Quincy vs. Midway: Where Your Home Budget Goes Further

Trying to stretch your home budget in the Big Bend? If Quincy and Midway are on your shortlist, you are likely weighing space, price, commute time, and the trade-off between city services and rural freedom. You want good value without surprises later. In this guide, you will see how each area tends to deliver value, what ownership costs to expect, and how to compare the two side by side so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Quick take: Which fits you best

• Choose Quincy if you want in-town conveniences, municipal services, and a small-city feel with a historic core.
• Choose Midway if you want more land, rural or exurban living patterns, and typically a shorter drive to Tallahassee.
• Both areas sit in Gadsden County, with Tallahassee as the main employment and services hub. Your decision comes down to how you balance space, services, and commute.

Quincy vs. Midway at a glance

Community feel

• Quincy is an incorporated city and the county seat. You will find a small-city vibe with a historic downtown and municipal services.
• Midway is unincorporated and more suburban to rural in character. Many homes sit on larger lots with more privacy and room for outbuildings.

Housing and land

• Quincy offers a mix of historic homes, in-town lots, newer subdivisions, and some agricultural parcels around the edge of the city.
• Midway more often features single-family homes on larger lots, manufactured homes, mini-farms, and acreage. Private wells and septic systems are common on rural parcels.

Commute to Tallahassee

• Tallahassee is the primary employment and services center for both communities. Most residents commute by car.
• Midway is generally closer to Tallahassee. That often means less daily mileage and time on the road compared with Quincy.
• Main routes include I-10, U.S. 90, and state highways. Public transit is limited, so plan on driving.

Utilities and services

• Inside Quincy city limits, many properties have municipal water and sewer available, along with city-managed services.
• In Midway and rural parts of Gadsden County, expect private well and septic on many parcels, county-maintained roads in some areas, and private drives on acreage.

Taxes and fees

• Both are in Gadsden County, so county millage applies to each.
• Properties inside Quincy may also be subject to municipal taxes and city fees. Unincorporated Midway typically avoids city millage but may fall within special districts.

Zoning and flexibility

• Quincy has city zoning and permits that govern projects like accessory buildings, short-term rentals, and subdivisions inside city limits.
• Midway properties follow county land-use rules. Rural zoning can be more flexible for barns, small agricultural uses, and larger accessory structures, subject to septic, setbacks, and environmental rules.

Insurance and environmental checks

• Check FEMA flood maps for any parcel’s flood zone status. Flood risk and required coverage can vary by lot and elevation.
• Rural homes can be farther from fire stations. That can affect insurance costs and response times.
• For properties with wells and septic, plan for water testing and septic inspections before you buy.

What “value and space” often looks like

You will usually see smaller in-town lots and walkable access to city services in Quincy. Value can come from an efficient footprint with quick access to county offices and local retail. Around the outskirts, you will find some agricultural and larger-lot options.

In Midway, your budget often buys more land per dollar. If you want elbow room, privacy, space for a workshop, or a small hobby setup, Midway’s lot sizes and rural patterns tend to fit. Many buyers prioritize 1 acre or more and accept well and septic systems as part of the trade-off for space.

Commute and daily life

For many buyers, the commute to Tallahassee is a deciding factor. Most residents in both areas drive to work, health care, higher education, and major shopping in Tallahassee. Morning and evening peaks can add time, especially around I-10 corridors and U.S. 90. If a shorter commute matters, Midway’s proximity often wins. If you prefer a small-city setting with a defined downtown and city services, Quincy’s in-town lifestyle can be worth the extra miles.

Tip: Before you decide, map your likely routes at both peak and off-peak hours and compare fuel and time costs over a month. The daily savings can be significant.

Ownership costs to plan for

Understanding long-term costs helps you compare apples to apples.

• Property taxes: County millage applies in both areas, and properties inside Quincy may also pay city taxes and fees. Always compare a similar home inside city limits and a similar one outside to see the difference on an annual basis.
• Utilities: Municipal water and sewer in Quincy can simplify maintenance. In Midway and rural parcels, budget for well and septic upkeep. Septic inspection and a recent pump-out record are important due diligence items.
• Roads and driveways: Inside city limits, most roads are publicly maintained. On acreage, especially private drives, ongoing maintenance is your responsibility.
• Internet and power: Service options can vary on rural acreage. Confirm providers, speeds, and installation costs before you write an offer.
• Insurance: Flood zone status, distance to a fire station, and home features can affect premiums. Ask your insurance broker for property-specific estimates during the inspection window.

How to compare the two step by step

Use this checklist to make a clean, side-by-side decision.

1. Define your must-haves

• Minimum lot size and acceptable septic/well setup
• Commute time limits and main routes you will use
• Preference for city services versus rural flexibility

2. Pull current market data

• Median sale price and price per square foot for each area over the last 6 to 12 months
• Inventory, days on market, and months of supply
• Lot size distribution and the share of manufactured versus site-built homes

3. Ground-truth the commute

• Test peak and off-peak drive times for at least two likely routes from each area
• Note any regular congestion points along I-10 or U.S. 90

4. Verify taxes and utilities

• Compare projected tax bills for similar properties inside Quincy and in unincorporated Midway
• Confirm water, sewer, or well and septic details for each property you like

5. Confirm zoning and use

• If you plan a workshop, animals, or a home business, verify permitted uses, accessory buildings, and any acreage minimums for your target parcels

6. Risk and inspections

• Check FEMA flood mapping for each address
• Order well water testing and a septic inspection for rural homes
• Ask your insurance agent for property-specific quotes before you finalize

Special considerations for acreage buyers

• Access and easements: Make sure you have clear, recorded access and understand any shared road maintenance.
• Boundaries and surveys: Get a current boundary survey if one is not available. Confirm fence lines and improvements are inside the property.
• Outbuildings and additions: Verify permits and setbacks for any existing or planned structures.
• Long-term maintenance: Budget for mowing, brush clearing, driveway upkeep, and periodic septic service.

Resale and long-term value

Buyer pools can differ between in-town homes on smaller lots and rural acreage. Acreage homes may attract buyers who value space and privacy. In-town homes may appeal to those who prioritize city services and convenience. Days on market and pricing trends can vary by product type, not just location. When you compare Quincy and Midway, look at recent sales for homes that match your target property type.

Your next move

Choosing between Quincy and Midway comes down to your priorities. If space, privacy, and a shorter Tallahassee commute top your list, Midway often delivers. If you want city services and a defined small-city setting, Quincy can be the better fit. Either way, a clear, data-backed comparison will show where your budget goes the farthest for the life you want.

If you want local, boots-on-the-ground guidance and current data pulled from the MLS and county records, reach out to me. I will help you compare real homes, real commute times, and real ownership costs so you can move forward with confidence. Connect with Trey Cooper III to get started today.

FAQs

Which area offers more land for the money in Gadsden County?

• Midway often provides larger lots and acreage options, while Quincy more often offers smaller in-town lots and city services.

How do commute times to Tallahassee compare between Quincy and Midway?

• Midway is generally closer to Tallahassee, so daily mileage and drive time are often lower compared with Quincy, especially during peak hours.

Are there extra city taxes in Quincy compared to Midway?

• Properties inside Quincy city limits may pay municipal taxes and fees in addition to county millage, while unincorporated Midway typically avoids city millage.

Will I have city water and sewer in Quincy or Midway?

• Many Quincy properties have municipal water and sewer, while Midway and rural parcels often rely on private wells and septic systems.

What hidden costs should I expect on acreage in this area?

• Plan for septic and well maintenance, private driveway upkeep, potential higher insurance from distance to fire stations, and periodic land management.