Apalachicola offers Old Florida charm with modern-day challenges
Water is at the center of life in Apalachicola. This community at the mouth of the Apalachicola River on Florida's "Forgotten Coast" is home to proud fishermen, historic houses and a unique downtown that draws tourists. Locals also enjoy living in the charming community, where boat ramps and fishing piers are blocks away, and tranquil white sand beaches are a short drive from home. "Everyone here is very welcoming. It almost feels like you're living in Florida before it exploded with tourism," says resident and Realtor Lacey Martina with Naumann Group Real Estate. "It's not a heavily commercialized area; most places are family-owned. It's also super pet-friendly, and you can take your dog shopping or to a bar." Hospitality is still a draw here, with the community's magazine-worthy homes, seafood restaurants, and boat and fishing charters. However, an ongoing water crisis has begun to affect tourists and locals alike. "It's getting worked on, but the lack of potable water is affecting tourism, real estate and everything in between," Martina says. "It's the biggest thing happening in Apalachicola right now, but we're hoping it'll be over soon."
Buyers drawn to historic districts and resilient housing market
Apalachicola's history is felt among its towering pines, rambling oak trees and ornate, colorful houses. The historic districts, bounded by 17th and Jefferson Streets, the Apalachicola Bay and the Apalachicola River, offer an array of homes built between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. "Toward the water, there are big, beautiful houses that are stunning," Martina says. "It's a very unique area with a charm about it." Coastal "Apalach" cottages, ranch-style and Craftsman-style homes typically sell between $260,000 and $365,000. Larger Victorian and Queen Anne homes can sell between $600,000 and $1.5 million, depending on the level of updates and proximity to the waterfront. Apalachicola also features contemporary coastal construction, which can cost between $370,000 and $950,000. Townhouse units and manufactured homes round out the housing inventory, typically selling from $125,000 to $370,000. Martina says the housing market is hanging in there despite the ongoing water crisis. "The water crisis affects our real estate market, but we're pretty strong and steady. Once tourism is up, our market will go up," she says. Apalachicola does have a risk of wind and flood damage from hurricanes and severe storms, so residents should purchase appropriate homeowner's insurance and follow precautions during weather events.
Residents enjoy boating, beach days and family-friendly events
Living on the Gulf Coast and surrounded by the Apalachicola Bay, East Bay and the Apalachicola River estuary, residents are spoiled for choice when getting out on the water. Dozens of fishing and boating charters depart from Apalachicola's boat launches. The biggest one is Battery Park, which has a large ramp underneath the community's main bridge. "That's definitely the most popular boat launch. We call that ramp the '10-foot Hole.'" In addition to the community's beloved "10-foot Hole," the park has a dock, a fishing pier, a playground and a community center. Apalachicola holds annual festivals on the grounds surrounding the center, such as the Florida Seafood Festival. Live music, seafood vendors, oyster shucking and kids' crafts bring visitors from across the state. Apalachicola Dog Park is popular with pet owners, and DW Wilson Sports Complex has nearly 14 acres of athletic fields and pine-shaded trails. A short distance away, Tate's Hell State Forest and Apalachicola National Forest offer hiking trails, hunting and camping. Another huge draw to Apalachicola is its proximity to St. George Island and other Gulf beaches. Locals can head to the beach via Highway 98 and the Island Drive bridge. The sugar-soft beaches stretch for miles against turquoise waters, where visitors sunbathe, swim, picnic and surf.
Most students attend Franklin County School
Franklin County School District serves students in Apalachicola. Most of the district's 990 students attend Franklin County School, which earned a C rating from Niche. The school serves pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and offers a virtual learning program for rural students. Pre-kindergarten through grade eight students may also attend C-plus-rated Apalachicola Bay Charter School, which provides specialized art, music and technical education learning pathways.
Downtown offers boutiques, seafood spots and a farmers market
One of Apalachicola's main draws is its charming downtown area. There are many boutiques, antique stores, bookstores and art galleries here. One of the most popular is The Tin Shed, a nautical antique and oddity shop. Restaurants, bars and cafes line the streets, including Owl Cafe, a laidback seafood restaurant in a historic building with a second-floor patio. Cafe con Leche offers classic Cuban dishes, and Apalachicola Bee Company serves house-made mead and cider. The Apalachicola Farmers Market sells fresh seafood and local produce at the city dock. The community is also known for its festivals, including holiday light celebrations, spring art shows and a January Oyster Cookoff. Residents can choose between a Piggly Wiggly and a Dollar General for groceries. One of the closest larger retail areas is in Panama City, which has a Publix, Sam's Club, Walmart and a shopping mall. "Most people go to Panama City or Port Saint Joe for dining, retail and doctor's appointments," Martina says.
Golf carts are the go-to for errands, dining and getting around
Highway 98 (also referred to as Old 98) runs through Apalachicola, connecting it to other charming coastal communities along the Gulf. Residents are car-dependent but more likely to drive golf carts than automobiles. "We use a golf cart for everything here," Martina says. "We use them to go out to eat, grocery shopping or to bars." The community is around 60 miles from larger towns like Panama City and Crawfordville. Depending on the chosen route, Tallahassee and Interstate 10 are around 75 to 100 miles away. The community's medical center is George E. Weems Hospital, but Martina says people usually prefer the Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Port Saint Joe. Residents may drive to Tallahassee International Airport, 75 miles from Apalachicola, or Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, 85 miles away. Apalachicola has a CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, just under the national average of 4.
