Bonifay offers laid back, country-style living in Holmes County
Bonifay takes it easy. The Holmes County city of close to 3,000 people is surrounded by woods and farmland, but residents have everything they need close to home, including several grocery stores and restaurants. “It’s a country atmosphere. It’s kind of laid back,” says Becky Marsh, the Holmes County Public Library director. Marsh says some of the city’s businesses still close on Thursday afternoons instead of Mondays, as is more common today. Residents don’t mind, Marsh says; the city carries that old-school spirit with pride.
Brick and Mediterranean ranch-style homes sit along narrow streets
The city has several ranch-style homes; some have traditional brick exteriors, while others carry a Mediterranean Revival influence and have tile roofs and stucco exteriors. These houses can range from $160,000 to $330,000. New Traditional and Craftsman-style homes often run from $110,000 to $400,000, and smaller cottages usually go from $70,000 to $135,000. Large parcels of land are also available for development, often between $8,000 and $25,000 per acre. Northern city roads are in a grid-like pattern, though roads to the south and the area’s more rural sections are not. Residential streets are narrow and can lack curbs and sidewalks. Yards are grassy and typically sparse, though they can feature large bushes and trees.
Seafood and barbecue restaurants, with multiple grocery stores in town
Many of the community’s eateries and shops are along or near Florida State Route 79, as are churches like First Baptist Bonifay. Though most are fast-food restaurants, there’s also local fare. Castaway Seafood Restaurant specializes in southern-style fried fish. M&W Smokehouse Barbecue sells meat by the pound and individual meals. Cancun’s Mexican Grill has authentic cuisine and decor. Fresh Grounds Coffee House, off U.S. Highway 90, serves specialty drinks and breakfast treats. “They’re all fairly packed,” Marsh says of the city’s restaurants, adding that community members like to support one another. Small businesses like Mane Street Salon and Bowen Hardware Co. are along Waukesha Street. The city has Piggly Wiggly, Grocery Outlet and Dollar General locations.
The Holmes District School Board and a tax credit program
Students are served by the Holmes District School Board. They can attend Bonifay K-8 School, which earns a B-minus Niche rating. Holmes County High School offers electives like Welding Technology Fundamentals, Agritech and Culinary Arts. It receives a C-plus score.
Florida has controlled open enrollment, allowing students to attend any public school with open space. The state’s Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program creates an education savings account for accepted families, who then receive money for private school tuition and other expenses. Washington County Christian School, a private prekindergarten through 12th-grade academy, is close to 10 miles away in Chipley and holds a C-plus Niche grade.
Playgrounds, sports courts, a splash pad and a skydiving opportunity
Veterans Memorial Park had new playground equipment installed in 2025. It also has tennis and basketball courts and covered tables. Across Veterans Boulevard is Memorial Field of Bonifay, which hosts football games. Middlebrooks Park features a summer splash pad, a jungle gym, gazebos, and an additional basketball court. A few miles away, Skydive Panama City is a full-service dropzone offering jumps up to 14,000 feet. The community is around 12 miles from Falling Waters State Park, which contains the state’s tallest waterfall and a trail of sinkholes, plus fishing, hiking and camping opportunities.
The Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo brings three nights of fun
The Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo is held at the Memorial Field of Bonifay each year. The event includes a 5K run, a pancake breakfast and three nights of action from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The annual Down Home Street Festival combines crafts vendors with food trucks, kids activities and a car show.
Access to Interstate 10, Panama City and a regional hospital
U.S Highway 90 runs perpendicular to Florida State Route 79, and Interstate 10 is south of the city center. A railroad cuts through the community, crossing over Waukesha Street. Marsh says residents don’t mind making an hour’s drive to get to name-brand stores and restaurants. Panama City is around a 50-mile drive, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is roughly 45 miles away. Northwest Florida Community Hospital, close to 10 miles east in Chipley, has nearly 60 beds. Hurricanes can impact the area, but they often weaken by the time they arrive.
