$276,606Average Value$179Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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.
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
Neil Avery,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Palatka, FL sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Palatka, FL over the last 12 months is $252,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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,
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 11-3.Step into a rare piece of Florida history with this 3,790 sq ft home built in 1877 by Thomas Benjamin Eville using cypress harvested right from the property. Sitting on 3 acres of agricultural-zoned land, it's perfect for horses, chickens, or your dream hobby farm. The three-acre fenced backyard is ready for animals and activities, while a refreshing pool
Spacious 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home on a Prime Corner Lot - Nearly 1 Acre!This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is nestled on a generous 0.99-acre corner lot, offering the perfect combination of privacy, space, and curb appeal. With plenty of room inside and out, this property is ideal for families, hobbyists, or anyone looking to spread out and enjoy a peaceful setting.Property
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,
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 11-3.Step into a rare piece of Florida history with this 3,790 sq ft home built in 1877 by Thomas Benjamin Eville using cypress harvested right from the property. Sitting on 3 acres of agricultural-zoned land, it's perfect for horses, chickens, or your dream hobby farm. The three-acre fenced backyard is ready for animals and activities, while a refreshing pool
Spacious 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home on a Prime Corner Lot - Nearly 1 Acre!This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is nestled on a generous 0.99-acre corner lot, offering the perfect combination of privacy, space, and curb appeal. With plenty of room inside and out, this property is ideal for families, hobbyists, or anyone looking to spread out and enjoy a peaceful setting.Property
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
Palatka Oaks Apartments gives you everything you need to live easy. Discover the quiet lifestyle you've been searching for with an environment designed with your comfort and style in mind. We offer single story living, private patios, ample parking, individual private entrances, on-site manager, maintenance free living and so much more!You'll enjoy a premier location convenient to shopping,
Rent and own this NEWLY UPDATED RENOVATED Single Family Home. New Roof - New Septic - New Kitchen - New Central AC/HEAT - I own many homes in this area. SUPER CLEAN MORE PHOTOS COMING.
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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.
