People are on the move. A new poll found that one in four people have moved in the last five years. The most popular destination? Florida. And the migration is not slowing down. Florida tops the list of states Americans are moving to right now, and it’s also the third-most popular state Americans want to move to in the future! Currently, the population is nearing 22 million in the Sunshine State, and that got us thinking about the best places to live in Florida.
After all, there’s so much to love about this southern state: sunny days, 600+ miles of beaches, amusement parks, wildlife galore and much more. According to a survey, today’s new Floridians are drawn by the same factors that have lured settlers and snowbirds for a century: warm weather and waterfront views, along with lower taxes and fewer regulations than in other parts of the country.
Speaking of waterfront views, Florida’s Clearwater Beach ranked as one of the four best U.S. beaches. See all the must-visit sandy spots for building sandcastles and memories, here. And if you do make it to Clearwater, you should know there’s an incredible sand sculpting festival. Sand artists from around the world flock there to create sandy masterpieces, so make sure to bring your camera. But is this area the best place to build your castle and call it home?
Let’s find out! We’ve compiled a list of the five best places to live in Florida, according to 12 experts. So, if you’re one of the people looking at this literal hot spot for a place to settle down, read on. And if you’re already a full-time resident or part-time snowbird loving your Florida haven, tell us about it in the comments!
The List: Best Places To Live In Florida, As Recommended By Experts
1. Sarasota
U.S. News ranks this city in the top spot, writing, “Sarasota has a distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture. People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally called by its unique charm. This metro area of just over 800,000 people has a renowned opera house, a number of rooftop bars and the popular beach of Siesta Key.”
“This Gulf Coast location trades the big-city traffic and noise of Tampa, one hour north, for a more laid-back lifestyle. While the beach is an obvious draw, the city boasts plenty of culture, too, including the International Ballet of Florida in nearby University Park and the annual Sarasota Film Festival. And while this is a perfect pick for retirees, Sarasota also offers plenty of nightlife options for younger residents, too,” Bankrate says.
And LifeFamilyFun.com recommends it highly: “Sarasota is a beautiful place to live. It’s also the perfect distance from fun cities like Orlando and Tampa, which you could drive to for a weekend getaway. It has sandy shores and a thriving art scene, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the country.”
2. Naples
Even the dolphins love it in Naples! Ramsey Solutions says, “Nestled in the southwest corner of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples holds [a] top spot for places to live in Florida. Naples is known for its paradise weather, gentle waters and ‘sugar’ sand beaches. There’s plenty to do there like fine dining, boutique shopping — and dolphin viewing!”
“Naples has become a prime destination for retirees and seasonal residents. While the area is notorious for its sophisticated lifestyle and culture, Naples is an affordable destination for families. Enjoy the white sand and gorgeous sunset views at Naples Beach, perfect for any beach lover. Sightsee off of the Naples Pier, or wine and dine at one of the many fine-dining establishments with ocean and beachfront views. With an expansive selection of golf courses, a low crime rate, and a high-ranking school district, Naples continues to be named one of the best places to live in Florida,” according to Uphomes.com.
PureWow is wowed by Naples, saying, “From serene beaches to top-notch dining to some of the most gorgeous sunsets we’ve ever seen, Naples feels like another world — which is why it’s one of the best places to live in Florida. As for where to live, north of Old Naples offers various gated neighborhoods, high-rise condos and golf club communities. Marco Island is less than 30 minutes away too, serving as another popular living option.”
3. Tampa/Hyde Park
Budget Travel Buff recommends Tampa as a great place for families to settle down: “Tampa is the best place to live in Florida with kids. The city is surrounded by Tampa Bay in the north and Old Tampa Bay in the East. Tampa has stunning views of beaches, and Hyde Park, Westshore, Davis Island, and Beach Park have the best housing options to reside and welcome newcomers from worldwide. It is considered as the 6th most attractive region of the country for job opportunities and land development. It also has a lot of professional sports teams and museums.”
Niche says the Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa is the best place to live, writing, “Hyde Park – Spanishtown Creek is in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Hyde Park offers residents an urban feel and … there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Hyde Park are highly rated.”
4. Orlando/Winter Park
“Situated in the heart of central Florida is Orlando, nicknamed “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and drawing 55 million annual visitors. For residents, the city has 115 neighborhoods, great schools and excellent health care, along with numerous high-tech companies. About 25 colleges and universities operate in Orlando,” according to Livability.
“[It’s] a great pick for the best places to live in Florida for families. Regardless of whether you’re looking to be close to Disney World or simply want a safe and secure place to raise children, Winter Park remains one of the best places to live in Florida for families,” The World and Then Some writes.
5. Pensacola
Pensacola isn’t just a desirable place to live. It’s also considered the third best place to retire in the U.S. WEAR-TV says, “The region’s warm climate and desirable setting isn’t the only reason people choose to live in Pensacola. The military has a relatively small, though very significant, presence here. Naval Air Station Pensacola draws military families to the area. Residents also find employment in the health care, higher education and, of course, tourism sectors.”
“Not only is Pensacola one of the most western Florida cities, but it’s also one of the wettest; Pensacola sees an average of 64 inches of rain per year. On sunny days enjoy strolling along the beach and visiting local highlights like the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Pensacola is home to other great open spaces like Bay Bluffs Park and Bayview Dog Park and Beach. This panhandle city leans conservative and has 14 hospitals in its vicinity. If you prefer life in the suburbs, check out Tiger Point, Gulf Breeze, and Oriole Beach,” NewHomeSource.com recommends.
Looking to move to Florida? Already in The Sunshine State? Let us know what you think of the experts’ picks in the comments.
Sources
- U.S. News
- Bankrate
- LifeFamilyFun.com
- Ramsey Solutions
- Uphomes.com
- PureWow
- Budget Travel Buff
- Niche
- The World and Then Some
- Livability
- NewHomeSource.com
- WEAR-TV
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. Study Finds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
