Your Palm Coast Real Estate Questions Answered

Picture the ideal Florida lifestyle; chances are it combines beachfront, boating, golfing, and tropical sun. Now open your eyes and be welcomed to charming Palm Coast, where that lifestyle steps out of your imagination and into reality. This Atlantic coastal city has so much going for it: miles of fresh and saltwater canals, top-tier golf courses, lush parks, and overwhelming amounts of Florida sunshine. 

Let’s delve into the world of Palm Coast real estate and explore why choosing to live in Palm Coast could be your best move yet. Learn about buying Palm Coast real estate and the lifestyle that awaits you once you’re settled into your new home.

About Palm Coast, FL

With over 130 miles of interconnected waterways weaving through neighborhoods and green spaces, residents and visitors alike can relish the joys of waterfront living right in their backyard. But Palm Coast wasn’t always that way. Standing in the same spot seventy years ago, you’d see few people, swampland, and pine forests. 

That changed in the 1960s when Levitt (formerly ITT) launched plans for 48,000 homes on 42,000 acres. Over 70 miles of canals transformed the landscape, linking it to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The master-planned community took steps to preserve parts of the Florida landscape, like the towering pines and sprawling oak trees. But it also thought about the future to build an urbanized community connected through walking paths to amenities like world-class tennis and golf. 

Palm Coast officially became a town in 1999, and today is a popular place to live on the Florida east coast.

What is the cost of living in Palm Coast, FL?

The waterfront lifestyle in Florida usually isn’t cheap, especially when it comes down to the oceanfront. But this is a city where waterfront living is abundant. And since it’s not on most tourist and part-time resident radars, the slightly less demand is a win for you. 

Palm Coast’s overall cost of living is 3% less than the national average and 5% less than the Florida average. Groceries and health care may be a little more, but the good news is housing costs run 7% less than what you could expect to pay elsewhere. 

What is the average price of a home in Palm Coast?

Palm Coast real estate has abundant choices for buying a home. To give you a snapshot in time, August 2023 had over 2,000 homes for sale at a median price of $400,000. The median price per sq ft was $215. Homes ranged from $10,500 to $10.5 million.

Looking at Flagler County, single-family market data showed a change in real estate activity, with median sale prices and new listings declining over summer 2023. Prices were down 8.2%, while listings were down 52%. That was slightly counter to the nationwide trend at that time, which had reported low inventory but stabilizing home prices. 

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Palm Coast, FL? 

In a coastal Florida destination, you can bet condo and townhome properties are present. These homes don’t just cater to the vacation market but are ideal for low-maintenance living if you want to be a part-time or full-time resident. 

August 2023 had 217 condo and townhome listings. Prices ranged from $65,000 for a studio condo to $3 million for a 3,264 sq ft penthouse on the oceanfront. Palm Coast’s condos include golf course living, waterfront, and oceanfront properties.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Palm Coast, FL?

Naturally, a town with 70 miles of canals with have abundant waterfront homes. About a quarter of August 2023’s listings had waterfront as a feature, primarily as a canal. But there are lakefront, Intracoastal, and oceanfront properties available, too. Since there is so much waterfront real estate, it’s best to work with a local real estate agent to narrow down other features you want in a Palm Coast home.

Are there golf course communities in Palm Coast? 

Grand Haven, a premier gated golf club community, spans 1,400 acres spilt into 19 villages. It offers a breathtaking setting on the Intracoastal Waterway and 4,000 adjacent acres of nature preserves. The seamless blend of neighborhoods, natural preserves, and golf vistas creates a relaxed atmosphere. Grand Haven also has a Village Center with more recreation facilities and dining options. 

Combine golf course and oceanfront living in Hammock Dunes, a private, gated community in Palm Coast. With its prime location between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, this beautiful community has single-family homes, condominiums, and villas. Enjoy two and a half miles of oceanfront property and over five miles of Intracoastal Waterway property. Golf club members gain access to its two courses, swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and fitness center.

Pine Lakes surrounds the renowned Arnold Palmer Golf Course and Clubhouse. Walking trails wind through the neighborhood for easy access to the clubhouse, the outdoors, and pet walking spaces. Social events at the clubhouse add to the community’s activities. Thanks to its location in the heart of Palm Coast, residents have easy access to schools, health care, shopping, and dining.

What is the property tax rate for Palm Coast, FL?

Florida’s property tax structure can be a little more complicated than other states because homestead exemptions vary between school and non-school taxes. That’s why we have our state property tax guide to provide deeper clarity. 

In short, the property taxes are for homes owned from January 1 to December 31, with tax collection starting in November. There are discounts for paying property taxes early, but the amount changes based on when you pay.

Palm Coast falls under Flagler County, which appraises and collects property taxes. However, the city has multiple districts with different assessments, like mosquito control, a redevelopment area, or a parks special levy. In 2022, a city resident’s property tax rates fell between 18.77 and 19.067 mils. Around 4.61 mills were specifically for the city.

What county is Palm Coast, FL in?

Beautiful Flagler County stretches along the northeast coast, from Marineland at its northern end to Gamble Rogers on the southern end. The expansive Crescent Lake drains into the St. Johns River on its western border.

What residents prize about Flagler County is its “Old Florida” feel, with long stretches of beaches still filled with coquina shells and sand dunes rather than spring breakers and condos. Inland turns highly rural, with large expanses of longleaf pine nature preserves and swampy lowlands. Nearly 85% of the county’s residents live in one of its five recognized municipalities, with Palm Coast being the largest.

Flagler County is also known for its arts scene, with events like the Flagler County Art League’s monthly art walks or outdoor concert series. An annual Jazz Fest is a top community attraction. 

With lots of fresh seafood on the menu, over a dozen golf courses and 40 preserves, and fun activities for all ages, it’s easy to see why people like living in Palm Coast.

Is Palm Coast, FL, growing?

People love Palm Coast’s amenities, and with space to expand, Palm Coast is a still-growing community. The city has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 1969 as a planned community. From 2020 to 2022 alone, it grew 10.3%!That ranked it in the top 20 growing communities in the nation and the fifth-fastest in Florida.

Experts believe it will surpass 100,000 residents by the end of 2023, as it’s already at 98,411 by US Census 2022 estimates. It’s quickly becoming one of the largest cities in the state, now cracking the top 25 by population. Flagler County itself is the third-fastest growing county in the state.

What neighborhoods are in Palm Coast, FL?

Palm Coast is a master-planned city, which means each section was purposefully plotted and planned since its founding. Today it has 11 main sections, such as Pine Lakes and Matanzas Woods. A few of the most popular to live in are:

Indian Trails 

Indian Trails is a mid-sized suburban neighborhood in northern Palm Coast bordering I-95. The lakes, canals, and forested areas make it a quiet residential area with many parks, community pools, and walking trails. But it’s also incredibly convenient for your daily essentials, especially if you love eating out or shopping. 

Cypress Knoll 

This extensive planned development is in the southern part of Palm Coast. Most homes are single-family houses on larger lots with access to golf courses, lakes, and canals. The neighborhood also has its own Publix and Target, as well as a community center that houses tennis courts and other recreational spots. 

Palm Harbor

Situated between I-95 and the Intracoastal, Palm Harbor stands out with its European Village complex, where locals shop and dine. Another attraction is St. Joe’s Walkway at Linear Park, the Palm Coast Yacht Club, and the golf courses. The area is prime for waterfront living, as most homes are on canals that lead directly to the Intracoastal. It’s also one of the larger development sections in Palm Coast.

Seminole Woods

Southernmost in Palm Coast, Seminole Woods is still developing, giving you the chance to find Palm Coast new construction properties and vacant lots. But don’t think there is nothing here; Seminole Woods is close to schools, the Florida Hospital-Flagler, and four miles from the beaches.

[Graphic: Is there a way to repurpose or re-create this? Source: https://www.google.com/maps/@29.5783718,-81.2139576,13z Second source: https://www.ronsellsthebeach.com/palm-coast/letter-sections/]

How is golf in Palm Coast, FL?

Players of the game will love Palm Coast as it has six clubs and eight courses to hone their craft. Another ten courses are within ten miles! Several golf courses include Intracoastal or ocean views. It doesn’t get any better than that! Palm Coast’s courses are resorts, country clubs, or semi-private. So where are the great places to play?

Grand Haven boasts a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, expertly crafted to complement the beautiful wetlands. With three holes located along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, this challenging course promises a unique golfing experience. Relax afterward at the waterfront clubhouse with patio seating, a full bar, and fine dining.

Hammock Dunes has two golf courses at its private facilities. The Club’s Links Course, crafted by Tom Fazio, winds through the community with three ocean-facing holes. In 2016, extensive renovations were done to the tees, greens, and bunkers, along with the course layout and irrigation improvements. The Creek Course, designed by Rees Jones, sits on 680 acres of untouched forest and marshland, just seven miles from the Links Course. With no residential buildings in sight, play in a peaceful natural environment.

With its longest yardage among the nearby courses, Pine Lakes offers extensive facilities, such as banquet areas, locker rooms, and an outdoor pool. Arnold Palmer designed the 7,050-yard course with rolling fairways.

The Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Harbor Golf Club, and Cypress Knoll Golf Club are other facilities to check out.

What areas are near Palm Coast, FL?

Palm Coast is in the middle of Flagler County, making it a launching point to explore the Florida northeast coast. For those seeking to chill at the beach, head across the bridge to visit charming A1A beach towns like Flagler Beach and Hammock Beach. And people love to head to Marineland, stopping to swim with its dolphins or visit the nature preserves.

Directly north lies St. Augustine, home to some of America’s oldest architecture and colonial history. This historic town is one of the must-visit places in the nation. Castillo de San Marcos is fascinating, built out of Florida coquina. The downtown historic Main Street is a great place to spend a day walking the boutique shops, discovering local cafes, and peeking into the tourist attractions. Plus, there are beaches on Anastasia Island across the Intracoastal.

Further south, Daytona Beach promises excitement, from the hard-packed beaches to the Daytona International Speedway. The home of the Daytona 500 has a storied racing history starting with driving cars. Thousands come for its races but also for its annual Bike Week.

What to know about living in Palm Coast, FL

Naturally, this is Florida, so you shouldn’t be surprised by Palm Coast’s tropical climate and year-round sunshine. Average temperatures for Palm Coast are the lowest in January, with an average temperature of 68F. August is usually the hottest month, with an average daily maximum of 92F. Get ready for precipitation throughout the year, but more commonly in the warmer months as pop-up thunderstorms. And, as a coastal city, you’ve got to have hurricane plans in place.

When it comes to things to do in Palm Coast, life’s social calendar stays busy. The fall brings the Palm Coast Arts Festival to Central Park, while the summers stay busy with movies in the park and Food Truck Tuesdays. You can participate in the Turtle Trail scavenger hunt, spotting the ten unique turtle public art installations across town.

Embrace the classic Florida lifestyle and welcoming community that is the Palm Coast. Whether you are a golf enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone who appreciates the amenities of a planned community, Palm Coast can meet your needs. Choosing to live in Palm Coast is choosing to live in your own piece of paradise. Start your journey with Palm Coast real estate today.