Florida’s ‘Constitution City’ to an outdoor haven in the panhandle
The small community of Port St. Joe has an outsized importance to Florida’s founding. Established in 1835 as a deep-water shipping location on the Panhandle, this little enclave was the site of the state’s first constitutional delegation, earning it the name “Constitution City.” Since then, it has endured hurricanes, fires and the loss of two major industries. Still, this city of about 3,300 endures, mostly as a tourist destination and a welcoming spot for retirees. “It’s predominantly single-family, residential, low-density tourism town,” says Jay Rish, a broker with Rish Real Estate Group and a resident. “Our biggest attribute is ecotourism, an abundance of beaches that are also public, as well as a low price point for rentals and sales.”
Single-family homes with some HOA activity
The median home price is $480,000, higher than state and national numbers. Styles include stilt homes, bungalows, New Traditionals and coastal cottages. Homes around downtown tend to sit closer together. Residents have smaller front and back yards. Homes with more land can be found on the outskirts of the St. Joseph Peninsula and on Cape San Blas. Homes on the Cape boast views of the Gulf and St. Joseph’s Bay. Rish says the area has attracted buyers seeking a second home or rental property, along with retirees. He says some HOAs are present, mainly on the peninsula and in newer developments.
State parks, museums and local wildlife
The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park juts out into the Gulf and has camping, fishing and hiking spots. The Constitution Convention Museum State Park features a memorial and museum. Local parks include Frank Pate Park, which features a playground, sports courts, a small boat launch and a fishing pier. George Core Park has fishing spots, walking trails, and access to the historic San Blas Lighthouse. James “Mr. Benny” Roberts Sports Park features multiple baseball diamonds and hosts Little League tournaments. The St. Joseph’s Bay Country Club, located south of downtown, has a public golf course, practice facility and a pool.Local tour companies also offer scuba, snorkeling and boat tours. Public beaches, including Windmark Beach and St. Joe Beach, are located north of downtown.
Public and private school options
Students attend Gulf County Schools, ranked B on Niche. Religious private schools are in the area, including Faith Christian School, which is unranked. The B-minus-graded Gulf Coast State College has a campus in the community.
Local restaurants and bars
Port St. Joe’s downtown core features a mix of chain and local restaurants. The Uptown Raw Bar & Grill serves crab legs, oysters and steaks. Keeper’s Bistro offers Sunday brunch along with sandwiches and salads. The Haughty Heron is an upscale bar that also hosts live music.
Port St. Joe has several boutique clothing stores and gift shops on Ried Avenue. The community has a Piggly Wiggly and several dollar stores. Other Big-box retailers are in Panama City. The nearest hospital is Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf.
Hurricane and flooding risk
Hurricanes can be a factor in Port St. Joe. Hurricane Michael hit the area in 2018, while the activity in 2024 did not severely impact the region. Gulf County does provide emergency management services and assistance to residents. Maps show that flooding is a risk , with the locations directly on the coast most susceptible to floods.
U.S. 98 and the airport in Panama City
U.S. Route 98 runs through Port St. Joe and connects to Panama City and other destinations in the panhandle. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is 59 miles northwest.
