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Downtown North

Downtown North

$176,553 Average Value
$212 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

A pocket of Panama City seeing a renaissance

Downtown North is a swath of Panama City that’s lifting off, thanks in large part to a nearby military installation that’s growing at Mach speed. This neighborhood has homes dating back to the early 20th century but is also welcoming a spike in new construction, facilitating newcomers brought on by Tyndall Air Force Base. The base is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar rebuild after much of it was damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. “With that is going to come a huge influx of people,” says Summer Williams, a local realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. Communities like Downtown North are experiencing the effects.

Downtown North in Panama City has seen much hardship over the years but remains resilient.
Downtown North in Panama City has seen much hardship over the years but remains resilient.
Asbell Park has a swing bench great to relax and watch the Saint Andrews Bay in Downtown North.
Asbell Park has a swing bench great to relax and watch the Saint Andrews Bay in Downtown North.
Downtown North is a flourishing neighborhood coming back from a devastating hurricane.
Downtown North is a flourishing neighborhood coming back from a devastating hurricane.
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A medley of new and old, at varying price points

This neighborhood is largely residential, dominated by straight-line streets filled with traditional single-family homes. Some houses date back to the 19-teens, and others were recently finished, but all have a cohesive look, with Craftsman the predominant architectural style. Virtually all of the houses here come with lawn space, part of lots usually between one-tenth and one-fifth of an acre. And, whether new or old, residences in this area typically have floor plans from 900 to 2,000 square feet. Price tags often range from the $200,000s for a home around the 1,000-square-foot mark to the $400,000s and $500,000s for something pushing 2,000 square feet. “There’s a lot going on out there,” says Williams, who has lived in the area for a dozen years. “There are a ton of neighborhoods going up that way.”

Contemporary style homes in Downtown North are highlighted by their covered porches and windows.
Contemporary style homes in Downtown North are highlighted by their covered porches and windows.
New construction homes can be seen throughout Downtown North.
New construction homes can be seen throughout Downtown North.
Cottage style homes are commonly available in Downtown North.
Cottage style homes are commonly available in Downtown North.
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Bay District schools boast a stout reputation

The region’s Bay District school system serves kids in this neighborhood, one with a B-plus overall rating on Niche. Many students here can go to Merriam Cherry Street Elementary to start, a C-plus-rated campus where the student-teacher ratio is just 15-to-1. A range of sports teams are available to students at B-minus-rated Jinks Middle, from boys and girls basketball to boys and girls soccer. B-plus-rated Bay High has programs in topics ranging from culinary arts to sports and entertainment marketing.

Downtown North students can start their journey at Merriam Cherry Street Elementary School.
Downtown North students can start their journey at Merriam Cherry Street Elementary School.
Downtown North students can head to Jinks Middle School, which is highly rated.
Downtown North students can head to Jinks Middle School, which is highly rated.
Last, Downtown North students can head to Bay High School to finish their primary education.
Last, Downtown North students can head to Bay High School to finish their primary education.
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The Downtown North neighborhood is just a few blocks from Saint Andrews Bay.
The Downtown North neighborhood is just a few blocks from Saint Andrews Bay.

Route 98 makes rides out of town easier

Though this enclave is made up mostly of tranquil residential streets, commuters here have quick access to U.S. Route 98. Branches of 98 can take drivers west to popular coastal destination Panama City Beach, roughly 10 miles away. Another branch connects people to Tyndall Air Force Base, also about 10 miles away. Tyndall’s reconstruction effort includes 120 new buildings and an investment of some $5.3 billion, which makes the development in close-by suburbs like Downtown North so pertinent. “I think it’s going to continue to mushroom out from downtown,” says Clay Dalton, a local realtor with RE/MAX Beaches. Downtown North commuters can also take advantage of the multiple stops in the Bayway bus system here.

Dog owners can rejoice thanks to Al Helms

Among the nearby assets locals here have at their disposal is the Al Helms Dog Park, a spot beloved by local pet owners. This space includes separate sections for small and large dogs and a good bit of shade to help protect both owners and their four-legged friends from the Florida Sun. Those looking for more outdoor fun can head just a bit south to Asbell Park, a sandy beach facing the Saint Andrew Bay, complete with hanging beach chairs to relax in.

Downtown North residents pose for a family photo at Al Helms Dog Park.
Downtown North residents pose for a family photo at Al Helms Dog Park.
Al Helms Dog Park is only minutes from Downtown North and features small and large dog spaces.
Al Helms Dog Park is only minutes from Downtown North and features small and large dog spaces.
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Head to Harrison or Cove for dining

Harrison Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are the two primary commercial thoroughfares in the neighborhood, both dotted with multiple local restaurants. Those looking for something quick to pick up on the way home can consider spots like Downtown Slice House on Harrison Avenue, which Williams says has excellent pizza. Josiah's Southern Cooking on Martin Luther King Jr., meanwhile, is a place to sit down for a homestyle meal — the pork chops are a hit. And 23rd Street, just to the north, offers even more, lined with big-box retailers from Publix to Target and chain restaurants from Applebee’s to O'Charley's. Downtown North carries a crime score a bit higher than the national average, according to the CAP Index, particularly in the burglary category.

Downtown North residents can head to Downtown for a drink at local breweries like History Class.
Downtown North residents can head to Downtown for a drink at local breweries like History Class.
Residents love to dine at Josiahs Cooking in Downtown North.
Residents love to dine at Josiahs Cooking in Downtown North.
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Center of Downtown a hub for community gatherings

Downtown North residents can head a tad south to Downtown Panama City proper for community events. McKenzie Park there hosts a farmers market each Saturday, for example, complete with a wide variety of vendors and live music. There’s also an annual Fourth of July celebration held just down the road from the park, along West Beach Drive, with food trucks, live performances and capped by fireworks.

Residents from Downtown North enjoy Mckenzie Park located in Downtown Panama City.
Residents from Downtown North enjoy Mckenzie Park located in Downtown Panama City.
Downtown is just down the street from Downtown North where residents can dine and shop.
Downtown is just down the street from Downtown North where residents can dine and shop.
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Wayne Epps Jr.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Paul Ayala
Photography Contributed By
Paul Ayala
Michael Voyack
Video By
Michael Voyack

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Wanda Martinez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Northwest Florida Beaches International

37 min drive

Bus

4th St & Cove Blvd.

Bus

11th St & Massalina Dr

Bus

Us-98 Bus & Fl-77 Eb

Bus

Mlk & 12th St

Bus

Us-98 Bus & Palo Alto Ave Wb

Bus

11St St & Massalina Dr Eb

Bus

Mlk & 9th St

Downtown North Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$424,900
Median Sale Price
$560,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$379,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$212

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,282
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1948
Months of Supply
4.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,222
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,673
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Friday, Aug 15
    11am - 1pm

    1202 Louisiana Ave, Panama City, FL 32401

    $299,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,691 Sq Ft
    • 1202 Louisiana Ave

    **Bring All Offers!****LENDER INCENTIVES: Closing cost credit and/or rate buy-down available from preferred Lender. Contact Listing Agent for more information.** Welcome to 1202 Louisiana Ave, Panama City, FL, a custom-built brick home designed with Miami-inspired storm protection and innovative functionality. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home was built with safety and durability in mind,

    Brad Amerson LLC Compass Florida, LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Wanda Martinez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,008
Median Age
39
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$31,048
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,412

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.9%
College Graduates
11%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
52.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

46 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown North