10 Best Places to Live in Florida 2024

Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, draws people from all over the world. Although the intrinsic reasons for living in Florida might differ from person to person, the extrinsic reasons, such as the theme parks, stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural diversity, remain the same.

Whether you are looking to move to or are already living in Florida but looking to switch cities, we will cover every aspect so that by the end of this article, your choice of the best place to live in Florida is all clear.

Living in Florida’s West Coast Vs East Coast

If you are having trouble deciding whether to live on Florida's east or west coast, do not worry—we have you covered.

Here is a step-by-step comparison to help you make your choice.

The Coastal Scenery:

Weather Patterns:

Outdoor Activities:

Cultural Scene:

Cost of Living:

Community Atmosphere:

Did You Know?

Florida is the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles live in the wild together.

Living in North Florida Vs. South Florida

The debate about living in North Florida vs. South Florida has always been a topic of interest, but what if I tell you that this debate is unbeatable?

This is because the answer to winning this debate lies solely in the preference of the debater. Therefore, we have listed a few factors that will help you decide for yourself.

North Florida

• Climate: Milder winters than in South Florida; summers are still hot and humid but less extreme.
• Culture: It blends Southern culture with influences from nearby states like Georgia and Alabama; it is generally laid-back and less cosmopolitan than South Florida.
• Lifestyle: Popular for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and freshwater fishing due to abundant forests, rivers, and springs; the cost of living in some areas is lower than in South Florida.

Best Places to Live in South Florida

South Florida

• Climate: It has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, mild winters, and hot, humid summers. During the Atlantic hurricane season, it is prone to hurricanes.
• Culture: The population is diverse due to strong influences from Latin America and the Caribbean culture.
• Lifestyle: Prominent beach living with water sports, sunbathing, and boating opportunities. There is also a wide range of entertainment options, including shopping, dining, and arts and cultural events.

Best Places to Live in Central Florida

Did You Know?

One interesting fact about Central Florida is that it's home to the Kennedy Space Center, NASA's primary launch site for human spaceflight missions.

Key Takeaways

• Factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and community atmosphere play a significant role in choosing the right place to live.
• If you are planning to live in Miami, Florida, get ready for fun times exploring theme parks, relaxing on beaches, or checking out the nightlife.
• To ensure a move with trusted moving companies, read "Top Movers in Miami, FL."
• When moving to or within Florida, research and compare moving companies based on services, pricing, and customer reviews on reputable Sites Like” My Good Movers." 

10 Best Places to Live in Florida

Here is a pick of the Top Ten Best Places to Live in Florida:

1. Miami: It has a vibrant urban environment, diverse culture, nightlife, and beautiful beaches.
2. Orlando: Famous for its world-renowned theme parks, diverse neighborhoods, and job opportunities.
3. Tampa: A Gulf Coast city that has a rich cultural scene, waterfront attractions, and a thriving job market.
4. Jacksonville: It is Florida's largest city and has a blend of urban amenities, outdoor recreation, and historic charm.
5. St. Petersburg: It is known for its stunning waterfront views, vibrant arts scene, and laid-back coastal lifestyle.
6. Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale has beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown, and a relaxed atmosphere compared to Miami.
7. Sarasota: Sarasota is situated on Florida's Gulf Coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural venues, and arts community.
8. Boca Raton: Boca Raton is known for its upscale neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and pristine beaches.
9. Naples: Naples is a paradise for outdoor lovers with luxurious amenities, golf courses, and picturesque beaches.
10. Winter Park: A charming suburb of Orlando known for its historic downtown, scenic parks, and cultural attractions.

How Can You Choose the Right Place to Live in Florida

If you have made up your mind to relocate to Florida, but the one thing that is making you worry is "How to choose the right place to live in Florida.

Well, the answer lies in your personal needs and preferences. To be clearer, here are some steps you can follow to choose the right place to live in Florida.

• Consider your lifestyle: Consider what activities and amenities are important to you. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, you might prefer a location near beaches, parks, or hiking trails. If you are more into cultural events and nightlife, a city like Miami or Orlando might be a better fit.
• Research the cost of living: Different areas of Florida can vary widely in terms of housing costs, taxes, and other expenses. Make sure to compare the cost of living in various cities or neighborhoods to ensure it aligns with your budget.
• Climate considerations: Florida's climate varies from region to region. The southern part of the state experiences warmer temperatures year-round compared to the northern regions. Consider whether you prefer a subtropical climate with mild winters or if you are okay with the occasional hurricane threat in coastal areas.
• Job Market: If you are moving to Florida for work, research the job market in your field and consider proximity to potential employers. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are known for their diverse industries and job opportunities.
• Quality Education: If you have children, research the quality of schools in the areas you are considering. Look into public and private education options in your area.
• Community and safety: Take the time to visit neighborhoods and get a feel for the community atmosphere. Consider factors like crime rates, healthcare, and proximity to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation.

Best Places to Live in Florida for Families

With endless attractions and welcoming communities, which family-friendly city in Florida would be the perfect setting for your family? Below is a list of the best places for families to live in Florida.

Did You Know?

Moving with a family can be a challenging experience; this is why professional movers in Florida provide various services, including:

• Local distance moves
• Long-distance moves
• Packing and Storage
• Special Movers

Best Place to Live in Florida with Kids

Finding the best place to live with kids is not easy. On average, parents spend about 6.5 hours per week more on childcare than they did in the 1960s. This is why you must consider many things, with childcare and quality education being the priority.

Below is a list of the Best Places to Live in Florida with Kids.

Did You Know?

Florida's growing real estate market and population growth have created a significant demand for professional moving services statewide. That is why it is necessary to find the best state-to-state, especially with kids.

Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults

As a young adult, moving to a new city involves looking for vibrant nightlife, career prospects, affordable housing, outdoor activities, and an artistic community.

But you must look no further, as we have the right pick of the Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults. 

Best Affordable Places to Live in Florida

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida's median home value is lower than the national average? This makes it attractive for those who are looking for affordable housing options.

Let's break down some of the best affordable places to live in Florida.

To put the icing on the cake, here are the Best Cheap Moving Companies that will complement your budget.

Best Places to Live in Florida in Terms of Perks and Communities

The two most important factors in living are amenities and communities. Below are some of the best places to live in Florida in terms of amenities and communities. 

Top Safest Places to Live in Florida 

Did You Know?

Some of Florida's safest cities have crime rates that are up to 70% lower than the national average?

Whether you are a young adult living alone or someone with a family, safety is on everyone's top list. This is why we have made a list of the Top Safest Places to Live in Florida.

Best Places to Live in Tampa, Florida

Are you interested in making Tampa, Florida, your home? Below is a list of the Best Places to Live in Tampa, Florida.

Did You Know?

Tampa, Florida, is home to the world's longest continuous sidewalk Tampa Bay's iconic Bayshore Boulevard has a stunning 4.5-mile-long sidewalk, making it an ideal spot for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying breathtaking bay views.

Best Places to Live in Florida Panhandle

Did you know that the Florida Panhandle is home to some of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches in the United States?

With sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters, these beaches consistently rank among the top in the nation for their natural beauty. If you are a nature lover, then we have the list of the Best Places to Live in the Florida Panhandle.

Best Places to Live in Florida as a Tourist

Florida consistently ranks as one of the most visited states in the United States, with over 130 million tourists visiting each year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

If you plan on visiting Florida as a tourist this year, too, we have created a list of places with it all.

Average Cost of Living in Florida 

According to recent data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Florida's overall cost of living is about 3% higher than the national average, Depending on factors like location and expenses such as housing, transportation, and healthcare.

Did You Know?

Florida has no state income tax, which means residents keep more of their earnings, making living expenses relatively cheaper than in states with income taxes.

(Note: This is just an estimation; the actual cost might differ depending on the place in Florida)