🏡 Local Legends & Hidden Listings: What You Might Not Know About Bay County Real Estate
By Ashleigh McGlothlin, Broker & Owner of Palms to Pines Real Estate
When people hear “Bay County,” most think of the sugar-white sands and the emerald waters of Panama City Beach. And yes — those 27 miles of coastline are iconic for a reason. But for those of us who live, work, and invest here, we know there’s so much more to this county than spring break headlines and surf shops.
There’s history. There’s heart. And there’s a surprising range of real estate opportunities — if you know where to look.
🧠Beyond the Beach: A County Full of Character
Bay County isn’t just a postcard destination — it’s a collection of diverse communities, each with its own story to tell.
Let’s take a quick tour:
Panama City: From charming St. Andrews to the revitalized downtown district, you’ll find early 1900s architecture, vibrant local businesses, and a walkable waterfront that’s gaining attention from investors and locals alike.
Lynn Haven: A favorite for families and professionals, Lynn Haven offers parks, schools, and peaceful subdivisions — all with quick access to the beach and the bay.
Southport & Fountain: Head north, and you’ll trade sand for space. These areas offer larger lots, agricultural zoning, and homes with serious elbow room — perfect for homesteaders, hobby farmers, or buyers looking for land to grow on.
Callaway, Parker, Springfield: These smaller communities are full of potential, especially as rebuilding efforts continue and redevelopment reshapes the landscape. Think of them as quiet achievers — places where early investment could go a long way.
🏚️ The Hidden Listings Most People Miss
Some of Bay County’s most promising real estate opportunities aren’t flashy. They don’t always have ocean views or glitzy price tags.
But they offer something more important — potential.
As a local broker, I’ve walked properties tucked into pine groves, toured homes with history in their floorboards, and helped sellers list land that’s been in their family for generations. These are the kinds of listings that get passed over by national search algorithms but deserve a second look.
Often, they include:
Renovation-ready homes in transitional neighborhoods
Small acreages perfect for custom builds or manufactured homes
Multi-parcel lots with future development potential
Waterfront properties off the bay, not the beach
These “hidden listings” offer incredible value for buyers with vision — and for sellers ready to partner with someone who sees their home’s full worth.
Charming homes with great bones.
🛠️ Local Knowledge Matters More Than Ever
The real estate market in Bay County is layered — post-Hurricane Michael rebuilds, infrastructure upgrades, military relocation traffic, and rising inland interest all play a role.
Navigating that complexity takes more than a license and a laptop. It takes boots-on-the-ground insight, local relationships, and a deep understanding of the communities within the county lines.
That’s what Palms to Pines Real Estate brings to the table.
💛 Home Isn’t Just a Location — It’s a Legacy
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of serving Bay County, it’s this: The most important part of any home is the story it holds.
That might be a fixer-upper on Cherry Street that housed three generations… A stretch of land in Southport waiting for a custom homestead… Or a seller in Parker ready to downsize after decades of raising a family.
Our job is to honor those stories — and help the next chapter begin.
If you’re curious about real estate in Bay County — whether you're buying, selling, investing, or just exploring — let’s connect.
We’re here to guide you with honesty, care, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from loving where you live.
From the waves to the woods, we’ve got you covered.
With local love,
Ashleigh McGlothlin
Broker & Proud Owner
Palms to Pines Real Estate
