Marianna offers natural beauty and a slower pace of life
Marianna's identity flourishes at the intersection of outdoor recreation and community growth in the Florida Panhandle. "Marianna is a rural community with a slower pace. It draws people from Central and South Florida who are tired of the traffic and want land to have a garden and raise animals," says Lauren Lyons, a resident as well as the broker and owner of Chipola Realty. Founded in 1827 and known affectionately as "The City of Southern Charm," Marianna is experiencing upcoming developments. Some buildings downtown now display colorful murals. Pulse Industries will soon move its manufacturing facility to the city. And local leaders are currently discussing the arrival of a new Circle K gas station near Interstate 10. As the city continues to evolve, its natural beauty remains an essential aspect of the area's charm. "We do have plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are a lot of natural bodies of water, like lakes and rivers. We have a lot of good fishing, kayaking and boating for water sports," Lyons says. Marianna is home to multiple underground caverns. It is also the seat of Jackson County.
Locals enjoy caves, trails and water sports
The area contains several city-run green spaces like Madison Street Park and Wynn Park. Youth athletic leagues often hold games at Marianna Educational Recreational Expo (M.E.R.E.) Complex. Several community events occur at Citizens' Lodge Park. However, many residents enjoy more natural spaces in Marianna. Florida Caverns State Park showcases the only public open-air cave system in Florida. Locals and tourists also visit the site to boat along the Chipola River or enjoy trails suitable for bicyclists and equestrians. Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area is a well-loved swimming hole for its aquamarine color and underwater caves. "It feeds into Merritts Mill Pond, which is actually not a pond but a wide river with crystal-clear water. There are caves, and a world-renowned cave diver will take you cave diving," Lyons says. Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area provides more underground exploration, boating and hiking opportunities. Lyons says the Florida coast is about an hour to an hour and a half away; locals will make day trips to Mexico Beach or Panama City.
Home prices below national average with land still available
Historic brick Tudor Revivals and small cottages are near downtown. The area also features renovated ranch-style and bungalows. Newer homes appear in communities like Green Meadows. Golf carts are a common sight in Magnolia Oaks Golf and Country Club. Homes from the 21st century—especially near the local college in Watson Heights—have higher asking prices. "People are drawn here for the larger lot sizes. They can get more space in Marianna," Lyons says. Available parcels of land range from wood lots and pastures to cleared plots ready for construction. Median single-family prices hover around $290,000, which is lower than the national figure; residential properties tend to stay on the market longer than the national average.
Grocery stores, boutiques and restaurants around town
Downtown has boutiques, antique shops and sporting goods stores for outdoor adventures. Residents pick up groceries at Winn-Dixie. Tienda La Diferencia also sells grocery items, but the establishment doubles as a sit-down restaurant for Mexican cuisine. Marianna City Farmers Market opens on Saturday mornings; visitors find artisan goods, farm fresh eggs and local produce at the outdoor marketplace. The Salt Block is a local gem for its upscale dining experience; Cancun's Mexican Grill is a more casual option. Southern Craft Creamery has items made with ingredients from a community farm.
Students attend a new K-8 school and nearby high school
The Jackson County School Board closed three school locations to open a larger and newer K-to-8 facility inside the city. Marianna K-8 School had its grand opening in 2020, enrolling more than 1,700 students; it has a B-minus rating on Niche. Marianna High School receives a B-plus. The district provides remote learning options for county students. The area is also home to Chipola College, a four-year institution offering business, nursing and education programs.
Residents are close to health care, local routes and major cities
Jackson Hospital, located within a mile of U.S. 90, is open all day. Drivers can reach Interstate 10 in Marianna's southern corridor. "We are [relatively] close to two major airports, one in Tallahassee and another in Panama City," Lyons says. Tallahassee International Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport are roughly 60 miles away.
The area is prone to hurricanes
The area has a history of severe weather. Jackson County experienced loss of life and catastrophic damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
