East Palatka offers riverfront access not too far from the beach
East Palatka is a Putnam County destination nestled between the St. Johns River and north Florida farmland, about 25 miles from the Atlantic coast. The community offers a mix of residential settings, from rural housing on country roads to midcentury homes along neighborhood streets to a variety of waterfront properties. The St. Johns, which is nationally known for its bass fishing, is a major attraction. “The river is in my backyard, and the beach is 30 minutes away,” says Reed Mathews, an East Palatka resident who works for Timber to Tides Realty and has sold several homes in the community. He adds that East Palatka is just an extension of Palatka, which offers an array of shopping, dining and other amenities. “I live in East Palatka, but I just say I live in Palatka.” Mathews says. “There’s only a bridge that separates the two.”
Waterfront homes, midcentury homes and manufactured homes in the mix
The community’s location lends itself to residential diversity and wide range of prices. “It’s rural, so you have people living on the water in million-dollar homes and people living in mobile homes,” Mathews says. Prices typically range from around $120,000 to $600,000-plus. However, large riverfront homes north of the community with an East Palatka address can list for more, with some exceeding $1 million. Waterfront properties offer exclusive amenities such as private docks. Midcentury ranch-style homes with driveways and carports are common on the west side of the community. These homes grace quiet streets populated with palm trees and other native greenery, often draped in Spanish moss. Homes are found in more rural, wooded settings on the east side of the community. “You get a little more elbow room than in the metropolitan areas around here,” Mathews says. Riverfront condos offer an alternative option. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average. Residents can expect a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, comfortable winters. There is a limited risk of flooding, but homeowners should be aware that the risk of wind damage can be significant during hurricane season.
Downtown Palatka hosts signature fishing tournament, several festivals
The river is a haven for boaters and anglers. For those who do not have direct access, the Pico Road Boat Ramp is just outside the community. Boathouse Riverfront Park in Palatka hosts a Bassmasters Elite tournament in the spring, which draws top anglers from across the country. “It has been a big staple event here. It brings a lot of people downtown,” Mathews says. “But there’s also the blue crab festival, the azalea festival, and they just started a datil pepper festival.” For locals, the park is a popular gathering spot that features a marina and a launch for boats and other watercraft. Palatka offers a variety of additional parks and recreational spaces. Palatka Golf Club features a public layout next to Ravine Gardens State Park. Closer to home, East Palatka Community Park’s amenities include a ballfield and a basketball court, and a trailhead is part of the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail. Beachgoers and outdoors enthusiasts of all kinds can find plenty of additional adventures along the Atlantic coast.
Students attend Putnam County schools
The community is served by the Putnam County School District, which Niche gives a C-plus. Students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade can attend Browning-Pearce Elementary School, also rated C-plus. Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School is rated B-minus. Career and technical education courses and advanced-placement courses are among the featured offerings available to older students. Eligible students can transfer through the state’s controlled open enrollment program.
Big-box retailers, popular downtown restaurants in Palatka
State Road is a convenient commercial corridor that runs through the community and offers an array of shopping and dining options. Seafood restaurants and grocery stores are highlights. The corridor also includes businesses offering a variety of goods and services. Even more options are available in Palatka, including big-box retailers and popular downtown dining destinations.
Affordable living with highway access to jobs in St. Johns County
State Road, also known as U.S. Highway 17, offers direct access into Palatka, which has an Amtrak station and is home to HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. Branching off U.S. 17 in this car-dependent community is Florida 207, which provides access to St. Augustine and its amenities. U.S. 17 connects residents to Jacksonville, the region’s largest metropolitan area, about 60 miles away. “Putnam County has basically become the bedroom community to St. Johns County,” says Larissa Ricketts of Modern Realty of Putnam Inc. “All the people who can’t afford to live in St. Johns County but work there live in Putnam County.” Palatka has a municipal airport, but the closest international airport is in Daytona Beach, a little over 60 miles away. Jacksonville International Airport is 10 miles farther.
Written By
Matt Pallister
