Saint Teresa-Alligator Point is surrounded by state parks and forests
Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a largely undeveloped shoreline, home to state parks, nature reserves and rural beach communities like Saint Teresa-Alligator Point. Longtime local Paul Parker, broker-owner of Harbor Point Realty and Vacation Rentals, says the neighborhood features three distinct residential pockets: Alligator Point, Bald Point and St. Teresa. “Alligator Point is the most populated,” he says. “But even that’s very small. There’s no commercial development except for a marina. We’re surrounded by state parks and forests; it’s mainly an outdoor eco-tourism area.” The neighborhood comprises the eastern edge of Franklin County, one of the state’s smallest counties by population. Approximately 80% of it is publicly owned, undeveloped land. “So, the county’s got quite a buffer from overdevelopment,” Parker says. “Didn’t even get its first stoplight until about 10 years ago.”
Neighborhood deeds reveal a rich military history
Parker says that deeds in this neighborhood reveal an interesting history. In 1962, Camp Gordon Johnston was established to train U.S. infantry in amphibious operations, preparing for D-Day. Officials decommissioned the camp after the war, having trained around 250,000 soldiers. The land was transferred back to private ownership. “Some friends of mine remember the soldiers moving into their house and moving their furniture out,” Parker says. “Momentos wash up on the beach all the time. We have buckets full of .50 caliber machine gun shells.” For preserved relics, the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum is in Carrabelle, around half an hour away.
Waterfront properties feature private docks and vintage cottages
Prices here span a broad range. Inland properties run between the mid $300,000s and around $600,000. This includes new construction houses in SummerCamp Beach, a gated, HOA-managed subdivision in St. Teresa. Midsized waterfront properties cost between $700,000 and $1.1 million, including Alligator Point’s vintage midcentury beach cottages. Big beachfront houses can run as high as $3 million. Flood insurance is required to secure federally backed mortgages in this coastal community, vulnerable to hurricanes. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused significant damage. Residents should be aware that hurricane season starts in June and ends at the end of November. Evacuation routes and zones are provided by the county.
Wakulla County offers closer school options than Franklin County
Saint Teresa-Alligator Point is served by the Franklin County School District and zoned for Franklin County School, graded C on Niche. The K-12 school is in Eastpoint, almost 40 miles away. For something closer, Parker says parents can apply to the Wakulla County School District, which serves nearby Crawfordville. “Most of our families are more connected to Crawfordville, which has become a bedroom community for Tallahassee,” he says. “People are typically working north of the community and not west of it, so they can drop kids off on the way to work instead of having them ride the bus an hour in the other direction.” Medart Elementary, graded B-minus, is just over 15 miles north; Wakulla Middle, graded B-plus, and Wakulla High, graded B, are closer to 20 miles north.
Beaches at Alligator Point and Bald Point State Park
Alligator Point is surrounded by water on the south side of the neighborhood. The narrow peninsula sits between Alligator Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Parker says its beaches are dog-friendly and offer beautiful sunset views, but parking spaces are limited, especially on weekends. “We recommend visitors go to Bald Point State Park, where there’s beach access with more parking, bathrooms and showers,” he says. Bald Point State Park sprawls across almost 5,000 acres on the community’s north and east sides. “The beach faces east, so you get sunrise views, so you get a beautiful sunrise, not a sunset.” The park’s northern shores open up to the Ochlockonee Bay, where the dark water Ochlockonee River meets the gulf. Visitors can fish from the pier or the surf. Hiking and birdwatching are also popular.
Dining options and essential shopping near Saint Teresa-Alligator Point
Just across the Ochlockonee Bay, the family-owned Angelo’s Seafood Restaurant serves a Greek-inspired menu and has open-air, bayfront seating on its dock. Up the road, about 5 or so miles from Saint Teresa-Alligator Point, Tropical Shrimp Trader Company is another local seafood spot with a laid-back vibe. Panacea has a couple of waterfront restaurants and shops nearby, but for most errand runs, Parker says residents head to Crawfordville, about 25 miles north. The town’s main road is lined with convenient chains like CVS, Publix and Walmart.
Key highways connect Saint Teresa-Alligator Point to Tallahassee
U.S. Route 98, the neighborhood’s only throughway, is a straight westbound shot to Carrabelle, which has the nearest medical facilities. However, for 24-hour emergency care, the closest option is HCA Florida Southwood Emergency in Tallahassee, almost 50 miles away. U.S. 98 intersects U.S. Route 319, about 20 miles north of Saint Teresa-Alligator Point. The highway connects to Downtown Tallahassee, 45 miles away, and Tallahassee International Airport, 40 miles away.
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2 level lots totaling .34 acres close to Ochlockonee Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Permitted for residential and mobile home okay. Enjoy a slower pace of life, perfect for those seeking relaxation, with activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking nearby.
Your Coastal Paradise Awaits - This 0.57-acre corner lot in Summer Camp Beach is the perfect setting for your future coastal getaway. Nestled within the prestigious gated Summer Camp Beach East community, this lot is part of a larger conservation effort. Over 750 acres of pristine natural beauty surround you, ensuring a sense of tranquility and privacy. Every lot in Summer Camp Beach backs up
Canal front paradise where coastal living meets unbeatable convenience! This exceptional property offers direct canal access with your own private dock—perfect for boating, kayaking, or casting a line right from your backyard. Enjoy world-class fishing and quick access to the open water, with a full-service marina and three public boat launches just minutes away. Located in one of the area's most
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,016
Median Age
64
Population under 18
8.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
47.8%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$104,430
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,682
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40%
Advanced Degrees
11.8%
% Population in Labor Force
44.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
59''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
