Northwest Florida offers a quality of life that is second to none. With miles and miles of pristine beaches and rivers, plus a great climate, great things to do and local tax rates that are among the nation's lowest, Northwest Florida is a great place to live, work and play.
Arts and Culture
Theatrical productions, ballets, concerts, art exhibits and other events are brought to the Bay County community by the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida, the Martin Theatre, Kaleidoscope Theatre, the Gulf Jazz Society and the Junior Museum of Bay County.
Community Events
An active and friendly community, Bay County hosts a number of events throughout the year to get residents together and celebrate. From music festivals to athletic events like walks, runs and bike races, there is always something fun going on in the region.
Beaches
With more than 27 miles of coastline bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Bay County is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Panama City Beach has received numerous awards for its white sands and emerald green waters, and consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top beaches.
Climate
Residents of Bay County enjoy an average annual temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit and an average of 320 days of sunshine per year.
Diving
Bay County has more than 20 natural and artificial reefs off its coast, providing optimal dive sites. The warm Gulf of Mexico waters encourage rapid reef growth and the wrecks and other underwater sites provide breeding grounds for many types of exotic sea life.
Fishing
The area is home to some of the best fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Bay County and the region boast one of the nation’s largest sport fishing fleets and hosts several annual fishing tournaments, including the high profile Bay Point Billfish Invitational.
Golf
With more than 20 courses within 40 miles, including the Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club and the Greg Norman-designed Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, Northwest Florida has many top-rated golf destinations.
Hospitals and Healthcare
Complete and up-to-date facilities are located across Northwest Florida including surgical, emergency, critical care and obstetrical services. Bay Medical Center has consistently been ranked as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, and Gulf Coast Medical Center has earned a National Center of Excellence Award for spine, stroke and wound care. In addition, a brand new medical school at Florida State University will provide the region with access to highly trained professionals for decades to come.
Residential Communities
Throughout this master-planned development are welcoming neighborhoods built around the beauty, simplicity and tranquility of their surroundings. Clubhouses, swimming pools, fitness centers, hike & bike trails and golf courses abound, giving residents both the means and the motivation to get out and enjoy the great climate and wonderful neighbors. For more information on the St. Joe residential communities, click here.
Schools
With dozens of private and public schools to choose from, parents in Bay County can feel assured their children can receive a comprehensive and high quality education. Florida State University has a branch in Panama City, and other higher learning institutions include Gulf Coast Community College, Troy University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
