Florida’s cost of living is 2% below the national average. Even the unemployment rate is at a low of 2.6%! What better reasons could you need to move to the Sunshine State in 2024?!
From Disney World to Miami’s vibrant nightlife, Florida caters to all age groups. Is it even surprising that 32,715 people moved here in June 2024 alone?
Read on for our selection of the 10 best places to live in Florida based on factors like home prices, monthly expenses, and median income. Don’t keep your dream home in Florida waiting!
Best Places to Live in Florida in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top places to live in Florida. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Jacksonville | 985,843 | $311,000 | $5,948 | 59/100 |
| 2. | Pensacola | 53,724 | $332,500 | $6,629 | 55/100 |
| 3. | Tallahassee | 202,221 | $297,000 | $6,504 | 54/100 |
| 4. | Cape Coral | 224,455 | $380,000 | $7,240 | 56/100 |
| 5. | Tampa | 403,364 | $450,000 | $7,284 | 59/100 |
| 6. | Melbourne | 86,960 | $325,000 | $6,961 | 56/100 |
| 7. | Orlando | 320,742 | $412,000 | $7,327 | 59/100 |
| 8. | Naples | 19,704 | $725,000 | $7,986 | 64/100 |
| 9. | Miami | 455,924 | $615,000 | $7,574 | 64/100 |
| 10. | Fort Lauderdale | 184,255 | $540,000 | $7,716 | 64/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Florida
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Sunshine State:
#1 Jacksonville
Jacksonville is one of the best cities to live in FL.
- Median Home Price: $311,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Jacksonville: $64,138.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Jacksonville, FL: 32218 | 32256 | 32210
Jacksonville is a good choice if you love scenic riverwalks and pristine beaches. The city boasts a lively arts scene, including numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
The living costs is 7% lower than the national average. Banking, healthcare, and transportation are rapidly growing sectors in Jacksonville.
» Jacksonville Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the River City.
#2 Pensacola
Pensacola is one of the best areas to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $332,500.[2]
- Median Household Income in Pensacola: $67,722.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Pensacola, FL: 32507 | 32526 | 32506
Pensacola has affordable housing in Florida. A median house costs 25% lower than the state average. Pensacola also has a flourishing job market. Therefore, the unemployment rate in the city is 3.7% lower than the national average.
» Pensacola Homes for Sale: Browse affordable property listings in Pensacola.
#3 Tallahassee
Tallahassee is one of the best towns to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $297,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Tallahassee: $52,899.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 54/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Tallahassee, FL: 32303 | 32301 | 32312
Home to Florida State University, Tallahassee is an ideal college town to pursue higher education. Tally provides immense job and research opportunities in the public policy and political science sectors.
Tallahassee’s median home sale price is significantly lower than the national average with housing and utility costs 13% to 15% cheaper. It is one of the best places to buy a home in Florida. Also, you can know how much is your house worth with a free home worth estimator.
» Tallahassee Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best places in Florida.
#4 Cape Coral
Cape Coral is one of the best places to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $380,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Cape Coral: $72,474.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Cape Coral, FL: 33993 | 33914 | 33909
Cape Coral is renowned for its extensive canal system, an ideal place for those who love waterfront living. The cost of healthcare 9% above the national average.
Cape Coral also has a strong job market, with a 52.22% projected growth rate. Also, residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking in the city’s canals and rivers.
» Cape Coral Homes for Sale: Explore waterfront homes in Cape Coral.
#5 Tampa
Tampa is one of the best cities to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $450,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Tampa: $66,802.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Tampa, FL: 33647 | 33611 | 33602
Tampa is a good option for young adults and families. The metro area is home to major sports teams such as the Lightning and the Rays. Tampa offers a gateway to pristine beaches on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
The tourism sector and MacDill Air Force Base corp. are major employers in the service and manufacturing industries. Tampa is well-connected to other cities in Florida. For instance, you can drive to Orlando or Miami in 2 to 4 hours.
» Tampa Homes for Sale: Explore the best properties in Tampa neighborhood.
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#6 Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the best cities to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $325,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Melbourne: $60,917.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Melbourne, FL: 32940 | 32935 | 32904
Melbourne combines a warm climate, work opportunities, and a rich culture. With over 230 sunny days, Melbourne is the best place to live in Florida for weather.
Situated on the Space Coast, Melbourne is home to rocket launches and beach vacations. You can find job opportunities in space research and aerospace technology. Besides, cultural events, art galleries, and upscale dining places in downtown Melbourne.
» Melbourne Homes for Sale: Find best properties in the Melbourne neighborhood.
#7 Orlando
Orlando is one of the best areas to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $412,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Orlando: $66,292.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Orlando, FL: 32824 | 32822 | 32312
Orlando is world-renowned for its theme parks, but it also offers a strong job market. The market is expected to grow by 48.9%, fueled by the tourism, healthcare, and tech industries.
Orlando’s living costs are the same as the national average. O-town also boasts a diverse population and a vibrant arts scene. This makes it one of the best places to live in FL for young professionals and families.
» Orlando Homes for Sale: Find the best properties near Disney and other attractions.
#8 Naples
Naples is one of the best towns to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $725,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Naples: $135,657.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Naples, FL: 34108 | 34120 | 34114
Naples is the best area in Florida to live for professional growth. The job market in the Golf Capital of the World is projected to grow by 39.3% over the next decade. Also, the city’s property crime rate is 37% lower than the state average.
The living costs in this city are 30% higher than the national average. This makes Naples one of the most expensive cities to live in Florida.
» Naples Homes for Sale: View luxurious properties for sale in Naples.
#9 Miami
Miami is one of the best cities to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $615,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Miami: $54,858.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Miami, FL: 33139 | 33131 | 33132
Miami is Florida’s second most populous city, with a count of 455,924. Its fast-growing job market has made it “The New Silicon Valley”. The city is a good place to work in the aviation, finance, healthcare, and tourism industries.
However, Miami is less preferred by families due to a high crime rate and a high cost of living.
» Miami Homes for Sale: View the best properties in Miami.
#10 Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places to live in Florida.
- Median Home Price: $540,000.[2]
- Median Household Income in Fort Lauderdale: $75,376.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score is 64/100.[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Fort Lauderdale, FL: 33308 | 33304 | 33301
Fort Lauderdale, also known as the “Venice of America,” is a dream city for boating enthusiasts with its intricate canal system.
The median home price is 57% higher than both the state and national average. The city also boasts a strong job market with a 35.60% expected growth rate, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and marine sectors. Fort Lauderdale offers urban and suburban living with easy travel to Miami.
» Fort Lauderdale Homes for Sale: Explore luxury homes in Fort Lauderdale.
Best Places to Live in Florida Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Sarasota County | Palm Bay | Miami Beach |
| Young Professionals | Coral Gables | Oakland Park | Winter Garden |
| Retirees | Gainesville | Lakeland | Boynton Beach |
Is Florida the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Florida is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax-friendly policies and warm climate. It has a flourishing job market and sunny beaches. Moreover, the cost of living is 2% lower than the national average.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Florida. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Florida
We have considered the Northern, Central, and South regions to rank the best places in Florida. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Florida and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Florida Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Florida for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida a good place to live?
Yes, the Sunshine State is a good place to live and has a warm to sunny climate throughout the year. Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee are some of the best places in Florida.
What is the best city to live in Florida?
Jacksonville is the best city to live in Florida. It has an affordable cost of living and offers immense educational and work opportunities. Also, the median home price in Jacksonville is 69% below the state average.
What are the nicest parts of Florida to live in?
The best parts to live in Florida are south and central regions. They include cities like Orlando, Tampa, Naples, and more.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Florida?
Lake City is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Florida, owing to its connectivity and a cost of living 16% below the national average.
