Living a Beach Lifestyle in Apalachicola, Florida

Although Apalachicola is an fishing and seaport town, the area boasts many fabulous beaches. Nearby St. Geroge's island, accessible by long causeway, has miles of great beaches. Even the coastal road features one great beach after another. This town of 2,000 people is about an hour south of Tallahassee.  At one point it was one of the most important ports on the Gulf of Mexico.  The downtown is vital and interesting with many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Tourists flock here to see the unspoiled coast. Barrier islands like St. Georges and St. Vincents help to make this a special place.

Where to Retire in Apalachicola and Home Prices

Apalachicola has a large area of historic restored homes and bed and breakfasts along Spanish Moss draped tree-lined streets.  It is easy to walk downtown from this charming area.
The median home value in Apalachicola was about $186,740, in early 2021, according to Zillow. (the town is so small the numbers will never be too smooth).

What Is Special about Apalachicola

Apalachicola is an historic old town on one of the loveliest stretches of beaches and coast in all of Florida. Nearby Sand Island, St. Georges Island, and St. Vincent's Island offer a more relaxed setting for people who want to live on the beach.  Apalachicola physician Dr. John Gorrie discovered the cold-air process of refrigeration and patented an ice machine in 1850 - not because he wanted to keep fish cold, but because he was trying to reduce the fevers of his patients.  The Gibson Inn (see photo) is a restored local landmark. "Sports Afield" named Apalachicola one of America's 50 Best Outdoor Sports Towns.  Fly fishing in "skinny water" is very popular.

What Is Not Special about Apalachicola

It is remote and small, with Tallahassee being just over an hour away - the only town of any size for a long ways.

Climate and Physical Environment

Apalachicola is on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the elbow of the state as it transitions from a north-south orientation to east-west. The average January temperature is in the low 50's, whereas the July high is typically in the low 80's.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

One of the nicest things about Apalachicola is the number of very good restaurants (most of them for seafood) in the downtown. The Dixie Theatre is an Equity Theatre and the leading local cultural attraction of Franklin County. There is a very nice independent book store in town, Downtown Books and Purl. There are a number of festivals including a Tour of Homes in the 2.5 sq.mi. Historic District, a Chef's Sampler, Antique Boat & Car Show, and Plein Air Paintout.   The St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, and Orman House State Park are among the local attractions.

Crime

The crime rate is low in Apalachicola.

Medical Facilities

The George E Weems Memorial Hospital serves Apalachicola.

Transportation

Although Apalachicola is reached primarily by boat or small coastal highway, the good news is that there is a new airport nearby, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which is served by Southwest Airlines.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia page for Apalachicola
Chamber of Commerce

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