Florida is a destination that continues to attract people from all walks of life. Its unique charm lies in its diverse landscape and cultural vibrancy, making it a top choice for those seeking a peaceful place to call home. From the sun-kissed beaches that stretch for miles to the lush, subtropical wilderness, Florida offers a variety of environments that cater to every taste. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or someone who appreciates urban sophistication, the best places to live in Florida provide a perfect blend of leisure and lifestyle options.
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.
The allure of Florida’s coastal cities is undeniable. The culinary landscape is just as diverse, featuring everything from fresh seafood to a fusion of international cuisines. Living in these coastal communities means having the luxury of a relaxed beach lifestyle combined with the perks of urban living. The locals here are known for their friendly nature and a sense of inclusiveness, making it easy for newcomers to feel right at home.
Looking for your dream home in the Sunshine State? That’s great! StudyFinds has got you covered. We have scoured reviews from experts and found the best places to live in Florida. Which Florida city vibes with your personality? Leave a comment to let us know!
The List: Best Places to Live in Florida, According to Experts
1. Melbourne
At the top of the list is Florida is Melbourne. “Melbourne is part of the Florida ‘Space Coast’ that many tourists visit for year-round rocket launches and beach vacations. Full-time residents can find employment opportunities in aerospace and manufacturing offering comfortable salaries. The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. One cultural highlight is the Eau Gallie Arts District. Geographically, it’s the midpoint between Jacksonville and Miami, and Orlando is roughly one hour away,” writes Forbes.
In Melbourne, you feel community warmth matches with sunny climate. “Melbourne, Florida is a great place to live for families and young professionals. It is part of the Florida ‘Space Coast’ and is home to several aerospace and manufacturing companies, offering comfortable salaries and job opportunities. The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. There is also a cultural highlight in the Eau Gallie Arts District. Geographically, Melbourne is the midpoint between Jacksonville and Miami, and Orlando is roughly one hour away. This makes it a great place to live if you want to be close to the action, but also want to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle,” says Jagran Josh.
Melbourne’s sun-kissed beaches and a chill vibe are a getaway feel. “With a front-row view of the Atlantic Ocean, Melbourne is part of Florida’s Space Coast thanks to its proximity to Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This is where every crewed space flight by NASA has been launched. It’s also where Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been launching astronauts (and his Tesla) into space. Melbourne is also close to Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise and shipping hubs in the world. Beyond the cool space and seacraft stuff, Melbourne’s beach-based community offers all kinds of fun activities for residents—a trendy downtown area, thriving art and festival scenes, and a variety of sports for both in and out of the water,” writes Ramsey Solutions.
2. Miami
The runner up for best places in Florida is Miami. “Arguably the most vibrant city in the Sunshine State, Miami packs a punch, and the typical home value in this coastal metropolis is $474,701. Of course, there are many different neighborhoods in this large, bustling city, with major price differences between South Beach and inland communities, for example. Still, as a global hub of finance, culture, arts, and international trade, Miami offers its residents a unique blend of business opportunities, Florida-Cuban culture, sizzling nightlife, fascinating history, and seaside living. If you want big-city living with a tropical twist, Miami is your best bet. It can be a pricey place to live, but the unemployment rate here is 1.7%, much lower than the national average, and while the per capita personal income is $55,477 in the U.S., you can expect to make more in Miami, at $64,849, which can balance out the higher costs of living,” says Travel and Leisure.
Miami is known for its diverse range of rooftop bars, ocean lounges, and resorts. “Miami is the third most populated metro area on the East Coast. Seated on the southern tip of Florida, this tropical city has a lively beach scene and nightlife that attracts people from all over the world. In fact, celebrities from sports, music and movies can be regularly spotted at Miami’s beaches and resorts. Since a majority of its population is Hispanic (around 70%), Miami has a sizable Latin influence in its local culture, food, and customs.52 And don’t forget to check out the dancing scene in Little Havana for live Latin music. Miami also offers year-round perfect weather, so you can enjoy outdoor shopping and watching pro teams from every major sport—like the Dolphins (football) and the Marlins (baseball). The popular Miami Open tennis tournament is also held there,” writes Ramsey Solutions.
It is a place where new settlers in Florida can plan to buy a new house. “Miami is arguably the most vibrant Florida city with amazing beaches, colorful buildings, an electrifying nightlife along with a prominent presence of Caribbean and Latin American cultures. The city is also famous for its art and fashion exhibitions. Since Miami is Florida’s largest metro area with more than 6 million residents, there are many job opportunities. Aviation, finance, international trade, health care and tourism are the primary employment sectors. Not everyone will enjoy living in the Miami metro area as it’s expensive, has a relatively high crime rate and a tropical monsoon climate. But Florida first-time homebuyer programs in Broward and Miami-Dade counties can help newcomers handle the high cost of housing,” shares Forbes.
3. Orlando
Number three on the list of best places to live in Florida is Orlando. “Orlando, one of the most popular cities in Florida, has a typical home value of $402,064 and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. As one of the top tourist destinations in the state — Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks and various other attractions — this city has no shortage of things to do. You can choose from a range of lifestyles, from downtown condo living to suburban single family homes. There’s also a top-tier university drawing thousands of students each year, so the city is poised to continue growing,” shares Travel and Leisure.
Orlando offers unique cultures and a welcoming feel. “Orlando is a great place to live for young adults. It has a diverse economy with job opportunities in various industries, that includes biotech, information technology, and healthcare. The city is also home to a number of major tourist attractions, such as Disney and Universal Studios, which bring extra job options and make Orlando a vibrant and exciting place to live. The median income in Orlando is $58,968, which is slightly lower than the state median. However, the cost of living in Orlando is also lower than the state average, so young adults can stretch their dollars further,” says Jagran Josh.
Orlando offers exciting parks and places for outdoor adventures. “When people think of Florida, chances are they think first of Orlando (well, maybe second after the alligators). After all, it’s one of the top family vacation destinations in not just the United States, but the world! It’s the home of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort—Mickey Mouse and Hogwarts. Not to mention SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida Resort. It’s basically theme park heaven. But there are also plenty of activities to enjoy in the Orlando area besides just the theme parks. Because of its multicultural base, the city boasts lots of cultural festivals and a variety of restaurants that’ll be sure to satisfy any hankering you have. There are also pro sports teams to watch and follow, like the Orlando Magic (basketball) and Orlando City SC (soccer). And because of its central location in the state, you can get to so many places other places in Florida in a matter of hours—including the beach,” writes Ramsey Solutions.
4. Tampa
Next on the list of best places to live in Florida is Tampa. “Tampa is not mainly known as an exceptionally safe area, with crime and safety one of the factors that only serve to downgrade the overall appeal of Hillsborough County city. The only comfort you could derive from this is that crime is particularly rampant in Florida, at least compared to most other states. That aside, though, the city of over three hundred and fifty-five residents is generally considered ideal for families, an understanding borne out of high-performing schools in the area, admirable healthcare, and a growing number of Fortune 1000 companies pitching tents here. Indeed, Tampa continues to thrive in terms of jobs, and houses and rent remain below the national average. We could end it here, but let’s throw another one for good measure. Regarding recreation for the family, Tampa has 185 parks waiting to be explored, not to mention a theme park and many other attractions,” shares The Crazy Tourist.
Tampa offers a perfect blend of city and beach. “Located on the scenic Tampa Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a hub for business, cultural institutions, and outdoor activities, with some of the state’s top restaurants and a high standard of living. Plus, the popular Busch Gardens amusement park is just as fun as any Orlando theme park, with no long drive required (though Orlando is about an hour and a half away if you want to make the trip). You can head to Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers in the early 1900s, for dining and nightlife unlike anything else you’ll find in the Sunshine State. Across the bay, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are becoming increasingly popular for relocations by young professionals and families. There’s a lot to do and see here, and job prospects are good, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%. One of the most desirable locations to live in Florida, Tampa’s typical home value is $391,314,” writes Travel and Leisure.
Tampa is the city of opportunities with the lowest rate of un-employment. “With a population of 387,050, Tampa is known to be the best place to live in Florida. It is a great place to live for young adults and families, offering something for everyone, with pristine beaches, major sports teams, history museums, and impressive public transportation options. The city has a low unemployment rate of only 2.6% offering plenty of job opportunities. Plus, Tampa is close to other major cities like Orlando and Miami, making it a great place to live if you want to be close to the action,” says Jagran Josh.
5. Cape Coral
Coming in at number five is Florida is Cape Coral. “Cape Coral is a small city near Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southwest coast. Its population of about 204,500 enjoys living near Gulf Coast beaches, golf courses, and other attractions, including 400 miles of canals (and thus ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports). Here, the typical home value is $431,137, up 27.7% from 2021 to 2022. If you want the full Florida experience, you can trust there are a lot of ways to enjoy being outside in Cape Coral, including tennis courts and nature preserves. Plus, you’ll share your hometown with some of Florida’s most charming wildlife, like manatees and birds. Life is quieter and slower in Cape Coral, and for some, that’s exactly the goal,” says Travel and Leisure.
It is a place for foodies who love fresh seafood and diverse culinary delights. “Cape Coral—part of the Fort Myers metro area—is popular as it’s situated on the Gulf and has a low crime rate. Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals, and lounging on a sandy saltwater beach. Biotech, marine and medical are target industries for Cape Coral. Several corporations also operate call centers and back-office operations from the region,” writes Forbes.
In Florida, this place offers modern amenities and a perfect balance of life. “The city has a population of 204,510 people, and the median home price is $479,000. It has high job opportunities which brings down the unemployment rate to 2.7%,” shares Jagran Josh.
6. Jacksonville
Number six is Jacksonville. “It is the largest city in the state by land mass, but it has a smaller population than Miami or Tampa. This means that you can enjoy big city conveniences and live on the Atlantic Ocean, with relatively affordable living costs. Jacksonville is a major hub for banking, healthcare, and transportation. The city is also home to one of the nation’s three Mayo Clinics and offers access to many of Florida’s best banks,” writes Jagran Josh.
Jacksonville is a colorful blend of street art and chic galleries. “Jacksonville, the biggest city in Florida (and, believe it or not, the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S.), has a typical home value of $378,914 — lower than the statewide number, but a bit higher than the national value. Add to those the abundant employment opportunities (the unemployment rate in Jacksonville is 2.5%), 22 miles of beaches, well-connected highways, 270 days of sunshine per year, a top public school district in Florida, and tons of things to do, and you’ll see why so many families flock to this city. It’s also one of Florida’s youngest cities, with an average age of 36, and home to the largest urban park system in the nation, according to Visit Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a city that has it all, including plenty of space to welcome newcomers,” says Travel and Leisure.
7. Gainesville
Finally, number seven on the list of the best places to live in Florida is Gainesville. “This is one of the best places to live in Florida because it offers its residents a mixture of urban and suburban life in a quiet and welcoming atmosphere with many friendly faces. The city is home to the University of Florida and also exudes a southern charm, as seen through its natural array of large oak and palm trees, limestone rock, and flowing spring waters. Gainesville is an attractive city full of art, culture, and business opportunities. On the other hand, there are a lot of employment opportunities awaiting you, and out of all of the workforce industries, education services and healthcare are thriving more in this city. The city’s cost of living is significantly lower than the average, and residents enjoy lots of outdoor recreation sites and healthcare facilities. With a crime rate of 328.23 per 1,000 people, which is 14.72% lower than the average crime rate in Florida, residents in Gainesville can rest easy knowing that it is one of the best places to live in Florida,” says Moving Waldo.
Gainesville is a peaceful small city with a rich diversity of nature. “Gainesville is an excellent place for families as the living costs are low and the population is relatively small with a low crime rate. The city is also home to the University of Florida, the Florida Museum of Natural History and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. There are several state parks, hiking trails and bike paths to explore as well. For more adventure, Jacksonville and Orlando are each approximately 90 minutes away to enjoy beaches, theme parks and big-city amenities,” shares Forbes.
Looking for a city with botanical gardens? “Speaking of college towns, Gainesville is a city practically built around the University of Florida. In fact, the university is the biggest employer in the city—almost 12% of the city’s total workforce!11 And because of the university, Gainesville is known as the birthplace of Gatorade. But there’s more to Gainesville than Gator football and sports drinks. Even though Gainesville isn’t near any beaches, you’ll find plenty of outdoor opportunities in the city’s parks, botanical gardens and nature preserves—which includes the famous Satan’s Sinkhole. Gainesville’s arts community boasts everything from theater and public murals to museums like the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention,” writes Ramsey Solutions.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Hotels in Miami
- Best Places to Retire in the U.S.
- Best Places to Live on the East Coast
- Best Florida Beaches
Sources:
- Ramsey Solutions
- The Crazy Tourist
- Jagran Josh
- Travel and Leisure
- Forbes
- Moving Waldo
- Naples News
- Livability
- Fortunly
- Bankrate
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
Sarasota is definitely the Best big city, but much to crowded and traffic is crazy.. I prefer the smaller towns like Venice , Punta Gorda and definitely the West Coast
Pensacola is not the place to live. You forgot to mention the drug dealers and prostitutes.
You’ve got that right and everyday drive by shooters
All of these locations are expensive due to the crazy prices in waterfront Real Estate and property insurance.
Who ever wrote this article probably never lived in Florida. Orlando is a traffic nightmare during rush hour however there are some nice retail outlets. North of Orlando in Sanford or Clermont is better. Ocala is a growing city that has a nice central location. A lot of new housing communities are being built here with the option of buying larger lots for your dream home, something you are not able to do on the over develop coast line. Gainesville/Ocala also has a growing medical sector.
Best is boca raton and Williams island
Boca Raton will not be upset that they are not on that list which can promote growth. Most residents choose to live under the radar (not in the limelight)
I relocated to Pensacola FL 3 + years ago from the DC area. I feel as if I’ve moved to an area that is so far behind the technology curve, it’s as if I’m living in the dark ages. Also, ghetto like areas are all around. And, ethical contractors, for the most part, are non-existent. While there are some PROS – the CONS definitely out weigh them.
I’m not quite sure who chose Pensacola but it is most assuredly NOT the place to move to for any reason. Trust me it is a trap. Pensacola is dirty, the housing market sucks for lack of a more intellectual word. If you are degreed like myself the pay will be devastatingly low. There is nowhere to go, and nothing to do.
Orlando is a shit hole of ignorance. Traffic is terrible and it’s overrun with pedophiles and sex trafficking.
Areas of the panhandle are desirable as well as the resurgent space coast.
None of these communities have planned for this expansion the roads are not wide enough the parking lots are not big enough and driving is not something that you really want to do in these areas
You got that right. My city used to be so serene, beautiful and scenic and it is completely been destroyed by transplants. We don’t want or need any more publicity. We have to fight for our neighborhoods on a regular basis to keep prevent a new building or expansion from destroying our neighborhoods.
I agree with Naples being beautiful,but definitely not cheap at all. And as some have mentioned,it’s very crowded and driving through it can become very frustrating. I live in Bonita Springs and it is also very beautiful and expensive as well. There is top shelf dining and shopping everywhere,and many more new attractions coming. Also homes and rentals are out of reach for most$$$$..And let’s not forget that now and probably for another 2 years, part of Naples,all of Bonita,through Ft.Myers along the Gulf of Mexico and inland,are “wiped out”from Hurricane Ian.
Sarasota is definitely not the number one place to live in Florida, unless your wealthy. Housing prices, rent has tripled in the past couple of years. Service workers are relocating because of lack of affordability. Population has increased dramatically, making traffic unbeatable. Roadways are over taxed with vehicles. Both roadways and sewer systems will soon not be able to handle the growth. I grew up in what was once a beautiful beach town, not, like so many others, I’m disgusted and saddened by the choices of the leaders of this once beautiful place and will relocate
Floridians don’t want or need anyone else to overrun our beautiful state.
Even Ft Lauderdale was left out (the Gateway to Miami). Last thing Ft Lauderdale needs is More Population !
Stay away from Lake County , FL ( Mt. Dora , Leesburg, Claremont or even Howey-in-the-Hills). We like it just the way it is!
This article is BS
Lots of NIMBY going on in the comments, as well as “I’ve got mine, but you can’t have yours, so please stay away”…lol.
My family has been on the same property in central fl for over 150 yrs,,we are being over run with OUTSIDERS, people moving here everyday and not slowing down,I hate it,it has ruined our small town,our state….prices skyrocketed on everything,can’t move around for all the people,,,it’s awful just awful…😢😢😢😢
I am a Florida Native and so was my mom. It is ridiculous what they are doing to this place. Building moratorium needs to be put in place. They originally were not supposed to build east of the interstate!!! Now they are building it up like Lakewood Ranch! It all needs to 🛑
Just moved to Sarasota from last June, so far I liked it very much, I am officially snowbirds from Seattle, I have lived in Seattle for 40 years plus, love my home town but could not handle the winter there anymore, Florida offering me the best of both ways, and I am counting our blessings, Floridian people are nice and pleasant, we’re all must accept the ways of life , can’t stop growing people migrate from other states,try to adapt and welcoming us all , under God’s eyes, we’re one ,indeed
Agreed! Which is why I hate these lists! They don’t mention how much it costs to live in paradise like Sarasota! Maybe they need to do that list! Most expensive places to live in Sarasota or wherever! We use to have a great little small town feel!😢
Four of the five places 30% are dumps. Naples is beautiful but very expensive. Now if I was to move to Florida I moved to lighthouse point now there’s beauty everything you need is around lighthouse point great restaurants yeah if you like fast food plenty of them. Even the police are nice.
Pensacola is definitely not the best place in Florida. Born and raised here and once upon a time very nice but its high rent, dirty, tons of crime, worst schools in state, rates worst water and high std for state. The beach is the only thing to do and its beautiful but if you don’t drink there’s nothing to do. Rents tripled and you are lucky to find a house. Electric high since bought out by FPL. SOME nice areas but def not best. One of worst actually.as far as Naples, lived there also. Its very expensive but definitely the area is amazing. Ft Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda all great areas but you will pay for them. Also let me mention murder rate high in pcola and we number one for drug overdose. My goal is to move asap. Came back after divorce. Worst mistake ever.
I’ve been visiting Fl for about 15 years. I’ve stayed all over the state. Lauderdale, Ocala, The Villages, Naples etc.
I moved here permanently 2 years ago. Lived in Sarasota and loved it. I bought a home in Bradenton near I-75 bordering Lakewood Ranch and found this area (Tara) to have everything. Traffic? This is Florida. Being retired I am able to pick and choose times and I rarely have a problem.
In closing I found this list, with the exception of Sarasota, to be somewhat inaccurate. To each his own! Enjoy the Sun, warmth and beaches or move to Buffalo.
Wellington Fl is the greatest place to live not only in Florida or America but the best in the World! We have the Wellington Green Mall which has so many great discount stores! We thrive and take pride in our great diversity! We also have a lovely park looking over 8 lanes of traffic on 441. We sit approx. 20 miles east of Belle Glade and 45 miles west from the Ocean! If you like great restaurants we also have those too! I would recommend a fantastic Tex-Mex place called Chillis or if you like Pizza try California Pizza in the mall it will knock your socks off!
I’ve lived in Jupiter, FL for 25 years. My Ranking of Florida cities.
1. Jupiter
2. Key West
3. Gainesville
4. Boca Raton
5. Naples