Our choice for the best small town in Florida to retire in is Destin. Its regarded as one of the states oldest towns, and was founded in 1821. Antique stores, galleries, and seafood restaurants dot the downtown area. Tallahassee is the state capital and home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Here, visitors can spend hours swimming in the refreshing waters or sunbathing on the sand. 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. There has been a resurgence in the areas restaurants, which have started serving farm-to-table dishes incorporating artisan ingredients. Head to Ocean Cay Park, and you'll find it easily located just off the A1A. Updated 55 min ago. It boasts more than 66 acres of luscious forest featuring everything from pine flatwoods to cypress basin swamp. 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. Want some of that Old-Florida, Southern charm? Additional things to do in Vero Beach include McKee Jungle Garden and Lion Country Safari. 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. Riverview, South Carolina. 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. 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. Take a tour through some of Florida's loveliest escapes! 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. Coral Springs is a family-friendly spot you'll be happy to visit. You have to work pretty hard to get 1/10 on our SnackAbility score, but Pahokee, the worst place in Florida, found a way. Situated about an hour west of West Palm Beach on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, Pahokee has too many problems to count. Festivals and the Highland Games are a big attraction and keep the heritage alive. 9 Best Places to Live in Florida, According to Real Estate Experts. Population: 9,245 Cost of Living Index: 96% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 32% Below Florida Average. There is plenty to do here. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking trips where they'll explore the many secluded coves and islands filled with wildlife and lush vegetation. Best Places to Live on Floridas Gulf Coast. Or take a trip to Dog Island for some solitude and beach combing. 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. Other outdoor recreation spots include Kraft Azalea Garden and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. 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. Floridas Charming Small Towns; Why Live in a Small Town? Follow These Series. It is also a safe community, with crime rates that are over 50% lower than the state and national averages. The 10 Best Small Towns in Florida. Population: 175 Cost of Living Index: 103% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 60% Below Florida Average. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll along the pier or an exciting day of fishing, there's something here for everyone. Each move includes a months storage, so you can easily unpack your things without feeling rushed! The town of Micanopy, which has about just 700 residents, is located in the swamps of North Central Florida. Festivals, antiquing, and a quaint lakefront town await in Mount Dora. Our picks are safe and offer plenty of things to do. As its name implies, this is a safe and lovely spot to spend a few days or more. This tiny hamlet feels as if its been dusted with magic, and its apt to draw you under its spell. All of these small towns also offer great schools and have low crime rates, which make them the perfect places to start a new life. A strong sense of community and intimacy is found in smaller towns. BRINY BREEZES, 653 Briny Breezes is in Southeast Florida on State Road A1A. Lebanon, N.H., is No. Residents here can easily access Nokomis Public Beach and the idyllic Casey Key to gain access to the beachfront. It is the ideal place for retirees who want access to the beach and lots of options for entertainment. Before we begin, lets examine the differences between Florida city and small-town living. Apalachicola is a small coastal community on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida's Panhandle. With it comes a tranquil and peaceful beach life, but at a steep price. It is secluded, relaxing, and luxurious. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. This protected inlet offers kids a safe and adorable place to swim with a playground and facilities on-site. Located close to Tampa, Safety Harbor is full of small-town charm while still being close to anything you might need from a larger city. Central Park is especially popular for its lakefront views, gardens, and pathways for jogging or walking. that opens on weekends where you can bring the kids to enjoy. . Population: 10,816 Cost of Living Index: 19% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 19% Below Florida Average. For visitors who would rather stay on dry land, visit the St. Mary's Submarine Museum or the History of Diving Museum. 20 Charming Small Towns In Florida That Deserve Your Attent 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Safety Harbor. Over 200 works by the Czech-born American artist are on display. Still, living here is a permanent vacation. This community is great for water recreation and only a couple of minutes away from the beach, making it one of the best locations in Florida to live for people who want to have easy access. There is also only one causeway on and off the island, limiting the number of people on the island at a time. With its laid-back atmosphere, abundance of natural beauty and unique culture, this small town will charm anyone who visits. So, we set a limit of a population of 10,000 people or less. It was deliberately planned to be built within four different counties Alachua, The lighthouse beach is also a great spot for a walk. There are plenty of art galleries in town to admire as well. You can also explore the crystal-clear springs by taking a tour or swimming with manatees in their natural habitat. Lynn Haven. While Pensacola is Floridas westernmost city and hours from the states other major towns, you can reach Mobile, Alabama, within an hour and New Orleans in three hours. Visitors will find the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden scenically overlooking Lake Osceola. , and its particularly well known for its close-knit and small town feel that goes way back to its deep history from the 1870s. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? One highlight of the area is the farmers' market, which features local produce and handmade crafts and other goods. Nicknamed the Bass Capital of the World, it's a sure bet you'll find this a popular stop for fishermen. The 10 Best Places To Live In Florida For 2022 North Palm Beach Palm Beach Sanibel Key Biscayne Naples Longboat Key Parkland Coral Gables Tequesta Lake Mary Where is the best place to live in Florida for 2022? VIEW ALL BEST PLACES LISTS. The city is home to many galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that feature offerings from renowned local artisans and chefs. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2023 Rankings, The 12 Cheapest (& Still Desirable) Cities to Live in Florida, Best Neighborhoods in The Villages Florida: Your Ultimate Guide, 12 Cheapest Places to Live in South Florida in 2023, The Top 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Palm Coast FL in 2023, 10 Best Places to Live in Florida by the Beach Towns & Cities for 2023. The town of Belle Isle is located in Orange County just 20 minutes south of Orlando. You may also recognize it as the town in The Truman Show with Jim Carrey. After spending some time exploring the town's many treasures, guests can take advantage of the city's many eateries which offer everything from casual snacks to upscale dining experiences. This ensures this tidy town has an appearance of New Urbanism and is something to see if you've not experienced it before. 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. The resulting shipwrecks have left their mark, and this is a favorite spot for divers and those searching for treasure with metal detectors. St. Augustine, Florida, USA town square and fountain. Population 18,000. This small town is located just 30 minutes from Gainesville in Central Florida. Florida's charming small towns offer a glimpse into the state's true character and are a great choice for a quiet and hassle-free vacation. For example, there is the famous Destin Harbor Boardwalk that is right on the water. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Carrabelle is an ideal spot for beachgoers looking for an escape from everyday life. 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. Nature calls in the Gulf Coast town of Dunedin just south of Palm Harbor. The lesser-known area of Florida's panhandle, the Forgotten Coast, is a paradise for those seeking tranquil beaches, unspoiled nature, and charming towns with historic marinas. One of Florida's more unusual small towns, Seaside is unique in many ways. 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, Celebration also offers tons of amenities that kids and adults can both enjoy. While Tampa offers everything you need for daily life, Orlando is also a two-hour drive and Miami is only four hours away. The impressive Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is a showplace for American art, as well as housing an impressive collection of Tiffany stained glass. WebLutz is a small suburb just north of Tampa and has it's own distinct charm. Islamorada lies down in the Florida Keys, floating happily in the Straits of Florida, the body of water connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. This beach community is located in Floridas Panhandle region and it sits right on the Gulf Shores. Banking, health care and transportation are the seven-county metro areas biggest employment opportunities. Quality of life scores are off the chart high. Full-time residents can find employment opportunities in aerospace and manufacturing offering comfortable salaries. Melbourne Beach is incredibly rich in nature and offers a seemingly unlimited number of places for swimming, hiking, biking, and fishing. Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater has many positive aspects for young adults and families. If you want to stay on the mainland, but keep beach access, look no further than Nokomis in the Sarasota area. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Pensacola. Often called Gateway to the Tropics, Vero Beach has a transitional climate. Where to Live Now Best Places To Live in Florida. 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. In addition to some outstanding shopping on Park Avenue, foodies will find a selection of restaurants to suit every taste. There's a whole section of beautiful beach open to dogs. Locals can also enjoy many cultural and performing arts events. Many different food places to choose from. Population: 3,431 Cost of Living Index: 6% Below Florida Average Crime Rate: 44% Below Florida Average Education Score: A+. Anna Maria Island is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are an astonishing 86% below the state average. This small town is packed with beauty and adventure. Here, you'll find some of the most stunning views in Florida -- from beautiful sunsets to sparkling bays. Vero Beach is one of the towns where you can walk miles along the coastline without seeing another soul. This metropolis is about an hour from the Atlantic beach cities of Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach when you need a change of scenery. You'll never get bored during a visit to this eclectic spot. 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. Q: Whats the best small town in Florida?A: Stuart, Florida, also referred to as the Sailfish capital of the world, is a small town in Florida that offers a number of perks including good education opportunities, along with excellent dining, entertainment, and nightlife options. If youre looking for The Real Florida, as the Florida state parks call it, youll find it in Lake Kathryn. Accommodation: Best Resorts on Islamorada, FL. St Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America, known for its Spanish influence and stunning architecture. No matter what type of experience you're looking for, Fernandina Beach has something to offer. Tampa has experienced an influx of employers across industries, from advanced manufacturing to financial services and life sciences. Check out these five most affordable places to live in Florida! This area is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and is a great place for birdwatchers, with the J.N. As a quick comparison, the greater Sarasota metro area has about 750,000 residents while the greater Tampa consists of almost 3 million. Apalachicola The area has been able to produce a variety of vibrant flora, which makes it a great place to enjoy the beautiful combination of flora from various regions! It has a sparse urban feel, and , which is a bargain given the recent surge in values across the state. Vero Beach and Pompano Beach are calling your name. , Mary Esther is a quiet, family-friendly spot tucked in between some of Floridas most popular tourist cities. Job opportunities in Sarasota include health care, manufacturing and insurance. While Jacksonville holds the honor of being Floridas largest city by land mass, its combined metro area population is smaller than that of Miami or Tampa. We then prioritized our search by using several key metrics to rate and rank each town. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Plus, its great weather all year round makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors and have fun at the beach. Additionally, Nocatee offers a surprising number of shops and restaurants with diverse cuisines, especially for a town of its size. The town of Celebration was conceived by Walt Disney himself and was eventually built in the mid-1990s. If you aren't here during race weekend, you can still check out the massive automotive facility. A trip to Venice, Florida on the scenic Gulf coast won't soon be forgotten. Apalachicola[SEE MAP] This is one of those charming small towns of Florida which Old Spanish moss-covered oak trees and narrow dirt roads are some of the highlights of this region. There's also a variety of outdoor activities available, such as fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching. 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. Apalachicola is a beautiful little town along the Apalachicola Bay. Cedar Key. Since Miami is Floridas largest metro area with more than 6 million residents, there are many job opportunities. 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. Not to mention the mild winters and approximate 825 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico that sprawl across the peninsula and panhandle. These waterside havens are great destinations to vacation and live in in a post work WebTown in Florida 474 reviews Current Resident: Although Ocala is a small town, the food here is great! One cultural highlight is the Eau Gallie Arts District. Not to mention, youll enjoy the best springs in Florida. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Fernandina Beach. Crystal River Those who are in love with nature will find peace here in Also known as the oyster capital, the town is set in the emerald Gulf of Mexico's picturesque Apalachicola Bay. Oldsmar is a small town that is located just outside of Tampa and is one of the best small towns in Florida to retire in for those who also want to be close to a big city. With a population of just about 4,000, its easy to live a calm, relaxing life without losing access to big-city amenities. From streets lined with antique shops and art galleries, to the waterfront views of Lake Dora, this small town is full of surprises. It's also a popular spot for northerners to escape the winter. Marco Island is located about a half hour south of Naples Florida. Something went wrong. 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. 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. TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Tax Friendly. County data more accurately reflects crime rates in greater metropolitan statistical areas. Cheaper real estate will ultimately lead to more opportunities to become a homeowner. Known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada encompasses five islands and offers some of the best water sports in Florida. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts on Sanibel Island. Written by Michael Law and Shandley McMurray Updated Jul 26, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). This idyllic beach community sits right on the gorgeous shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the central part of the state. 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