Florida State is the best place to live as it is the perfect destination for everybody. Most Florida residents were once a tourist in the state and later settled down permanently.
This Sunshine State has become home to many people, some of who come from different states and some from different countries. Its gorgeous beaches and natural beauty spares no one and mesmerizes those who visit it.
Even in one of the state’s research, it is found that by 2026 each day, 850 new residents will be settling down in the Sunshine State. So if you too like sunshine and beach vibes, then this place proves to be heaven for you.
Florida has a strong economy, and you don’t have to pay taxes, so residents choose to live in Florida. Also, the house price here is much lower than in other US states. This is why people prefer to settle here over any other place.
Retirement travelers have always favored Florida as a destination. But during the past few years, working households have flocked to the state because of the state’s excellent job prospects and comparatively inexpensive cost of living.
Whether it is South Florida, Central Florida, or North Florida, every corner has some of the best cities you can settle in with your family.
Every place has something to offer, as every city in Florida lives close to popular attractions. Be it Florida’s South Beach, Florida’s Gulf Coast, or the many theme parks, you’ll find the best of the others everywhere.
All these places are in no particular order as you can choose the best among the best. Here we’ll discuss every place in Florida, its location, and its features to decide for yourself which one best suits your needs.
Central Florida
1. Tampa
The Tampa Bay area is one of the best places because of its affordability and the many job opportunities. It also has some of the best amusement parks in the state.
There are many colleges open in the city, and the place always has a bright and energetic vibe. Here you can find homes from high to median home prices. Florida residents have increased by 24% over the past year.
It is one of the best places due to its safety and wellness. And also ranked the best places to live based on US rankings.
There are also several companies available that create great job opportunities for youngsters. The big names include Raymond, Citigroup, MarineMax, TD Synnex, Capital One Financial Corporation, and more.
With Tampa, you get the best of both worlds—one world being, of course, the nearby Disney World. The relaxed beach lifestyle of the Tampa Bay region, which is connected to the Gulf of Mexico, is also referred to as the “other world.”
Busch Gardens is another well-known African-themed animal theme park in Tampa. The city of Tampa is full of diverse cultures, including a thriving Hispanic community, and its schools are excellent.
Various festivals and events are organized throughout the city, making the city more youthful. Some of the events include the Italian Festival and the Cuban Sandwich Fest, where a 125 ft. of culinary delight is created.
The tranquillity of the city also makes it an ideal place to work from home. Since Florida is not an expensive state, you can easily manage your budget here.
In Tampa Bay, you can also enjoy Clearwater Beach Homes, as it is located on Florida’s west coast. Additionally, there are several professional sports teams based in the metro area.
Tourist Attraction in Tampa
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- The Florida Aquarium
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Adventure Island
- SheiKra
Northern Florida
2. Jacksonville
Jacksonville is one of the best places to live because of its affordability, job market, and wellness rate. It is also the largest city in Florida and the most populated metro area.
Also, the crime rate in the city is lower than in any other city in Florida. The city’s health system is also very good, and most of the local people get their treatment done in the city itself.
The city is famous among real estate residents because of its lower home prices than Tampa Bay. So if you are looking for a median home price range, Jacksonville will be the perfect choice for you.
Apart from being the third most populous state, it also has many job opportunities and can be an ideal destination for young professionals.
It is also a great place to invest as all the major companies like Johnson & Johnson, Jacksonville food chain, and Firehouse Subs are headquartered here, and Florida Blue and Southern Grocers are also in the city.
So if you are looking for employment or looking for a career change, for you because there are a lot of opportunities available here, along with low-cost homes. The city also has the largest urban park.
The town is close to Neptune Beach, making it a perfect place to stroll. The best part of it is its coastal area, so if you’re a beach kid, no other northern city will do it better than Jacksonville.
You don’t have to worry about the food and entertainment as there is a wide variety of relaxation and activities around the city. So you can have a laid-back beach lifestyle here.
The place is also known for historical sites, so this would be ideal if you are a historical enthusiast.
The median home price in Jacksonville starts from $279K.
Tourist Attractions in Jacksonville
- Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Museum Of Science & History
- Hanna Park
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
- VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
3. Honeymoon Island, Florida
Honeymoon State Park is an ideal location and one of the best places for those who are always in the mood for vacation.
It’s a paradise for retirees as well as youngsters. The beautiful sunset, white beaches, and birds make this place ideal.
If you are someone who doesn’t like the hustle and bustle of the city and wants to live away from the busy life, Honeymoon State Park can become your ideal choice.
Its beautiful beaches and access to nearby theme parks make it a perfect destination for families.
The island has a population of 38K residents, with US-born and non-American citizens. So here you get to experience different cultures and cuisines from different regions.
There are over eleven thousand companies in the city, so you need not worry about employment. The island has over 84% working population, of which 2K are running their own business.
The median home income starts from $49K per year. Several high schools and colleges are present in the city, so you don’t need to worry about education.
Its serene atmosphere and access to all popular places and activities make it the first choice among house dwellers.
Several theme parks and museums near the city and major places are just an hour’s drive from the island.
If you want to live in a small town with not much population, this may be the best place to live in Florida.
Tourist Attractions on Honeymoon Island
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Sail Honeymoon
- ParrotDise Express Day Tours
- FishEye Sportfishing
- Capt. Jared’s Inshore Fishing Charters
4. Ormond Beach
One of the popular cities in Florida, Ormond is a popular destination among house searchers. At an hour’s drive south, the location places ideally in Northern Florida.
Ormand is located in the north and is a family-friendly city with lots of fun activities available for everybody.
The city has amazing food and restaurants with gorgeous beaches in the background. It is also the safest city in Florida, so many settlers can be seen in the city.
The neighborhood is small and close to larger cities, and all the major attractions are also located near it.
In this neighborhood, you have easy access to beaches and the Atlantic Ocean coastline from where you can always go.
There are several parks and schools, so you don’t need to worry about education. It is one of the best choices for house owners because of its weekend getaway locations. You can easily go to beaches and other attractions on the weekend.
It is also less expensive than in other states. From the national average, the cost of living here is 6% lower.
Thus, it is an affordable city where you can own a house starting from $256K. However, the price ranges increase if you want oceanfront houses.
Here, you can feel the suburban ambiance, but plenty of restaurants and other essentials are available for your convenience. The place is also great for walking and riding a bike.
Tourists Attractions in Ormond
- Tomoka State Park Campground
- Bulow Creek State Park
- Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
- North Peninsula State Park
- Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
- Tom Renick Park
- Fairchild Oak
- Bailey Riverbridge Gardens
5. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the ideal locations for home searches in Florida.
This Atlantic coast neighborhood is best for those who like waterfront estates. The world-famous beach of Daytona is located here only. White sand beach, local cuisine, and bars make this place an entertainment hub.
There are several neighborhoods in Daytona where you can live. Some of them include Pelican Bay which has gated golf courses; Indigo Lakes; Ortona; LPGA, which has popular amenities.
Daytona, Florida, has a lot to offer outside of the Daytona International Speedway, which is most famous for hosting the NASCAR Daytona 500. Fishing, golfing, and seeing museums, and performing arts venues are a few examples.
The number of residents in Daytona is increasing day by day. It is ideal because major schools and healthcare systems are located in the city.
House searchers also prefer this place because it is away from tourist areas, so you will also get complete privacy here.
Additionally, vacations to the beach are particularly practical because driving is still permitted in some sections of the actual beach.
Tourist Attractions in Daytona Beach
- Daytona International Speedway
- Museum of Arts & Sciences
- Daytona Lagoon
- Daytona Boardwalk Amusements
- Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
- Romano Beachfront Park
- Sun Splash Park
6. West Palm Beach
West Palm is another popular Florida destination for home searchers. The city is surrounded by bars, clubs, restaurants, and historical sites.
Palm Beach, Florida, is a well-liked community north of Fort Lauderdale because of its opulent way of life, affordable housing, and top-notch security. If you settle in Palm Beach while migrating to Florida, whether permanently or just temporarily, you’ll never run out of things to do.
There are countless things to do, beaches to explore, restaurants to try, and opulent resorts everywhere. You will undoubtedly be drawn to a northern Miami suburb by its cosmopolitan appeal and the coastal city’s attractiveness.
Palm Beach is also one of the Florida cities with one of the best climates. Unfortunately, Palm Beach’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, so that is the one real drawback.
If you are looking for a career change, West Palm is a perfect destination for your family and career as many companies are present in the city.
Many schools and health facilities are available here, so you need not worry about the standard of living here.
Tourist Attractions in West Palm
- Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
- Rapids Waterpark
- Mounts Botanical Garden
Central Florida
7. Downtown Orlando
Also known as a business district, Downtown Orlando is the perfect place to live in Florida if you are looking to settle in a city.
The majority of people primarily associate Orlando with Disney World, however, Disney and the other major attractions are really located close to the city’s center.
Orlando is still a vibrant city with lots of parks, festivals, concerts, sporting events, shopping, and dining, even without those enormous tourist attractions. There is no lack of things to do, making it ideal for families who like a livelier lifestyle.
From major sporting events to amazing nightlife, Orlando has it all. Its neighborhood is friendly, with many companies, schools, colleges, and hospitals available.
Tourist Attractions in Downtown Orlando
- Orange County Regional History Center
- Orlando Urban Trail
- St. James Catholic Cathedral
8. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a tourist destination for those looking to settle in one of the finest waterfront areas.
The island is well connected to all the major spots and attractions. It is a less densely populated city, making it an ideal place to live. Here you can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle.
Southwest Florida’s Sanibel Island is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and the clear seas of its gulf beaches. It is one of the few islands in Florida that is perpendicular to the coast, which produces unusual seashells that wash up and are genuinely one of a kind.
The island’s population is less than 7,000, but there are still lots of things to do here for a relaxing escape, including magnificent beaches, a fishing pier, a lighthouse from the 19th century, a national wildlife refuge, and a boardwalk that winds through wetlands.
Tourist Attractions on Sanibel Island
- Captiva Island
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Bowman’s Beach
South Florida
9. Miami Beach
The Sunshine State can never be the same without Miami beaches. It is one of the finest locations to live in Florida for those who love beach vibes. The median home price in Miami starts from $477k. Miami Beach’s national average is 115.5%.
Located in South Florida, it is an island city that connects to mainland Miami. Its oceanfront houses would be the perfect choice for those looking for an open and cool place in the city. Coral Gables is also a good place to reside in Miami.
Its wide beaches stretch from the north coast to the south of Pointe Park. And its South Beach, which is packed with celebrities and impressive 20th-century art galleries, will make anyone a fan.
Here you will find a variety of dining and shopping stores. From sunny to sandy beaches, Miami has everything to offer. Its nightlife is what it is popular for, and you can also go for a night kayaking tour with your friends.
Its stunning beaches can mesmerize anyone. The city also has award-winning restaurants, first-class hotels, and astonishing art galleries. Several designer shops have architectural-style buildings to give you a great shopping experience.
Some of the finest neighborhoods on Florida’s east coast are South Beach, Mid-Beach, Flamingo, Lummus, Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Aventura, Allapatta, and Downtown Miami are some of the best places to live in.
Tourist Attractions in Miami
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Bayside Marketplace
- Miami Seaquarium
- Wynwood Walls
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
10. Florida Panhandle
Florida Panhandle is located in the northwest of Florida. Lied between the Georgia state line and the Gulf of Mexico, the city is the most favored place among house owners.
Some popular regions are Apalachicola, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola.
Pensacola is located at the farthest western tip of Florida’s panhandle. Pensacola, often known as the “City of Five Flags,” has a lengthy history of being claimed by other nations (Spanish, French, British, Confederate, U.S.).
Another lovely city with such snow-white sand is this one. Emerald-green Gulf waves can be seen lazily splashing along the shoreline there. Additionally, there are numerous boat ramps in the region where you may start your deep-sea fishing expedition.
Pensacola has 50 miles of shoreline and is close to the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerobatic flying display team as well as a naval aviation station are located there. Financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism all present significant employment prospects.
While Pensacola, Florida’s westernmost city, is miles from the rest of the state’s major cities, you can travel there in an hour from Mobile, Alabama, and three hours from New Orleans. Additionally, nearly 40 locations are served by Pensacola International Airport.
11. Tallahassee
The state capital Tallahassee is one of Florida’s best places. Tallahassee’s national average is 93.8%.
One of the state’s major cities, Tallahassee, attracts many home buyers. The city offers residents a mix of urban and suburban. As lots of young professionals live in Florida’s capital city, you can easily give your house for rent.
Tallahassee is also the first choice because of its easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, just 22 miles away from the city. Its sandy beaches and gulf coast make it popular among home searchers.
The state capital is also a cooler region than other cities. So if you are not a fan of hot weather, Tallahassee would be perfect. It also has a quality transportation system, so you don’t need to worry about moving around the city.
It is also a hub for young adults, and you can see many young adults here as the city has some great schools in the state.
Along with the best beaches, it has many local favorite restaurants and dining places. The city enjoys distinct seasons that are less likely to be seen in any other city.
Also, despite being the capital of Florida, it seems unlikely.
The median home price in Tallahassee starts from $190K, coming under affordable places in the state.
Several universities in these metropolitan cities also house Florida State University and have a big college town in the city. That makes it an ideal option for those looking to relocate to a city with a good education system.
Tourist Attractions in Tallahassee
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
- Tallahassee Museum
- Mission San Luis
- Museum of Florida History
- Goodwood Museum & Gardens
- Cascades Park
- Lake Jackson Mounds State Park
- Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
Southwest Florida
Florida has so many amusement parks, but Disney World stands out, making Southwest one of the best neighborhoods. You’ll pass through Fort Myers on your route to the Gulf of Mexico and come across a number of islands, including Sanibel’s shelling beach.
12. Fort Myers
The city of Fort Myers, which is ranked as the second-best place in America to retire, has an older population with a median age of 48.
But young professionals and business executives are packing up and moving to Fort Myers, Florida, because of the area’s world-famous beaches, excellent fishing, and upscale shopping.
Thomas Edison, the creator of the lightbulb, and Henry Ford, an entrepreneur, enjoyed Fort Myers so much that they acquired a holiday home there. The residences of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison can still be seen today at the Edison Fort Myers estate.
Fort Myers was given the moniker “City of Palms” due to the well-known sight of Edison’s royal palm trees along McGregor Boulevard.
A retiree’s paradise, Fort Myers is home to a number of gated neighborhoods, yacht clubs, fine dining establishments, and stunning golf courses.
Fort Myers is best known for shopping, beaches, fishing, and food. There are several businesses in Fort Myers, making it a hub for youngsters too.
Fort Myers is the less expensive city, with a national average lower than 15%. It is one of the fastest-growing cities and comes on the top list of home settlers.
The crime rate here is also low, so it is the best city to live in Florida.
Fort Myers Beach is a magnificent seven-mile beach that faces the Gulf of Mexico and has grown to be a well-liked spring break location if you want to spend the day in the sand. Visit Love Boat for some homemade ice cream after a long day in the sun.
Sanibel Island might be more your style if crowded beaches aren’t your thing. Sanibel Island, which is close to Fort Myers and famous for its sunsets, is great for shelling and observing wildlife.
Tourist Attractions in Fort Myers
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- IMAG History & Science Center
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
A few fun facts:
- The United States’ longest coastline, with over 825 miles of beaches, is in Florida.
- 2. Out of all the states in the union, Florida boasts the most golf courses.
- The flattest state is Florida.
- Florida is where 80% of America’s citrus produce is cultivated.
- Florida is devoid of dinosaur fossils because millions of years ago, it was submerged.
- The alligator is the recognized state reptile.
- The state of Florida was founded on March 3rd, 1845.
- Florida’s capital is Tallahassee.
- More than 9,200 miles of hiking and bike trails may be found in Florida.
- 10. The world’s boating and fishing mecca is Florida.
Florida’s Top Retirement Communities
Florida is a fantastic option for those of you who have been smashing it financially and can now enjoy your ideal retirement. It’s no secret that Florida often scores well on lists of the greatest places to retire. Doesn’t Sunny Florida scream “paradise” more than any other state, after all?
- Retirees in Florida love the following cities:
1. Sarasota
2. Naples
3. Melbourne
4. Daytona Beach
5. Tampa
Places to Live as a Young Adult?
Now, if you’re a young professional moving to Florida, you undoubtedly want to learn more about the state’s economy and where you can find the best work opportunities—not to mention a location that’s teeming with other young adults with whom to mingle.
- Here are a few Florida suburbs that young folks consider to be among the best:
1. South Beach (Miami)
2. Village of North Bay (Miami)
3. Jacksonville Beach
4. Maitland
5. Doctor Phillips (Orlando).
Florida’s best neighborhoods for families to live
If you’re relocating your entire family to Florida, you undoubtedly want to look for a place close to the greatest cities for safety and the best education systems.
- Here are a few locations in Florida that are well-regarded for family-friendly communities to help you get started on your search:
1. Island Harbour (Tampa)
2. Palma West Ceia (Tampa)
3. Virginia Park (Tampa)
4. Nocatee (Jacksonville)
5. Hyde Park (Tampa)
Final words:
If you’re thinking of relocating to Florida, don’t miss these awesome places that could become your next home.
Whether South Florida, Central Florida, or North, it becomes a haven for young professionals as each has a zero-income tax policy and warm weather is more suitable for youngsters.
It is also a popular destination among retirees where they can retire near the coastal area.
Florida has an extremely hot climate, so this would be the perfect place to stay if you don’t mind the high temperatures and humidity.
So don’t miss checking out these places before shifting to the Sunshine State.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
