Lived here in the 80's and it was OK but now been back a month and hate it. Can't believe how much it's gone down. Jobs are hard to find and wages are so very low. Abandoned, junky, run down buildings everywhere. Beaches were nice but nowcondo canyons now block the view. The paper mill stench is revolting and makes you nauseous. It may still be a wonderful place to take a beach vacation if the wind is blowing the smell away, but it really sucks to live here. I'm planning to move away as soon as possible. This place is not for me anymore. I'd say stay away
Ray | Panama City, FL | Report Abuse

I moved to Panama city area, in Nov 1992 from the west Coast ( biggest mistake ever ) bought a business in a crime ridden back water town a few miles outside Panama City, (second biggest mistake ever ). worked 18 to 20 hours a day, never made a profit, lost my life's savings in less then 2 years,to criminal customers, and thieving employees. the bugs all bite hard, fire ants, no see ums, humidity heat, constant stench from paper mill. left for Ohio in 1995 Broke from hateful Floridians, lived in Ohio since then, but thinking of moving back to Florida somewhere to retire, but unfortunately the only place cheap enough according to the research I have done is Panama city area...but the home insurance in Florida is highest in Nation, and utilities way high, food is too... I want to fish the ocean and live in peace, but Panama city has bad memories. very hateful people that Despise Northerners. and cost of living is high.
jerry | Beloit, OH | Report Abuse

Yes, this is pretty accurate. "The economy is as bad as the median education level". The condos have taken over the beaches so much that you can't even see water as you drive along what use to be the shore roads. Crime is what I hate the most. Business owners run scams and no one seems to care a darn. There is what is referred to as the Bay County Good Old Boys. They are a group of local rich folks that are so connected that they can get away with anything. Even the judges don't go against them. Corruption is a huge problem in Panama City Florida. If you are thinking about moving here....think again!
Ray | Panama City, FL | Report Abuse