Quiet coastal living in St. George Island
St. George Island is a long, thin strip that sits just south of Florida’s Panhandle between the Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s part of the state’s “forgotten coast” because its undeveloped, white sand beaches are still largely a secret. Many of its roughly 1,000 residents can see the coastline from their homes since there are no high-rise buildings in the community, save for the Cape St. George Lighthouse, which has been around since 1833. Almost entirely residential, there isn’t much to do, and Lacey Martina, a Realtor with Naumann Group Real Estate and a resident since 2020, says that’s one of its biggest draws. “You’re almost forced to relax,” she says with a laugh. “There’s nothing to do but sit on the beach.”
Beach homes range from cozy cottages to luxury estates
The island’s beach homes range in style from petite cottages and bungalows to sprawling modern, Mediterranean and traditional. The median price is about $1.1 million for a home with three bedrooms and views of the water, and in the case of those along the Apalachicola Bay, private docks for boats. Prices can dip as low as $525,000 for a small home in need of renovations and climb to over $3 million for meticulously renovated, six- and seven-bedroom estates with private pools and high-end appliances. Many homes on the market tend to be vacation rentals, especially those close to the water. Streets closer to the middle of the island are flanked by trees, giving residents privacy. Closer to the Gulf, streets are wide, allowing for car or golf cart access, and are dotted with small palm trees.
Residents get active on white sand beaches and multiple parks
The island is known for its white sand beaches, which span about 20 miles and are dog-friendly. Multiple access points are available along Gorrie Drive and from St. George Island State Park, which is on the far east end of the community. The state park is also a favorite for camping, hiking and fishing. Anglers find more fishing at East End Fishing Beach, where they regularly pull flounder, redfish and whiting from the surf. For green space, residents head to Regatta Park, which is popular for picnics and has launches for kayaks and canoes.
Dining on the island, big box stores in Tallahassee and Panama City
A small commercial area sits along the last few blocks of Franklin Boulevard with scattered small, locally owned boutiques throughout. The only national chain is a Piggly Wiggly location, but Martina says even that is family-owned. Big-box stores are in Tallahassee or Panama City, both about 80 miles away. “Once you get off the airplane and get your rental car, you’re going to do any major shopping on your way here. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half drive,” she says. “But our Piggly Wiggly has everything you need, really.”
Locally owned restaurants are plentiful. Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café is one of the most popular, where diners enjoy seafood and burgers with a water view. Paddy’s Raw Bar is another favorite for its local oysters, and Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream is where many residents top off their meals with a cone covered in sprinkles.
Residents gather for annual events and fundraisers
“For being as small as we are, there are always events. People are always trying to get everyone together,” Martina says. The biggest events are the Fourth of July Parade, which tops off with fireworks behind Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café, and the St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff, which features live entertainment, a charity auction and the Red Pepper 5K.
Schools in the area have mixed ratings on Niche
Children attend Franklin County School, which serves prekindergarten through 12th grade and has a C rating from Niche. They can also attend C-plus-rated Apalachicola Bay Charter School from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Limited transportation options on the island
Franklin Road leads off the island to Eastpoint, where the closest hospital is, North Florida Medical. From Eastpoint, Apalachicola is about 6 miles away. Public transportation on the island is limited to two privately owned shuttle services and a taxi service. The closest airport is Tallahassee International, about 80 miles away.
The island’s safety measures
St. George Island enjoys hot, sunny 90-degree summers and mild winters, with temperatures averaging around 60 degrees. However, its location in the state makes it vulnerable to hurricanes. Franklin County offers a text notification system, Alert Franklin, that keeps residents updated on major storms, and Martina says neighbors also keep each other informed. “I’m always amazed at how people come together to prepare for bad weather. For folks who don’t live here full-time, there is always a neighbor who will bring in their furniture or do anything else they need,” she says.
