10 Greatest Locations to Stay 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 presently $587,252, in accordance with Zillow.

After all, there are numerous totally different neighborhoods on this giant, bustling metropolis, with main value variations between South Seashore 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 residing.

If you would like big-city residing with a tropical twist, Miami is your finest guess — simply take a look at all of the celebrities and billionaires transferring in. It may be a dear place to dwell, however the unemployment fee right here is 3.1 p.c, decrease than the nationwide common — and whereas the per capita private revenue is $56,419 within the U.S., you may count on to make extra in Miami ($68,481), which may steadiness out the upper prices of residing.

West Palm Seashore

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

I’ve spent many years visiting 49 international locations 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 allure because of its historic neighborhoods, longtime locals, and strict dedication to purposeful growth. Ritzy Palm Seashore 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 straightforward to get anyplace else you need to go, too.

West Palm Seashore has a inhabitants simply over 120,000 and an unemployment fee of 3.8 p.c. Whereas the price of residing is larger than in much less fascinating metros, Palm Seashore 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 development by way of revenue and inhabitants.

What West Palm Seashore lacks in inexpensive housing, it makes up for in employment alternatives, outside actions (particularly these in and across the water, together with snorkeling and board sports activities), and full of life arts, tradition, and leisure scenes downtown — there are Broadway reveals, artwork galleries, and open-air amphitheaters inside a couple 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 plentiful employment alternatives (the unemployment fee in Jacksonville is 3.8 p.c), 22 miles of seashores, well-connected highways, 270 days of sunshine per yr, and tons of issues to do, and also you’ll see why so many households flock to this metropolis. In reality, lecturers relocate right here from throughout to show within the award-winning St. Johns County College District, a high public college district in Florida.

It’s additionally considered one of 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 area to welcome newcomers.

Tampa

One of the vital fascinating places to dwell in Florida is Tampa, with a mean residence worth of $385,903 and an unemployment fee 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 outside actions, with among the state’s high 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 may head to Tampa’s historic Ybor Metropolis neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar manufacturing facility employees 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 well-liked 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 school city squares (all with nightly dwell leisure), world-class medical services, boutique procuring, and loads of recreation alternatives, it’s like residing at a theme park constructed for these of a sure age.

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

Better of all, almost the entire 32-square-mile neighborhood is linked by way of a golf cart path, so regardless of the focus of issues to do, you may 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 encircling neighborhoods and profit from the array of services open to the general public. Based on Zillow, the common residence worth in The Villages is $409,251. This worth decreased by 2.8 p.c within the final yr, so now’s a good time to snap up your dream residence.

Orlando

Orlando, one of the crucial well-liked cities in Florida, has a mean residence worth of $385,207 and an unemployment fee of 3.7 p.c.

As one of many high vacationer locations within the state — Orlando is residence to greater than a dozen theme parks and varied different points of interest — this metropolis has no scarcity of issues to do. You may select from a spread of existence, from downtown apartment residing 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 need to transfer to a metropolis the place turning 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 high cities in Florida with the bottom common residence values, in accordance with Zillow. As of August 2024, the common residence worth in Ocala was $273,783, a lot decrease than the U.S. worth.

Town could also be on the smaller aspect, however inside an hour or two of driving, you may attain seashores, the theme parks of Orlando, and among the most lovely freshwater springs in Florida. Plus, with the current opening of an $800 million resort, it’s protected 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 residing close to Gulf Coast seashores, golf programs, and different points of interest, together with 400 miles of canals (and thus ample alternatives for boating, fishing, and water sports activities). Right here, the common residence worth is $382,205, down 4.7 p.c within the final yr.

If you would like the total Florida expertise, you may belief there are numerous 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 purpose.

Lake Metropolis

Lake Metropolis in northern Florida is another choice near the state’s gorgeous pure springs, however there’s additionally historical past, cultural points of interest, state parks, boutique procuring, 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 almost 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.

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

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