Greatest Locations to Reside in Florida in 2023

Florida has seen a whole lot of progress over the past three years. Folks appear to be flocking to the Sunshine State in droves from throughout the nation for its heat climate, beautiful coastlines, booming profession alternatives, and 0 state revenue taxes. (No taxes equal extra prosperity—who knew?)

In the event you’re studying this, you is perhaps a kind of individuals contemplating the transfer. Are these infinite warm-weather days calling your identify? Does the thought of no state revenue taxes put a large smile in your face? Can you reside amongst gators and torrential rain?

Whether or not you’re shifting the entire household, scoping out a brand new young-professionals scene, or searching for your dream retirement vacation spot—we’ll assist you slender down the perfect locations to dwell in Florida.

Let’s dive in!

Select Your Area

Florida could be divided into three broad areas: north, central and south Florida. Each has a definite identification led to by way of many years of historical past, cultural crossover, environmental elements and altering trade facilities. Although many native Floridians could argue the state is definitely made up of many extra areas, we’re going with these three for the sake of simplicity.

These areas could also be totally different culturally, however all of them share one factor: a subtropical local weather. Regardless of which area you select, you’ll in all probability encounter alligators and bugs, take care of excessive humidity (all of the frizziness!), get rained on each summer time afternoon, look out for sinkholes, and trip out a hurricane once in a while.

However relying on the place you land, the severity of those hazards may go up and down (identical to your property insurance coverage premiums). For instance, the inland cities don’t get direct hits from hurricanes, however they nonetheless encounter plenty of aftermath (which could be fairly harsh).

Another factor: Let’s admit all “greatest locations” lists are subjective—together with this one. Whereas we did use some information (inhabitants, residence and lease costs, and so on.), it stays purely opinion and can in the end rely in your private likes and dislikes. For instance, some individuals love busy metropolis life whereas others desire a extra laid-back place within the suburbs. So as to add a bit of authenticity to our listing, we consulted a couple of pleasant former and present Floridians who graciously gave us perception primarily based on their very own private expertise.

With that stated, let’s get into a few of the greatest cities in Florida so you’ll be able to examine their stats and options to see if any stand out to you. The cities on our listing are introduced by area and in no explicit order.

The Greatest Locations to Reside in North Florida

The north Florida area covers what’s often called the Panhandle. That is the one a part of the state that’s immediately related to the remainder of the continental U.S. and resembles (you guessed it) the deal with of a pan.

Due to its proximity to the remainder of the American South, north Florida is essentially the most “Southern” area of the state culturally. It’s additionally the oldest by way of human settlement and has plenty of historical past in its cities and cities.

Pensacola

In the event you head to the westernmost level on the Panhandle, you’ll discover Pensacola. Often called the Metropolis of 5 Flags, Pensacola has an extended historical past of varied governments laying declare to the world (Spanish, French, British, Accomplice, and American)—and it’s no surprise why. In Pensacola, you’ll discover sunny skies and emerald-green waves from the Gulf of Mexico gently splashing alongside the shoreline. Pensacola affords loads of water actions like boating and deep-sea fishing.

Pensacola can also be a army city—residence to Naval Air Station Pensacola, the first base of the world-famous Blue Angels. NAS Pensacola additionally hosts the Nationwide Naval Aviation Museum, the place guests can hop aboard refined flight simulators to see if in addition they have “the precise stuff.”

^{*Median Month-to-month Rents seek advice from two-bedroom flats.}

Tallahassee

Although it’s the state capital, you may say Tallahassee feels just like the least Floridian metropolis in all of Florida. For one factor, it enjoys 4 precise seasons due to its distinctive place within the Panhandle. In the event you’re used to seeing fall colours, look no additional than Tally (because it’s referred to as by some locals).

With its gently rolling hills of pink clay soil and surrounding pure springs and underwater caves, Tallahassee feels extra like a bit of slice of Southern heaven. Apart from all of the pure magnificence, Tally additionally affords a college-town vibe because of Florida State College and Florida A&M College. So although it has an previous Southern look and historical past, Tally positively has a youthful spirit.

Gainesville

Talking of school cities, Gainesville is a metropolis virtually constructed across the College of Florida. Actually, the college is the largest employer within the metropolis—virtually 12% of town’s whole workforce!¹¹ And due to the college, Gainesville is named the birthplace of Gatorade.

However there’s extra to Gainesville than Gator soccer and sports activities drinks. Although Gainesville isn’t close to any seashores, you’ll discover loads of out of doors alternatives within the metropolis’s parks, botanical gardens and nature preserves—which incorporates the well-known Devil’s Sinkhole. Gainesville’s arts group boasts every thing from theater and public murals to museums just like the Florida Museum of Pure Historical past and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention.

Jacksonville

Now let’s journey as much as the northeastern nook of Florida, simply south of the Georgia state line. That’s the place you’ll discover Jacksonville—the most important metropolis by inhabitants in Florida and the most important metropolis within the U.S. by land space (exterior of Alaska).¹⁷ If life within the huge metropolis is extra your velocity, Jacksonville is perhaps for you.

Jacksonville is positioned alongside the banks of the St. Johns River and several other bridges make it handy to journey between the colourful downtown space and Jacksonville’s beautiful seashores. Plus, Jacksonville offers you a front-row seat to cheer on the Jaguars at TIAA Financial institution Area, amongst different sports activities groups.

Ocala

A preferred spot for retirees, Ocala affords a small-town really feel with a tight-knit group. Town is surrounded by pure magnificence—rolling hills and inexperienced pastures with no civilization for miles. It’s even residence to one of many largest pure springs in America at Silver Springs State Park. You possibly can board one of many park’s well-known glass-bottom boats to look at the spring’s distinctive underwater ecosystem.

Ocala can also be identified for its connection to horses. Actually, Ocala rivals Lexington, Kentucky, for the title of Horse Capital of the World with its many horse farms. The World Equestrian Heart, the most important horse complicated on Earth, additionally calls Ocala residence.

The Greatest Locations to Reside in South Florida

Due to its proximity to the Caribbean, the vibe of south Florida is decidedly extra tropical and laid again. The whole lot from the meals to the music scene is infused with Latin taste, courtesy of people that have immigrated to the area for a lot of many years from locations like Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia.

Sarasota

Alongside the southern Gulf Coast of Florida is Sarasota—residence to a few of America’s greatest seashores, like Siesta Key Seaside. Sarasota persistently holds the highest spots for locations to dwell in Florida on many “greatest locations” lists. The water is evident and heat, and the sand is so delicate and white you’ll really feel such as you’re sinking your toes into powdered sugar (simply don’t sprinkle any in your French toast).

Sarasota is a perfect place to hold your hat should you’re searching for a great life after your well-earned retirement. The median resident age of the Sarasota metro space is 54, so the inhabitants is made up of plenty of retirees.²⁸ Which means extra mates to reminisce in regards to the good previous days, complain about these darn children, and play some severe shuffleboard with.

Naples

Simply south of Sarasota on Florida’s Paradise Coast is Naples—which received its identify from the well-known Mediterranean group on the Italian coast. And there are particular similarities between the 2: paradise climate, mild waters and plenty of fishing. Naples is particularly identified for its sugar sand seashores and delightful coastal sunsets (with the legendary inexperienced flash in the summertime!).³⁵ However there’s extra to Naples than seashores (although they’re fairly cool). There’s advantageous eating, boutique buying, botanical gardens, dolphin viewing and swamp buggies too.³⁶

Whereas Ocala will be the horse capital, Naples calls itself the Golf Capital of the World. If a day on the hyperlinks does your coronary heart good, there are over 90 golf programs all through town and plenty of extra within the neighborhood. Bonus: In case your ball lands close to a gator, you get a free drop with no penalty!

Port St. Lucie

Over on the Atlantic coast of southern Florida, properly north of Miami, is Port St. Lucie. This metropolis affords year-round good climate (in comparison with different areas of the state), together with all of the water actions of a seaside city—issues like boating, fishing, and even paddling close to manatees. Golf carts are a lifestyle there, and lots of the companies in Port St. Lucie present golf cart parking.

Talking of golf, sports activities could be loved year-round in Port St. Lucie. It might not be the golf capital, however you’ll be able to work in your swing at one of many 72 holes on the Skilled Golfers’ Affiliation (PGA) Village Resort—it’s like a theme park for golfers! And the New York Mets go to town yearly for spring coaching.

Fort Myers

In the event you observe Florida’s southwestern Caloosahatchee River, you’ll spot Fort Myers. That is the is the sunniest place in Florida, averaging about 265 sunny days a yr. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford put Fort Myers on the map after they selected to construct their winter houses there. The well-known sight of Edison’s royal palm bushes alongside McGregor Boulevard earned Fort Myers its official nickname: the Metropolis of Palms. Hurricane Ian did a quantity on town again in 2022, and it’s nonetheless bouncing again.

As you journey previous the gateway of Fort Myers and head nearer towards the gulf, you’ll come throughout a sequence of islands—together with the shelling seaside of Sanibel (well-known for the Sanibel Stoop vacationers do after they choose up the shells). Fort Myers’ shoreline sits on a shallow water plateau, which makes amassing seashells actually enjoyable.

Miami

Miami is the third most populated metro space on the East Coast. Seated on the southern tip of Florida, this tropical metropolis has a vigorous seaside scene and nightlife that draws individuals from everywhere in the world. Actually, celebrities from sports activities, music and films could be often noticed at Miami’s seashores and resorts. Since a majority of its inhabitants is Hispanic (round 70%), Miami has a large Latin affect in its native tradition, meals, and customs.⁵² And don’t neglect to take a look at the dancing scene in Little Havana for dwell Latin music.

Miami additionally affords year-round good climate, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in out of doors buying and watching professional groups from each main sport—just like the Dolphins (soccer) and the Marlins (baseball). The favored Miami Open tennis event can also be held there.

The Greatest Locations to Reside in Central Florida

Central Florida is the place every thing comes collectively, culturally talking. It’s actually the perfect of each worlds—the Southern attraction of the north and the power of south Florida. Central Florida can also be the middle of the state’s tourism trade and residential to its hottest trip locations.

Melbourne

With a front-row view of the Atlantic Ocean, Melbourne is a part of Florida’s Area Coast because of its proximity to Kennedy Area Heart (KSC). That is the place each crewed area flight by NASA has been launched. It’s additionally the place Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been launching astronauts (and his Tesla) into area. Melbourne can also be near Port Canaveral, one of many busiest cruise and delivery hubs on the planet.

Past the cool area and seacraft stuff, Melbourne’s beach-based group affords all types of enjoyable actions for residents—a stylish downtown space, thriving artwork and pageant scenes, and quite a lot of sports activities for each out and in of the water.

Orlando

When individuals consider Florida, likelihood is they assume first of Orlando (properly, possibly second after the alligators). In any case, it’s one of many prime household trip locations in not simply the USA, however the world! It’s the house of Walt Disney World and Common Orlando Resort—Mickey Mouse and Hogwarts. To not point out SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida Resort. It’s principally theme park heaven.

However there are additionally loads of actions to take pleasure in within the Orlando space apart from simply the theme parks. Due to its multicultural base, town boasts plenty of cultural festivals and quite a lot of eating places that’ll make sure you fulfill any hankering you might have. There are additionally professional sports activities groups to observe and observe, just like the Orlando Magic (basketball) and Orlando Metropolis SC (soccer). And due to its central location within the state, you will get to so many locations different locations in Florida in a matter of hours—together with the seaside.

Tampa

With Tampa, you get the touristy power of an Orlando-type huge metropolis mixed with a laid-back seaside life-style alongside the shores of Tampa Bay. It makes for an important combo. Tampa does have its personal theme park: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay—the second largest in Florida—which has curler coasters and unique animal reveals. And if big-city life isn’t your factor, Tampa’s suburbs are a bit of quieter.

Town is filled with intertwining cultures, together with a thriving Hispanic group. Actually, Tampa has claimed to be the birthplace of the Cubano sandwich, one of many signature dishes of south Florida—although Miami would say in any other case. Yearly, town celebrates its legendary pirate historical past (pirates within the Caribbean—it’s an actual factor) with the Gasparilla Pirate Pageant. And the metro space can also be residence to a few main sports activities groups: the Buccaneers (NFL), the Lightning (NHL), and the Rays (MLB).

Daytona Seaside

Daytona Seaside might be identified greatest as the house base of NASCAR—particularly for the well-known Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. That’s fairly superior all by itself.

However there’s extra to Daytona than tremendous quick inventory vehicles. Daytona’s distinctive seaside tradition features a lovely boardwalk with eating places, outlets, a pier and an amusement park. You too can fish, golf, and go to museums and performing arts facilities. Plus, journeys to the seaside are particularly handy since you’re nonetheless allowed to drive on the precise seaside in sure areas!

Lakeland

Our closing metropolis is a land of lakes (no, not the butter). Lakeland is residence to almost 40 lovely lakes, so that you’ll have loads of choices to take pleasure in Florida’s heat climate on the water. It’s additionally near well-liked cities like Tampa and Orlando.

Lakeland is legendary for having the most important assortment of buildings designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright—all positioned at Florida Southern Faculty. This metropolis can also be residence to nature parks and one among Florida’s top-ranked artwork museums, the Polk Museum of Artwork.

Greatest Locations to Reside in Florida for Households

In the event you’re shifting the entire household to Florida, you in all probability need to discover an space close to the most secure cities and the perfect college districts. To get you began in your search, listed below are a couple of locations that our Florida mates beneficial as nice locations to boost a household:

What A part of Florida Is Good for Younger Adults?

Now, should you’re a younger skilled shifting to the Sunshine State, you’ll in all probability need to know extra about Florida’s financial system and the place you will discover the perfect job alternatives—to not point out the place the opposite younger adults are too.

Listed here are a handful of suburbs which can be nice for younger adults:

• North Bay Village (Miami)

• Jacksonville Seaside (Jacksonville)

• Physician Phillips (Orlando)

Greatest Locations to Reside in Florida for Retirees

For you people who’ve been crushing it along with your funds and might now take pleasure in your dream retirement, Florida is a good alternative. It’s no secret that Florida ranks excessive on many “greatest cities to retire” lists yr after yr. In any case, does some other state scream paradise as loud as sunny Florida?

Listed here are a couple of favourite Florida cities amongst retirees:

What’s the Most Inexpensive Place to Reside in Florida?

In the event you’re something like us at Ramsey, you realize one of the crucial necessary issues to do earlier than shifting to a brand new space is to be sure you can truly afford residing there.

One approach to know you’ll be able to afford it’s to analysis the price of residing in Florida. The largest issue that’ll decide whether or not you’ll be able to afford residing there’s the price of housing.

Listed here are Florida areas that rank excessive for inexpensive housing:

Remember, these areas could also be above or beneath your personal housing funds. To determine your housing funds, use the 25% rule—by no means purchase or lease a house that comes with a month-to-month fee that’s greater than 25% of your month-to-month take-home pay.

In the event you’re getting a mortgage, that 25% restrict contains principal, curiosity, property taxes, residence insurance coverage and personal mortgage insurance coverage (PMI)—and don’t neglect to think about householders affiliation (HOA) charges (that are a part of many Florida neighborhoods). Use our mortgage calculator to enter your down fee quantity and check out totally different residence costs inside your funds.

In order for you a mortgage you’ll be able to repay quick, speak to the house mortgage specialists we belief at Churchill Mortgage about getting a 15-year fixed-rate typical mortgage. Some other sort of mortgage will drown you in curiosity and additional charges and preserve you in debt for many years.And don’t neglect about the price of the transfer itself. If you wish to work with an organization that’s been trusted with six million strikes, take a look at PODS. They’re RamseyTrusted, which implies we all know they’re going to get the job carried out proper. And all it’s important to do is fill one among their containers with all of your belongings and so they’ll ship it anyplace in Florida.

Able to Transfer to Florida?

In the event you’re prepared to maneuver to Florida, the following step in your relocation journey is to discover a actual property agent. For a quick and simple approach to discover native Florida brokers, look no additional than our community of RamseyTrusted brokers.

We solely suggest brokers who know their territory, will maintain you the Ramsey approach, and are on a mission that will help you crush your relocation objectives.

Discover a Florida actual property agent we belief!