Perfect for Vacation Rental $319/Mo

Lot Description

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Looking for an investment property with incredible recreational potential? This 0.60-Acre lot in Interlachen, FL, is perfect for creating a retreat, vacation rental, or long-term investment. Surrounded by nature and close to local attractions, this property offers a peaceful setting with endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

Holden Park (2 miles). A charming community park with walking trails, open spaces, and spots for picnics or relaxation.

Lake Galilee (2.5 miles). Perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying serene water views.

Carl Duval Moore State Forest (3 miles). A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring hiking, wildlife observation, and peaceful nature escapes.

Lake Grandin (3.5 miles). A larger lake offering boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities for water lovers.

Hitchcock's Market (4 miles). A nearby grocery store for easy access to supplies and essentials.

Interlachen Town Square (4.2 miles). A quaint hub for local shops, dining, and small-town charm.

Public Boat Ramp at Lake Chipco (5 miles). Launch a boat or kayak for a day of water recreation and adventure.

Why Invest Here?

Interlachen is a prime location for recreational activities and a growing hotspot for real estate investment. This property's size and central location make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, vacationers, and long-term investors looking to capitalize on the area's potential.

Call or message us today to learn more.

Property Details:

- Address: 237 Idaho Ave, Hawthorne, FL 32640

- County: Putnam County, Fl

- Parcel ID: 12-10-23-1600-0090-0060

- Acreage: 0.60

- Terrain: Plain

- Conveyance: Warranty Deed

- Annual HOA Dues: None

- Annual Property Tax: $110

- Water: Would have to drill a well

- Septic: Would have to install a septic system.

- Camping: Not allowed

- RV: Not allowed

Pricing Information:

Discounted Cash Price: $19,400

Easy Financing Price: $23,300

Interest Rate (Apr): 9.7%

Term (in months): 120

Total Monthly Payment: $319

Down Payment: $549

Processing Fee: $499

Total Due Today: $1048

More financing options available.

Please Read: All information is believed to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed. Buyers are responsible for verifying all property details, including but not limited to boundaries, zoning, permitted uses, access, utilities, physical and environmental conditions, acreage, and overall suitability for their intended use. Seller and agent make no warranties, expressed or implied.

Property Identification & Legal Description

This offering consists of a single vacant parcel located in Putnam County, Florida, identified. According to multiple public and private land listings referencing county records, the parcel contains approximately 0.60 acres, or just over 26,000 square feet, placing it firmly within the range of full-size rural residential lots in this area of the county.

The parcel lies within a platted rural subdivision common to eastern Putnam County, where lots were originally divided for low-density residential or recreational ownership rather than suburban tract development.

County & Regional Context: Putnam County, Florida

Putnam County is located in North-Central Florida, bordered by St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Marion, Clay, and Alachua counties. It is widely recognized among land buyers for offering:

Lower land costs compared to coastal or metropolitan Florida counties

Fewer development pressures

Extensive natural resources, including lakes, wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors

Unlike heavily urbanized counties, Putnam County retains a strong rural identity. Large portions of the county remain unincorporated, meaning land use patterns are more consistent with agricultural, residential-rural, and recreational ownership rather than dense residential zoning.

This parcel is situated near the Interlachen / Hawthorne area, a region known locally for its lake systems, unpaved road networks, and low population density. These features contribute to why vacant land in this area is frequently purchased by buyers seeking long-term ownership rather than immediate development.

Acreage & Lot Characteristics

At approximately 0.60 acres, this parcel offers a meaningful land footprint without reaching the scale or carrying costs of multi-acre tracts. Lots of this size are often favored by buyers because they offer:

Enough space for privacy relative to neighboring parcels

Manageable maintenance requirements

Lower annual property tax obligations

Easier resale liquidity compared to larger acreage

In this specific subdivision pattern, neighboring parcels are similarly sized, which creates consistent spacing between properties rather than irregular density or mixed commercial use nearby.

The acreage is sufficient to serve as a standalone holding parcel, rather than a narrow or constrained strip of land that limits usability.

Access & Roadway Details

The property fronts Idaho Avenue, a platted roadway providing legal access to the parcel. Roads in this part of Putnam County are typically unimproved or lightly improved, often composed of dirt or sand rather than asphalt.

This type of road infrastructure is common and expected in rural Florida subdivisions and is a defining feature for buyers who prioritize:

Reduced through-traffic

Lower noise levels

Greater separation from commercial activity

Legal road access is an important component of land usability and long-term value. This parcel is not landlocked and does not rely on easements across neighboring properties for entry.

Terrain, Soils & Physical Characteristics

Available listings describe the property's terrain as generally flat, which is consistent with most inland Putnam County parcels away from river floodplains or significant wetland systems.

Flat topography is advantageous from a land usability standpoint because it generally avoids:

Steep grading challenges

Erosion concerns

High clearing or earthwork costs

The soils in this region of Putnam County are commonly sandy, which is typical of North-Central Florida upland areas. Sandy soils tend to drain more efficiently than clay-heavy soils, although buyers should always perform site-specific due diligence regarding flood zones, wetlands, or soil suitability if future development is contemplated.

The parcel is currently undeveloped, allowing an owner to determine whether to leave it in its natural state or gradually improve it over time.

Vegetation & Natural Setting

The land is reported to be covered in natural Florida vegetation, including low brush, scrub, and likely scattered pine or similar native species. This undeveloped state provides several benefits:

Natural screening from the road and neighboring parcels

Wildlife habitat typical of the region

Flexibility in future land management decisions

Buyers commonly value parcels like this either as-is for privacy or as a blank canvas that can be selectively cleared later rather than paying for land that has already been altered.

Utilities & Infrastructure

This property does not currently have utilities installed, which is consistent with vacant rural land throughout this portion of Putnam County.

Known utility considerations include:

Water: A private well would be required

Septic: A private septic system would be required

Sewer: Not available

Municipal Water: Not available

Power availability may exist in the broader area, but connection availability and costs should be verified directly by the buyer with the local utility provider based on intended use.

This utility profile aligns with buyers who are comfortable with rural infrastructure or who are purchasing primarily for holding or future planning rather than immediate construction.

Zoning, Use & Regulatory Environment

The parcel is commonly marketed as residential vacant land, consistent with its subdivision context. There is no homeowners association (HOA), meaning there are no additional private covenants, dues, or architectural controls imposed beyond county regulations.

Important considerations noted in public listings include:

Camping: Not permitted under current zoning interpretations

RV use: Not permitted as a primary use

These restrictions are typical of platted residential lots in rural Florida counties and are designed to distinguish permanent residential use from transient occupancy. Buyers should verify current zoning and permitted uses directly with Putnam County for their specific plans.

Privacy, Spacing & Ownership Experience

One of the defining characteristics of this parcel is its low-density setting. Unlike suburban subdivisions where homes sit side-by-side, parcels in this area generally provide meaningful spacing between structures.

Privacy benefits include:

Minimal vehicle traffic

Absence of commercial neighbors

No shared walls, driveways, or amenities

The lack of an HOA further enhances owner autonomy, as there are no association boards, special assessments, or ongoing rule changes imposed by private entities.

Recreation & Surrounding Natural Assets

This parcel is located within a few miles of several well-known regional features, including:

Lake Galilee

Lake Grandin

Carl Duval Moore State Forest

Putnam County is recognized for having one of the highest concentrations of lakes per square mile in Florida. These freshwater systems support fishing, kayaking, nature observation, and other passive outdoor pursuits.

State forests in the area provide publicly accessible land for hiking and wildlife observation, contributing to the overall outdoor appeal of the region without requiring ownership of large acreage.

Property Taxes & Holding Costs

Annual property taxes for parcels of this size and classification in Putnam County are typically very low. While tax amounts can change, the low amounts found in this are reflects the generally low carrying cost associated with undeveloped rural land in this county.

Low annual costs make parcels like this attractive for:

Long-term holds

Portfolio diversification

Legacy land planning

Ideal Buyer Profiles

This property is best suited for buyers who:

Want straightforward Florida land ownership

Prefer rural settings over suburban development

Value privacy and minimal regulation

Are comfortable performing their own due diligence

It may be less suitable for buyers seeking:

Immediate residential construction without rural utilities

Short-term occupancy uses such as RV living

High-density development opportunities

Overall Summary

This parcel represents a classic Putnam County vacant land offering-moderate acreage, legal access, no HOA, low taxes, and proximity to lakes and public forestland. It is a parcel designed not for speculation hype, but for patient ownership, practical land banking, or future rural use in a county that continues to attract buyers seeking space and simplicity.

This is real Florida dirt-uncomplicated, accessible, and positioned within one of North-Central Florida's most established rural land markets.

Putnam County, Florida - Local Area Overview for Land Buyers

Putnam County sits in North-Central Florida, positioned between the state's major population centers while retaining a distinctly rural character. Known for its expansive freshwater resources, forests, and low-density development, the county has long attracted buyers seeking land ownership without the congestion, regulation, or pricing pressure found in Florida's coastal metros.

As of the most recent population estimates, Putnam County is home to approximately 77,700-78,000 residents, spread across more than 827 square miles, resulting in a population density of roughly 100-105 people per square mile-significantly lower than much of Florida. county seat is Palatka, located along the St. Johns River, with additional small towns including Interlachen, Crescent City, Pomona Park, Hawthorne, Welaka, Florahome, and Georgetown. These communities anchor services and commerce while leaving most of the county's land area rural and undeveloped.

Geographic Position & Regional Access

Putnam County occupies a strategic interior location that places it within driving distance of several major Florida cities:

Jacksonville: ~1 hour north

Gainesville: ~45 minutes west

St. Augustine: ~45-60 minutes east

Daytona Beach: ~1-1.25 hours southeast

This positioning allows landowners to maintain privacy and space while still accessing employment centers, airports, hospitals, and coastal amenities when needed. transportation routes connecting the county include U.S. Highway 17, State Road 20, and State Road 100, with Interstate 95 and Interstate 75 reachable via short connecting drives. Despite this connectivity, the interior of the county remains largely free of heavy commercial traffic, preserving its rural feel.

Land, Water & Natural Features

Abundance of Freshwater

One of Putnam County's defining characteristics is water. Approximately 12% of the county's total area consists of water, including rivers, lakes, creeks, and wetlands. county contains more than 140 named lakes, giving it one of the highest lake densities in Florida. Notable water bodies include:

St. Johns River (forms the eastern boundary of the county)

Lake George (second-largest lake in Florida)

Crescent Lake

Georges Lake

Lake Grandin

Lake Stella

Lake Como

Numerous smaller interior lakes near Interlachen and Hawthorne lakes and rivers support fishing, boating, paddling, wildlife viewing, and attract buyers who prefer land near water without waterfront pricing.

Forests & Conservation Lands

Putnam County includes or borders multiple significant conservation and public-use areas, including:

Ocala National Forest (western and southern proximity)

Etoniah Creek State Forest

Welaka State Forest

Lake George Conservation Area

Dunns Creek Conservation Area

Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka lands provide long-term environmental protection, wildlife corridors, and permanent buffers against overdevelopment. For land buyers, proximity to conserved land helps preserve views, privacy, and long-term land value.

Climate & Year-Round Land Use

Putnam County experiences a humid subtropical climate, characteristic of inland North Florida. Based on Noaa climate averages:

Average annual temperature: ~70.7°F

Summer highs: Upper 80s to low 90s °F

Winter lows: Mid-40s to mid-50s °F

Annual rainfall: ~50-51 inches

Snowfall: Essentially none county enjoys approximately 225+ sunny days per year, making it well-suited for outdoor activities, land improvement projects, and year-round access. to South Florida, Putnam County tends to experience:

Slightly cooler winters

Fewer tropical storm impacts

Less humidity variance

This climate profile appeals to buyers looking for Florida weather without extreme tropical conditions.

Land Use Patterns & Development Character

Putnam County remains predominantly rural and agricultural outside of its incorporated towns. Much of the land is zoned for:

Low-density residential

Agricultural use

Timber and forestry

Conservation and recreation

Large sections of the county consist of platted subdivisions created decades ago, resulting in many vacant lots that remain undeveloped today. These lots are often purchased by buyers seeking simple land ownership, long-term holds, or future homesites, rather than immediate construction.

Importantly, many rural areas are unencumbered by HOAs, giving landowners more autonomy compared to master-planned developments in other parts of Florida.

Agriculture, Timber & Working Land

Agriculture plays a central role in Putnam County's land economy. According to Uf/Ifas and Usda data:

Approximately 134,800 acres of land are actively used for agriculture

Agriculture contributes nearly $75 million annually to the local economy

Major land uses include pasture, cropland, timber, and mixed agricultural operations agricultural activities include:

Vegetable farming (notably potatoes and cabbage)

Cattle and pastureland

Timber and forestry operations

Nurseries and specialty crops

For land buyers, this agricultural backbone supports:

Open space preservation

Stable rural land use patterns

Reduced risk of sudden high-density rezoning

Economy & Stability

Putnam County's economy is modest but stable, anchored by:

Agriculture and forestry

Healthcare and social services

Government and education

Manufacturing and light industry

The county's gross domestic product (Gdp) has remained steady, reaching approximately $2.7 billion (real Gdp) in recent estimates. costs, land prices, and taxes tend to remain below state averages, which contributes to affordability and steady long-term demand for vacant land among retirees, out-of-state buyers, and investors.

Recreation & Outdoor Lifestyle

Recreation is woven into daily life in Putnam County. Opportunities include:

Freshwater fishing and boating on the St. Johns River and Lake George

Kayaking and paddling trails on Crescent Lake and the Ocklawaha system

Hiking and nature viewing in state forests and conservation lands

Wildlife observation, including bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and wading birds public access points, boat ramps, and parks are operated by the county and state, ensuring broad public availability without private club restrictions.

Population Trends & Buyer Appeal

While Putnam County is not a high-growth metro, its population has shown steady, moderate growth since 2020 after decades of stability. This trend reflects growing interest from buyers seeking affordable rural land within reasonable driving distance of Florida's urban centers. buyers are commonly drawn from:

Florida residents relocating from coastal counties

Out-of-state buyers seeking long-term holds

Retirees downsizing from urban areas

Investors diversifying into land assets

Why Buyers Choose Putnam County Land

Across listings and transactions, recurring buyer motivations include:

Lower land prices compared to coastal Florida

More land per dollar

Reduced regulation and fewer HOAs

Access to lakes, forests, and public land

Manageable property taxes

Central Florida access without congestion

Putnam County does not rely on hype or speculative development cycles. Instead, its appeal rests on consistency, space, and long-term usability, which is exactly what many vacant-land buyers are seeking.

Conclusion

Putnam County, Florida offers a rare combination in today's land market: abundant water, rural scale, accessible location, and long-term stability. Its extensive lakes, preserved forests, agricultural backbone, and low-density character make it a compelling choice for buyers who value land ownership, privacy, and patience over short-term trends.

For vacant-land listings, Putnam County provides a strong regional context-one defined not by rapid sprawl, but by enduring land value shaped by geography, water, and space.

Even Deeper Dive into the Local Area:

Putnam County, Florida - Comprehensive Local Area Overview for Vacant Land Buyers

County Overview & Geographic Context

Putnam County is located in North-Central Florida, occupying a strategic interior position between several of the state's most influential metropolitan areas. The county spans approximately 827 square miles, of which roughly 12% is surface water, making it one of Florida's more water-rich inland counties. As of recent estimates, Putnam County's population ranges between 77,000 and 78,000 residents, resulting in a low population density of about 100-105 people per square mile, which is significantly below Florida's urbanized counties. [East Palat...unity Park], County is centrally positioned between:

Jacksonville (north)

Gainesville (west)

St. Augustine (east)

Daytona Beach (southeast)

This location allows landowners to maintain rural space while remaining within practical driving distance of interstate highways, regional hospitals, employment hubs, higher education institutions, and international airports. [East Palat...unity Park], Structure & Unincorporated Land

A defining feature for land buyers is that a majority of Putnam County's land is unincorporated. While cities such as Palatka (county seat), Interlachen, Crescent City, Pomona Park, Welaka, Hawthorne, Florahome, and Georgetown provide municipal services and zoning overlays, much of the county falls directly under Putnam County Planning & Zoning jurisdiction rather than city governments.

For vacant-land buyers, this often means:

Fewer layers of local regulation

County-level zoning instead of municipal codes

Larger average parcel sizes

More consistent rural land-use patterns

These characteristics are confirmed through Putnam County Planning & Zoning documentation and GIS land-use maps, which show extensive tracts designated for Agriculture, Rural Residential, and Conservation uses rather than intensive urban development.

Planning, Zoning & Land-Use Framework

Comprehensive Plan & Future Land Use

Putnam County regulates growth primarily through its Comprehensive Plan, particularly the Future Land Use Element, which guides how land may be developed over time. The plan emphasizes:

Preservation of rural character

Protection of water resources

Concentration of higher-density growth near established municipalities

Maintenance of agricultural viability

Future Land Use categories commonly encountered by vacant-land buyers include:

Agricultural (Ag)

Rural Residential (Rr)

Low-Density Residential

Mixed Rural

Conservation / Environmental Protection

These designations influence allowable density, permitted uses, and subdivision potential, rather than guaranteeing development rights. Buyers are expected to verify intended use with Planning & Zoning prior to development. Development Code (Municode)

Putnam County's Land Development Code, published through the Municode Library, establishes standards for:

Minimum lot sizes

Setbacks

Access requirements

Environmental protections

Floodplain and wetland considerations

Septic and well suitability

For vacant-land buyers, this code governs how land may be improved, not merely whether it can be owned. Many rural parcels are suitable for low-density residential or agricultural use but are not intended for high-density subdivision or commercial development without rezoning or special approvals.

The absence of widespread HOA-Controlled communities means county regulations are often the primary governing authority rather than private covenants.

GIS, Mapping & Parcel Transparency

Putnam County maintains a robust GIS Interactive Mapping System and participates in the Putnam County Data Hub (ArcGIS Open Data). These platforms allow buyers to review:

Parcel boundaries

Acreage

Road frontage

Flood zones

Wetlands

Future land-use designations

Soil classifications

Proximity to conservation lands

This level of transparency gives vacant-land buyers unusual visibility into land characteristics prior to purchase, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed due diligence.

Natural Environment, Water & Conservation

Lakes, Rivers & Watersheds

Putnam County is defined by water. The county contains more than 140 named lakes, numerous marsh systems, and extensive river frontage along the St. Johns River and the Ocklawaha River system. Notable water bodies include:

Lake George (Florida's second-largest lake)

Crescent Lake

Georges Lake

Lake Stella

Lake Grandin

Water resources are managed in coordination with the St. Johns River Water Management District, influencing land development near shorelines, floodplains, and wetlands. Lands & Buffering Effect

Large portions of Putnam County are protected through:

State forests (Etoniah Creek, Welaka)

Conservation areas (Lake George Conservation Area, Dunns Creek)

Proximity to Ocala National Forest

County and private conservation easements

These lands act as permanent buffers against large-scale development, preserving rural viewsheds, wildlife corridors, and long-term land stability. Conservation expansion in recent years underscores the county's long-term commitment to environmental protection rather than rapid urban expansion. Karst & Sinkhole Considerations

Putnam County lies within Florida's karst geology region, characterized by limestone substrates that can dissolve over time, creating sinkholes in some areas. Sinkhole presence varies significantly by location.

Florida Geological Survey and karst mapping data show that:

Sinkhole risk exists county-wide but is not uniform

Many areas show historic sinkhole activity; others do not

Site-specific evaluation is required for development

This condition is common throughout North-Central Florida and is typically addressed through geotechnical evaluation when development is contemplated. Ownership alone does not imply instability; rather, risk varies by soil type, water table, and disturbance patterns.

Climate & Land Usability

Putnam County experiences a humid subtropical climate:

Average annual temperature: ~70.7°F

Summers: hot and humid with seasonal rainfall

Winters: mild, with periodic cold fronts

Snowfall: negligible

Average annual rainfall is approximately 50-51 inches, distributed throughout the year. These conditions support agriculture, forestry, and year-round land access but require appropriate drainage planning for improved properties. & Employment Base

Economic Composition

According to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Elevate Putnam, and economic development reports, the county's economy is anchored by:

Agriculture and forestry

Healthcare and social assistance

Manufacturing and logistics

Education and public administration

The county's real GDP exceeds $2.7 billion, reflecting steady but moderate economic activity rather than boom-and-bust cycles. & Land Stability

More than 134,000 acres of land in Putnam County remain in active agricultural use. This includes:

Row crops (notably potatoes and vegetables)

Pastureland for cattle

Timberland and managed forests

Agricultural continuity often protects surrounding vacant land from rapid rezoning and supports long-term rural stability, a key factor for land investors and lifestyle buyers. & Community Profile

According to U.S. Census, City-Data, and Niche:

Median age is in the mid-40s

Owner-occupancy rates exceed 70%

Household sizes average ~2.3-2.4 persons

Population growth is modest but positive since 2020

These metrics indicate a stable, rooted population rather than transient or speculative occupancy. & Community Infrastructure

Putnam County School District operates public schools across the county, serving both incorporated and rural areas. While school assignments vary by location, the district provides K-12 education county-wide, supporting permanent residency in rural settings.

Healthcare access, county services, and retail infrastructure are primarily centered around Palatka and smaller service hubs throughout the county.

Crime & Public Safety Context

Crime data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, City-Data, and CrimeGrade indicate:

Crime rates vary by municipality

Rural areas generally experience lower crime rates than urban cores

Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime county-wide

As with all land purchases, buyers are encouraged to evaluate the specific area rather than relying on county-wide averages. Buyers Choose Vacant Land in Putnam County

Across listings and transactions, buyers frequently cite:

Affordability relative to coastal Florida

Larger lot sizes and more space

Fewer HOAs and private restrictions

Access to lakes, forests, and public land

Central Florida location without metro congestion

Low holding costs for unimproved land

Putnam County appeals to buyers seeking control, patience, and long-term ownership, rather than instant development or resale hype.

Conclusion

Putnam County, Florida represents a measured, transparent, and land-friendly environment. Guided by a comprehensive planning framework, supported by detailed GIS data, and grounded in agriculture and conservation, the county offers a stable setting for vacant-land ownership.

Whether a buyer's goal is long-term holding, future residential use, recreation access, or legacy land ownership, Putnam County provides the regulatory clarity, environmental resources, and economic consistency that land buyers value.

Sources include: Putnam County Planning & Zoning, Municode Land Development Code, Putnam County GIS & Data Hub, Putnam County Comprehensive Plan, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Elevate Putnam, U.S. Census Bureau, City-Data, Niche, Florida geological data, and publicly available economic development reports.

All facts and figures above are derived from documented sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Noaa, Uf/Ifas, the Florida Department of Agriculture, St. Johns River Water Management District, and public conservation agencies. ]