Its one of the best places to relocate to for families who want to experience an ideal blend of culture, nature, and safety all in the same place. Of course, the beachfront is also easily accessible from virtually every point of town. It offers an array of activities for nature lovers and adventurers alike, making it the perfect getaway for those looking to relax and be one with nature. Still, living here is a permanent vacation. Population: 9,245 Cost of Living Index: 96% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 32% Below Florida Average. To find out more about what they have to offer, read our list of the top small towns in Florida. Where to Live Now Best Places To Live in Florida. Required fields are marked *. The best option for visitors is to stay at one of the resorts on Captiva, where you won't have to worry about driving or parking in order to hang out on a beach. It is situated on a barrier island with Lake Worth Lagoon separating it from the larger city of West Palm Beach. Here, you can find the Celebration Golf Club and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With its laid-back atmosphere, abundance of natural beauty and unique culture, this small town will charm anyone who visits. Old Spanish moss-covered oak trees and narrow dirt roads are some of the highlights of this region. Best small towns in the U.S., according to Livability.com. 19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florida, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami, FL, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orlando, FL, 16 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Florida, 19 Best Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Top-Rated Resorts on Anna Maria Island, FL, Venice also boasts many other things to do, attractions and places to visit in the Florida Keys. County data more accurately reflects crime rates in greater metropolitan statistical areas. Geographically, its the midpoint between Jacksonville and Miami, and Orlando is roughly one hour away. It boasts more than 66 acres of luscious forest featuring everything from pine flatwoods to cypress basin swamp. Advantages of living in a large city include more job opportunities, a variety of dining options, better access to public transportation, and most everything is conveniently located a short drive away. Walk the winding trails through slash pine, palm, and cypress forests. Cedar Key. Many of the best small towns in Florida are lined by pristine sandy beaches or offer nearby championship golf courses. , so this community is best suited for wealthier retirees. Just off the Pier lies the town's new Pompano Beach Fishing Village, a luxe spot peppered with palm-lined streets that play host to the town's best shops and restaurants. If you feel like taking in some sun, go down to Honeymoon Island and enjoy breathtaking views of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, Guide To Down Payment Assistance Programs, Best Mortgage Lenders For First-Time Homebuyers Of March 2023, How Much House Can I Afford? The town of Sanibel is known for its laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. To determine what are the best small towns in Florida to retire in, we first had to define how small exactly is a small town in Florida. 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. Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals, and lounging on a sandy saltwater beach. Or take a trip to Dog Island for some solitude and beach combing. Its slow pace and proximity to live oaks and lakes make it a refreshing place to live overall. The best small towns to raise a family in Florida are: These are all great places for young families to settle into and are located all across the state so that you have many varied options to choose from. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge calling the island home. Though, if you work in Tampa or St. Pete, youll commute quite a ways. Vineyards is the best small town in Florida based on the most recent Census data. But, it still offers many things to do and is an excellent value for those looking to retire on the water. Those who crave the outdoors will want to explore the picturesque Highlands Hammock State Park and take a hike or leisurely walk. Siesta Key . Gorgeous, intense flora is the result, with a lovely mix of vegetation combining flora from as far north as the Carolinas with tropical palms and greenery. "Quaint" is often used to describe the fishing village of Apalachicola, located in Florida's panhandle. You may also recognize it as the town in The Truman Show with Jim Carrey. As the lone representative of the Florida Keys, we think that Islamorada is the best small town in Florida to retire in the Keys. But Florida first-time homebuyer programs in Broward and Miami-Dade counties can help newcomers handle the high cost of housing. Often called Gateway to the Tropics, Vero Beach has a transitional climate. Travel Best small towns to live in Best small towns to live in. As its name implies, this is a safe and lovely spot to spend a few days or more. Fortunately, Pensacola Beach has a good assortment of restaurants serving up fresh Florida seafood right at the water's edge. 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. The majority of the island is covered by the stunning 5,000+ acre JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. But in the past few years, working households have been flocking to the state for promising career opportunities, a relatively low cost of living and no state income tax. If you are searching for the best small towns in Florida to retire in, take a look at our updated list for 2023. 1. From big city living to the sprawling white sand beaches, Florida has some of America's most picturesque small towns dotting its landscape. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. 20 Charming Small Towns In Florida That Deserve Your Attent Destin. Here, visitors can spend hours swimming in the refreshing waters or sunbathing on the sand. Islamorada is also better suited for retirees compared to its neighbors like Key Largo, which is a bit too high-energy, and Key West, which is always packed with tourists. The Florida Panhandle is known for bountiful beaches and significantly historic downtown areas, all set surrounded by wilderness. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. WebLutz is a small suburb just north of Tampa and has it's own distinct charm. Fisherfolk can cast a line at the Safety Harbor Marina and Fishing Pier. Make sure to indulge in some fresh seafood in one of the many waterfront restaurants. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Vero Beach. Central Park is especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and pathways for jogging or walking. Afterwards, be sure to check out some of Dunedin's great shopping opportunities -- from boutique stores to local art galleries and more. And that can get old quick. St. Augustine. 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. In addition, tourists can golf at the area's Plantation at Crystal River. Q: What is the prettiest town in Florida?A: Boca Grande is thought of as one of the prettiest towns in Florida, due to its charming downtown area, white-sand beaches, and world-class tarpon fishing. Located on the southwest coast, it has a gorgeous and Instagram-worthy topography. This city is notable for the eclectic mix of art at the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. that opens on weekends where you can bring the kids to enjoy. Part of that charm is that there are no chain businesses on the island, except for a Dairy Queen, which was grandfathered in when Sanibel passed a rule forbidding any national chains from opening up shop. Are you looking for a beautiful escape from your daily life? Marco Island is located about a half hour south of Naples Florida. Updated 55 min ago. Additionally, it is quite safe, with crime rates that are roughly 50% below the state average. It is the smallest town on this list and offers a quiet and peaceful way of life with picturesque beaches and, But, be ready to pay for these wonderful amenities. You'll want to bring a bucket to this locale, too. According to Niche, the best place to live in Central Florida is Rose Isle. There is plenty to do here. Aviation, finance, international trade, health care and tourism are the primary employment sectors. 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. Proximity to other attractions (large cities and beaches), Additionally, it is quite safe, with crime rates that are roughly. Don't be surprised when you see visitors walking for miles in a hunched over position. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Fernandina Beach. St. Augustine. With a population of just about 4,000, its easy to live a calm, relaxing life without losing access to big-city amenities. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Here, you can find the West Orange Trail, the Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex, and the gorgeous Johns Lake, which is one of the best places to go for fishing in the region. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. The Historic Downtown district is full of charm and character, with several unique shops and restaurants lining St George Street. A big plus of living in Odessa is that youre close by Starkey Ranch, a master-planned community complete with a town square, parks, and preserves to keep you engaged with your community all year-round. Turtles and schools of fish are also frequent visitors, but be sure to follow regulations about keeping your distance. Tradewinds Park plays host to Butterfly World, as well as a slew of activities, including steam trains, horseback riding, frisbee golf, playgrounds, and soccer fields. One of the best parts about Apalachicola is probably the affordability of its homes. After exploring the namesake loop of boutiques and galleries among the unique architecture, find a museum to your liking. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Winter Park. Ocala has much big land for those who like to have bigger houses built in areas where it is quiet. Visitors come for the sun but stay for the remarkable (and high-class) atmosphere. The shores here are white-sand beaches and a sanctuary for bird lovers. Additionally, Pensacola Beach is just 40 minutes away. For the visitor looking for something different, the Instagram-worthy Whimzey Bowling House is a great spot to snap a quick picture before heading out of town. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Its a big state, covering more than 65,000 square miles, but our data points to the Gulf Coast for the easiest living. WebAbout 30 miles from the capital, Tallahassee, Quincy is in the center of all the action. But, we think that you should visit some of these towns for yourself before deciding to move to one of them permanently. After a day spent exploring outdoors, there are many beaches along the coastline where you can relax and soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The population was 7,045 at the 2000 census. It is usually rated as the best beach in all of Florida and features soft, sugary Appalachian quartz sand that even stays cool in the heat. For more adventure, Jacksonville and Orlando are each approximately 90 minutes away to enjoy beaches, theme parks and big-city amenities. Overall, the best small towns in Florida to retire in 2023 are: All of these wonderful communities are a great place to retire in since they offer a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the big cities around Florida and give you direct access to the water. Cloud, FL City Population: 44,198 Town planners have been very restrictive about zoning and building heights, allowing Vero Beach to grow in a way that still maintains its lovely charm. Crystal River is a beautiful natural paradise along Florida's Crystal Bay. For example, there is the famous Destin Harbor Boardwalk that is right on the water. Your email address will not be published. Biotech, marine and medical are target industries for Cape Coral. Venice Beach is not only a great place to sunbathe, but you can also search for fossils and shark teeth. Additionally, the whole island offers over 20 miles of biking and walking trails, which makes it a great choice for those who want to stay active while also being on the beach. Advertisement. In Islamorada, residents can enjoy spending time on the beach or fishing in one of the regions best fishing locations. Population: 1,550 Cost of Living Index: 3% Above Florida Average Crime Rate: 0% Below Florida Average Education Score: A+. This small town is located about 20 minutes west of Orlando. Living in Lutz, you are never far from Tampa's beautiful downtown with all it's shops, restaurants, and bars it has [read more] 88 Homes Timber Pines, FL City Population: 5,563 88 Homes Neptune Beach, FL City Population: 6,817 87 Homes St. Have a dog or two in tow? Plus, its great weather all year round makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors and have fun at the beach. Other outdoor recreation spots include Kraft Azalea Garden and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The beaches are so lovely, you'll just have to dig your toes into their soft, white sand. Among the many other things to do in Pensacola Beach, you can take the stunningly scenic drive out to Fort Pickens, a massive fort at the tip of the island, dating from the 1830s. Something went wrong. On any given day, you can spend your time relaxing on the beach or fishing off the dock. Nature-lovers will appreciate exploring nearby St George Island, which offers breathtaking views along with several species of birds and other wildlife. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. The resulting shipwrecks have left their mark, and this is a favorite spot for divers and those searching for treasure with metal detectors. Its regarded as one of the states oldest towns, and was founded in 1821. It was deliberately planned to be built within four different counties Alachua, Its outdoor sculpture garden is hard to miss, while inside you'll find an art museum and performances ranging from musical theater to concerts to dance shows. Follow These Series. The 44-acre Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area is a perfect place to become one with nature. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. And if you're feeling adventurous, try exploring some of the nearby trails and creeks to discover hidden gems. 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. But its more than just a destination for tourists and work conferences. If youre looking for the top places to live in Florida, our guide should make it easier to find your ideal community. Tours to see more of the area are available by Segway; pontoon boat; kayak; and CatBoat, a small two-person watercraft made for exploring. Caspersen Beach is especially known for successful fossil finds. The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. We compared Florida metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria including home affordability, employment and community well-being. Orchid Park is a little known gem almost hidden beside (and across from) the giant Cypress Park, which is home to the area's biggest sports fields this is where you'll find people playing all those sports we mentioned earlier. Florida is also home to 3 of the 10 safest cities for package theft. and was eventually built in the mid-1990s. Palm Beach is an upscale beach town in Southern Florida that is about 1 hour north of Miami. We picked out the best small towns in Florida to raise a family that offer a strong sense of community along with great schools and a high safety rating. This is a small neighborhood in Orlando in Orange County, and it has a population of a little more than one thousand residents. and stop by some boutiques and restaurants. Full-time residents can find employment opportunities in aerospace and manufacturing offering comfortable salaries. Visitors spend the majority of their vacation time lounging on beaches near Dunedin and exploring over three miles of marked trails making their way through virgin slash pine forests. Think cottages draped with bougainvillea and picturesque sunsets at the end of the day. Homes here are affordable, which attracts people just starting out and those enjoying their golden years. 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 Lebanon, N.H., is No. Or Lake Kathryn! 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. The pier, built in 1911, makes a great spot for a stroll. Check the calendar for one of the many cultural events hosted on the property. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Safety Harbor. The town is located on the Scenic Highway 17 in between Lake Clinch and Reedy Lake. If you aren't here during race weekend, you can still check out the massive automotive facility. Instead, it is a laid-back piece of paradise that doesnt even have a traffic light. Quincy has many natural parks and a Golf course. 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. This is the spot to be for travelers looking to enjoy its healing waters, as well as the abundance of additional activities on offer. Micanopy is known for its annual Fall Festival and its various antique stores. But, not every city is exactly family-friendly, especially for those looking for a cozy community with some small-town charm. Our choice for the best small town in Florida to retire in is Destin. Our picks are safe and offer plenty of things to do. 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. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Cedar Key is an unassuming paradise. Read More: Best Beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast. Look for Odessa. Glencoe is a small Florida town near Orlando and around 90 miles from Jacksonville. 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. The town's location on the banks of beautiful Lake Jackson presents plenty of opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and more. Two additional parks provide more opportunity for things to do in Dunedin, including outdoor hiking and bicycling. If youre looking for The Real Florida, as the Florida state parks call it, youll find it in Lake Kathryn. 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! Q: Are there any quaint towns in Florida?A: While not always talked about as frequently, Florida is home to a great number of quaint towns aside from the large cities. Take a tour through some of Florida's loveliest escapes! Some might call the peaceful town of Anna Maria sleepy; others call it laid-back and relaxing. A further reason that Siesta Key is a great place to live is that both violent and property crimes are low compared to the average crime rates in Florida. WebPopulation 9,351. Lynn Haven. Sarasota is also the center of Floridas Cultural Coast with two art museums along with ballet and opera performances. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. . The lighthouse beach is also a great spot for a walk. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, Key West is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Although there are many things to do downtown, like shopping and dining, the biggest draw to this area is the 13 miles of pristine beaches, where you can fish, sunbathe, or take part in a variety of water sports. Lebanon, N.H., is No. Breakdown by City & Salary Levels, 12 Best Downtowns in Florida Lively Places to Shop & Eat. Home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the Panhandle region, the small town of Pensacola Beach should be on every beach lover's itinerary. Please try again later. Dec. 20: StarTribune At U of M memorial, late Medtronic founder Bakken's legacy is lauded Mechanical engineering professor Arthur Nokomis is also located right between Sarasota and Venice, which are two of the top large cities in Florida. Best small towns in the U.S., according to Livability.com. We analyzed metro areas by pulling recent data on key lifestyle factors such as median home price, personal income per capita, and the unemployment and crime rates. Melbourne Beach has quietly become one of the best small towns to raise a family in Florida. Population: 9,836 Cost of Living Index: 22% Above Florida Average Crime Rate: 65% Below Florida Average Education Score: A+. Ocala is a friendly town where mostly everyone knows each other. So tiny it could almost be considered an enclave, this pretty place lies just outside the borders of Pompano Beach. Population: 13,931 Cost of Living Index: 15% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 58% Below Florida Average. The Florida Keys: Island life also offers small town charm and laid-back living. 9) Mount Dora. Residents can walk to the waterfront from the center of town or visit other highly-rated beaches like Rosemary Beach and Grayton Beach that are only a 20-30 minute drive from Seaside. Our ratings take into consideration the city size, crime rate, diversity, unemployment rate and cost of living. Cheaper real estate will ultimately lead to more opportunities to become a homeowner. We then prioritized our search by using several key metrics to rate and rank each town. The population of about 3,000 people will probably suit you. Because of its low-density zoning laws and building codes, the island has tons of space. Head to Crystal River, home to one of the best springs in Florida, and a haven for nature lovers and manatee aficionados. Its about 45 minutes from Odessa to downtown Tampa. We made sure that our choices for the best small towns in Florida to retire in will allow you to live a safe and active lifestyle, but without the pressures of a larger city. Due to the strict zoning regulations, it has been able maintain its lovely charm while growing. In 2011 more than 400,000 readers of Budget Travel magazine agreed that Cedar Key is Floridas #1 small town (and #8 in America).To see what all the fuss is about, head about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville and follow Highway 24 until you reach the Gulf of Mexico.The calm and quiet Hemingway-esque fishing village is a natural One highlight of the area is the farmers' market, which features local produce and handmade crafts and other goods. The average home here is worth nearly $2 million if they even come on the market. If you are looking for a perfect stretch of white, sandy shore, Anna Maria Island is the perfect choice for your small town getaway in Florida. with an estimated number of 320,000 Americans, the crime rate in Glencoe is 71% lower than the national average, the unemployment rates are just a little above 5%, below the national average of 6%, Moving to Florida From California: How to Make the Move and What to Expect, Considering Moving To Orlando? 1. From the Castillo de San Marcos to Flagler College, there are plenty of sights to explore in this small town. It started off as a small beach community and retains the same close-knit feeling today, offering a wide range of restaurants, entertainment, and amenities for its residents and visitors. There are many waterfront restaurants where visitors can savor the local flavors of Apalachicola's famous clams, oysters, and shrimp. Tourists will find it filled with northern Italian architecture, reminiscent of its Italian namesake. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts on Anna Maria Island, FL, Read More: Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island. Meanwhile, the town itself offers some top attractions for families to enjoy, including Oak Tree Nature Park and Surge Trampoline 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. Therefore, we looked through all of the places across the state and hand-picked the best small towns in Florida to raise a family that provides a well-rounded quality of life where you and your kids can seamlessly integrate into the community. St. Augustine, Florida, USA town square and fountain. The town also features a wonderful downtown area right on the lake, where you can take a stroll around its charming town center and stop by some boutiques and restaurants. Festivals, antiquing, and a quaint lakefront town await in Mount Dora. Apalachicola is one of the few towns on this list that has a cost of living that is actually below the Florida state average. Without some towering skyscrapers and large buildings in larger cities, small towns allow you to be close to nature and take advantage of parks, trails, and recreation centers more efficiently. 14. You can also go shopping at Destin Commons, an open-air mall that is right in the heart of town. The reefs just offshore were notorious for claiming ships carrying valuables, thus the Treasure Coast name. Florida is becoming even more popular to call home than ever, with an estimated number of 320,000 Americans moving to the state between 2021 and 2022. For example, there is the famous Destin Harbor Boardwalk that is right on the water. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed vacation destination, each town has something unique to offer that will leave you with lasting memories. 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