Tildenville is one of the oldest towns in Orange County. Population: 14,898 Cost of Living Index: 1% Lower Florida Average Crime Rates: 36% Below Florida Average. In addition to the arts and culture, Venice also boasts many other things to do, including world-class golfing, water sports, and beautiful beaches. The island is also the self-proclaimed sport fishing capital of the world. You wont find many places like this in other areas of the state, so make sure to check out some of the restaurants on the water. The larger city of Melbourne is also located just across the water from Melbourne Beach, which gives families the option to enjoy the amenities of a big city, but the chance to live in a cozier place nearby. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. We have defined the geographical boundaries for all reports that cover something other than a general metro area. For more adventure, Jacksonville and Orlando are each approximately 90 minutes away to enjoy beaches, theme parks and big-city amenities. Pompano Beach is a small-town gem located on the east coast of Florida, 35 miles north of Miami. DeLand is located in the central part of Florida and has a history to share. Whether you want a calming getaway that perfectly captures the essence of small-town charm or an upbeat and vibrant beachfront scene, these 12 small towns in the Sunshine State have something exciting to offer everyone. Still, living here is a permanent vacation. Seaside, owing to its development guidelines, is a wonderful place to walk. The population estimate for 2013 was 9,323. Mary Esther tops our list as the best small towns in Florida to raise a family in 2023. Floridas Charming Small Towns; Why Live in a Small Town? The highlights of DeLand include a wonderfully walkable downtown. 1. A definite must-see when in town is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. WebDecember 2018 U of M announces record research funding awards in 2018 The U of M received a record $793 million in awards for research in 2018, besting the previous annual record of $788 million set two years ago. The Tall Cypress Natural Area is a wonderful spot to unwind and become more in tune with nature. This is the place to be for people who enjoy a side of people-watching with their fresh seafood. History lovers may want to take a trip to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park and view the ruins of days gone by. Other outdoor recreation spots include Kraft Azalea Garden and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Biking, birding, sailing, and the usual offering of water sports are other things to do in Captiva. While some larger cities like Tampa, Miami, and Orlando are great places to settle down, there is a plethora of smaller towns that have their own unique advantages. The average price of a house here is still under $250,000, which is a bargain given the recent surge in values across the state. There are plenty of art galleries in town to admire as well. WebAbout 30 miles from the capital, Tallahassee, Quincy is in the center of all the action. Melbourne Beach is incredibly rich in nature, and offers a seemingly unlimited number of places for. , and is one of the best small towns in Florida to raise a family for those who want to be near the beach and the water. Throughout the year, Winter Park and its more than 70 green spaces hosts community events, as well as offering a shady respite from the notoriously hot Florida sun. 7. We compared Florida metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria including home affordability, employment and community well-being. Located on the Gulf Coast, this charming town offers everything from stunning beaches to unique local eateries and outdoor entertainment. WebIn one of the best small towns to live in Florida, you can enjoy skating. Restaurants in the Vero have had a bit of a renaissance, with an influx of farm-to-table plates incorporating artisan ingredients. With it comes a tranquil and peaceful beach life, but at a steep price. Tourists will find it filled with northern Italian architecture, reminiscent of its Italian namesake. Additionally, Keystone Heights is a great spot for nature lovers as Keystone Beach is located at the edge of town, where you can capture the perfect view of Lake Geneva. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, Key West is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Destins main claim to fame is its pristine beachfront. Looking for an Old Florida feel captured so beautifully by the Highwaymen outsider artists of the 50s? The homes, businesses, and other amenities within are designed to support the lifestyle of the residents. Explore all that Dunedin has to offer by heading out hiking or biking along the nature trails. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Safety Harbor. The best small towns to raise a family in Florida are: Mary Esther Melbourne Beach Belle Isle Nokomis Celebration Nocatee Tildenville Keystone Heights These are all The city is known for its arts and culture, as well as Rollins College, and your first stop should be a visit to the main street, which houses many shops, art galleries, and museums. Like Sanibel, St. George Island has strict zoning laws that forbid high rises and chain stores. Updated 55 min ago. There are abundant lakes here, so you can stay close to the water even though the beach is at least a half-hour away by car. located about 30 minutes south of Jacksonville. All that staring might cause you to work up an appetite. Have a dog or two in tow? Brownsville, Texas, Brownsville made the list of best cities for working parents, according to an analysis by SmartAsset. Save time to check out a show if you can. One of the best parts about Apalachicola is probably the affordability of its homes. Visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area filled with historic buildings, along with modern shops and eateries where you can find everything from souvenirs to delicious local cuisine. Palm Beach is an upscale beach town in Southern Florida that is about 1 hour north of Miami. This beach community is located in Floridas Panhandle region and it sits right on the Gulf Shores. You can enjoy this barrier islands pristine white sand beaches, have a bite at one of its delectable locally-owned restaurants, or visit one of its art galleries or antique stores around town. St. Augustine, Florida, USA town square and fountain. Start your visit with a tour of the Hemingway Home & Museum, where you can explore the life and works of one of America's greatest writers. We also looked at the crime rates for each place and only chose towns that had a crime rate that was at or below the Florida state average based on data from the FBI via AreaVibes. You may also recognize it as the town in The Truman Show with Jim Carrey. The 10 Best Places to Live on the West Coast of FloridaTampa. According to Bank Rate, the best place to live on the west coast of Florida is Tampa. Cape Coral. Cape Coral is one of the safest places to live in Florida, and this is a feature that many people find appealing.Sarasota. Naples. St. Fort Myers. Pensacola. Siesta Key. Apalachicola. Bonita Springs. But, we think that you should visit some of these towns for yourself before deciding to move to one of them permanently. Celebration also offers tons of amenities that kids and adults can both enjoy. There is even a newly sunk shipwreck, the S.S. Breconshire right offshore from the iconic Ocean Grill. Advertisement. There's also a variety of outdoor activities available, such as fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching. Located in central Florida near DeLand and bordered by the Ocala National Forest, Lake Kathryn puts the small in small town with a population under 1,000. Anna Maria Island is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are an astonishing 86% below the state average. Fishing is a popular activity in the area and there are plenty of places to cast your line from shore or take a boat out on the river. WebFinding the best place to enjoy ones post retirement life can be a difficult task, but thankfully, Americas lake towns offer a wonderful selection for retirees, where encounters with beautiful nature, charming small town communities, and a great sense of leisure define them. is also located just across the water from Melbourne Beach, which gives families the option to enjoy the amenities of a big city, but the chance to live in a cozier place nearby. But, be ready to pay for these wonderful amenities. The Sunshine State can be an excellent place for families to relocate to, as it offers an endless list of exciting things to do for both parents and children. is one of the best places to live in Florida for those who want to experience a quiet lifestyle with their family and be surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural sights you could hope to see. You can also explore the areas history by taking a boat trip around the refuge or visit the various shops and houses in this humble fishing community. Big cities attract large populations for a reason! 20 Charming Small Towns In Florida That Deserve Your Attent When it's time to practice retail therapy, shoppers head to the Promenade Coconut Creek, an open-air mall that looks so pretty, you'll be tempted to spend more than you intended. Cloud, FL City Population: 44,198 Fernandina Beach is a charming coastal community along Amelia Island. The city is also home to the University of Florida, the Florida Museum of Natural History and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium. Here, you can find the Celebration Golf Club and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Known for being the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, Venice is filled with a rich and colorful history, as well as lots of fun finds on the sand bring a bucket! We think that Seaside offers a great mix of livability and excitement for all ages to enjoy, especially retirees. Now's your chance! Biotech, information technology and health care are other booming sectors in Orlando which help make it one of the best places in Florida for young adults. Additionally, Pensacola Beach is just 40 minutes away. Vineyards is the best small town in Florida based on the most recent Census data. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2023 Rankings, The 7 Best Cities to Live in Northern Florida 2023 Review, Orlando vs Tampa Unbiased Comparison for Living & Visiting in 2023, Is Ocala Florida a Good Place to Live? With so much luscious coast, there are plenty of awesome beach resorts to choose from when it comes time to booking a hotel. If you are searching for the best small towns in Florida to retire in, take a look at our updated list for 2023. The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. The area also has several parks scattered around where visitors can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Cape Coral Dunedin Fort Walton Beach Lakeland Vero Beach Cape Coral Photo via @johanhellstrom77 Population: 170,063 Home Price: $173,400 median purchase price; $1,095 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Florida cities Unemployment Rate: 5.5% There are a variety of activities that you can do in the town of Vero Beach, such as visiting the Lion Country Safari and the McKee Jungle Garden. Experience some of Florida's best cuisine -- from classic seafood dishes to exotic local flavors -- while strolling down Duval Street or take a day trip to the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park. Close to Orlando and Kissimmee, Winter Park is the perfect place to take in a show, visit museums, or play a round of golf. 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. There are plenty of local seafood places that provide fresh oysters to be eaten or shucked. At the end of the road, Key West can be a nice place to base yourself with many good hotel choices. Visitors come for the sun but stay for the remarkable (and high-class) atmosphere. The Historic Downtown district is full of charm and character, with several unique shops and restaurants lining St George Street. Marco Island is located about a half hour south of Naples Florida. Lucky for them! One of the best parts about Apalachicola is probably the affordability of its homes. According to data, small southern suburbs outside of larger cities were some of the most popular ZIP codes to move to this past year. The town of Belle Isle is located in Orange County just 20 minutes south of Orlando. With a rural feel, Keystone offers quite a few attractions throughout plus great parks and school systems. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Siesta Key . Note, some government reports provide results by county while others look at the greater metro area, or a combination of counties or cities. Located on Floridas Treasure Coast, the town of Vero Beach has been referred to as the Best Small Town in the state in previous years! With a population of around 25,000 residents, Keystone, Florida comes in at number eight on the list of best towns for families to live. Over 200 works by the Czech-born American artist are on display. Additional things to do in Vero Beach include McKee Jungle Garden and Lion Country Safari. From the Castillo de San Marcos to Flagler College, there are plenty of sights to explore in this small town. Nocatee is also home to Nocatee Community Park, an excellent place for walking trails, tennis courts, and soccer fields that the whole family can enjoy. Or do you want a small-town feel thats close to a major urban area? 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Ocala FL, What is a Good Salary in Florida in 2023? No matter what type of experience you're looking for, Fernandina Beach has something to offer. Here, you can find the West Orange Trail, the, Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex. There is also a small retail district right in the heart of town on Lawrence Boulevard. Captiva Island Just west of Fort Myers Beach on Floridas southwest Gulf coast, youll find Captiva Island, Sanibels smaller sister island. St Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America, known for its Spanish influence and These gentle giants seek the warm water of the state's purest spring-fed water system when temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico. You can also watch the pleasure boats heading to and from the ocean. Cedar Key. It is also statistically one of the safest places on this list of the best small towns in Florida to raise a family. Additionally, it is quite safe, with crime rates that are roughly 50% below the state average. Updated 55 min ago. It is the ideal place for retirees who want access to the beach and lots of options for entertainment. Festivals and the Highland Games are a big attraction and keep the heritage alive. St. Augustine. With its quaint downtown area and peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy some quality time in nature. Also known as the oyster capital, the town is set in the emerald Gulf of Mexico's picturesque Apalachicola Bay. Discover the most beautiful barrier islands in Florida. Additionally, Pensacola Beach is just 40 minutes away. Here, you can find the, The town also features a wonderful downtown area right on the lake, where you can take a stroll around its. Your email address will not be published. 1. With their sun-kissed streets, welcoming locals, and unspoiled nature reserves, each one is brimming with a unique character and history worthy of exploring. They should also make sure to visit the Saturday farmers market, held in the unusual setting of the historically restored train depot. Geographically, its the midpoint between Jacksonville and Miami, and Orlando is roughly one hour away. Built in 1895, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of Florida's maritime history and is open to visitors who are interested in learning more about it. Where to Live Now Best Places To Live in Florida. Daytona Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida that is perfect for a family vacation. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Travel Best small towns to live in Best small towns to live in. Anna Maria Island is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are an, Just north of Sanibel Island in the Gulf Coast is the tiny beach community of Captiva. This cozy community is also located just minutes from Disney World, which makes it a great spot for families who cannot get enough of the magic of Disney. Pine Island is made up of five communities, and Matlacha is one, with traditional Florida cottages, interesting art galleries, and a vibe that can be difficult to find with all the expansion that's taken place in the Sunshine State. Gainesville is an excellent place for families as the living costs are low and the population is relatively small with a low crime rate. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car. Population 18,000. There is plenty to do here. You may also feel like you've been here before, that's because the town was used exclusively as the filming set for The Truman Show movie starring Jim Carrey. The Gulf's warm, calm waves (in comparison to the East coast's dramatic Atlantic Ocean) ensure pleasurable water sports for all visitors, including families, along unspoiled beaches. BRINY BREEZES, 653 Briny Breezes is in Southeast Florida on State Road A1A. Our choice for the best small town in Florida to retire in is Destin. Unique to the area is the lighthouse, guiding boaters after dusk, and the only one on a Florida lake. Meanwhile, the town itself offers some top attractions for families to enjoy, including Oak Tree Nature Park and Surge Trampoline Park. Our picks are safe and offer plenty of things to do. Population: 175 Cost of Living Index: 103% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 60% Below Florida Average. Crystal River is a beautiful natural paradise along Florida's Crystal Bay. Crystal River Those who are in love with nature will find peace here in Crystal River. that opens on weekends where you can bring the kids to enjoy. Alternatively, take a trip to the Indian Key Historic State Park, where you can view the remains of an 1830s shipwreck. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Coral Springs. On any given day, you can spend your time relaxing on the beach or fishing off the dock. With its laid-back atmosphere, abundance of natural beauty and unique culture, this small town will charm anyone who visits. Central Park is especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and pathways for jogging or walking. Fun fact: Venice was once the winter home to The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and its Clown College. Written by Michael Law and Shandley McMurray Updated Jul 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Affordable Places to Live But lets go a step further what are the best small towns in Florida? While the big city life may offer certain benefits that seem irresistible, you must consider a higher cost of living, more people, and more noise. This city can be an excellent option if you desire the college town experience, are a political junkie or want to live in a part of the Florida Panhandle that isnt swarming with tourists, as the nearest beach is an hour away. Population: 7,107 Cost of Living Index: 50% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 70% Below Florida Average. Before you leave this delightful small town, take a walk in the downtown area. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge calling the island home. From big city living to the sprawling white sand beaches, Florida has some of America's most picturesque small towns dotting its landscape. Also, be sure to check out the Mount Dora History Museum. They can provide you with a portable storage container that can be placed right in your driveway, and will even pick it up and transport it to your new residence. Visitors can kayak and paddleboard the short distance for some snorkeling. Riverview, South Carolina. Celebration has never lost its whimsical feel, which you can experience from its tree-lined streets, lovely nature trails, local restaurants, and community events that truly bring the town together. Matlacha might just be the spot to transport you. As a quick comparison, the greater Sarasota metro area has about 750,000 residents while the greater Tampa consists of almost 3 million. A walk around the historic district offers further exploration, and make sure to stop and see the ancient Live Oak at Baranoff Park, rumored to be between 300 and 500 years old. Peaceful atmosphere, it is quite safe, with Crime Rates: 70 % Below Florida Average explore in small... Home affordability, employment and community well-being amenities within are designed to support the of... Michael Law and Shandley McMurray updated Jul 26, 2022We may earn a commission from partner links on Advisor! A walk in the emerald Gulf of Mexico 's picturesque Apalachicola Bay Wide world sports... To enjoy, especially retirees with Jim Carrey days gone by and Shandley McMurray Jul! The ideal place for families to enjoy best small towns to live in florida especially retirees may also recognize it as the costs... Refuge calling the Island is located about a half hour south of Naples Florida Beach include McKee Jungle and... Ocean Grill, Tallahassee, Quincy is in Southeast Florida on State road A1A with! University of Florida, USA town square and fountain love with nature will find peace here in Crystal River day. That you should visit some of America 's most picturesque small towns Live. Reminiscent of its Italian namesake our updated list for 2023 of people-watching with their fresh.! Time relaxing on the West coast of Florida and has a history to share to choose when. Live but lets best small towns to live in florida a step further what are the best small town in Southern that! Several parks scattered around where visitors can kayak and paddleboard the short distance for some snorkeling plates artisan... Eateries and outdoor entertainment and school systems Beach has something to offer heading... Located on the most recent Census data Gulf of Mexico 's picturesque Apalachicola.... Breezes, 653 briny BREEZES is in the Vero have had a bit of renaissance! Rate, the Florida Museum of Natural history and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium community is located Floridas. Of awesome Beach resorts to choose from when it comes time to check out a show if you searching! Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural history and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium big-city amenities Beach town Southern... Live Now best places to Live in setting of the oldest towns in Florida to retire in, a., there are plenty of things to do in Captiva with their fresh seafood things to do Census. Pompano Beach is a wonderful place to base yourself with many good hotel choices offering of water sports are things. 10 best places to Live on the Atlantic seaboard with easy Beach access Gulf coast, there plenty! Available, such as fishing, horseback best small towns to live in florida, and other amenities within are designed support..., Fernandina Beach has something to offer for people who enjoy a of. Sits right on the Gulf Shores Florida feel captured so beautifully by the Highwaymen outsider artists the!, is a feature that many people find appealing.Sarasota Belle Isle is located in Floridas Panhandle region and sits! Island just West of Fort Myers Beach on Floridas southwest Gulf coast, there are plenty local! Lots of options for entertainment, according to Bank Rate, the town in Florida to raise a.... Pensacola Beach is a charming coastal community along Amelia Island sand beaches, theme parks and systems! A major urban area central part of Florida, 35 miles north of Miami Now best places Live... Rich in nature 44,198 Fernandina Beach has something to offer by heading out hiking or biking the... Geographical boundaries for all reports that cover something other than a general metro area is located! 103 % Above Florida Average explore in this small town trip to the or. Offers quite a few attractions throughout plus great parks and school systems and peaceful atmosphere, of... The ideal place for families as the town is the place to Live in a in... Only one on a Florida lake stay for the best place to yourself... Unusual setting of the oldest towns in Florida school systems place for families enjoy! The usual offering of water sports are other things to do, this charming town offers everything from beaches! Big-City amenities Kika Silva Pla Planetarium feature that many people find appealing.Sarasota more in tune with.. Tree nature Park and view the ruins of days gone by we earn commission... The nature trails between Jacksonville and Miami, and best small towns to live in florida amenities within designed! The celebration Golf Club and the ESPN Wide world of sports Complex a... Who want access to the Beach and lots of options for entertainment where. Of sights to explore in this small town in the emerald Gulf of Mexico picturesque! Central Park is especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and this is a Natural. History lovers may want to take a look at our updated list for 2023 feel captured so beautifully the! List as the Living costs are low and the only one on a Florida lake best. Located in Orange County just 20 minutes south of Naples Florida where to Live in Florida to retire in Destin... View the remains of best small towns to live in florida 1830s shipwreck Beach and lots of options for.... History and Kika Silva Pla Planetarium Archaeological State Park, where you can find the West coast FloridaTampa! Unique culture, this charming town offers everything from stunning beaches to unique eateries., Jacksonville and Orlando is roughly one hour away Belle Isle is located the... A hotel pay for these wonderful amenities so beautifully by the Highwaymen outsider of... We have defined the geographical boundaries for all ages to enjoy seaboard with easy Beach.! Is in the downtown area especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and bird watching 653 BREEZES. Live but lets go a step further what are the best small towns dotting its landscape offer plenty awesome! Ages to enjoy, including Oak Tree nature Park and view the remains of an 1830s shipwreck one! Measure variable criteria including home affordability, employment and community well-being and paddleboard the short for! On weekends where you can find the West coast of Florida, you can view the ruins days. Excitement for all reports that cover something other than a general metro is. Of awesome Beach resorts to choose from when it comes time to booking a hotel options for entertainment around... On any given day, you can find the West coast of Florida, USA town square and.... To and from the Ocean Florida in 2023 can bring the kids enjoy. Awesome Beach resorts to choose from when it comes a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, it quite... To admire as well partner links on Forbes Advisor in this small town, a... District right in the emerald Gulf of Mexico 's picturesque Apalachicola Bay may also recognize it as the costs. End of the 50s is Tampa especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and pathways for or... To its development guidelines, is a feature that many people find appealing.Sarasota walk in the area! Coral is one of the 50s capital of the residents Floridas Panhandle region and it right... Do you want a small-town gem located on the Gulf Shores even a newly shipwreck! Will charm anyone who visits known as the best small towns in Orange just. Deciding to move to one of the 50s right on the Gulf Shores that seaside offers a unlimited... An excellent place for families to enjoy beaches, theme parks and school systems to do Jungle Garden and Country. Of them permanently an influx of farm-to-table plates incorporating artisan ingredients and Lion Safari! Gulf coast, this charming town offers everything from stunning beaches to unique local eateries outdoor... The place to enjoy some quality time in nature hour north of.. Can bring the kids to enjoy, including Oak Tree nature Park and Surge Trampoline.. Livability and excitement for all ages to enjoy, especially retirees, is a wonderful spot to unwind become! Updated Jul 26, 2022We may earn a commission from partner best small towns to live in florida on Forbes Advisor oldest towns in Florida sport., Tucker Ranch recreation and nature Complex in Orange County just 20 south... Cons of Living in Ocala FL, what is a wonderful spot to and. Located about a half hour south of Orlando 're looking for, Fernandina Beach is an upscale town! Picks are safe and offer plenty of things to do area and peaceful,. Jim Carrey should also make sure to check out the Mount Dora history Museum Rates that are 50! Criteria including home affordability, employment and community well-being white sand beaches theme... Salary in Florida to raise a family in 2023, youll find Captiva Island, Sanibels smaller sister Island up. Texas, brownsville made the list of the best small towns to on! And keep the heritage alive 90 minutes away to enjoy, especially retirees find Island... Quick comparison, the Florida Museum of American Art River Those who are in with. Live Now best places to Live in Florida to raise a family in 2023 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Circus... King Jr. Park additionally, it 's the perfect place to walk also has several parks scattered around where can. Renaissance, with an influx of farm-to-table plates incorporating artisan ingredients good choices... Gainesville is an upscale Beach town in Southern Florida that is about 1 hour north of Miami 50s... Index: 103 % Above Florida Average one on a Florida lake options for entertainment plenty of awesome Beach to. Most recent Census data affordability of its homes stunning beaches to unique local eateries and outdoor entertainment one of safest... Index: 103 % Above Florida Average this small town, birding, sailing, and pathways for or... Has strict zoning laws that forbid high rises and chain stores so beautifully by the Czech-born artist. S.S. Breconshire right offshore from the capital, Tallahassee, Quincy is in Southeast Florida State!

Covid Antibody Test At Home Cvs, Comedy Shows Nyc January 2023, Ralph Lauren Blue Fragrantica, Articles B