Laguna Beach is a quiet, undeveloped coastal gem in Bay County
Laguna Beach is a Bay County community that affords its residents access to the adventures of the Gulf Coast in a slower-paced setting than its well-known neighbors. The community is next door to Panama City Beach, a traditional Florida vacation destination and Spring Break hot spot. Yet Laguna Beach is free from development and the crush of seasonal tourists. “Laguna Beach is quiet. It’s kind of a hidden secret on the west side of Panama City Beach,” says Britt Matthews, who grew up in the community and works as the PR director of Beachy Beach Real Estate. “There’s a lot of pretty, accessible beachfront that hasn’t been built on. It’s generally an area that isn’t beholden to extra restrictions. It’s very chill. No HOAs.”
"Eclectic" options include multimillion-dollar beachfront homes
The most exclusive housing here is the small collection of opulent multi-million-dollar homes on the water that offer stunning Gulf views and the beach just steps away. Most homes, however, are built close together on truncated streets dotted with palm trees and other native greenery. Manufactured homes, small older bungalows, ranch-style homes and a variety of Coastal-style houses are common. “It’s very eclectic,” Matthews says. “You could have a three-story home next to a 1950s bungalow.” Newer homes are a mix of Coastal and contemporary designs that feature attached garages. The newest homes tend to be concentrated in small gated communities. Potential buyers will also find condos, townhouses and manufactured homes. The median sales price is $635,000. “The west end of Panama City Beach has always appreciated at a faster rate,” Matthews says. “It’s especially sought after because there are no HOAs and no restrictions on short-term rentals.” Janet Jones of Jones Real Estate and Rentals says residents are a mix of full-time homeowners, snowbirds and vacationers. There is a high risk of flooding and wind damage, and insurance rates are likely to be affected. But the area has not been hit hard by a hurricane since 2018.
State park offers lakefront recreation
Homeowners enjoy enviable access to a quiet stretch of Gulf beachfront. Inlet Beach on the western edge of the community is part of Camp Helen State Park, which features Lake Powell. “It’s very pristine,” Jones says. “The state bought it several years back to preserve it. It has the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. The surf washes in and out. People like to get out on kayaks and paddleboards.” Fishing, swimming and hiking are also popular activities at the park. For boaters, anglers and outdoors enthusiasts seeking more adventures, there are several Bay County boat ramps along the coast that offer access to the Gulf. There is a popular fishing pier and plenty of small parks in Panama City Beach.
Carousel Supermarket is an iconic staple of the community
The community offers a diverse mix of quaint shopping and dining destinations, anchored by the Carousel Supermarket. “It’s an icon of Laguna Beach,” Matthews says. “I grew up working there.” The grocery store has a gift shop and is famous for its wine cellar, Jones says. Other community staples include Thomas Donut & Snack Shop. Residents can also enjoy comfort food favorites such as pizza and ice cream, relax over drinks at an Old Florida bar and enjoy meals at a variety of destinations, from fast food eateries to eclectic beachside diners to dockside restaurants. For those seeking a more bustling commercial area, nearby Pier Park is an outdoor mall that features more than 100 stores, a variety of restaurants and an IMAX movie theater.
Bay County District Schools rated B-plus by Niche
The community is served by Bay District Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The typical student pipeline consists of an elementary, middle and high school all rated above average. The Ohana Institute is an A-rated private school option that serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Relatively isolated, but coastal destinations are reachable by car
Laguna Beach is a walkable and bikeable community, and Bayway Transit provides residents with public transportation to and from nearby points of interest. Otherwise, the community is fairly isolated from a public transit standpoint. The closest full-service medical center, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, is nearly 20 miles away in downtown Panama City. U.S. Highway 98 connects residents to Panama City and other destinations along the coast. The nearest commercial airport is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, about 60 miles away.
Written By
Matt Pallister
