Are you dreaming of sunny days, warm nights, and a relaxing life? If so, Florida might be the perfect place to call home. The Sunshine State is full of beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and cozy small towns. But with so many great places to live in Florida, how do you choose the right one?
From the vibrant vibes in Miami to the charm of new homes in Kissimmee, Florida, we’re counting down the top ten places to live in Florida. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or an empty nester, we have the perfect location for you.
1. Naples
Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. The ritzy neighborhood is a haven for anyone seeking a glamorous lifestyle with easy access to gorgeous beaches. Although the area is still a quieter part of the state, it’s growing fast, and is considered one of the wealthiest cities in Florida.
Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Florida, Naples is a popular destination for beach lovers and retirees. An avid golfer would enjoy the many golf courses. For those who prefer their entertainment indoors, Naples is also home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the Baker Museum of Art.
2. Sarasota
This city on the west coast of Florida is famous for its cultural attractions, including the Ringley Museum of Art and the Sarasota Ballet. Of course, the biggest draw for many is the Sarasota’s breathtaking natural beauty. The white sands of Siesta Key Beach offer the perfect spot to soak up the sun or try paddleboarding and other water activities.
For nature lovers, Myakka River State Park provides ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather. The State Park has numerous hiking and biking trails. Despite its many amenities, Sarasota still manages to retain a charming small-town feel.
3. Tampa
A thriving job market and excellent education opportunities make Tampa popular for families and career-oriented professionals. The Gulf Coast waterfront is surrounded by opportunities for boating, fishing, or just enjoying the stunning views. Tampa’s cost of living is lower than many other cities in Florida.
The city’s location makes it easily accessible to the surrounding areas. Tampa is home to the famous Busch Gardens theme park. Sports fans have several options to choose from among Tampa’s professional teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) call the city home, and the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) play in nearby St. Petersburg.
4. Jacksonville
More and more people are moving to Jacksonville, Florida. The city, nestled in the Northeast area of the state, saw a 14,000 boost in population between 2022 and 2023. What is so special about Jacksonville that is causing people to move there in droves?
As the largest city in Florida, Jacksonville offers endless opportunities for a financially stable and fulfilling lifestyle. The city boasts an estimated 22 miles of beaches where sun lovers can enjoy water sports or simply relax in the sun. Furthermore, Jacksonville has a thriving economy that’s perfect for families and first-time homeowners.
5. Kissimmee
Kissimmee, Florida, is located close to Walt Disney World, the world’s most visited theme park. It’s a prime location for those who work in the tourism industry or those who love the magic of Disney parks. Kissimmee is generally considered one of the most affordable cities in Central Florida.
If you’re not a fan of theme parks, Kissimmee is also home to numerous lakes, parks, and trails for nature lovers. The Historic Downtown Kissimmee area boasts unique shops and restaurants, many of which are family-owned. Residents can enjoy a laid-back feel with farmers’ markets and other community events throughout the year.
6. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is known for its stunning white sand beaches with turquoise water, including the secluded Jupiter Beach. The city’s famous waterfront district offers a vibrant nightlife and restaurants that cater to all different tastes.
Beyond the beaches, the city encourages an active lifestyle with endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. West Palm Beach offers numerous parks and green spaces in addition to the Granger Preserve and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. History buffs will enjoy the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum.
7. Miami
Miami, Florida, is often considered a city for the young, but it’s perfect for people from all walks of life. The city’s climate is a major draw. Miami has an average of 284 days of sunshine per year. The mild winters are particularly appealing to those escaping colder climates.
The diverse city earned the nickname “Capital of Latin America” because of its strong Hispanic influences. The city celebrates its multicultural heritage through numerous annual events, such as the Calle Ocho Festival, Brazilian Carnival, and Haitian Flag Day.
Miami has a strong economy due to its position as a global business hub. The city’s magnificent beaches make it one of the biggest tourist destinations in the United States.
8. Fort Myers
Fort Myers embodies the laid-back charm and natural beauty of Florida. Nestled between Sarasota and Naples, Fort Myers has 50 miles of beaches and 20 marinas that offer boat rentals or charters. Nearby islands Sanibel and Captiva provide opportunities for birdwatching, collecting seashells, and more outdoor activities.
Not everyone loves the beach. For nature lovers who don’t like sandy beaches, exploring the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve or the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium might be better options.
Fort Myers has a rich history that can’t be ignored, including the Victorian-style mansion The Burroughs Home and Gardens. Furthermore, The Edison and Ford Winter Estates showcase the historic homes and laboratories of American icons Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
9. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR headquarters and hosts the wildly popular Daytona 500. But the city is more than just its famous racetrack. Daytona Beach’s other claim to fame is its 23 miles of white-sand beaches that earned the city the nickname “World’s Most Famous Beach.”
Anyone looking to move to the Sunshine State might be surprised to find that Daytona Beach is affordable and has a lower cost of living than the other major beach destinations. The economy is fueled mainly by tourism, but has a thriving job market in other industries.
10. Port St. Lucia
Florida is known for its sunny weather, and Port St. Lucia is no exception. Found along the state’s Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucia is a popular destination for families and retirees. Located near several beautiful beaches, the city is a hot spot for coastal water activities.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens goes beyond educating about plants with rousing Jazz nights to entertain tourists. The PGA Village is the ultimate destination for golf lovers, featuring 54 holes of championship golf.
Florida offers a diverse range of places to live, with many having nearby beaches and other attractions. Each city in the Sunshine State has its own unique character, advantages, and disadvantages. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach town or a bustling city, there’s always a place to call home in Florida.