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Are you weighing the pros and cons of living in Florida? With 237 sun-kissed days each year, The Sunshine State has a clear edge over the U.S. average of 205, making it a tantalizing option for those on the fence.
However, it’s not just Florida’s warm weather and dazzling beaches that allure. There are also lush golf courses, picturesque nature spots and attractive tax breaks that are especially enticing for those considering the cost of living and cost of housing.
If you’re a young trailblazer hungry for that city buzz or a soon-to-be retiree eyeing those sweet tax benefits, here’s the scoop on the best places to live in Florida.
Best Places in Florida for Young Adults
Who says Florida is just for retirees seeking a sunny escape? When it comes to carving out a slice of life for the young and the restless, Florida boasts good reasons to call it home:
- Economic Strength: With booming industries like tourism, real estate and aerospace leading the charge, it’s no wonder the state’s economic pulse beats strong. Add in thriving tech and clean energy sectors, and you’ve got an economy that draws ambitious minds.
- Diverse Population: Florida’s rich tapestry of cultures ranks it as the ninth most diverse state with a racial and ethnic diversity of 64.1%. For young adults, this means eclectic music scenes, international cuisine nights out and an array of cultural festivals to dive into.
- Cost of Living: Ranking 31st in terms of the cost of living might not seem like a showstopper at first glance. But consider this: Living in Florida lets you relish those breathtaking beach sunsets without the California price tag.
With that in mind, let’s journey through the best places in Florida for young adults — whether you’re looking to launch a career, live up the nightlife or lay down roots and start a family.
Miami: Where Vibrancy Meets the Beach
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Cost of Living: 21% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $664,195
Median Rent: $2,019/month
Despite being the fourth most expensive city in the U.S., Miami is still a standout among the best places to live in South Florida. Young professionals are drawn to South Beach and Key Biscayne, while the city’s urban-beach vibe shines through its iconic Art Deco architecture.
Dive deeper, and you’ll find Miami echoing with the Cuban beat of Little Havana, the artsy bars of Wynwood, Michelin-starred restaurants in Coconut Grove and other captivating attractions and activities in the best neighborhoods Miami has to offer.
Beyond global culture, the city is a hub for athletics with the Miami Dolphins, Heat and Marlins.
Combining Miami’s thriving start-up scene with post-work relaxation on sandy shores or trendy rooftop lounges, it’s easy to see why Miami ranks high among the best places to live in Florida for young adults.
Orlando: The Heart of Central Florida
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Cost of Living: 5% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $500,063
Median Rent: $1,520/month
Orlando stands out as a more affordable choice than pricier Florida spots like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This landlocked city compensates with world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND, all of which locals can enjoy at discounted rates.
Reasons to move to Orlando become evident when you consider the city’s Lake Eola and Lake Ivanhoe provide ample opportunities for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Nearby natural parks like Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve offer fantastic hiking, biking and wildlife exploration, perfect for those who crave outdoor adventures beyond the theme park thrills.
Tampa: Sunshine & Opportunity
Come to Tampa for relaxation and recreation.
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Cost of Living: 0% lower than the national average
Median Home Price: $436,033
Median Rent: $1,326/month
With a cost of living mirroring the national average, Tampa emerges as the best affordable place to live in Florida on our list. Cost of housing tilts favorably, offering residents a gateway to homeownership without the typical Floridian price surge.
Beyond the financial perks, Tampa’s Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are world-renowned for their pristine sands, turquoise waters and stunning sunsets, providing residents with the perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation.
Additionally, Tampa’s rich arts scene is anchored by the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Sports fans can also rally behind teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Gainesville: A College Town Gem
Cost of Living: 2% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $503,219
Median Rent: $1,530/month
Gainesville offers a delightful blend of affordable living and vibrant culture. With a cost of living just 2% higher than the national average, it’s a budget-friendly option for students and young professionals. But it’s not just affordability that draws people in.
Home to the renowned University of Florida, Gainesville has a youthful and energetic vibe that permeates the city. The Florida Gators, the university’s spirited sports teams, particularly shine at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, affectionately known as “The Swamp.”
The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene with attractions like the Butterfly Rainforest, Florida Museum of Natural History and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Jacksonville: The Bold New City
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Cost of Living: 6% lower than the national average
Median Home Price: $425,211
Median Rent: $1,293/month
Jacksonville stands out with its dynamic job market, powered by giants like Fidelity Investments and Johnson & Johnson, a blossoming tech sector and key establishments such as the Jacksonville Port Authority. The city’s military influence further adds to its diverse workforce and community.
Golfers have over 70 courses to choose from and football fans can cheer on the Jaguars, while the Jacksonville Jazz Festival pulls in music enthusiasts as well. The city is adorned with art events, markets and must-visit spots like the Jacksonville Zoo and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, making it the perfect spot for young families eager to set down roots.
Daytona Beach: Sun, Sand & Speed
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Cost of Living: 3% lower than the national average
Median Home Price: $451,364
Median Rent: $1,372/month
Daytona Beach offers a unique twist for beach lovers — it’s one of the rare places where you can still drive on the sandy shores, a tradition harking back to the city’s history as a legendary racing destination.
Outdoor enthusiasts have a playground in Daytona Beach, with thrilling water sports, relaxing beachcombing and exciting fishing opportunities. Living in Daytona Beach means you can venture out to explore nearby natural wonders like Tomoka State Park and Tiger Bay State Forest for more adventures.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees
Florida’s reputation as the second-best place to retire is well-deserved, thanks to it being one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. But that’s not the only allure for those nearing retirement, considering it for their post-work years. Here are a few more key reasons:
- Tax Benefits: With no state income tax, zero taxes on pension income, IRA or 401(k) withdrawals, Social Security benefits or inheritance/estate tax, Florida’s retiree-friendly tax policies can significantly stretch retirees’ nest eggs.
- Warm Weather: Bid farewell to harsh winters and embrace a life of year-round sunshine. Florida’s mild winters and warm, albeit humid, summers set the stage for active, outdoor-focused retirement living.
- World-Class Healthcare: Florida is home to high-quality senior healthcare, making it an ideal choice for retirees concerned about their health and well-being. Access to top-notch medical care and specialized healthcare facilities is readily available.
Let’s uncover the best places to live in Florida for retirees and vibrant communities where they can embrace tax-friendly living.
St. Petersburg: Art, Beaches & More
Cost of Living: 2% lower than the national average
Median Home Price: $400,925
Median Rent: $1,219/month
St. Petersburg offers retirees an enticing mix of affordability and coastal charm. Its accessibility, thanks to proximity to major airports, ensures hassle-free family visits and makes checking off those post-retirement travel bucket lists a breeze.
Active retirees thrive in St. Petersburg’s warm climate, enjoying pristine beaches, nature preserves and diverse recreational activities. For culture enthusiasts, the city’s vibrant arts scene, featuring galleries, museums and the renowned Salvador Dali Museum, provides enriching experiences.
In addition, waterfront communities here offer stunning views and easy access to boating and water activities. If you dream of a retirement filled with beach outings, boating excursions and cultural delights, St. Petersburg could be your ideal retirement destination.
Fort Lauderdale: Boating & Beaches
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Cost of Living: 22% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $724,617
Median Rent: $2,203/month
With more than 100 golf courses within a 20-mile radius, golfers can enjoy year-round play in Fort Lauderdale. For those who love the water, the city’s extensive network of waterways makes it a prime boating destination in Florida.
One standout feature of Fort Lauderdale is its status as one of America’s largest cruise ports. Living here means you can embark on exciting journeys whenever the cruising spirit calls, adding a touch of adventure to your retirement years.
Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of downtown, the serene waterfront communities along the Intracoastal or the family-friendly suburbs, you’ll find some of the best places to live in Fort Lauderdale nestled within these vibrant enclaves.
Sarasota: Beachside Bliss and Culture
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Cost of Living: 6% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $548,310
Median Rent: $1,667/month
Sarasota epitomizes the quintessential retirement destination with its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a coastal paradise that many dream about.
While Sarasota technically falls in the southern region of Florida, it offers a refreshing departure from the hustle and bustle of South Florida traffic. This laid-back town invites you to savor life at your own pace, creating an environment of relaxation and enjoyment.
For nature enthusiasts, Sarasota offers easy access to the Myakka River State Park and the Celery Fields. These natural gems provide opportunities for birdwatching, hiking and wildlife observation, adding to the allure of Sarasota’s retirement charm.
Fort Myers: Gulf Coast Charm
Cost of Living: 9% higher than the national average
Median Home Price: $531,626
Median Rent: $1,616/month
With 590 miles of shoreline, Fort Myers boasts some of the most popular beaches, including Lovers Key State Park, Crescent Beach and Lani Kai Beach Resort. If you’re into kayaking or canoeing, there are around 100 barrier islands to explore in the gulf, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts, including fishing and boating.
Although the cost of living in Fort Myers slightly surpasses the national average, it remains significantly more affordable than many other coveted Florida retirement havens.
The city’s proximity to larger urban centers like Miami, Tampa and Orlando is another key advantage. Should you ever crave a change of scenery or want to explore cultural attractions, these cities are just a short drive away.
Where Is the Safest Place in Florida to Live?
Satellite Beach, with its exceptionally low crime rates, proudly holds the title of the safest city in Florida. Recent statistics confirm this reputation, showing a crime rate of 9.9, notably lower than the US average of 22.7. The property crime rate is equally impressive at 20.1, compared to the national average of 35.4.
Where is the Best Place to Live in Florida?
Sarasota is considered the number one place to live in Florida. Its blend of vibrant arts scene, pristine shorelines and welcoming community appeals to retirees and young families alike.
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