If you’ve been hearing more and more about Highway 79 in Panama City Beach, you’re not alone. This is one of the areas we’ve been introducing to a lot of our buyers lately, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular places to move on the Emerald Coast.
Today I wanted to break down exactly where Highway 79 is, what makes it so appealing, and why so many of our clients are choosing this part of Panama City Beach right now.
First, Where Is Highway 79?
Highway 79 is located on the west end of Panama City Beach, and it’s a newer, fast growing area with a lot of new construction and development happening.
What really makes it stand out is the location. You get the convenience of being close to everything, while still feeling tucked away from the busier tourist areas.
Close to Pier Park and Everyday Shopping
One of the biggest benefits of living off Highway 79 is how close you are to Pier Park.
Depending on where you are, you’re about 10 to 15 minutes away from:
Target
Walmart
Restaurants
Shopping
Movie theater
Dave & Buster’s
The mall
So you have all the convenience right nearby without needing to drive far for errands or entertainment.
Quick Access to the Beach
Another huge plus is how close you are to the beach.
Laguna Beach has some beautiful public beach accesses right near Highway 79, so you can get to the water quickly without fighting through traffic across town.
Easy Drive to 30A and Rosemary Beach
Highway 79 is also a great option for people who still want to be near 30A.
You’re only about 15 to 20 minutes from Rosemary Beach and the Scenic 30A area, which makes it really easy to enjoy both Bay County and Walton County living.
Great Location for Travelers
If you travel often, this is another reason Highway 79 is so appealing.
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is right off Highway 79, so you can live close to the beach but still be just minutes from the airport.
That combination is hard to beat.
More Affordable Than Walton County
One of the biggest reasons buyers are moving here is the price point.
If you compare homes in Santa Rosa Beach or along 30A to homes off Highway 79, you can typically get:
A larger home
Newer construction
More upgrades
For less money
That affordability, combined with the convenience, is pulling a lot of people toward this area.
Full Time Communities With a More Residential Feel
Another thing buyers love is that many communities along Highway 79 are not short term rental heavy.
A lot of the neighborhoods are primarily full time residents, so people feel like they’re in a true community while still being close to all the attractions.
It’s a great balance for families, retirees, or anyone wanting a quieter place to live.
Major Growth Coming: New Hospital and Infrastructure
Highway 79 is also seeing major development that will impact the entire area.
A brand new teaching hospital is being built right along Highway 79, which is a huge addition for local healthcare.
There is also a new Publix under construction, so residents will have grocery shopping right nearby without needing to drive down to Highway 98.
On top of that, a new connecting road is being built that will link Highway 79 more directly to Highway 98 near Watersound Origins, making travel even easier.
Communities to Know Along Highway 79
There are several communities along Highway 79 that buyers are loving right now. Here are a few of the big ones:
Breakwater by Toll Brothers
Breakwater is a gated Toll Brothers community located right off Highway 79.
Homes in the Vista Collection start in the 600s, and buyers can either build from scratch or purchase move in ready options.
Amenities will include:
Resort style pool
Fitness center
Clubhouse
Pickleball and tennis
Playground
Salt Grass by Kolter Homes
Salt Grass is a newer Coulter Homes community just down the road.
This neighborhood is still early in development, but it will feature amenities like:
Resort style pool
Pickleball and tennis
Basketball and volleyball
It’s a great option for buyers wanting something newer with room to grow.
Bayside at Ward Creek by DR Horton
This community offers both townhomes and single family homes.
Townhomes start in the low 300s, and single family homes are typically in the 400s to 500s.
Amenities include a community pool and playground, and the neighborhood is expanding into additional phases.
Margaritaville 55+ Community
Margaritaville is one of the most popular 55+ communities along Highway 79.
It’s a master planned retirement community with amenities that are honestly hard to beat, including:
Indoor and outdoor pools
Full gym and lap pool
Pickleball and tennis
Amphitheater
Social events and activities
We have a lot of clients who absolutely love living here.