Florida, known for its vibrant lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and sunny weather, offers an array of cities and towns that stand out as the best places to live in the Sunshine State. When it comes to finding your ideal home, Florida has something for everyone, from bustling urban centers to serene coastal communities.
One of the best places to live in Florida is Miami, a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends cultural diversity, entertainment, and a thriving job market. The city's iconic skyline, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife make it an attractive choice for those seeking an urban lifestyle.
Heading north along the Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale emerges as another contender for the best places to live in Florida. Renowned for its picturesque canals, upscale neighborhoods, and a flourishing arts scene, Fort Lauderdale provides a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.
For those who prefer a slower pace and a strong sense of community, consider Naples on the Gulf Coast. This affluent city boasts pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and top-notch golf courses, making it a haven for those seeking a luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle.
Best Places to Live in Florida
In contrast, the vibrant city of Orlando in central Florida is celebrated for its world-famous theme parks, diverse entertainment options, and a rapidly growing job market. This family-friendly destination is often considered one of the best places to live in Florida due to its energetic atmosphere and numerous recreational opportunities.
On the Gulf Coast, Sarasota stands out as a cultural hub with its renowned arts scene, upscale dining, and stunning beaches. The city's charming neighborhoods and cultural events contribute to its reputation as one of the best places to live in Florida.
For those seeking a blend of city living and natural beauty, Tampa is a compelling choice. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa offers a diverse job market, a rich cultural scene, and an abundance of outdoor activities, making it one of the best places to live in Florida.
The city of St. Augustine, with its historic charm and cobblestone streets, provides a unique living experience on the northeast coast. As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine offers a blend of history, culture, and coastal living, earning its spot among the best places to live in Florida.
Miami
Arguably the most vibrant city in the Sunshine State, Miami packs a punch, and the typical home value in this coastal metropolis is $474,701. Of course, there are many different neighborhoods in this large, bustling city, with major price differences between South Beach and inland communities, for example.
Still, as a global hub of finance, culture, arts, and international trade, Miami offers its residents a unique blend of business opportunities, Florida-Cuban culture, sizzling nightlife, fascinating history, and seaside living.
If you want big-city living with a tropical twist, Miami is your best bet. It can be a pricey place to live, but the unemployment rate here is 1.7%, much lower than the national average, and while the per capita personal income is $55,477 in the U.S., you can expect to make more in Miami, at $64,849, which can balance out the higher costs of living.
West Palm Beach
Want to be close to Miami without the anonymity of big-city living? Move to West Palm Beach, where the typical home value is $437,939 (up a dramatic 28.8% from 2021 to 2022).
While this world-class city has all the perks of a much larger metro, it has retained an air of small-town charm thanks to its historic neighborhoods, longtime locals, and strict commitment to purposeful development.
Ritzy Palm Beach is just over the bridge, Miami is a quick hour away on the Brightline, and there are three international airports within a 70-mile radius, so it’s easy to get anywhere else you want to go, too.
West Palm Beach has a population slightly under 118,000 and an unemployment rate of 2.3%. While the cost of living is higher than in less desirable metros, Palm Beach County has the highest average salary in the state of Florida, at $61,040, and in recent years, has led the state’s growth in terms of income and population.
What West Palm Beach lacks in affordable housing, it makes up for in employment opportunities, outdoor activities (especially those in and around the water, including snorkeling and board sports), and lively arts, culture, and entertainment scenes downtown — there are Broadway shows, art galleries, and open-air amphitheaters within a few square miles.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, the biggest city in Florida (and, believe it or not, the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S.), has a typical home value of $378,914 — lower than the statewide number, but a bit higher than the national value.
Add to that the abundant employment opportunities (the unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 2.5%), 22 miles of beaches, well-connected highways, 270 days of sunshine per year, a top public school district in Florida, and tons of things to do, and you’ll see why so many families flock to this city. It’s also one of Florida’s youngest cities, with an average age of 36, and home to the largest urban park system in the nation, according to Visit Jacksonville.
Tampa
Located on the scenic Tampa Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a hub for business, cultural institutions, and outdoor activities, with some of the state’s top restaurants and a high standard of living.
Plus, the popular Busch Gardens amusement park is just as fun as any Orlando theme park, with no long drive required (though Orlando is about an hour and a half away if you want to make the trip).
You can head to Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers in the early 1900s, for dining and nightlife unlike anything else you’ll find in the Sunshine State. Across the bay, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are becoming increasingly popular for relocations by young professionals and families.
There’s a lot to do and see here, and job prospects are good, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%. One of the most desirable locations to live in Florida, Tampa's typical home value is $391,314.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is a small city near Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southwest coast. Its population of about 204,500 enjoys living near Gulf Coast beaches, golf courses, and other attractions, including 400 miles of canals (and thus ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports). Here, the typical home value is $431,137, up 27.7% from 2021 to 2022.
If you want the full Florida experience, you can trust there are a lot of ways to enjoy being outside in Cape Coral, including tennis courts and nature preserves. Plus, you’ll share your hometown with some of Florida’s most charming wildlife, like manatees and birds. Life is quieter and slower in Cape Coral, and for some, that’s exactly the goal.
Orlando
Orlando, one of the most popular cities in Florida, has a typical home value of $402,064 and an unemployment rate of 2.8%.
As one of the top tourist destinations in the state — Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks and various other attractions — this city has no shortage of things to do.
You can choose from a range of lifestyles, from downtown condo living to suburban single family homes. There’s also a top-tier university drawing thousands of students each year, so the city is poised to continue growing.
The Villages
The Villages, a massive, master-planned, age-restricted community covering portions of Lake and Marion counties in central Florida, is the top active adult retirement community in the nation.
With three old-fashioned town squares (all with nightly live entertainment), world-class medical facilities, boutique shopping, and plenty of recreation opportunities, it’s like living at Disney World for those of a certain age.
Plus, nearly all of the 32-square-mile community is connected via a golf cart path, so despite the concentration of things to do, you can forget the headaches of highway traffic.
While only those ages 55 and up can live in The Villages-owned communities, anyone can move into the surrounding neighborhoods and benefit from the array of facilities open to the public.
According to Zillow, the typical home value in The Villages is $438,197. And it’s only getting better: Typical home values in The Villages increased a whopping 34.6% between 2021 and 2022.
Ocala
Ocala has long been a haven for horse lovers, thanks to its thriving equine community, and it's also one of the top 10 metros in Florida with the lowest typical home values, according to Zillow. As of October 2022, the typical home price in Ocala was $289,855, lower than the U.S. value.
The city may be on the smaller side, but within an hour or two of driving, you can reach beaches, the theme parks of Orlando, and some of the most beautiful springs in Florida.
Plus, with the recent opening of an $800 million resort — and the fact that it's one of the top Florida metros seeing the highest increase in typical home values from 2021 to 2022, rising 32.8% year over year, according to Zillow — it’s safe to say Ocala is on the rise.
Lake City
Lake City in northern Florida is another option close to the state's stunning natural springs, but there's also history, cultural attractions, state parks, boutique shopping, and — thanks to its location just below the Georgia line — some mouthwatering Southern cooking.
If you want to move to Florida, but can’t afford expensive destinations like Naples or Key West, Lake City, with a population of about 12,000 — is a solid option. Lake City saw a large increase in typical home values from 2021 to 2022, rising 27% to $238,698, but it was still well below the national number.
FAQ
Q1: What are some key factors to consider when choosing the best places to live in Florida?
A1: Florida's best places to live depend on factors like cost of living, job opportunities, climate preferences, and access to amenities. Research areas with favorable conditions that align with your priorities.
Q2: Are there specific cities in Florida known for a low cost of living?
A2: Yes, some Florida cities with a lower cost of living include Lakeland, Ocala, and Gainesville. These areas often offer affordable housing and a reasonable overall cost of living.
Q3: What is the typical climate in the best places to live in Florida?
A3: The climate varies, but most desirable places in Florida experience a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Coastal areas may have higher humidity, while inland areas may be drier.
Q4: Which cities in Florida offer good job opportunities and a thriving economy?
A4: Cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are known for robust job markets and diverse economies. Consider these areas if you're seeking ample employment opportunities.
Q5: What are some popular recreational activities available in Florida's best places to live?
A5: Florida offers a range of recreational activities, including water sports, theme parks, and nature exploration. Cities like Sarasota and Naples are known for cultural attractions and beautiful beaches, catering to various interests.
Conclusion: In southwest Florida, Naples beckons with its upscale amenities, pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle.
Whether you're drawn to the excitement of urban living, the tranquility of coastal communities, or the rich history of charming towns, Florida has a diverse range of options that consistently rank as the best places to live in Florida. Each city offers its own unique blend of amenities and attractions, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every lifestyle and preference in the Sunshine State.
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