Real Estate

With the American work week now averaging 46 hours and on the rise, the lure of life in the slow lane holds much appeal.  In this hectic world, to experience an overwhelming sense of place where spirits are soothed and souls can relax and say “ahhhhh” is a feeling often longed for, but seldom attained.  Franklin County, FL is just such a place, as fortunate visitors often discover upon their first visit.  And, while it’s true that money can’t buy time, money well-invested in Franklin County real estate can buy the elusive, peaceful quality of life that is the American dream.

When you just can’t imagine calling any place else “home,” knowledgeable local realtors can assist you find your escape for a lifetime in Franklin County.
Shimmering with more than 200 miles of relatively undeveloped shoreline, this serene county is located a couple of hours’ drive southwest of Tallahassee in the Florida panhandle, and includes the coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, Eastpoint, Carrabelle and Alligator Point. 

Dotted along Highway 98, and inclusive of four barrier islands, thousands of acres of protected shallow bays and managed forests insulate each community with nature as a neighbor and provide ample space for residents and visitors alike.  Homes in the county are as diverse as the population, featuring a range of styles – including quaint family cottages, functional fishing camps, condominiums, gated communities, historic properties, plantation homes and luxurious beachfront estates.  A combination of commercial airports in Tallahassee and Panama City plus private airports in Apalachicola, Carrabelle and St. George Island makes Franklin County easily accessible.

In Apalachicola, more than 200 homes and buildings are listed on the National Register. Stately live oaks draped with a delicate shawl of Spanish moss stretch their limbs to shade the city that became the third largest cotton port on the Gulf of Mexico by 1850.  As railroads expanded to take over shipping, Franklin County cut its losses by capitalizing on the large cypress forests in her own back yard.  By the late 1800s, homes of local lumber magnates lined Apalachicola’s streets, but the seafood industry emerged as captain of her economy.

Today, this Old Florida seafood town still moves slowly through her one traffic light, but wise preservationists have kept her vital signs healthy.  The heart of downtown pulses with the energy of funky art galleries, sophisticated restaurants and eclectic shopping.  A facelift for old cotton warehouses, as well as newly constructed, mixed-use developments, provides stylish condos – many overlooking the Apalachicola River.  In the historic district, charming homes outfitted in porch swings and gingerbread trim keep their Victorian looks current with brightly colored cottages, cupolas, turrets and tin roofs.

Real estate for sale in Apalachicola is divided into the following categories, each available with or without additional land: historic, town, rural, riverfront, bay, canal and other water property.

Six miles east on 22-mile long, one mile-wide St. George Island, natural beaches rank among the top rated in the world.  Recognized as a fishermen’s paradise, the island waters host ambitious solo anglers as well as guided bay and deep-sea charters, available though a number of full-service marinas and public boat ramps in the area.  Families particularly enjoy the uncrowded recreational opportunities along the island’s bike path.  And nature lovers return year after year for migratory bird-watching and star-gazing, considered among the best anywhere.

On the island, buyers will find three different residential areas and a small commercial area. 

St. George Plantation is a gated community with all one-acre lots.  Homeowner amenities include a beach club, tennis courts, biking and walking trails and an airport.  Lots begin at $199,950 for a wooded interior, and go to $2,800,000 for beach-front property in Schooner’s Landing.  Existing homes range in price from $499,000 to $4,999,000, depending on size and location.

St. George Island Gulf Beaches consists of one-third-acre lots and has a wide variety of price ranges.  Single family homes range from $277,000 to $2,200,000, based on location and size.  At the Villas of St. George, a small, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium starts at $375,000.  Lots begin at $134,000 for an interior location and go up to $1,600,000 for beach-front.

The East End area of the island consists of one-acre-plus lots.  Townhomes at 300 Ocean Mile begin at $319,900 for one-bedroom, one-bathroom units, and two-bedroom, two and one-half bathroom units start at $459,000.  Three-bedroom, three- bath units begin at $685,000.  In this area, the price of single family homes ranges from $575,000 to $2,399,000, again depending on location and square footage.  Lots begin at $349,000 and go to $1,799,000.

Back on the mainland across the bay from St. George Island, centrally located Eastpoint is an authentic fishing town.  Many Franklin County oystermen bring their tasty hauls to be processed here.  Eastpoint real estate is often available at a bargain.  In November 2007, for instance, an architecturally detailed four-bedroom, three-bath custom home with sweeping unobstructed bay views on 1.9 acres in gated Gramercy Plantation listed for $645,000.

Twenty minutes further east on Highway 98, Carrabelle celebrates life on the water with fishing tournaments, fish fries and shrimp boils.  Unhampered by large hotels and high-rises, the community enjoys a comfortable, laid-back lifestyle characteristic of rural Old Florida.  In the river marsh areas, it’s not uncommon to spot a deer, fox or blue heron.  On the beaches, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and scalloping are popular pastimes.

Given the town’s safe harbor port location on the Carrabelle River, most of the homes in Carrabelle are constructed with fishing and boating in mind.  Deep-water boat docks and driveways long enough for boat trailers are commonly available.  Minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and Carrabelle River, 1,500-square-foot townhomes with three bedrooms and two baths, hardwood and tile floors, full appliance packages and covered parking with clubhouse privileges list for $299,000.

At the eastern end of Franklin County, Alligator Point anchors 50 miles of some of the least crowded and least commercial Florida coastline, and offers a true haven for nature enthusiasts.  Quiet beaches, a convenient marina and great fishing – either from the shore or further out to deep sea – lure visitors and homeowners alike.  Locals chuckle whenever visitors ask questions about alligators, which, because they are freshwater animals, do not inhabit Alligator Point’s saltwater beaches.  Bald Point State Park’s peninsula, with beach frontage on the Ochlockonee Bay, Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve and the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the region’s top bird migratory areas.  Here, naturalists enjoy a parade of migrating Monarch butterflies in the fall, and a profusion of native wildflowers in both spring and fall.

Houses in the Alligator Point and Bald Point areas span a range of prices, depending on location.  Interior mobile homes, the most affordable residential properties, are priced from the $120,000s.  Interior homes built on site start around $225,000 and go up to about $400,000 for those with a view.  Direct water-view homes begin at $450,000.  Houses fronting canals also start at less than $500,000.  Homes on the open bay inch up from $600,000.  Gulf-front homes are listed under $800,000; and the least expensive gulf-to-bay home is just over one million.”  

In Franklin County, primary and secondary homeowners, as well as investors, appreciate the warmth, natural resources and diversity of these coastal communities.