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Palatka

Palatka

Located in Putnam County

$274,742 Average Value
$185 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Resilient community full of southern charm

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.
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.
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.
Historic bungalows are spread throughout Palatka.
Many historic homes in Palatka have been updated to modern standard.
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.
Palatka Jr/Sr High School receives an overall score of B minus from Niche.
Peniel Baptist Academy offers private education to the Palatka area.
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.
Historic gardens are a chance for a quick step into nature in Palatka.
Sink some putts with friends at the Palatka Golf Course.
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.
Shop the local boutiques and antique stores in Palatka.
For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Mariachiles 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.
Watch the sunset on the St Johns River in Palatka.
Catch a play for date night in Palatka at the Larimer Arts Center.
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.
Head to the beach by using Interstate 20 from Palatka.
For big box shopping in Palatka travel along State Road 19.
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.

Sara Huffman
Written By
Sara Huffman
Jade Meadows
Photography Contributed By
Jade Meadows
Kyle Garrity
Video By
Kyle Garrity

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Carrie Shawfield, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Palatka Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$270,000
Median Sale Price
$252,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$270,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
111
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
67%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$185

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,739
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1968
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,572
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,773
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
25,047

Open Houses

  • 2022 Diana Dr, Palatka, FL 32177

    $350,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,087 Sq Ft
    • 2022 Diana Dr
    • New 15 days ago

    Step into timeless charm with this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home built in 1929. Nestled on a generous 0.42-acre lot in a quiet, well established neighborhood, this property offers classic character with modern comforts. You'll love the spacious layout, original architectural details and thoughtful updates throughout. Enjoy the freedom of no HOA giving you flexibility to truly

    Agent Photo
    Tina Duck
    DUCK REALTY INC
    (386) 219-1862
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  • 00 Unassigned Location Re, Palatka, FL 32177

    $21,500

    • 00 Unassigned Location Re
    • New 6 days ago

    This spacious 1.27-acre lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home or start your agricultural venture. Nestled in a quiet and serene area of Palatka, the property is zoned AG (Agricultural), allowing for a variety of residential and farming uses. Located in Flood Zone X. Free of HOA fees, Additional features include: Flat, buildable terrain – ideal for construction or

    Agent Photo
    Clarice Almeida
    Realty One Group Plus
    (386) 515-8039
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  • 0 Unassigned Location Re, Palatka, FL 32177

    $10,800

    • 0 Unassigned Location Re
    • New 6 days ago

    Great opportunity to build your home, place a mobile home, or set a modular home!This 0.28-acre corner lot is situated in a peaceful area of Palatka and is zoned R-2, allowing for a range of flexible residential uses. Located in Flood Zone X, this lot is situated outside high-risk flood areas and offers easy access to roads and power.Enjoy proximity to the St. Johns River for boating,

    Agent Photo
    Clarice Almeida
    Realty One Group Plus
    (386) 280-4772
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Palatka Has Equal Renters and Owners

Demographics

Total Population
9,452
Median Age
38
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$27,071
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,375

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.9%
College Graduates
9.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.8%
% Population in Labor Force
48.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

53 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Palatka