Florida has a lot to offer with beautiful weather, gorgeous water and beaches, and plenty of sunshine. The question is, where are the best places to live in Florida? It’s hard to answer that because each person will have their preferences on what they want in a city.
Some people may prefer the beach while others might like the suburbs or even big cities. This article will provide you with an overview of some great cities to live in if you’re moving to Florida.
What Are The Best Cities To Live In Florida?
13. Coral Gables
Located just southwest of downtown Miami, Coral Gables is one of the wealthiest cities in America and has a reputation as a shopping destination with numerous international businesses.
Excellent weather and an excellent selection of natural attractions make the Coral Gables area a great place to call home. If you want the environment of a lush, tranquil, and safe place to raise your family, Coral Gables may be your ideal residence.
It has all the businesses and conveniences you would expect in a city, but the calm and serene nature of the place is ideal for growing children. Those who want to maximize their time in Miami should be happy with the convenient 20-minute drive to downtown.
12. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale beach, which has a great boardwalk, is the perfect place for visitors to relax. Second on the list of favorite local beaches is Las Olas, where the water is calm and a little more relaxing with plenty of city amenities.
The port in Fort Lauderdale is home to a variety of spectacular yachts, as well as several restaurants and stores. If you’d want to take a boat ride and stare at the opulence found in gigantic estates that line the waterways, then this is the place for you. Or, have a picnic in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and have a great afternoon.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale are distinct locations and neighborhoods; however, they are only a short distance away from one another. Florida’s many possibilities provide varied experiences for each individual, and you will certainly find that your preference depends on what you’re looking for.
Miami is around a 45-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale, which is located about 30 miles away. Compared to the other main metro areas in Florida, Fort Lauderdale is far more tranquil and safe. This means the whole family may enjoy living here and why we think it’s one of the best places to live in Florida.
11. Orlando
Orlando, known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” is located in the middle of Florida and annually attracts 55 million tourists. The city boasts 115 neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a top-notch health care system for citizens, in addition to several high-tech firms. Orlando has a total of about 25 colleges and universities.
In spite of the common assumption that central Florida is mostly for retirees, the majority of Orlando inhabitants are in their working years. Downtown Orlando is a prime destination for nightlife, gourmet food, and concerts, athletic events, and shows.
If you want to sample a drink in a below-freezing environment at a bar carved completely out of ice, then head to ICEBAR Orlando and check out the developing bar and craft beer scene.
Golf, art appreciation, outdoor activities, and water sports like waterskiing and jet skiing are all available in the Orlando area.
10. Cape Coral
Found in the southwest of Florida, Cape Coral is a city known for its large number of canals that are great for fishing and boating. The people love Cape Coral, but so do the manatees. Don’t be surprised if you see a manatee while out on a boating or kayaking trip.
Known as the largest city between Tampa and Miami, Cape Coral is situated in the Fort Myers area. Cape Coral, which has a population of roughly 140,000, is the eighth-largest city in Florida.
The number of young people living in the area has increased in recent years.
The Lee County Public School District has an increasing number of schools and is thus ranked high. The three neighboring desirable institutions are Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida College, and Cape Coral Technical College.
Cape Coral does not have its own beach, but Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach are about 15 miles apart.
Cape Coral, known as one of the cheapest areas to live in Florida, provides residents with lots of amenities and deals on things to do. One of the benefits of living in Cape Coral is the fact that it is quite safe, and this is one of the best cities to live in Florida.
9. Pensacola
Florida has few cities that can emulate Pensacola’s Southern charm. Although it is near to the Alabama border, this magnificent city is in Florida’s less known Panhandle, which is located in the state’s northwest.
It’s easy to see why individuals in the town favor a Southern accent and why the eateries love offering shrimp and grits.
Living in Pensacola, Florida, residents can be found in a bustling suburban atmosphere. Pensacola, which is not just one of the best cities to live in Florida, is a great weekend getaway or extended vacation spot for relaxing on pristine beaches.
A population of approximately 53,000 people resides in this coastal resort, which is famed for its pristine emerald waters and crystal white sand beaches.
The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, who lived there before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.
Despite having been controlled by the Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American governments at various points, Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags.”
Pensacola features a bustling downtown district with a plethora of arts and culture, specialty boutiques, and popular eateries. Navy pilots train here, home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Blue Angels Naval Aerobatics Team.
In addition to admiring all things aircraft, people like to fish in the deep Gulf waters of Pensacola.
You can both fish and watch aerobatics while out on the water. The locals were attracted to the neighborhood for its many work prospects, such as those in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism.
8. Gainesville
Located in the middle of the state, Gainesville has neither the enormous waves of the Gulf of Mexico nor the rolling breakers of the Atlantic Ocean. The central Florida city, however, does offer the natural splendor of seven nearby state parks.
Another one of the youngest cities on our list is Gainesville, FL, where only 10% of residents are 65 or older. The Florida’s University of Florida is the region’s largest employer, and it has a wealth of healthcare options.
Gainesville, Florida, is a well-known college town, home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.
The local community is supported by a strong healthcare system, with Shands HealthCare and North Florida Regional Medical Center leading the way, while the economy is dominated by such industries as education, tourism, and transportation.
7. Jupiter
The population of Jupiter, a municipality in Palm Beach County, Florida, is about 59,000, and they place the environment high on their list of priorities.
Jupiter has worked to become a “living green” community with air quality that is exceptional.
The Jupiter Seafood Festival was also born here. This is a three-day event made up of cuisine, music, and plenty of family fun, which you may not have heard of.
A fantastic public school system that gets 9/10 on GreatSchools is another plus for Jupiter, Florida, which is another one of the state’s greatest locations to live.
If you’re intending on living here for the long term, it’s good to know that there are plenty of leisure activities and services nearby, either within a short drive or within walking distance.
You’ll also find the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and Roger Dean Stadium to be intriguing and fun places to visit. Also, West Palm Beach and sandy beaches are just a short drive South making it one of the best places to live in Florida.
6. Miami
People tend to associate Miami with South Beach, the beach, and South Beach’s trendsetters and clubs. The attractions do obviously appeal to some, but the neighborhoods have much more to offer.
As a taste of the Caribbean, Little Havana and Little Haiti offer a delicious feast for the senses, and art deco architectural masterpieces make Miami a sophisticated destination, especially for those who love the beach and the sun. We also created an helpful article for 10 things you should know about moving to Miami. Be sure to check it out.
In Miami-Dade County, a number of health-related companies have established themselves, including Baptist Health South Florida and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
As one of the largest cities in Florida, Miami has a strong appeal to people because of its economic opportunities, excellent restaurants, art scene, and overall magnetism.
When deciding whether to relocate to Miami or Miami Beach, it’s important to consider the pluses and minuses of the city. It’s true that life in South Beach is really amazing, with gorgeous beaches, award-winning restaurants, and epic nightlife to be found there.
But there are also a few downsides, such as the crime rate and the sky-high cost of living, that are also the same as they are in many other big cities in the U.S. You absolutely have to explore Miami in Florida to realize if it is the appropriate location for you!
5. Sarasota
The coasts of Sarasota are home to long stretches of white sand beaches and shallow blue waters, including Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and Crescent Beach. Siesta Key, a family-friendly, stunning island vacation, has been voted America’s best beach year after year.
These are some of the most stunning beaches you will ever see.
It boasts a culture that is bursting with art of all kinds, from symphonies and ballet to opera and museums, to the roots and blues performers performing in the city’s nightclubs.
The food options in Sarasota County city are rather varied, and visitors will have no trouble finding the award-winning Sarasota craft beers.
This Florida west coast retirement destination has a high concentration of celebrities living in the city, people have plenty of options for relaxation, and there are many public parks and reserves to go to for a quick break from their busy lives.
If you’ve always wanted to view sparkling waters, you can witness plankton that grows in Sarasota Bay and tends to appear during the summer and fall. Enjoy this spectacular sight while out on a night kayaking trip.
In addition to the numerous hiking and bike paths that abound in Sarasota, there are other ways to appreciate the area’s stunning natural splendor.
4. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a place where nature dominates, so you can expect to have plenty of outdoor adventures here. In addition to a bustling downtown, Jacksonville’s massive urban park system is home to over 500 communities and boasts a strong cultural scene.
The city is surrounded by the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, with the health care, tourism, banking, and logistics industries providing excellent employment opportunities.
The city of Jacksonville is Florida’s largest metropolis and is the largest city in the Southeastern United States, with approximately 900,000 residents.
Jacksonville is located near the Georgia boundary in northern Florida. The city was named in honor of the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson.
3. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a beautiful city experiencing a boom, with a 14.42% population increase during 2013, leading to a significant influx of capital and wealth. When it comes to finding a place to live, there are various options available.
Although the median price is a little over the national average at $185,100, there are still several options for individuals who seek affordable or more luxurious housing.
Thanks to the area’s many transportation links and its proximity to Southwest Florida International Airport, getting about is easy; however, you may not want to go anywhere because of the region’s multitude of beautiful beaches, thriving culinary, music, and arts sectors.
The city of Fort Myers, Florida, is second only to Leisure World in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in terms of the most incredible retirement spots in America, with a typical age of 48 years old among its population.
People with money and a preference for high-end shopping, beautiful beaches, and great fishing are going to Fort Myers, Florida. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, both inventors, and industrialists, enjoyed Fort Myers so much that they acquired a holiday home.
The Edison Ford Winter Estates, home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, is open to the public today.
Fort Myers is the perfect place for retirees: Gated communities, yacht clubs, sophisticated dining, and stunning golf courses.
Fort Myers Beach is a seven-mile Gulf of Mexico beach that has become a spring break destination for those who enjoy spending the day in the sand. After being out in the sun all day, get some homemade ice cream at Love Boat.
However, if you don’t like crowded beaches, you might like Sanibel Island better. According to USA Today, the Best Florida Beach Towns list put Sanibel Island and Captiva Island in the number ten position. Only a short drive from Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is a great place to go shelling and to view animals. It is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
2. Tampa
Tampa is a fascinating melting pot of a city, with a dynamic metropolitan core and some of Florida’s most beautiful natural scenery. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are located in Tampa and part of the local sports scene.
The people of Tampa get to enjoy the benefits of both a big city vibe and a relaxing seaside community.
Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater are three cities in the Tampa Bay metro area in Florida. The neighborhood is known as a vacation destination and is a fashionable residential district.
The locals aren’t strangers to heat or heavy rainfall because of the long-term high temperatures.
It’s not just that Tampa is a prime eating destination; it’s also a great place to hang out at night. Tampa’s famous riverwalk, located in the residential district, allows residents to explore the many things that Tampa offers.
This 2.4-mile riverwalk features museums, restaurants, stores, and parks along its length. Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and Zoo Tampa in Lowry Park are three attractions in the area that should interest thrill-seekers and animal enthusiasts.
Even with its inexpensive cost of living and countless activities, it’s little wonder Tampa is a popular relocation destination.
Given its size, each area will have a completely different lifestyle. Still, there are a few things you can bet on regardless of where you end up:
- The mild weather.
- The friendliness of the people.
- The vibrant, lively attitude is as much a characteristic of the city as the beautiful beaches.
From our perspective, Tampa is one of the most favorable locations in Florida to live.
1. Naples
Naples is known for its high-end shopping and extravagant dining, but it’s also an affordable destination for families. The area has a sophisticated lifestyle along with a rich culture that makes Naples unique.
Only about two hours from Miami or Tampa, the city offers something different than other destinations in Florida.
Famous for high-end shopping and extravagant dining, this desirable southwest Florida city ranks at the top of our list for numerous reasons.
Situated next to the Gulf of Mexico and near the Everglades, Naples has become a prime destination for retirees and seasonal residents.
In addition, while the area is notorious for its sophisticated lifestyle and culture, Naples also happens to be an affordable destination.
There are so many things to do in Naples, Florida. Whether you want views of the ocean or downtown shopping, this is a perfect destination for any beach lover!
From wine and dine at The Turtle Club Restaurant, fresh-caught seafood can be enjoyed with an epic sunset view.
If fine dining isn’t your thing, then check out Fifth Avenue South or Third Street South, which have over 50 art galleries and local boutiques that will surely satisfy your appetite for culture & fashion.
Some of the benefits that Naples, Florida offers its residents include an expansive golf course selection, a low crime rate, and high-ranking schools.
In addition to these three factors – which many people may consider as necessities for living in any community – are other advantages such as year-round sunshine and warm weather.
Naples has an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, bringing it to the number one spot. This city is also home to over 80 golf courses and 20 marinas, so there are plenty of activities for those who enjoy sports.
Here are the 13 Best Places to Live in Florida:
- Naples.
- Tampa.
- Fort Myers.
- Jacksonville.
- Sarasota.
- Miami.
- Jupiter.
- Gainesville.
- Pensacola.
- Cape Coral.
- Orlando.
- Fort Lauderdale.
- Coral Gables.
Conclusion
This article highlights some of the best places to live in Florida if you’re considering moving to Florida. We’ve provided you with an overview of some great cities to live in if you’re relocating to Florida so that you can make your decision based on what matters most for your lifestyle and quality of life.
Daytona Beach almost made the list. We hope that this overview was helpful, and we would love for you to share it with your friends who are also looking at living in the Sunshine State!
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