The city of Palatka, Florida, sits in the north-central part of the state, just off a bend in the St. Johns River. The Putnam County seat has experienced some hardship over the past several years, with retailers moving out and one of the city’s largest employers, the Georgia-Pacific paper mill, cutting jobs.
But despite its struggles, the city is the picture of Old Florida. Sailboats dot the glittering river at sunrise. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss tower over homes. It has a southern charm not often found in other parts of Florida, says Tina Arant, a Broker Associate Realtor for Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage, who has lived in Palatka since 2003. “I grew up in Birmingham and lived in Jacksonville before I moved here. When I got here, I felt like I was home again,” she says.
Palatka is a quiet small town with a deep history in northeast Florida.
The Palatka Art League hosts art local artists works to help you find that special gift.
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A mix of home styles on acre lots are available
Housing here includes 1930s bungalows, midcentury ranch-style and 1990s-era New Traditional. They sit on sprawling one-acre lots, larger than in nearby St. Augustine. Homes close to St. Johns River often feature docks and backyard water views. The median price for single-family homes is about $250,000, with prices rarely exceeding $400,000. Land is also plentiful in Palatka for those looking to build new.
Historic bungalows are spread throughout Palatka.
Many historic homes in Palatka have been updated to modern standard.
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Families choose from public or private schools
Putnam County Schools serves the city and rates a C-plus on Niche. The district offers School Choice. Several private schools are in the city, including B-rated Peniel Baptist Academy, C-rated Hillcrest Academy and River Christian Academy, which currently does not have a Niche rating. The Palatka campus of St. Johns River State College is in the heart of the city and offers a range of associate, bachelor’s and baccalaureate degrees.
Palatka Jr/Sr High School receives an overall score of B minus from Niche.
Peniel Baptist Academy offers private education to the Palatka area.
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State parks, golf, boating and the beach are all within reach
Palatka features many green spaces throughout the city, including Ravine Gardens State Park, which offers acres of trails, a playground and gardens full of azalea bushes. Golfers tee off at Palatka Golf Course next door. Proximity to the St. Johns River gives boaters ample opportunities to get out on the water, and those looking for a day at the shore drive about 30 miles to St. Augustine Beach.
Historic gardens are a chance for a quick step into nature in Palatka.
Sink some putts with friends at the Palatka Golf Course.
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Downtown Palatka offers shopping and dining
The historic downtown is near Reid Street and the St. Johns River. While it’s still being revitalized, locally owned boutiques and restaurants are growing. Big box stores, chain restaurants and services run along State Road 19, one of the city's major thoroughfares.
The Larimer Arts Center hosts the River City Players, the local community theater. Artists and crafters take classes at the Palatka Art League. “You don’t necessarily have to go to Jacksonville or Orlando for culture and the arts; we have that right here in Palatka,” Arant says.
HCA Florida Putnam Hospital sits near the city’s center. Near the hospital is the Putnam County Library and multiple houses of worship
Shop the local boutiques and antique stores in Palatka.
For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Mariachiles in Palatka.
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Residents gather for festivals and tournaments
The Florida Azalea Festival in February is a popular annual event and one of the longest running in the state. The two-day event features live music, vendors and blooming azaleas. The Blue Crab Festival is another major annual event, taking place each Memorial Day weekend and featuring live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Due to its proximity to the river, the city hosts multiple popular bass fishing tournaments, including Bassmaster Elite and the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Tournament.
Watch the sunset on the St Johns River in Palatka.
Catch a play for date night in Palatka at the Larimer Arts Center.
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State roads and Amtrak gets residents where they need to go
State Roads 19 and 20 run through the city, and State Road 17 is located on the city’s north side. St. Augustine is about 30 miles away, and Gainesville is about 50 miles away. Amtrak’s Palatka stop is located on 11th Street. The Palatka Municipal Airport sits near the city’s center, a small facility owned by the city. The closest international airports are Jacksonville International Airport, about 75 miles away, and Orlando International Airport, about 120 miles away.
Head to the beach by using Interstate 20 from Palatka.
For big box shopping in Palatka travel along State Road 19.
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Palatka has had a problem with crime in the past; hurricanes are possible
Crime stats are not currently available for Palatka, though the city has suffered from high incidents of violent and property crime in the past. The Palatka Police Department currently staffs 32 police officers and nine employees.
Like many Florida cities close to the ocean, hurricanes can strike Palatka, causing damage from high winds and flooding, especially near the river.
Written By
Sara Huffman
Photography Contributed By
Jade Meadows
Video By
Kyle Garrity
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
CLAIRE SHEEHAN,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Palatka, FL sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Palatka, FL over the last 12 months is $239,900, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 4510 W Madison Street — a beautifully updated single-level home offering style, comfort, and privacy in a convenient Palatka location. This 3BR/2BA sits on a fully fenced lot at the end of the street, bordered by woods for added privacy. Step inside to find a light-filled layout with luxury vinyl plank flooring, impact windows, and a newer metal roof for lasting protection. The kitchen
Ana EstevezKeller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners St Augustine
Back on the market- buyer's financing fell through. Riverside Log Cabin Retreat in need of TLC on the St. Johns River - A Remodeler's Dream! Discover the charm and serenity of this private log cabin oasis, perfectly situated along the scenic St. Johns River. Built in 1989, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a newer metal roof and 3 bay detached garage, rests on a spacious 1⁄2+acre lot, boasting
LISA MURRAYATLANTIC SHORES REALTY OF JACKSONVILLE LLC
Welcome to 386 Cedar Creek Rd—your serene escape on the St. Johns River. Set on 2 private, tree-lined acres, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and waterfront living.Enjoy expansive river views from your screened lanai or open-air patio, where peaceful mornings and breathtaking sunsets become part of your daily routine. A true
Trudy PadillaKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTIC PARTNERS ST. AUGUSTINE
Stunning, thoughtfully renovated 5-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,755 sq ft of modern living space on a serene 1.47-acre lot. The property features flat, cleared land with mature trees—perfect for enjoying peaceful country living with room to grow.Inside, you'll find a brand-new open-concept kitchen seamlessly connected to the spacious living and dining areas—ideal for entertaining or
Cute Cute Cute Bungalow style Duplex with a lot of charm and has been taking well care of. Each Side has one Bedroom and one bath. The Duplex next door is for sale also and owner would give a price break to the buyer that buys both.
Cute Cute Cute Bungalow style Duplex with a lot of charm and has been taking well care of. Each Side has one Bedroom and one bath.The Duplex next door is for sale also and owner would give a price break to the buyer that buys both.
Beautifully Remodeled Single-Family Home in the Heart of Palatka!This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been thoughtfully renovated and is move-in ready. Recent updates include a brand-new metal roof, modern vinyl plank flooring throughout, and new stainless steel appliances. The spacious kitchen features a large prep island, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Enjoy the covered
Welcome to Palatka Oaks Apartments, your new home in the heart of Palatka, FL. Our community is not just pet-friendly, but also offers flexible payment options through our partnership with FLEX, making your stay with us as convenient as possible. At Palatka Oaks Apartments, we believe in creating a comfortable and enjoyable living environment for all our residents. Come and experience the
Welcome to the Peace Garden apartments where old town charm meets modern design!There are three newly constructed units (two on the second level and one on the first level) right in the heart of downtown Palatka within walking and cycling distance to everything. Inside you will find a bright open layout with warm wood floors and huge windows. A modern kitchen with brand new appliances
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