We got Shaq down on South Beach, the Dolphins too. Springtime for the Yankees and the Dodgers blue. Golf courses, beaches, it’s easy to spot ‘em. Do you like the Gators? Man, we got ‘em! Down in Florida. We welcome you to the Sunshine State. We’re kicking back and soaking up the rays, every day in Florida. — The Florida Song by Ricky Sylvia
The above lines capture the essence of Florida perfectly. The “Sunshine State” boasts a stunning coastline and consistently warm weather throughout the year. But, Florida is more than just its weather. It’s a state famous for delicious seafood, world-famous theme parks, and encounters with alligators.
If you are considering moving to Florida (which probably is the reason you’ve landed upon this blog), you won’t be disappointed, as the state has something for everyone. Yes, the state caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. Florida also hosts a diverse population imbibed with unique cultural values.
Why Consider Florida To Live In?
Florida is the fourth largest state in the US and the 16th largest in the world. It has a special place on the global tourism map. Florida offers many tourist attractions on the list including luxurious beach resorts, thrilling amusement parks, and nautical recreation like Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach. With vibrant cultures and beautiful shores, the state is a haven for many retirees and seasonal vacationers. The constant migration has left an indelible influence on its culture, shaping its identity and contributing to its rich history.
Further, Florida is a muse for many prominent American writers, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. These literary figures drew inspiration from the state’s diversified landscapes and blend of cultures.
One of the major reasons for Florida to be the favorite place is its subtropical to tropical climate. Apart from Hawaii, Florida is the only state where you can relish the enchanting experience of a sundowner.
The compelling reasons mentioned above are enough to tempt anybody to look out for the best places in Florida to live. They certainly attracted us too, which is why we decided to shortlist a few of the practical and budget-friendly best places to live in Florida for families, or singles. Let us assist you in choosing your perfect spot to live in Florida.
1. Tampa
If you want to enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle, Tampa is the perfect destination for you! This vibrant city is a perfect blend of history museums, arts, entertainment, and sports in the culture. Upon visiting you will find yourself immersed in the touristy energy while basking in the pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Now, for the thrill-seekers, you can explore Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is the second-largest theme park in Florida.
However, the charming suburbs of Tampa offer a different vibe. Here, you will experience the sensation of being on vacation all year round. The Tampa Bay metro area encompasses three cities, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, each offering unique charm and character.
Despite having so many touristy places, the residents enjoy cultural enclaves more than anything else. Take Ybor City, for instance– The city hosts a dinner party serving authentic food, music, and cigars to pay homage to the Cuban roots. Similarly, Seminole Heights residents come together to organize a monthly market where local artisans sell their craft.
2. Orlando
With nearly 3 lakhs of the population in the city, Orlando is a captivating city to move to in Florida. Established in the 1920s, Orlando retains the timeless charm with streets full of canopied oaks, and quaint lakefront bungalows. It is one of the prominent cities in central Florida that embraces the World’s top Theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios.
Apart from the thrilling rides and entertainment, the city boasts cultural festivals and art events ensuring you can satisfy your touristy cravings without leaving the home. For sports enthusiasts, you can explore the Amway Center where the Orlando Magic basketball team, and Orlando Solar Bears hockey team, enjoy performing. The city offers many outdoor recreational activities, shopping areas, etc.
If you are a professional in the healthcare or biotech segment, Orlando should undoubtedly be the top choice than any other cities in Florida. These industries are thriving here, making Orlando the best place to live in Florida for young adults.
3. Miami
Welcome to the vibrant heart of Florida, Miami. Miami, located on the southern tip of Florida, is filled with colorful buildings, delightful beaches, and exhilarating nightlife.
Often referred to as the “Magic City”, it is likely to become one of the globe’s largest international business hubs. The city is a unique blend of Caribbean and Latin American cultural influences, which fills the city with an energy and vibrancy like none other. This, in turn, makes Miami, the best place in Florida to live with kids, as the kids can immerse themselves in rich culture while you can thrive in your profession. Miami offers multiple career opportunities in the following segments: Finance, Aviation, International trade, healthcare, and Tourism. If you are seeking a dynamic job market, Miami is the perfect destination for you.
Another compelling advantage of living in Miami is the welcoming, accepting, and nontraditional nature of its residents. They embrace people from all walks of life, making Miami a place you can call Home. That being said, living in Miami can become a costly affair, especially because the metro area is expensive and has a relatively high crime rate. So, if you have a white-collar job or can afford the Miami lifestyle, you can think of shifting here.
4. Sarasota
If you are thinking of a life different from the hustle & bustle of the city, closer to the beaches, Sarasota undoubtedly should be on the top list. Sarasota stands apart from the other cities of Florida. It is a family-friendly paradise with a close-knit but welcoming local population.
One of Sarasota’s jewels is the best American beach, Siesta Key Beach, very picturesque and vibrant. The white crystal-clear water with warm feels gives you an unparalleled beach experience. It is no wonder why this destination is considered the best place to settle down after retirement.
Sarasota glows with a unique charm that attracts young professionals to begin their careers in the fields of manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare. The city offers promising job opportunities if you are thinking of embarking on this journey.
After a hectic day, Sarasota offers you an ambiance to relax and unwind. The city boasts several rooftop bars with spectacular views and popular beaches where you can rest and rejuvenate.
5. Jacksonville
Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, along the picturesque bank of St. Johns River, Jacksonville proudly claims the title of having the largest landmass area in the US. The huge community encompasses a wide array of cultural habitats and diverse neighborhoods.
Jacksonville seamlessly blends a vibe of both, a metropolitan lifestyle, with a laid-back countryside relaxing lifestyle. The city is connected by a network of bridges that spans the rivers, facilitating easy access to the pristine beaches. Amidst the scenic wallpaper, Jacksonville is filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment stalls offering you an opportunity to relax after hiking along the natural trails or kayaking on the river. T
One outstanding feature of Jacksonville is its affordability. The cost of living is extremely affordable making it the best place to live in Florida for retirees.
However, Jacksonville is on the cusp of growth and prosperity. The expanding infrastructure provides ample room for businesses to flourish here particularly, in the banking, healthcare, and transportation segments. The presence of one of the nation’s three Mayo Clinic facilities adds to the appeal. The world-renowned healthcare institution offers access to Florida’s best bank.
Jacksonville is a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life while thriving in the dynamic market.
6. Naples
Naples: The city is named after the famous Mediterranean community on the Italian coast. The gem is located between the serene Everglades edges and the Gulf of Mexico shores. The city embraces Immokalee, and Marco Island community and is one of the best places to live after retirement.
Naples boasts an abundance of wonderful beaches, and huge golf courses and also offers a lot of spaces to dine in style and shop at ease. However, what truly sets Naples apart is the splendid view of cattle grazing or seasonal workers picking tomatoes that can leave you awestruck. You will encounter such scenes usually around Immokalee, which is located an hour’s drive from Naples.
The city experiences seasonal ebb and flow, that’s both fascinating and inviting. As the summer approaches the residents from the other parts of Florida often flock to Naples to enjoy the best sunshine and warm weather. However, as the heat becomes more intense, these families leave their Naples homes.
On your visit, you will notice a charming mix of retirees and snowbirds exploring craft shows, dive bars, clubs, and waterside establishments.
7. Melbourne
One of the Space Coast’s most populated metro areas, Melbourne is one of the must-visit tourist locations in Florida. Beyond the touristy vibes, the city offers a wealth of employment opportunities in aerospace and manufacturing, which makes Melbourne the best place to live in Florida for families.
One of the unique perks of living here is the opportunity to see sky-rumbling satellites and spacecraft launched from the International Space Center. It is truly breathtaking.
For those with a penchant for culture and arts, the city offers many galleries and museums to explore, especially the Eau Gallie Arts District.
Melbourne Residents enjoy cultural activities, sports events, festivals, and many beautiful art fairs that grace the city throughout the year. What truly sets Melbourne apart is— a community that is warm and welcoming. If you are considering moving here, you can have some interesting conversations with the locals regarding the culture and community.
8. Pensacola
Famous as the City of Five Flags, Pensacola has a lot to offer. From an array of white sand beaches to sunsets, to emerald green waters, Pensacola is a beauty that leaves you spellbound. Beyond its natural beauty, the city comes alive through its historical architecture and a calendar filled with diverse festivals. Each corner of the city tells a story, enchanting and interesting.
In Pensacola, you will find the influence of Native American, African, Asian, and Latin cultures. The people of Pensacola are known for their welcoming nature and they treat guests with the utmost hospitality, making you feel right at home.
Yet, the other part of the city, metropolitan Pensacola, is flourishing with multiple business opportunities. The tourism industry in the city is at its peak along with higher education institutions facilitating students for prospering careers.
From the professional front, the city offers plenty of financial, healthcare, and manufacturing job opportunities.
Moreover, the city also has an international airport service that is connected to 40 other destinations, opening doors to the world.
Are you Ready to Move to Florida?
North Florida is directly connected to the continental US, and situated in close proximity to South America, is often considered the most “Southern” region of the state. Both North and South Florida are culturally sophisticated and offer a plethora of job opportunities to settle down. What’s more, the standard of living is quite affordable, making Florida the best place to live with kids and families. Thank you for allowing us to help you with the selection. Florida awaits with open arms to welcome you!
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