Parker is a waterfront community near central Panama City
Parker is a quiet residential community between Tyndall Air Force Base and central Panama City, partly bounded by the calm waters of St. Andrew Bay. "It's very close to Tyndall, which is a big draw for many people," says local Realtor Christina Daniels of Keller Williams Success Realty. She's sold homes across the region for over 17 years. "Plus, you've got Mexico Beach, a beautiful beach, just up the road." With waterfront homes and parks, the community's location on the bay encourages frequent outdoor activities. "There are boat launches throughout Bay County," Daniels says. "You're always 10 to 15 minutes from a boat launch, no matter where you are."
Houses take an average of 66 days on the market before selling. Some locals attribute Parker's slow-moving housing market to the nearby Kraton Corporation's chemical plant, which they say they can smell in town.
Established homes near or along the water
The market mainly consists of single-family, ranch-style homes built in the mid-to-late 20th century. While less common, some recently built cottages and New Traditional homes pepper the community. Most host homes sit on modest lots measuring around a quarter-acre, adorned with mature palms and oaks. Mature trees also line the community's sunbaked, narrow streets, where sidewalks are uncommon. Several houses overlook Lake Martin and Parker Bayou; homes along the water generally feature small piers and docks. The median sale price for a home in Parker is around $335,000. Inland homes can sell for as low as $60,000, which may need some repairs, while a house on the water can sell for over $1 million. Daniels adds that housing prices are lower than in other areas of Panama City.
Local schools offer help for transitioning military families
Bay District Schools serves over 27,000 students and scores an overall B-plus on Niche. Parker Elementary School, located in the community's heart, has a C-plus. The elementary school hosts several events and extracurricular activities, from "dress like a pirate" day to the dance team and STEM club. With the Air Force base nearby, the elementary school also has a Military and Family Life Counselor to help students in military families face transition challenges. Rutherford High School enrolls sixth through twelfth grade students and receives a B.
Waterfront parks encourage boating and fishing
Parker has several public spaces with water access. Earl Gilbert Park sprawls across the southernmost point of Parker, offering 1,500 feet of shoreline peppered with pavilions that shade sturdy picnic tables. The park has a small sandy strip where folks can get in the water or sit and watch the sun set over DuPont Bridge. It's also home to the Parker City Pier, where anglers often cast a line, and has a boat launch. Under the Oaks Park has more waterfront recreational space, with a playground, disc golf course and a kayak launch. Parker Environmental Exploratorium Park spotlights natural flora and fauna, from oak hammocks and magnolia trees to ospreys and purple martins. The ecology park has a short nature trail. Parker Sports Complex is a hub of local sports, comprising tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball fields. Locals often enjoy day-trips to the beach; Mexico Beach is about 20 miles away.
Shopping and dining along Tyndall Parkway
Tyndall Parkway has several busy commercial pockets that are quickly accessible to Parker residents. "Shopping and restaurants are right there," Daniels says. Grocery Outlet and Winn-Dixie are the community's go-to spots for grocery shopping, but the parkway also features Dollar General and Cuban Sisters. Plenty of fast-food and locally owned restaurants, from Taco Bell to Mr. Pho, sit between retail and service businesses. U.S. Route 95 has several popular restaurants, including Royal Thai and Leon's Donuts. Rodeo's Steak Pit and Seafood has been a community staple for decades. The restaurant sustained complete damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018. It reopened in 2021 with patio seating and a menu full of various steak cuts and fresh-caught seafood.
Hopping on the Bayway to reach central Panama City
Bay County's Transit System, Bayway, operates fixed-route buses that shuttle across Bay County. Residents can access route three of the bus system, which frequently stops along Tyndall Parkway. Many residents also use cars to get around, and U.S. Route 98 connects commuters with Panama City, about 5 miles northwest, and Tyndall AFB, 5 miles south. Ascension Sacred Heart Emergency Care and Trauma Center at Bay is one of the nearest medical facilities, about 5 miles away. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a 27-mile trip northwest.
Risks of storms and flooding on the Gulf Coast
Parker's location near the Gulf Coast increases its susceptibility to severe storms. According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Bay County has a relatively high risk of hurricanes and a very high risk of lightning. Many areas of Parker are in Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is required or recommended.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
