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real estate in the Ponce de Leon area.
Ponce de Leon is a
small town in the Northwest Florida panhandle near the Alabama
line. Some folks think the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de
Leon, may have searched for the Fountain of Youth here. Ponce de Leon
Springs, named after Florida's discoverer, produces millions of
gallons of 68-degree crystal clear water and is the
centerpiece of a 443-acre state park, which features a nature
trail and picnic area as well. This rural town is also home
to two other natural springs, Vortex and
Morrison, which attract
scuba and skin divers, swimmers, campers, and other visitors from afar.
The fact that Ponce de
Leon doesn't have a red light attests to the fact that it is a
small, peaceful community, with a population of approximately
2,000. There are several nearby cities and attractions,
however. It is located just 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico
with its beautiful, sandy, "World's Most Beautiful
Beaches:" Panama City Beach,
Destin, and Fort Walton Beach. In addition, Ponce de Leon is
halfway between the capital city of Tallahassee on the
east, and Pensacola on the west.
This is a great place
to raise a family or simply retire away from the hustle and bustle
of city life. We are blessed with Florida's world-famed
wonderful climate. We enjoy all four seasons, with winter
usually being mild ( a mean temperature of 44.2 degrees).
The summer mean temperature is 81.9 degrees. The average
rainfall is 58.4 inches. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed
almost every day of the year.
The area retains a
rustic charm of beauty and tranquility all its own. Here you
can enjoy a slower paced living with plenty of elbow room.
Ponce de Leon, located off Interstate 10 at exit 96, provides a
motel; sandwich shop; three gas stations; and two locally-owned restaurants.
Fishing, hunting,
golfing, and boating are just a few of the popular pastimes
here. The fishing enthusiast will discover an area of great
fishing, whether it be salt water or fresh water. Area
fishing lakes include Cassidy, Holley, and Juniper. The
Choctawhatchee River is a 10-minute drive. And of course,
the Gulf offers some of the world's greatest deep sea fishing.
Wild game such as deer, duck, and turkey abound in the surrounding
wooded hills for the hunting
enthusiast. Several golf courses are located nearby.
Of course, given our location, there are numerous opportunities
for the avid boater. Furthermore,
horses are a main source of enjoyment in this area. Roping,
team penning, trail rides, and family fun days are popular leisure
activities.
Other nearby
amusements include a Championship Rodeo held in Bonifay
(15-minute drive to the east). Florida's oldest library
still in operation is located in DeFuniak Springs just 10 miles to
the west. Another point of interest is Lake DeFuniak, said
to be one of only two perfectly round natural lakes in the
world. Folklore has it that the lake was formed by a large
meteor crashing to earth centuries ago. The circumference of
the lake is 5,280 feet, which makes a pleasant mile. Our
major industry is agriculture, which is growing all the time, if
you'll excuse the pun. The cattle business, timber
(especially pine), and poultry farms are primary resources.
Once you visit Ponce
de Leon and experience
all that it has to offer, you will probably become a return visitor
or perhaps a resident. Untouched rural beauty, a slow-paced
lifestyle, helpful neighbors, a mild year-round climate, low crime
rate, low taxes, and a uniquely central location are just a few of
the natural magnets that draws families and industries to the
region. Florida is a beautiful state to visit, and
Ponce de Leon is a small, tucked-away treasure that you definitely
don't want to miss!
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