Whether you are looking for a place to retire, raise a family, start a career, or enjoy a vacation, you will find something that suits your needs and preferences in Florida.
Florida is a state that attracts many people with its warm weather, beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and abundant opportunities.
But with so many options, how do to decide where to live in Florida? For your decision, we have compiled a list of the best places to live in Florida based on different criteria, such as affordability, safety, education, health, entertainment, and more.
We have also categorized the best places to live in Florida for different types of people, such as retirees, families, young professionals, and nature lovers.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees
If you are looking for a place to live in Florida that offers a comfortable and relaxing lifestyle for retirees, you might want to consider these cities that have a low tax burden, a mild climate, a good health care system, and plenty of activities and amenities for seniors:
Sarasota :
Sarasota is a city on the Gulf Coast with a population of about 60,000 people. 35% of the population consists of seniors. The median household income in Sarasota is $51,000, and the median home price is $285,725.
It boasts one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, with no state income tax and a low property tax rate. Sarasota also enjoys a great climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The city offers a robust healthcare system with several top-ranked hospitals and medical centers in the state and the nation. Moreover, Sarasota is known for its rich and diverse culture, offering a mix of arts, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.
Fort Myers :
Fort Myers is a city in southwest Florida with a population of about 87,000 people. 23% of its residents are seniors. The city has a median household income of $44,000 and a median home price of $285,725. It’s known for having one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, thanks to no state income tax and a low sales tax rate.
Fort Myers also boasts a sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Its healthcare system is robust, offering access to some of the best regional hospitals and medical centers.
The city has a thriving economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, providing ample job opportunities for retirees. Fort Myers offers various activities and amenities for retirees, including attractions like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the Fort Myers River District, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and Fort Myers Beach.
Port St. Lucie :
Port St. Lucie is a city on the Atlantic Coast with a population of about 200,000 people, and 19% of them are seniors. The city has a median household income of $59,000 and a median home price of $329,450. It stands out for having one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, featuring no state income tax and a low property tax rate.
Port St. Lucie enjoys a pleasant climate with mild winters and hot summers. The city’s healthcare system is robust, offering access to some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the area. The local economy is on the rise, primarily driven by the biotechnology and research industry, providing numerous job opportunities for retirees.
Port St. Lucie offers a range of activities and amenities for retirees, including the PGA Village and other attractions. such as the PGA Village, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, the Savannas Preserve State Park, and the Hutchinson Island.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Families
If you are looking for a place to live in Florida that offers a family-friendly environment and a high quality of life for parents and children, you might want to consider these cities that have low crime rates, good schools, low-cost housing, and plenty of amenities for kids and parents:
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida and the 12th largest city in the country has a population of about 900,000 people. Among them, 23% are children. The city boasts a median household income of $61,000 and a median home price of $285,725. Jacksonville is recognized for its low crime rate, with a violent crime rate that is 18% lower than the national average and a property crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average.
The city offers a good school system with several public and private schools rated among the best in the state and the nation. In addition, Jacksonville provides numerous attractions and events for families, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
Kissimmee
Kissimmee, a city in central Florida, is home to around 72,000 people, with 25% being children. The city features a median household income of $46,000 and a median home price of $285,725. Kissimmee stands out for its low crime rate, with a violent crime rate 28% lower than the national average and a property crime rate 16% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a good school system, including several public and charter schools that are highly rated in the state and the nation. Moreover, Kissimmee offers a plethora of attractions and events for families, including the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, the SeaWorld Orlando, and the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.
Lakeland
Lakeland, a city in central Florida, is home to approximately 110,000 people, with 22% being children. The city features a median household income of $51,000 and a median home price of $285,725. Lakeland stands out for its low crime rate, with a violent crime rate that is 22% lower than the national average and a property crime rate that is 10% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a good school system, offering several public and private schools that are highly rated in the state and the nation. Additionally, Lakeland offers various attractions and events for families, including the Florida Air Museum, the Circle B Bar Reserve, the Polk Theatre, and the Lakeland Pigfest.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Professionals
If you are looking for a place to live in Florida that offers a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle for young professionals, you might want to consider these cities that have a large population of millennials, a strong job market, a low cost of living, and a diverse and fun culture:
Orlando
Orlando, the fourth-largest city in Florida and the 23rd-largest city in the country is home to around 290,000 people, with 28% being millennials. The city features a median household income of $52,000 and a median home price of $285,725.
Orlando boasts one of the best job markets in the country, with an unemployment rate of 3.0% and a presence of major industries in tourism, entertainment, technology, and education, making it renowned. Its culture is diverse and fun, offering a mix of arts, sports, nightlife, and outdoor recreation.
For young professionals, Orlando provides a wealth of activities and amenities, including Universal Studios Florida, the Orlando Magic, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and Lake Eola Park.
Tampa
Tampa, the third-largest city in Florida and the 48th-largest city in the country has a population of about 400,000 people, with 26% being millennials. The city features a median household income of $56,000 and a median home price of $285,725.
Tampa’s known for its one of the best job markets in the country, featuring an unemployment rate of 3.0% and a presence of major industries like finance, health care, technology, and manufacturing. Its culture is diverse and enjoyable, offering a mix of history, cuisine, nightlife, and outdoor recreation.
For young professionals, Tampa provides a variety of activities and amenities, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Ybor City Historic District, and the Tampa Riverwalk.
Miami
Miami, the second-largest city in Florida and the 42nd-largest city in the country is home to approximately 470,000 people, with 25% being millennials. The city features a median household income of $41,000 and a median home price of $329,450.
Miami is renowned for having one of the best job markets in the country, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, and a presence of major industries like trade, tourism, media, and entertainment. Its culture is diverse and enjoyable, offering a mix of history, cuisine, nightlife, and outdoor recreation.
For young professionals, Miami provides a variety of activities and amenities, including Miami Beach, the Miami Heat, the Wynwood Arts District, and the Everglades National Park.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Nature Lovers
For those who have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and natural beauty, Florida provides a plethora of destinations that offer close proximity to nature’s finest offerings. Here are some of the best places for nature enthusiasts to call home:
- Naples: Known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and high-end shopping, Naples is also a haven for nature lovers. The city is close to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a significant nesting area for the endangered wood stork, and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature walks.
- Gainesville: Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is not just a college town but also a gateway to numerous nature preserves and parks. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park are just a couple of the natural attractions that offer unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Vero Beach: This tranquil city offers a slower pace of life along with access to some of Florida’s most beautiful natural resources. The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the first designated wildlife refuge in the United States, is located here, along with the Indian River Lagoon, teeming with marine life.
Florida’s allure is undeniable, with its year-round sunshine, cultural diversity, and endless entertainment options. Whether you’re settling down for retirement, looking for a vibrant community for your family, seeking career growth, or simply wishing to be surrounded by nature, Florida has a place for you. The cities listed above are just a starting point for anyone considering a move to the Sunshine State. With careful consideration of your personal needs and preferences, you can find the perfect Florida city to call home
