Vernon is a panhandle town near plenty of natural attractions
Vernon is a small town filled with natural amenities and within commuting distance to Panama City Beach. The town has fewer than 1,000 residents, but offers a variety of single-family home options, along with outdoor attractions and a quiet atmosphere. “We have two lights in Vernon, one is a stop light, and one is a caution light. It’s a little town [serving as a] bedroom community to Panama City Beach and Panama City,” says Sheran Whitaker, broker and owner of New Town Realty , who has over 30 years of experience. “Most people who live here enjoy living here. We have a ton of lakes, and we have the creek that offers diving, canoeing and kayaking if you want a change from the beach.”
Single-family homes abound with reasonable HOA fees
Homes in Vernon include ranch-style, Craftsman and Cottage styles. Manufactured homes are also present. Prices run between $150,000 and $360,000. However, some can reach above $1 million. “[Vernon] is less expensive, that is why we are a bedroom community to the beaches,” says Whitaker.
Whitaker also says some homes are overseen by homeowners’ associations, but fees are “pretty relaxed” and range from $100 to $250 per year.
Homes are situated on gridded streets with larger lots and oak trees accentuating the lawns. Farmsteads and homes with more acreage are on the outskirts of the city. Whitaker also says that Vernon is attracting a diverse mix of families, retirees and snowbirds seeking to escape the cold months.
Baseball fields and natural springs are the backbone of outdoor fun
Recreational spots include The Vernon Sportsplex, located on Moss Hill Road, which has multiple baseball fields. More ball fields are located off Shady Grove Road. Hunter Park features several pavilions and a playground. The Cotton Landing Recreation Area, located nearby, offers camping spots along Holmes Creek Lake. Cypress Spring is a popular freshwater swimming hole. Cypress Springs Adventures operates kayaking and boating tours. Time and Again Farm, offer horseback riding tours. The 7,000-yard Sunny Hills is 14 miles east, while the coastal attractions at Panama City Beach are 33 miles south.
Limited dining and shopping off Main Street
Dining options are limited in Vernon, with most eateries concentrated off Main Street. Dee’s Restaurant serves salads, pasta dishes and seafood. Generational Grounds Coffee Co. offers a selection of baked goods and coffee drinks. The Mug Too serves sandwiches and burgers.
The town has a DG Market, convenience stores and farm stands. Larger grocery stores are in Bonifay, roughly 12 miles north, or in Chipley, 16 miles northeast.
Vernon has well-rated public school options
Vernon’s public school students can start at Vernon Elementary, rated C on Niche. They can continue to Vernon Middle, which earns a B-minus. Vernon High is also scored at a B-minus and offers dual enrollment programs with Chipola College.
Flooding and storms are possible, but the city does have elevation
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps, there is a risk of flooding throughout Vernon, especially near Holmes Creek and Pippin Mill Creek. Whitaker says flood insurance may be needed depending on if the property is in a flood zone. Animals such as alligators can also be present. Hurricanes and storms can also be a factor, but due to its inland position, winds tend to be less intense. “A lot of people don’t realize we do have some elevation,” says Whitaker. “[The area can go] up to 200 feet above sea level, and you do get views through the valleys too.”
Highway 79 serves as the main artery to Panama City Beach and I-10
The community lacks public transportation links and is heavily reliant on cars. Highway 79 cuts through the town and connects to Panama City Beach and all the way to the Alabama border, 26 miles north. The entrance to Interstate 10 is roughly 10 miles north, just outside of Bonifay. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is 33 miles away. Doctors Memorial Hospital is also 10 miles north.
