Apalachicola Area

[Tonysca6]

We are looking at this part of Florida for potential retirement. Heading down there in March to start looking. Prefer a house, how are the marinas in that area? Any pros or cons with the area. Thanks

 

[fwebster]

Apalachicola is part of the "Forgotten Coast". You will find it rustic and genuine. Some of the nicest people in the world are the locals there. Take a look at a map so you won't be dissapointed.....Apalach. isn't on pristine bay with gin clear water like the rest of the Panhandle. The town is a ways from the coast and it up a river. The only decent marina is a ways from town on Scipio Creek, and its getting a little run down now that the original owner has passed away. The run to the Gulf is about 20 miles of very narrow channel dredged in the shallow Apalachicola Bay, then once you get to the coast, there isn't much to do but fish....or, turn left and go to the big bend, which is muddy and shallow or turn right and head toward Port St. joe, Mexico Beach and Panama City and the emerald green water, snow white sand beaches and civilization. Apalachicola is one of our favorite cruising locations because of the restaurants and local people, but my wife just couldn't live in a place where the nearest Walmart is 65 miles away. Consider other things you have become accustomed to like movie theaters, a choice of docs or drug stores, which are slim pickins in Apalach.

My advice it to spend some time exploring more than Apalachicola when you are in the area.......it is a great area and I have a sneaking suspicion that Panama City, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach or Port St. Joe will suit you better.

 

[Tonysca6]

Frank, thanks for the advise, will consider the options you presented. Our youngest boy is in Winterhaven & is thinking of moving to Sarasota. Wanted to be close, but not to close. Thanks again

 

[fwebster]

Come visit the area in person. A 2 paragraph on CSR doesn't do it justice. In fact, if you will PM me your travel plans, I may be in town when you are there. If so, I'll show you why we call boating in NW Fla around the barrier islands "boating in paradise".

 

[All's Well]

Port St Joe does have a "newer" marina.

From Mexico beach east (almost to Destin) has alot of newer development compared to Apalach and St George areas.

 

[BritLady]

Frank is correct...back of beyond.

 

[Budman]

Agree with Frank.

We looked at the coast from Apalachicola to west of Destin. We wanted to be close to the beach with good access to water.

Apalachicola to Mexico Beach is pretty isolated. Destin is way too congested. No marinas between Destin and Panama City.

We ended up in the eastern side of Panama City Beach. There are several marinas within a half mile, it takes about 10 minutes to get from the dock to the gulf.

Good luck!

Bud

 

[Tonysca6]

Thanks everyone, Deb & I are starting serious research today. It is 10 degrees in Pittsburgh, it is really getting tired.

 

[FLSunfish]

We're moved down to Pensacola (an hour west of Panama City) from Johnstown, PA 12 1/2 years ago for the same reason. We got chased off of the Alleghaney River in Kittaning -- in July -- because it was too cold to hang on to the fishing poles. :smt001
The Pensacola Bay area may be bigger than what you're looking for, but also has a lot to offer. Great marinas on the beach and downtown, plus easy access to the Gulf, historical sights, the Blue Angeis, a popular minor league baseball team at the new downtown stadium, and a thriving downtown after hours -- and of course the white sand beaches and great fishing.
Even if you don't decide to consider the Pensacola area for a residence, please come on down the Intracoastal to visit. :grin: