The South Florida city of Palm Coast may sit along Florida's historic "First Coast," but the community of 102,000 is actually one of the state's newest cities. The city, incorporated in 1999, has created an identity for itself based on miles of hiking trails and picturesque beaches. And Palm Coast's population has increased nearly 200% since 2000, thanks in large part to a growing healthcare industry, with Advent Health serving as the largest employer. "We're approximately an hour to Jacksonville, and that's where a lot of the industry is," says Tammy Selic, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Properties. "But for the most part, there's really a broad base of people here who work from home. Most of my friends and colleagues work remotely here."
Hike under the shaded canopy of native trees in Palm Coast.
Palm Coast has miles of stunning beaches for residents to enjoy.
Many high end Palm Coast homes boast private docks for easy water access.
Advent Health is the largest employer in Palm Coast.
Take a hike and enjoy stunning coastal views in Palm Coast.
The Flagler Pier near Palm Coast is popular for walking, fishing and photography.
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Parks, nature preserves and trail systems along the Atlantic Coast and Intracoastal Waterway
This community has a renowned set of trails that wind through coastal scrubs, oak hammocks and residential areas. "The mountain biking trails are some of the best in the state. They've got some true elevation. When I talk to mountain bikers, they're from other areas, and they drive over an hour to get to the trail that's just right across the street from me." Sellic says. "To be able to go out and walk and bike in nature is definitely a big part of what Palm Coast is made of." Residents can also follow the Flagler County Turtle Trail through parks and other public places throughout Palm Coast and neighboring Flagler Beach to see 21 large, decorative fiberglass turtles, each painted by a different local artist as a tribute to the loggerhead turtle found along the coast.
The city has multiple dog-friendly ocean parks, including Jungle Hut Road Park and Varn Park. Set between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, the 425-acre Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is famous for having one of the largest collections of ancient coquina rock formations on the Atlantic. The 20-acre Waterfront Park sits along the Intracoastal, providing a convenient spot for kayakers to launch their boats or anglers to cast in a line. There are also numerous golf courses, including Palm Harbor Golf Club and the Ocean Hammock Golf Course. The Florida Agricultural Museum preserves the area's farming roots with a restored 1890s homestead and a 5,000-square-foot dairy barn. And while it may be a bit of a drive, the octane-fueled Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious race, is 32 miles away.
Palm Coast is known for its miles of sprawling trails with incredible views.
Mountain Biking is a popular recreational activity in Palm Coast.
Many Palm Coast beaches are dog friendly.
The Daytona International Speedway is home to racing, concerts and festivals year-round.
Explore the over 400 acres of nature in Washington Oaks State Park in Palm Coast.
Spend the day learning about pioneer life at the Florida Agriculture Museum in Palm Coast.
In Indigo you are just minutes away from the Daytona International Speedway.
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Established single-family homes and waterfront properties with new construction on the way
Homes here date as far back as the late 1970s, though lots of new construction is happening. "It ranges from waterfront housing to average communities to million-dollar gated communities," says Mindy Melendez, broker-owner of EAZ Realty. Many are built in the Spanish Revival and Mediterranean style influence with stucco walls. Plenty of waterfront housing is available, with over 26 miles of saltwater canals that lead directly to the ocean via the Matanzas River. Hammock Beach and Hammock Dunes are standout gated neighborhoods that feature 18-hole golf courses and scenic beachfront views. The median sales price is about $370,000, less than the national median of $420,000. Single-family homes range between $300,000 and $600,000 depending on canal access while sprawling beachfront estates and high-rise condos can reach up to $3 million. As the city grows, many open lots are available for buyers looking to build a home of their own, with those on the water going for more than similarly sized lots farther inland.
Many Palm Coast homes have waterfront access.
Palm Coast offers a wide variety of new construction home styles.
Palm Coast is home to million dollar Mediterranean homes.
Coastal living is a draw for Palm Coast residents.
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Interstate 95 connects to Daytona Beach and St. Augustine
Interstate 95 runs through the city and connects to major cities along the East Coast, including Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, both under 30 miles away. Jacksonville is a little farther north, around 60 miles away. The famous scenic route State Road A1A runs along the coast, providing drives with unspoiled views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. The city has over 130 miles of interconnected pathways for walking and biking. "You can go out and do 10 miles a day and never hit the same section," Sellic says. "The trail system is insane." Daytona Beach International Airport is 35 miles away and offers multiple domestic and international routes.
Local eateries and commercial centers
Most of the city's shopping and dining options are concentrated along Palm Coast Parkway and farther south on Moody Boulevard. JT's Seafood Shack serves fresh shrimp and crab straight from the gulf, complimented by live music on the weekends. Captain's BBQ is a waterfront dining option named one of TripAdvisor's "10 Best BBQ Joints in the U.S.” The European Village is an open-air shopping center that looks like a classic European Town Center with a courtyard and collection of local boutiques and eateries with dog-friendly patios.
Stroll the picturesque streets as you shop at the European Village Farmer's Market.
The European Village is lined with local eateries and is dog friendly.
Captain's BBQ in Palm Coast is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
The Village Pub and Deli in European Village is a tasty lunch option in Palm Coast..
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A gathering of songwriters and other community events
Palm Coast has multiple year-round events and gatherings that bring the community together. The annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival takes place across four days and offers a lineup of over 40 hit songwriters each year. Attendees can hear their stories firsthand about how some of these songs came to be and hear some performed by those who wrote them. Residents can also enjoy popular community events at Central Park near city hall, including the two-day Strawberry Fest in March, with live music, craft vendors, kid's activities and strawberry-based treats. Food Truck Tuesdays and the Palm Coast Farmers Market are other popular gatherings. Through the city's comprehensive development plan, Imagine 2050, officials are fielding suggestions from residents about how they would like to see their young city grow by 2050 and what they would like to be added.
Listen to live music as you shop and dine at the European Village Harvest Festival.
Try the man varieties of fresh breads at the European Village Farmer's Market.
Save room for an after dinner treat at the December Food Truck Festival.
Central Park in Palm Coast sits near City Hall and is host to many annual community events.
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The Flagler County Public School District receives high marks
Palm Coast is zoned into the Flagler County Public School District, which earns an overall Niche grade of A-minus. Made up of two high schools, two middle schools and five elementary schools, the district has a "Classroom to Careers" initiative with programs for K-12 students to provide them with college and career readiness. Flagler-Palm Coast High and Matanzas High School offer career and technical education courses in conjunction with Daytona State College, which has a campus branch in Palm Coast. First Baptist Academy is one of multiple private education options in the city.
Old Kings Elementary School is home to over 1100 students from Butler and Crescent Beaches.
Indian Trails Middle School offers covered walkways for students to beat the summer heat.
Many high schoolers in the Hunters Ridge neighborhood attend Flagler-Palm Coast High School.
Daytona State College is located on International Speedway.
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Crime and Environment
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office serves Palm Coast. According to data from the Florida Department of Health, Flagler County's violent crime rate increased from 2022 to 2023 but remained well below the state's average. Additionally, Rick Staly, the Flagler County Sheriff, stated in 2024 that overall crime has decreased by 54% since 2017.
While nowhere in Florida is safe from hurricanes, a combination of Palm Coast's geography and weather patterns helps to protect from storms. "The Gulf Stream is approximately 15 miles off the coast, the farthest point in Florida,” Selic says. “Most storms are brought farther north and end up hitting the Carolinas." Residents are still encouraged to review available flood insurance policies.
Written By
Beck Connelley
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erica Jolles,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Palm Coast, FL sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Palm Coast, FL over the last 12 months is $354,995, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Sailboat Country Calling — Waterfront Pool Home with No Fixed Bridges! Ahoy, discerning buyers! This is the waterfront gem you've been waiting for — a meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Saltwater Canal pool home in the heart of Palm Coast's sought-after Sailboat Country. Built in 2001 and in pristine condition, this home is perfectly positioned near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with
New 4-Bedroom, 3-Bath Home in Prime Location!Location, location, location—this stunning new construction is perfectly situated near top-rated schools, shopping centers, and the new hospital, offering both convenience and comfort.Designed for modern living, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home boasts an inviting open floor plan, seamlessly connecting the living room, dining area, and
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