Panama City is drawing interest from Atlanta-area baby boomers, according to U-Haul’s 2026 midyear migration report. The Panama City–Panama City Beach metro area ranked first among net-gain metro destinations for boomer customers leaving Atlanta.
The report does not identify why individual customers moved. But housing prices are one possible consideration: Zillow put Panama City’s average home value above $282,000 in September 2026, while Atlanta’s average was about $100,000 higher, according to Islands.
Panama City sits in Florida’s Panhandle, roughly 290 miles, or about a five-hour drive, from Atlanta. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is about 16 miles northwest of the city and offers nonstop service from Atlanta.
For residents exploring locally, Historic St. Andrews combines 19th-century buildings with a working marina, while downtown and Glenwood offer sites tied to the city’s history. Free audio walking tours are available through the Otocast app, and the Panama City Publishing Museum offers free guided tours on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Panama City Mural Trail includes 15 murals in downtown and Historic St. Andrews. The Market at St. Andrews operates Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along West 10th Street near Oaks by the Bay Park, with local vendors and live music.
Panama City has bayside beach access in the St. Andrews area, including calm water suited to paddleboarding and kayaking. Gulf-front beaches are located in neighboring Panama City Beach, while St. Andrews State Park to the east has a 1.5-mile beach, two nature trails totaling one mile, and accessible overlooks, manual beach wheelchairs and Mobi-Mats. Park admission ranges from $2 to $8 depending on vehicle type and passenger count.
