Watson Putnam County FL Real Estate

Palatka FL Real Estate

Palatka is a city in Northeast Florida, located approximately 60 miles south of Jacksonville and 30 miles southwest of St Augustine. 'Palatka' is a contraction of an Indian word meaning 'cow crossing'.

As early as 1655 the Spanish were developing Palatka into the state's principal ranching area to feed the settlers particularly in the St. Augustine. Palatka became the main fording point for the cattle to cross the St Johns River on their way to the slaughterhouse.

When Florida was transferred to the United States in 1821, development of central Florida increased dramatically. Palatka was the southernmost point in the river where large oceangoing vessels could venture.

On January 8, 1853, the City of Palatka was chartered by the State of Florida. During the 1850s Palatka became the major center for transportation, freight, lumber, citrus and tourism on the St. Johns River. The steamboat traffic on the St. Johns and its tributaries, particularly the Ocklawaha, secured Palatka's position as the hub of the transportation network into and out of central Florida. 1865 to 1895 marks the golden age of Palatka, a time when Palatka rivaled Jacksonville as the major port on the St. Johns.

By 1890, Palatka boasted eight first class hotels, the largest of which the Putnam House contained 500 rooms. Winter visitors-included President Grover, Cleveland and other influential people. The city's winter residents included many rich industrialists such as James R. Mellon of Pittsburgh, who donated the library to the city.

After the great freeze of 1894-95 which virtually wiped out the citrus industry, Palatka expanded industrially, especially those dependent upon wood or its byproducts. Wilson Cypress Company became the largest cypress mill in the world producing 80,000 feet of lumber and 60,000 shingles daily. By 1910 Palatka had become a major industrial center.

Today, Palatka has a small town feel, giving its residents a great quality of life. Home to the annual Azalea Festival in March and the Blue Crab Festival in May, and is known as the “Bass Capital of the World.” The river abounds with Largemouth Bass, Speckled Perch, Striped Bass and Catfish. Boating, sailing, swimming and water skiing are also popular activities on the river and many lakes located in Putnam County. Nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking along the Florida Trail, which runs through the region. Nearby Ravine Gardens State Park has over 50 varieties and more than 100,000 azalea plants. There is also a very scenic 1.8- mile drive through the park. Two lovely golf courses are located near Palatka and a driving range with batting cages, game machines and golf lessons is also available. Other fun events include the 42 nautical mile “Mug Race,” where sailors race from Palatka to Jacksonville on the St. Johns River.

In September of 2012, there were 20 residential homes sold at an average price of $95,000. The highest priced home selling for $435,000 and the lowest priced selling for $9,000. Palatka is a great place to live!

	Address	Price	Bedrooms	Baths	Square Feet
MLS: 139414	215 Federal Point Rd East Palatka, RD	$1,500,000	4	3 \| 0	5,700
	First Time Ever Offered for Sale! Customer built, St. Johns River-Gated -Home on 18 acres. (Room for Horses). Over 500 Ft. of River Front Shore line. Great Dock with two boat lifts. Incredible property with mature trees and manicured lawns. Home was built using Exotic Hard Woods. Including, Solid Hi... Additional Details
	Watson Realty Ponte Vedra		Map Info Visit Email

MLS: 139782	350 E. BUFFALO BLUFF Satsuma, FL	$979,000	3	2 \| 0	2,666
	If you have been dreaming of a quiet country riverfront retreat, then this home located on 33 beautiful acres is just what the doctor ordered. Enjoy a waterfront lifestyle w/2000 ft of St. Johns river frontage. Go down to the dock, hop on your boat and youÂ’re out on the river to fish or just to enj... Additional Details
	Watson Realty St. Augustine		Map Info Visit Tour Email

MLS: 139655	1007 Front Street Welaka, FL	$699,000	3	2 \| 0	2,407
	Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home with bussiness opprotunity that sits on a hill overlooking the gorgeous river view. Home has a large screen porch that borders 2 sides of the home and has an inground pool. Live and work in the same place and have the bussiness pay your bills with a wonderful bussines... Additional Details
	Watson Realty St. Augustine		Map Info Visit Email

MLS: 130099	243 Moritani Point Rd East Palatka, FL	$650,000	4	3 \| 1	3,746
	Enjoy breath-taking views and stunning sunsets from this fabulous brick home with 510 feet fronting the St. Johns River and 1.8 acres, beautifully landscaped. With 3,746 S.F., this luxury home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, formal living room with fire place, formal dining room, ea... Additional Details
	Watson Realty St. Augustine		Map Info Visit Tour Email

MLS: 142454	115 Riverside Way San Mateo, FL	$650,000	2	2 \| 0	1,639
	St Johns Riverfront living doesn't get any better than in this luxury upgraded 2 bedroom, 2 bath high & dry estate with 125' of river frontage, deep water dock w/boat house and lift, plus a separate, furnished, studio guest cottage, located on almost an acre. Built like Fort Knox, home has poured in... Additional Details
	Watson Realty St. Augustine		Map Info Visit Tour Email