Ochlockonee Bay

Ochlockonee Bay

World-class fishing brings visitors from all over the country to Ochlockonee Bay, FL, but it’s the untamed natural beauty, thriving wildlife, and easy living that makes them stay. This laidback coastal community and ultimate fishing destination is located in southern Panacea in Wakulla County, Florida. Nestled at the very tip of Tallahassee’s Greater Metropolitan Area, Ochlockonee Bay offers the best of both worlds – a sanctuary surrounded by untamed nature and proximity to big city convenience.

With just under a thousand residents, Ochlockonee Bay is for those who want secluded living yet still have quick access to the hustle and bustle of nearby Tallahassee. The Sunshine State’s coastline offers visitors a chance to experience an all-natural North Florida. It’s no wonder that more and more people are discovering secluded coastal getaways including Ochlockonee Bay real estate.

A coastal oasis with a rich history

The area is named after the Ochlockonee River that flows from southwest Georgia and empties into the bay. The bay water is a mix of fresh water from the Ochlockonee River and brackish tidal surges from the Gulf of Mexico, making it a rich habitat for all kinds of marine life.

Ochlockonee Bay is surrounded by Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a group of counties created in the 1990s because they were left off the state map. These counties turned this oversight into a brilliant opportunity to showcase their breathtaking destinations. They named the uninhabited and pristine Gulf coastline the Forgotten Coast, proudly free from malls and towering structures. The surrounding Forgotten Coast lends the locale an old Florida charm, even with its massive popularity among travelers as a top fishing destination.

Ochlockonee Bay real estate

While there is an eclectic mix of architectural styles in the locale, properties have one thing in common – they are designed to maximize the homeowner’s interaction with nature. Open porches where you can sit while sipping a cool drink, floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural sunlight, and yards that open up to the great outdoors are just some of the features that give a distinct Ochlockonee Bay feel.

Single-family homes, vacation rentals, townhouses, condominiums, and land ready to be developed comprise the Ochlockonee Bay, FL real estate market. Families with children can have more indoor and outdoor space. There are townhouses and condominiums with prime amenities like swimming pools and waterfront access. Those who are looking to invest in Ochlockonee Bay vacation rentals can take advantage of access to prime fishing spots, popular trails surrounding the community, and historic destinations just minutes away.

Real estate trends

Appreciation of homes in the Ochlockonee Bay real estate market has been stable since 2020. In August 2020 the median price for a home sold in the area was $255,000. A little under 2 and half years later in January 2023, the median price had risen to $445,000. This represents a massive increase of over 54%.

Given that there has been a consistent upward trend in home prices over the past few years, the best time to invest in Ochlockonee Bay real estate would be as soon as you are able. This would allow you to begin accruing equity in a market that has shown consistent growth.

Life in Ochlockonee Bay

Cost of living

Wakulla County has a much lower cost of living compared to the US average. However, it has to be noted that this is mainly due to the much lower cost of housing in the area. Other costs such as groceries utilities, and transportation are comparable to the US average.

Education

The town’s proximity to Tallahassee offers residents a multitude of choices when it comes to schools. Tallahassee is home to many schooling programs—from Pre-K to lifelong learning. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and the Tallahassee Community College are just some of the excellent institutions found in the city.

Convenience and natural beauty

Ochlockonee Bay, FL is full of natural surprises. Aside from its sprawling parks, there are little pockets of coastal beauty scattered across this peaceful community. Quiet shorelines can be seen right in front of stores and restaurants. You can be walking in a parking lot one minute and strolling on a white sand beach the next. These unexpected changes in scenery make even the most practical of errands seem like a quick adventure.

Adventures in and around Ochlockonee Bay

While Ochlockonee Bay is removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s far from being a sleepy community. It has its own vibrancy that embraces the raw beauty of its surroundings. There’s a surprising amount to do here, including some of the best fishing to be found in the US, plentiful water-based recreational activities, numerous trails, and great dining options.

Fishing

Florida is the undisputed fishing capital of the world and Ochlockonee Bay is a top destination in the state. Ochlockonee Bay is synonymous with world-class fishing with both fresh and saltwater species present in its fertile waters. The bay’s best catches include black drum, bluegill, flounder, gafftopsail sea catfish, largemouth bass, redfish, spotted sea trout, striped bass, and tarpon.

If you want to make the most out of a deep-sea fishing trip, there are dozens of fishing charters in and around Ochlockonee Bay. The experienced captains and crew know where the prime fishing spots are and can fit you with appropriate equipment. You can enjoy fishing while learning about the different species and their hidden habitats. When you book a charter, whatever you catch is cleaned and filleted for you, unless of course, you’d like the pleasure of doing that yourself. But generally, all you need to do, is

Fun in the water

The options are endless when it comes to having aquatic fun at Ochlockonee Bay. Whether you are in the mood for swimming, boating, kayaking, or simply sunbathing, there are facilities that can cater to your needs. Most of these amenities are just within short walking or driving distance from residential areas.

If you want to go boating or kayaking, there is a public boat ramp at the southwest end of Ochlockonee Bay Bridge used for small boats and kayaks. You can also head over to Bottoms Road Public Boat Ramp which brings you out to the saltwater of Apalachee Bay. Those who want to simply bask in the warm rays of the Florida sun or swim in pristine waters can visit the Silver Lake Recreation Area or Wright Lake.

Attractions

Ochlockonee Bay Bike Trail

It’s almost impossible to run out of trails to explore in Ochlockonee Bay. The Ochlockonee Bay Bike Trail is a great example of the numerous trails intertwined throughout Wakulla and the counties beyond. The bike trail runs from Sopchoppy to Mashes Sand Beach, giving you about 12.5 miles of the great outdoors. You can take a leisurely bike ride to Mashes Sands Park and enjoy picturesque views of the bay. A trip further along the trail will bring you to downtown Sopchoppy and the historic Sopchoppy Depot.

Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola National Forest offers family-friendly outdoor experiences not to be missed. It is the largest national forest in Florida and home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the Florida Panhandle. From Ochlockonee Bay, you can take a leisurely 30-minute drive through cypress and longleaf pine trees straight to the national forest.

In the forest, you can go hiking or trekking and explore the wilderness under a canopy of evergreens. There you can observe black bears, coyotes, red foxes, bobcats, fox squirrels, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. You can go scenic driving, mountain biking, road cycling, or horse riding to travel across the sandhills, floodplains, and swamplands of the forest. Travelers who want to stay longer can check out the campground camping and RV camping areas inside the Apalachicola National Forest.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

One of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. Since 1931, it has provided refuge for rare or endangered species like the American alligator, Florida black bear, peregrine falcon, swallow-tailed kite, and woodstork. If you want to see West Indian Manatees and loggerhead sea turtles, go on the Lighthouse Road Drive tour. Children can also experience outdoor adventures and educational activities at the Summer Camps offered by the refuge.

Tallahassee

Ochlockonee Bay is just a short drive away from the museums and antebellum mansions of Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee. Marvel at hundreds of unique cars housed within the mirrored halls of the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. For a more family-friendly experience, the Tallahassee Museum has a dinosaur exhibit, adventure course, and outdoor zip line. If you’re feeling hungry after touring “Tally”, drop by the best restaurants in town like BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, or try the top-rated Peruvian cuisine at Cafe De Martin.

Events

There’s always something to celebrate in Wakulla as the county holds nearly 40 festivals every year. There’s The Wildlife Heritage and Outdoor Festival with outdoor exhibits, dog-hunting demonstrations, live music, and more. Free-flowing craft beers and local farm-raised oysters have people flocking to the Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival. There’s also the Downtown Apalachicola Market held every Wednesday where the community can meet and find artisanal and gourmet food.

Serving the freshest boat-to-table cuisine since 1945, Angelo’s Seafood is a well-loved destination. This restaurant is located right at the edge of the waterfront. You really couldn’t get any closer to the water, and as you dine the view that stretches out before you is the shimmering sea. They serve the largest variety of seafood in North Florida, all sourced from local Gulf waters and fused with authentic Greek flavors to create truly authentic coastal cuisine.

Posey Up The Creek Steam Room and Bar offers popular grouper, catfish, and shrimp platters for quick dining. The Trident restaurant is another favorite and is known for its delectable creamy Key Lime Pie. A little further out but worth the trip, Ouzts Too Oyster Bar and Grill is a great place if you’re looking to pair your food with live music and karaoke.

If you prefer to do your dining at home, A Taste of the Bayou is a seafood and cajun meat market that offers everything from smoked pork and alligator sausages to smoked cobia dips. Lynn Brothers Seafood and Marina has the freshest Florida stone crabs and other daily catches like sea bass and octopus.

Find your own waterfront oasis in Ochlockonee Bay, FL

It’s not unusual to hear stories about people coming to Ochlockonee Bay, FL for a vacation, only to find a place to call home. This peaceful town provides more than just natural beauty and outdoor activities, it also provides a sense of connection to both the environment and the community.

A new, healthier, and more dynamic life can be yours in this less-known area of Florida.

Harbor Point Realty specializes in coastal property sales and has helped buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Whether you are looking for a charming bungalow for the family, a waterfront retirement home, or land you can invest in, Harbor Point Realty can streamline the process and find the most suitable options.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Harbor Point Realty has forged a wide network of connections and a strong local familiarity. Save time and money by partnering with a team that will not only provide you with the best options in the Ochlockonee Bay real estate market but also be at your side through the whole buying process. For sellers, you’ll be partnering with a real estate agency that has over 15,000 buyers on their databases. You’ll have maximum exposure and full representation.

Let the leader in coastal property sales in Wakulla take care of your real estate needs. Get in touch with Paul Parker and the Harbor Point Realty team by calling 850.349.9599 or send a message here. Let’s start your journey to a better life.