East Palatka Home Inspector
Discover East Palatka: Palatka’s Neighbor Across the River
East Palatka is a small census-designated place in Putnam County, situated directly across the St. Johns River from the City of Palatka. As of the 2020 census, its population stood at 1,573, down from 1,654 in 2010. It falls within the Palatka Micropolitan Area. The community connects to Palatka via the Memorial Bridge, which carries US 17/SR 20/SR 100 and SR 207 over the river—it’s the only permanent crossing between Green Cove Springs and Astor
Housing Styles & Inspection Needs
East Palatka primarily features a suburban-rural mix, with about 82% homeownership and a median home value around $240,100. Typical residential types include:
- River-adjacent homes and modest cottages, often older single-family dwellings vulnerable to humidity and storm exposure.
- Suburban infill housing along U.S. 17 and State Road 207, many on septic systems with varying construction quality.
- Semi-rural and large-lot parcels—some former agricultural or grove land—often on private water or sewer services.
Inspections in East Palatka typically assess roofing, foundations, electrical and plumbing, HVAC, termite/WDO presence, and moisture intrusion. Many properties are on septic or well systems, so inspectors often evaluate system condition and drainage. Insurance-related inspections—particularly wind mitigation and 4‑Point reports—are also commonly required in this area.
Why Inspection Matters in East Palatka
- Aging homes and older construction may harbor outdated wiring or plumbing, termite damage, and structural settling.
- River proximity raises concerns about flooding, drainage, and potential erosion—especially near St. Johns River frontage and low-lying areas.
- Septic and well systems must be functional and compliant—critical for properties not connected to municipal infrastructure.
- Insurance-required inspections help owners qualify for coverage and anticipate disclosure issues.
Local inspectors serving East Palatka typically work county-wide and understand the area’s zoning, permitting process, and code requirements through Putnam County’s Building and Planning Departments
East Palatka at a Glance
- Population (2020 Census): 1,573 (down from 1,654 in 2010)
- Median Home Value: ≈ $240,100; majority owner-occupied (~82%)
- Median Age: around 39 years old
- Geography: Approx. 3.2 sq mi of land and 1.3 sq mi of water (≈29% water)
Key Neighborhoods & Residential Areas
- Memorial Bridge corridor / US‑17 & SR 207 frontage — homes near the roadway with suburban‑style housing and easy access to downtown Palatka.
- River‑edge parcels and older cottages — properties prone to moisture intrusion, flood risk, and grading issues near the St. Johns.
- Infill and subdivision lots between Palatka and SR 207 — modest single-family homes, often on private systems.
- Semi-rural and former agricultural lots north and east of SR 207 — larger parcels with limited infrastructure, needing septic, well, and drainage evaluation.