
#5 Panama City Beach, Florida
It is easy to mix up the past of Panama City Beach with that of Panama City, which sits close inland from Panama City Beach despite being a whole different municipality. These two entities, however, present quite different opportunities.
A total of 12,018 people were counted in Panama City Beach as of the 2010 census, a decrease from the almost 80% growth rate seen over the past two decades. The estimated local population today is slightly greater at 12,624 people. About 45% of the residents are over the age of 45.
You won’t notice that your monthly groceries are a little more expensive in Panama City Beach than they are in the other cities on this list since you’ll be too busy enjoying the weather. You still spend less than $840 a month on groceries and healthcare combined.