10 Finest Locations to Dwell in Florida

Miami

Arguably probably the most vibrant metropolis within the Sunshine State, Miami packs a punch, and the everyday residence worth on this coastal metropolis is at the moment $587,252, in accordance with Zillow.

After all, there are numerous completely different neighborhoods on this giant, bustling metropolis, with main worth variations between South Seaside and inland communities, for instance. Nonetheless, as a world hub of finance, tradition, arts, and worldwide commerce, Miami provides its residents a novel mix of enterprise alternatives, Florida-Cuban tradition, scorching nightlife, fascinating historical past, and seaside dwelling.

If you would like big-city dwelling with a tropical twist, Miami is your finest wager — simply take a look at all of the celebrities and billionaires shifting in. It may be an expensive place to dwell, however the unemployment price right here is 3.1 p.c, decrease than the nationwide common — and whereas the per capita private earnings is $56,419 within the U.S., you’ll be able to anticipate to make extra in Miami ($68,481), which may steadiness out the upper prices of dwelling.

West Palm Seaside

Wish to be near Miami with out the anonymity of big-city dwelling? Transfer to West Palm Seaside, the place the typical residence worth is $406,942 (up 3.8 p.c from 2023).

I’ve spent many years visiting 49 nations and that is the place I select to name residence, if that tells you something.

Whereas this world-class metropolis has all of the perks of a a lot bigger metro space, it has retained an air of small-town attraction because of its historic neighborhoods, longtime locals, and strict dedication to purposeful growth. Ritzy Palm Seaside is simply over the bridge, Miami is a fast hour away on the Brightline, and there are three worldwide airports inside a 70-mile radius, so it’s simple to get wherever else you wish to go, too.

West Palm Seaside has a inhabitants simply over 120,000 and an unemployment price of 3.8 p.c. Whereas the price of dwelling is greater than in much less fascinating metros, Palm Seaside County has one of many highest per capita private incomes within the state of Florida, at $109,055, and in recent times, has led the state’s progress by way of earnings and inhabitants.

What West Palm Seaside lacks in reasonably priced housing, it makes up for in employment alternatives, out of doors actions (particularly these in and across the water, together with snorkeling and board sports activities), and vigorous arts, tradition, and leisure scenes downtown — there are Broadway reveals, artwork galleries, and open-air amphitheaters inside a number of sq. miles.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville, the most important metropolis in Florida (and, consider it or not, the biggest metropolis by space within the contiguous U.S.), has a typical residence worth of $301,690 — decrease than the statewide and nationwide values.

Add to that the considerable employment alternatives (the unemployment price in Jacksonville is 3.8 p.c), 22 miles of seashores, well-connected highways, 270 days of sunshine per 12 months, and tons of issues to do, and also you’ll see why so many households flock to this metropolis. In truth, lecturers relocate right here from throughout to show within the award-winning St. Johns County College District, a prime public college district in Florida.

It’s additionally one among Florida’s youngest cities, with an common age of 36, and it is residence to the biggest city park system within the nation, in accordance with Go to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is a metropolis that has all of it, together with loads of house to welcome newcomers.

Tampa

Probably the most fascinating places to dwell in Florida is Tampa, with a median residence worth of $385,903 and an unemployment price of 3.8 p.c.

Situated on the scenic Tampa Bay alongside Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a hub for enterprise, cultural establishments, and out of doors actions, with a number of the state’s prime eating places and a excessive lifestyle.

Plus, the favored Busch Gardens amusement park is simply as enjoyable as any Orlando theme park, with no lengthy drive required (although Orlando is about an hour and a half away, if you wish to make the journey).

You possibly can head to Tampa’s historic Ybor Metropolis neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar manufacturing unit staff within the early 1900s, for eating and nightlife not like the rest you’ll discover within the Sunshine State.

Throughout the bay, Clearwater and St. Petersburg have gotten more and more widespread for younger professionals and households — I’m a giant fan of St. Pete’s well-known pink lodge and the floral latte at Bandit Espresso Co.

The Villages

The Villages — an enormous, master-planned, age-restricted neighborhood protecting parts of Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties in Central Florida — is the highest energetic grownup retirement neighborhood within the nation.

With three old style city squares (all with nightly dwell leisure), world-class medical amenities, boutique purchasing, and loads of recreation alternatives, it’s like dwelling at a theme park constructed for these of a sure age.

As somebody raised close by who attended The Villages Constitution Colleges from elementary by means of highschool, I can affirm that it’s certainly “Florida’s friendliest hometown.”

Better of all, practically the entire 32-square-mile neighborhood is related by way of a golf cart path, so regardless of the focus of issues to do, you’ll be able to neglect the complications of freeway site visitors.

Whereas solely these ages 55 and up can dwell in The Villages-owned communities, anybody can transfer into the encompassing neighborhoods and profit from the array of amenities open to the general public. Based on Zillow, the typical residence worth in The Villages is $409,251. This worth decreased by 2.8 p.c within the final 12 months, so now’s a good time to snap up your dream residence.

Orlando

Orlando, one of the vital widespread cities in Florida, has a median residence worth of $385,207 and an unemployment price of 3.7 p.c.

As one of many prime vacationer locations within the state — Orlando is residence to greater than a dozen theme parks and varied different sights — this metropolis has no scarcity of issues to do. You possibly can select from a spread of existence, from downtown rental dwelling to suburban single-family houses, and a college attracts 1000’s of scholars every year, so the town is poised to proceed rising.

Plus, who doesn’t wish to transfer to a metropolis the place changing into a Disney Annual Passholder is virtually a requirement?!

Ocala

Ocala has lengthy been a haven for horse lovers because of its thriving equine neighborhood, and it’s additionally one of many prime cities in Florida with the bottom common residence values, in accordance with Zillow. As of August 2024, the typical residence worth in Ocala was $273,783, a lot decrease than the U.S. worth.

The town could also be on the smaller aspect, however inside an hour or two of driving, you’ll be able to attain seashores, the theme parks of Orlando, and a number of the most lovely freshwater springs in Florida. Plus, with the latest opening of an $800 million resort, it’s secure to say Ocala is on the rise.

Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a small metropolis close to Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s southwest coast. Its inhabitants of about 217,000 enjoys dwelling close to Gulf Coast seashores, golf programs, and different sights, together with 400 miles of canals (and thus ample alternatives for boating, fishing, and water sports activities). Right here, the typical residence worth is $382,205, down 4.7 p.c within the final 12 months.

If you would like the total Florida expertise, you’ll be able to belief there are a variety of methods to take pleasure in being exterior in Cape Coral, together with tennis courts and nature preserves. Plus, you’ll share your hometown with a few of Florida’s most charming wildlife, like manatees and birds. Life is quieter and slower in Cape Coral, and for some, that’s precisely the objective.

Lake Metropolis

Lake Metropolis in northern Florida is another choice near the state’s gorgeous pure springs, however there’s additionally historical past, cultural sights, state parks, boutique purchasing, and — because of its location just under the Georgia line — some mouthwatering Southern cooking.

If you wish to transfer to Florida, however can’t afford costly locations like Naples or Key West, Lake Metropolis, with a inhabitants somewhat over 12,000 — is a strong possibility. Lake Metropolis noticed a notable enhance in common residence values within the final 12 months, rising 5.3 p.c to $259,446, however it’s nonetheless practically 100 grand decrease than the nationwide quantity.

Wauchula

Whether or not you’re seeking to transfer to Florida or already dwell right here, likelihood is you’ve by no means heard of the tiny inland city of Wauchula.

However it’s a promising place to search for a Florida residence: With a inhabitants slightly below 5,000, it had one of the vital sizable year-over-year will increase in typical residence worth, up virtually 9 p.c within the final 12 months. And as of August 2024, the everyday residence worth was $217,647 — a fraction of the nationwide quantity. Reasonably priced and on the upswing? Two main inexperienced flags.

Plus, in accordance with Go to Florida, Wauchula has sights “properly value your whereas” — its declare to fame is the Middle for Nice Apes, the one accredited orangutan sanctuary within the nation, and there’s additionally the Peace River, the place you’ll be able to canoe, kayak, spot wildlife, and hunt for fossils alongside the riverbanks. On Principal Avenue, you’ll discover antiques outlets and sandhill crane sculptures (“Wauchula” comes from a Miccosukee phrase that means “name of the sandhill crane”); drive 20 minutes and also you’ll discover Solomon’s Fort, a three-story constructing made from aluminum and recycled artwork, with excursions led by the artist himself.