Article Overview: Best Places to Live in Florida

If you’re looking to make a move to one of the best places to live in Florida you’ve come to the right place! I’ve bounced around the state quite a bit myself over the years and now know the state inside and out.

Florida isn’t for everyone but I’d say there’s a place here for most people. While I have my personal favorite places to live in Florida this list is based on more than just a gut feeling.

For this list of the best places to live in Florida I’ve ranked cities based on a number of criteria and included important statistics for each including:

• Population
• Median Age
• Median Home Price
• Median Income
• Cost of Living
• Unemployment Rate
• City Walkability
• Rainfall
• Sunshine

Ready to get started? Let go!

Note: This post is part of the Best Places to Live Series, wherein locals share honest insights of the things they like (and dislike) about living in different places. If you’d like to reach out to the author directly with questions, please do so in the comments below and our team will ensure it gets to the right person.

The Best Places to Live in Florida

Top 15 Best Places to Live in Florida

15. Boca Raton

Starting off our list of the best places to live in Florida is Boca Raton. If you imagine a picturesque Florida city to live in your mind, it likely looks just like Boca Raton. Palm trees, beautiful water, right on the ocean, what more can you ask for?

Boca Raton is located on the east coast of Florida in Palm Beach County, about 45 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and about 50 miles south of West Palm Beach. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and golf courses, as well as its upscale shopping and dining.

Home to Florida Atlantic University, it’s also a bit of a college town with youthful flair. It seems the word is out about Boca Raton as it’s seen a huge influx in new residents in the past 5 years. Along with this influx has come higher prices all around which are expected to continue rising in the coming years.

14. Gainesville

As far as the best cities to live in Florida go, Gainesville is the youngest and one of the most affordable. The average age of residents here is just 26.4 years old due primarily to the University of Florida calling Gainesville home.

Owning a home is still an attainable dream in Gainesville as the median home price is $300,00, a whopping 31% lower than the national average of $428,700.

13. Fort Myers

Fort Myers is located on the southwest coast of Florida, about 100 miles south of Tampa. It’s the county seat of Lee County known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundance of recreational opportunities.

While I’d say it isn’t as desirable as Naples just 30 miles to the south, it’s much more affordable. As far as the best places to live in Florida, Fort Myers is certainly on the quieter side with a suburban neighborhood vibe.

There’s a few popular tourist attractions here including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which feature the homes and laboratories of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. There’s also the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, which offers educational exhibits and planetarium shows.

If you’re big into the outdoors and nature there’s a variety of water sports in Fort Myers, including fishing, boating, and jet skiing. There’s also several parks and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is pretty cool as well.

12. Pensacola

As far as the friendliest cities on our list of the best places to live in Florida, Pensacola ranks near the top. This is one of the those towns where everyone waves to each other on the streets (except during tourist season).

In Pensacola you’ll find beautiful beaches and lots do. The downtown scene is lively with great restaurants, entertainment include the beloved minor league baseball team (The Blue Wahoos), and solid local breweries. It’s clear that Pensacola has begun to really cater to millennials.

To that end, the median age here is under 40 at 36.8 so there’s great youthful energy.

Nature nuts have lots to choose from with plenty of hiking trails and places to kayak. Wildlife here is abundant with deer, osprey, heron, eagles, pelicans, bears, manta rays, dolphins, you name it.

11. Tallahassee

Tallahassee is the capital of of Florida. It’s located in the panhandle of the state, about halfway between Jacksonville and Pensacola.

As far as the best places in Florida to live for intellectuals goes, Tallahassee could be the spot. Tallahassee is the Florida’s most educated city with more than half the residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Here you’ll find an impressive arts & cultural scene with 15 museums and 24 art galleries.

Here you’ll find Florida State University and Florida A&M University which give the city a median age of 27.2 years.

Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida

10. Cape Coral

Cape Coral is located in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. With has a population of around 180,000 people, Cape Coral is known for its extensive canal system, which connects the city in a charming Venice style way.

From folks I know, it seems that owning a boat here really makes a huge difference in overall enjoyment as it unlocks access to much of most enjoyable parts of the city. In fact, there are over 400 miles of canals in Cape Coral!

In Cape Coral you’ll find a slower pace of life than the nearby Fort Myers. There’s a plethora of great restaurants and nice parks, but little in the way of nightlife.

9. Melbourne

Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513 and the place where the University of Florida was originally intended to be, there are a lot of folks who think Melbourne is the best city to live in Florida.

If you’re a space fanatic then it’s hard to imagine picking a better city to live in Florida than Melbourne as the Kennedy Space Center is less than an hour away.

Melbourne is a small city with small city vibes so if you’re moving from a big city (looking at you New Yorkers) then you might find there’s not enough to do here. With that being said, a lot of folks find the smaller city laid back vibe refreshing.

In any event Melbourne is worth considering as one of the best places to live in Florida.

8. Orlando

As the most famous city on this list of the best places to live in Florida, people are bound to have strong feelings about Orlando (many of which you’ll find in the comments below). The home of every kid’s dream destination, Disney World, there’s no shortage of things to do here.

The catch is that a lot of those things require a lot of money. However, residents get big time breaks on lots of the major attractions so if you live for theme parks then there’s no better place to live in Florida (or the world).

This statistic may come as a shock to some but Orlando is the most visited destination in the world with a staggering 75 million people making the trek in 2019 (prior to the pandemic).

The downtown area of Orlando has a lot going on and is very lively with great restaurants, tasty coffee, and plenty to do. Part of that might have something to do with the average age of residents being under 34 years of age.

Despite the state’s reputation, living in Orlando you’ll find one best places to live in Florida for the LGBTQ community with a reputation for inclusiveness.

For more, check out our helpful article about Living in Orlando!

7. St. Augustine

As one of the smallest cities on our list of the best places to live in Florida, St. Augustine is a charming little town with a lot to offer. The downtown area of St. Augustine is beautiful with lovely little shops and just walking around is really enjoyable.

The word is out about the town with tourists inundating it at times so if you’re moving here consider living outside of the downtown area to minimize traffic and stress.

There’s lots to do here including live music, great bars, and beautiful scenery. As a relatively small town, the walkability is fantastic. One of the top comments we here about St. Augustine is that it’s great to visit but perhaps less so to actually live here.

This list is fluid and responsive to comments so let us know what you think if you live here!

6. Sarasota

For one of the best cities to live in Florida with a high median age (a hair shy 49 years old) there’s a surprising amount to do in Sarasota, especially during “the season”.

Here you’ll find great restaurants and a lively downtown area that’s not as swamped with tourists as other Florida towns. Sarasota feels less touristy than other popular Florida cities and more like a place where people actually work and live.

With that being said, the Siesta area is a tourist hot spot so keep that in mind if you’re considering moving here. Sarasota is a great place to retire and/or to raise a family, probably more so than a place for singles in their 20s and 30s.

While there’s a good bit of things to do here it’s the kind of town that closes around 10pm for what it’s worth.

Top 5 Best Places to Live in Florida

5. Naples

Naples is one of the most expensive places to live in Florida with a cost of living 11% higher than the national average. Homes here are pricey too, especially for Florida with a current median home price well above $600k.

However, with the high prices comes a pretty great place to live, if you can afford it. The quality of life in Naples is much higher than the Florida average.

One consideration is the average age of residents in Naples is 65+ meaning its a retirement haven. With that age group comes lots of complaints of NIMBY attitudes (think Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino – Not In My Backyard).

If you need to commute for work then prepare for lots of traffic.

Also worth noting is that Naples has some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Florida so prepare to purchase that storage plan for your phone to keep up with the amount of photos you’ll be taking living here.

4. St. Petersburg

If you’re looking at the stats above and thought the sunshine number was a typo, it wasn’t. One of the things that makes St. Petersburg one of the best places to live in Florida is it’s well earned moniker of “Sunshine City”.

On average, there are only four days per year when the sun doesn’t shine on St. Petersburg.

Another major pro of living in St. Petersburg is that it’s one of the most affordable urban waterfront areas left in the US. There’s also lots of great public waterfront access here.

While there have been complaints of an ever-shrinking middle class here in recent years the portal hasn’t yet closed on affordable housing here like it has in much of the rest of the country.

St. Petersburg is quite a mixing pot of folks from all over the country and the world with a huge percentage of residents not from here which means making friends is easier.

3. Miami

Cracking the top 3 best places to live in Florida is Miami with a lot of tremendous pros and some really devastating cons.

Starting with pros, Miami has a vibrant arts and culture scene coming from the incredible mix of people who live here. The Latin food scene is second to none in the US and the energy of the city is truly alive.

The ocean keeps the city cooler than a lot of Florida cities making the summer heat more tolerable and the winters downright dreamy. You’ll also feel the ocean breezes more often as Miami is one of the most walkable places to live in Florida.

On the cons side of living in Miami is it’s incredibly expensive for Florida (18% higher than the national average) and with a median income of just $23,425 it’s hard for a lot of folks to make ends meet. Add in a median home price of more than $560K and owning a home is nearly impossible for regular folks.

As with many big cities there are complaints of the hustle or die mentality that comes across especially strong here as this was literally true for a good percentage of the folks who migrated here. Many folks feel that they have to be guarded in every transaction.

If you have a high paying job lined up then Miami is a magical place but if not strongly consider whether or not it’s the best city in Florida for you.

For more, check out our helpful article about Living in Miami!

2. Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the top two best places to live in Florida for a number of reasons. Let’s start with the neighborhoods which are beautiful and among the finest in the state.

All over the city you’ll find a variety of really great restaurants along with breweries, and a coffee scene increasingly tailored to the discerning millennial. It never seems like there’s a shortage of things to do in Jacksonville.

There’s a plethora of beautiful parks in and around the city as well as great access to the water (both the river and ocean). Living in Jacksonville you’ll find a younger Florida city with an average age of about 36 years.

On the downside, Jacksonville public transportation is not up to snuff and getting anywhere seems to require a 30 minute drive. Crime is on the rise but that seems to be the case everywhere.

For more, check out our helpful article about Living in Jacksonville!

1. Tampa

As the best place to live in Florida there’s a lot to love about Tampa. Starting with the social scene it seems like friends are easy to come by and there’s always something to do.

In recent years Tampa feels like a boom town with lots of new folks moving in along with new restaurants and bars that have revitalized an already energetic city.

The dreamy winters in Tampa are one of the things that put it at the top of our list of the best places to live in Florida. Another major upside is the history and culture scene are perhaps the best in all of Florida.

If you live near downtown then the walkability is really high but get outside of it and getting to things requires a drive. One of the top complaints here is just how spread out the bay area is.

Because everyone uses cars to get around traffic can be a real drag, especially for people with any sort of commute.

Best Places to Live in Florida FAQ

What are the best places to live in Florida for families?

If you’re looking for the best place to live in Florida for families I’ve listed six worth considering below.

• Parkland: Located in the northern suburbs of Miami, Parkland is known for its excellent public schools, low crime rate, and abundance of parks and recreational activities.
• Wellington: This village located in Palm Beach County is known for its top-rated schools, upscale neighborhoods, and abundance of horse-related activities.
• Winter Springs: This city is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, it offers a low crime rate, excellent schools, and plenty of parks and recreational opportunities for families.
• Cape Coral: This city is located in southwest Florida and offers a low cost of living, good schools, and access to a variety of recreational activities, such as boating and fishing.
• Port St. Lucie: This city offers a low cost of living, good schools, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing and golfing.
• Jacksonville: This city offers a diverse cultural scene, a growing job market, and access to a variety of recreational activities, such as beaches, as well as good schools and a low crime rate.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Florida?

• Pinecrest: This neighborhood is located in Miami-Dade County and is known for its upscale homes, excellent schools, and tree-lined streets.
• Maitland: This suburb of Orlando is known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and abundance of parks and recreational activities.
• Gulfport: This neighborhood is located near St. Petersburg and is known for its artsy and bohemian atmosphere, as well as its proximity to the beach.
• Winter Park: This suburb of Orlando is known for its upscale homes, excellent schools, and abundance of parks and recreational activities.

What’s the Most Affordable Place to Live in Florida?

If you’re looking for the most affordable places to live in Florida I’ve listed some to consider below:

• Leesburg: A small city in Central Florida known for its historic downtown and proximity to outdoor recreation.
• Palatka: A historic city located on the St. Johns River known for its charming downtown and beautiful parks.
• Ocala: A city in North Central Florida known for its horse farms and outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.
• Gainesville: A college town in North Central Florida, home of the University of Florida, known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene.
• Lake City: A small city in North Florida known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Deltona: A city in Central Florida known for its relatively low housing costs and proximity to beaches and recreational activities.
• Titusville: A city on the east coast of Florida known for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Canaveral National Seashore.
• Homosassa Springs: A small town on the Gulf coast of Florida known for its natural springs and wildlife parks.
• Winter Haven: A city in Central Florida known for its chain of lakes and citrus production.
• Bradenton: A Gulf coast city known for its beaches, cultural attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Port Orange: A city on the Atlantic coast of Florida known for its relatively low housing costs, scenic parks, and proximity to beaches.
• Lakeland: A city in Central Florida known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• St. Cloud: A city in Central Florida known for its historic downtown, relatively low housing costs and proximity to major attractions.
• Kissimmee: A city in Central Florida known for its proximity to theme parks, lakes and natural parks.
• North Port: A city in Southwest Florida known for its relatively low housing costs and proximity to beaches and recreational activities.
• De Land: A small city in Central Florida known for its historic downtown, cultural scene and proximity to beaches.
• New Smyrna Beach: A coastal city in East Florida known for its beaches, boating and fishing opportunities.

What are the best places to live in Florida for retirees?

As the top state for retirement there are a bunch of great places to retire in Florida. Try these:

• The Villages: This master-planned retirement community offers a wide variety of amenities, including golf courses, shopping centers, and recreational activities.
• Naples: Known for its beautiful beaches and upscale lifestyle, Naples offers retirees a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as access to medical facilities.
• Sarasota: This city offers retirees a mix of culture, recreation, and natural beauty, with a vibrant downtown area and access to several beaches.
• Port St. Lucie: This city offers retirees a lower cost of living and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing and golfing.
• Fort Myers: This city offers retirees access to a variety of recreational activities, including boating and fishing, as well as cultural attractions such as the Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall.
• Bradenton: This city offers retirees access to a variety of recreational activities, including boating and fishing, as well as cultural attractions such as the Village of the Arts and the South Florida Museum.

What are the best places to live in Florida for young adults?

Despite being known as a retirement destination there are still some great places to live in Florida for young people. Here are some of the top ones:

• Miami: Known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse cultural scene, Miami offers young adults plenty of entertainment options, as well as job opportunities in various industries.
• Orlando: This city is home to several major theme parks and attractions, making it a popular destination for young adults. It also offers a variety of job opportunities and a growing downtown area.
• Tampa: This city offers young adults access to a variety of recreational activities, including beaches and outdoor parks, as well as a growing job market and a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Gainesville: This city is home to the University of Florida and offers a college town atmosphere with a variety of cultural and recreational activities, as well as job opportunities in the tech and healthcare industries.
• Jacksonville: This city offers young adults access to a variety of recreational activities, such as beaches, as well as a growing job market and a diverse cultural scene.
• Tallahassee: This city is home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University and offers a college town atmosphere with a variety of cultural and recreational activities, as well as job opportunities in the government and healthcare industries.

Map of the Best Cities to Live in Florida

Summary of the Best Places to Live in Florida (List)

1. Tampa
2. Jacksonville
3. Miami
4. St. Petersburg
5. Naples
6. Orlando
7. St Augustine
8. Sarasota
9. Melbourne
10. Cape Coral
11. Tallahassee
12. Pensacola
13. Fort Myers
14. Gainesville
15. Boca Raton

Helpful Related Articles

Best Places to Live Florida: 15 Best Places to Live in Florida

Cheapest Places to Live Florida: 15 Cheapest Places to Live in Florida

Living in Florida: 20 Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

Living in Miami: 20 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Miami (Let’s Talk)

Living in Jacksonville: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Jacksonville

Living in Orlando: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Orlando, Florida (Local’s Guide)

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