Best Places to Live in Florida

Over the past few years, Florida has witnessed a surge in population as people flock to the Sunshine State for its warm climate, stunning coastlines, robust career opportunities, and the added bonus of zero state income taxes. If you’re considering making the move, this guide will help you narrow down the best places to call home in Florida. Let’s dive in!

Choosing Your Region:

Florida can be broadly divided into three regions: North, Central, and South. Each region offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Regardless of where you choose, you can expect a subtropical climate with occasional hazards like alligators, high humidity, and summer rainstorms.

Best Places in North Florida:

1. Pensacola:

   • Population: 516,388
   • Median Household Income: $59,119
   • Median Home Price: $389,900
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,354
   • Pros: Beautiful beaches, great job market, affordable cost of living, good schools.
   • Cons: Crime, Gulf coast weather considerations.

2. Tallahassee:

   • Population: 387,127
   • Median Household Income: $49,077
   • Median Home Price: $325,250
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,251
   • Pros: Four distinct seasons, college town vibe, good schools.
   • Cons: Crime, traffic.

3. Gainesville:

   • Population: 344,881
   • Median Household Income: $40,937
   • Median Home Price: $371,625
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,188
   • Pros: College town atmosphere, vibrant arts community, parks and nature preserves.
   • Cons: Crime, high property taxes.

4. Jacksonville:

   • Population: 1,637,666
   • Median Household Income: $58,263
   • Median Home Price: $399,700
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,412
   • Pros: Big-city energy, younger population, lower cost of living, great job market.
   • Cons: Low-rated schools, traffic, crime.

5. Ocala:

   • Population: 385,915
   • Median Household Income: $46,841
   • Median Home Price: $306,450
   • Median Monthly Rent: $993
   • Pros: Low cost of living, small-town feel, direct access to major highways.
   • Cons: Geared more toward older residents, limited job market.

Best Places in South Florida:

1. Sarasota:
   • Population: 859,760
   • Median Household Income: $62,615
   • Median Home Price: $547,450
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,875
   • Pros: Beautiful beaches, good schools, small-town feel.
   • Cons: High cost of living, traffic, red tide.

2. Naples:

   • Population: 385,980
   • Median Household Income: $125,306
   • Median Home Price: $892,000
   • Median Monthly Rent: $2,119
   • Pros: Beautiful beaches, great job market, golf opportunities.
   • Cons: High housing costs, bugs and gators, red tide.

3. Port St. Lucie:

   • Population: 503,521
   • Median Household Income: $68,647
   • Median Home Price: $459,900
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,590
   • Pros: Great for families, low homeowners insurance rates, laid-back lifestyle.
   • Cons: Lack of high-paying jobs, high cost of living.

4. Fort Myers:

   • Population: 787,976
   • Median Household Income: $51,682
   • Median Home Price: $499,000
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,737
   • Pros: Low cost of living, small-town feel, great schools.
   • Cons: Touristy, population density, crime, traffic.

5. Miami:

   • Population: 6,091,747
   • Median Household Income: $47,860
   • Median Home Price: $599,410
   • Median Monthly Rent: $2,087
   • Pros: Vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, great job market.
   • Cons: High cost of living, traffic, crime, touristy.

Best Places in Central Florida:

1. Melbourne:
   • Population: 616,628
   • Median Household Income: $55,543
   • Median Home Price: $376,725
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,413
   • Pros: Great schools, good job market, low cost of living.
   • Cons: Not-so-lively nightlife, higher property insurance premiums.

2. Orlando:

   • Population: 2,691,925
   • Median Household Income: $58,968
   • Median Home Price: $440,995
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,582
   • Pros: Good job market, great cultural makeup, well-maintained roads, plenty of things to do, lower cost of living.
   • Cons: Very touristy, traffic, toll roads, not-so-great schools, crime.

3. Tampa:

   • Population: 3,219,514
   • Median Household Income: $59,893
   • Median Home Price: $411,000
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,641
   • Pros: Good job market, great culture combo, low cost of living, family-friendly, great beaches.
   • Cons: Very touristy, traffic, snowbirds every winter, homeowners associations everywhere, high property insurance costs.

4. Daytona Beach:

   • Population: 685,344
   • Median Household Income: $42,392
   • Median Home Price: $399,000
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,435
   • Pros: Low cost of living, friendly beach community, good job market.
   • Cons: Very touristy, high insurance costs, crime.

5. Lakeland:

   • Population: 753,520
   • Median Household Income: $52,972
   • Median Home Price: $349,950
   • Median Monthly Rent: $1,360
   • Pros: Good job market, low cost of living, nice downtown area, good retirement community.
   • Cons: Crime, traffic, job market.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly environment, the hustle and bustle of young professional life, or a peaceful retirement, Florida offers a diverse range of options. By considering factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and cultural offerings, you can find the perfect place to call home in the Sunshine State.