freezing and 60 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Panama-City people have an average (positive or negative) $8000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Panama-City. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative coastal area primarily driven by tourism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Panama-City.

Retiree & Senior Life in Panama-City

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy exemptions on property taxes aiding in managing expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Emerald Bay
• Panama City Senior Center hosts activities meal programs and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Panama-City, Florida?

If Panama-City, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Panama-City, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!