Jobs are booming, and costs are shrinking in Florida! The Sunshine State’s 3.4% unemployment rate beats the country’s average of 4.1%. Even its cost of living is 2% below the US average! That’s more disposable income for you.
No wonder 467,347 people moved to Florida in 2024 alone! Whether you dream of the serene beaches of Pensacola or the high-energy vibes of Miami, Florida has it all. Your dream home is closer than you think! Let’s explore the 10 best places to live in Florida in 2025.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Florida?
| # City | Weighted Average Scores* | Median House Price | Median Income | Cost of Living | Community Wellbeing | Crime Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gainesville | 68.68 | $258K | $44K | 0.06% ⬇️ | 64 | 9 |
| 2. Pensacola | 66.96 | $312K | $68K | 0.13% ⬇️ | 55 | 11 |
| 3. Jacksonville | 66.70 | $300K | $64K | 0.07% ⬇️ | 59 | 1 |
| 4. Tallahassee | 57.12 | $294K | $53K | 0.07% ⬇️ | 54 | 10 |
| 5. Palm Coast | 56.39 | $347K | $69K | 0.13% ⬇️ | 51 | 53 |
| 6. Daytona Beach | 51.43 | $300K | $48K | 0.02% ⬇️ | 53 | 7 |
| 7. Ocala | 50.85 | $256K | $51K | 0.08% ⬇️ | 47 | 10 |
| 8. Punta Gorda | 44.78 | $414K | $76K | 0.03% ⬇️ | 53 | 40 |
| 9. Tampa | 43.33 | $485K | $67K | 0.03% ⬇️ | 59 | 16 |
| 10. Sebastian | 38.49 | $398K | $66K | 0.05% ⬇️ | 54 | 49 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
To simplify your search in the Florida housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young adults, for families, for retirees, and beach towns. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, affordability, community wellbeing, and lifestyle.
3 Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults 💼
1. Daytona Beach
- Median House Price: $300K
Cost of Living: 2% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 7% of US cities.
Unemployment: 5%
Walkability Score: 37; it’s a car-dependent city.
Daytona Beach is Florida’s ultimate thrill zone! Home to the Daytona International Speedway, the city is world-renowned for hosting the DAYTONA 500. Moreover, with 60+ art and music festivals, it is considered the sports and festival capital of Florida.
Retail, healthcare, and hospitality are the largest job sectors in the city and collectively employ over 45% of the residents. As a young professional, Daytona’s urban seaside living and affordable housing could be a perfect match for you.
» Daytona Beach Homes for Sale: Search homes in the best place to live in Florida for young adults.
2. Gainesville
- Median House Price: $258K
Cost of Living: 6% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Score: Safer than 9% of US cities.
Unemployment: 5.5%
Walkability Score: 37; it’s a car-dependent city.
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a renowned college town. Beyond academics, Gainesville has a bustling downtown that offers an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Besides, the Florida Gators Football team keeps sports fans busy.
It serves as the epicenter of Florida’s music, and performing art scene. A lively downtown and active sports culture bring endless opportunities for fun and personal growth. These factors combined make it one of the most affordable places to live in Florida.
» Gainesville Homes for Sale: Find homes in the best location to live in Florida for adults.
3. Jacksonville
- Median House Price: $300K
- Cost of Living: 7% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 1% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Walkability Score: 26; it’s a car-dependent city.
A major coastal city and economic hub in the region, Jacksonville offers a perfect blend of career opportunities and fun. Healthcare employs 13.8% of residents, the most locally. The retail and financial sectors closely follow suit at 12.3% and 9%, respectively.
Beyond work, Jacksonville is packed with activities. Sports fans often enjoy the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby team matches, while outdoor enthusiasts flock to the beach for fun activities. A robust job market and abundant recreation make the city ideal for young professionals.
» Jacksonville Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best cities to live in Florida.
3 Best Places to Live in Florida for Families 👨👩👧👦
1. Tallahassee
- Median House Price: $293K
Cost of Living: 7% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of US cities.
Unemployment: 6.50%
Walkability Score: 30; it’s a car-dependent city.
Florida’s capital is home to some of the most iconic parks and nature reserves in the state. It boasts over 700 miles of trails, and several ziplining spots. Moreover, the Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park offers fun experiences for families year-round.
Additionally, education is the largest sector with around 15.8% of residents employed, followed by government and retail. Due to its moderate housing costs and abundance of recreational activities, it is one of the best places to live in Florida for families.
» Tallahassee Homes for Sale: Explore homes in Tallahassee, FL, for families.
2. Sebastian
- Median House Price: $379K
Cost of Living: 5% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of US cities.
Unemployment: 9.60%
Walkability Score: 15, it’s a car-dependent city.
Sebastian is a coastal city in Florida, close to Cape Canaveral Beach. You must also visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center, an important rocket launch-pad used by NASA. Besides, you can enjoy stunning sunset views at the Sebastian Inlet State Park.
The city hosts major cultural events like the annual ‘Sebastian Riverfront Fine Arts & Music Festival’. It is also safer than almost half of all US cities, which makes it a popular option for families with children.
» Sebastian Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the safest cities in Florida.
3. Ocala
- Median House Price: $255K
Cost of Living: 8% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 10% of US cities.
Unemployment: 8.30%
Walkability Score: 27; it’s a car-dependent city.
Ocala is home to over 600 horse farms and ‘Horses in the Sun’, one of the USA’s largest horse shows. Besides, the city is highly outdoor-friendly with 77-plus square miles of waterways you can visit to boat, kayak, or fish.
The healthcare sector employs the most people locally, around 20.1% of residents. It is followed by the retail and hospitality industries. Low housing prices and cost of living make it the best location to live in Florida for families.
» Ocala Homes for Sale: Find top properties in the best places to live in Florida for families.
2 Best Places to Retire in Florida 🏖️
1. Punta Gorda
- Median House Price: $414K
Cost of Living: 3% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of US cities.
Unemployment: 4.90%
Walkability Score: 14; it’s a car-dependent city.
Punta Gorda is situated along the Peace River. Its proximity to Charlotte Harbor makes it a top choice for water sports. Whether you’re into yachting, sailing, or enjoying a sunset cruise while spotting dolphins, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Besides, the nearby Fishermen’s Market is a lively shopping hub for unique gifts and apparel. It is also a great spot if you love seafood. The area’s low crime rate and affordable living make it one of the best places to retire in Florida.
» Punta Gorda Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best areas to live in Florida.
2. Tampa
- Median House Price: $485K
Cost of Living: 3% ⬇️ than the national average.
Crime Rate: Safer than 16% of US cities.
Unemployment: 5.20%
Walkability Score: 50; it’s somewhat walkable.
From the quiet Riverwalk to the bustling Armature Works market, Tampa caters to a varied demographic. The Busch Gardens and Florida Aquarium are popular recreational spots and the latter houses over 8,000 marine animals.
Moreover, Tampa’s downtown thrives on its Cuban-Spanish roots and offers a variety of eateries and lively pubs. The city’s low cost of living, combined with a decent walkability score of 50, makes it one of the best cities to live in Florida for retirees.
» Tampa Homes for Sale: Explore houses in one of the best towns to live in Florida.
2 Best Areas to Live in Florida by the Beaches 🏄♀️
1. Palm Coast
- Median House Price: $346K
Cost of Living: 13% ⬇️than the national average
Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of US cities.
Unemployment: 4.10%
Walkability Score: 6; it’s a car-dependent city.
The city is known for its world-class golf courses, including Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort. Beyond golf, the city offers 70-plus miles of salt and freshwater canals and plenty of parks which make it perfect for fun family activities.
The retail sector employs around 16.1% of the workforce, followed by healthcare and hospitality. With a low cost of living and crime rate, it offers a selection of the perfect beachfront abodes for sea lovers.
» Palm Coast Homes for Sale: Find top beachfront properties in Palm Coast.
2. Pensacola
- Median House Price: $312K
- Cost of Living: 13% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 11% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 5.50%
- Walkability Score: 36; it’s a car-dependent city.
With turquoise water and sprawling beachfront properties, Pensacola feels like a tropical paradise. Fishing, paddling, and scuba diving are popular recreation for residents. Besides, you can also explore the city’s plethora of seafood restaurants and pubs.
The city’s events calendar is just as lively as its beaches. Events like the Pensacola Beach Air Show, Pensacola Seafood Festival, and Gulf Coast Jazz Festival. This coastal gem is perfect for a laid-back lifestyle with vibrant community experiences.
» Pensacola Homes for Sale: Look for homes in one of the best cities to live in Florida.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡
Mortgage pre-approval simplifies the home-buying process by giving you a clear picture of your budget and borrowing capacity. Additionally, the sellers are more likely to accept your offer if you’re pre-approved since it shows you’re a serious buyer.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.9%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in Florida. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!
Is Florida a Good Place to Live for You?
Florida is one of the best places to live in the US due to its tax-friendly policies and warm climate. It also has a flourishing job market and sunny beaches. Moreover, the price of living in Florida is 2% lower than the national average.
Florida offers something for everyone, from quiet suburbs to lively cities. But Miami stands out with its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. Discover your options with houses for sale in Miami.
Browse Homes for Sale in Florida by Price and Type
Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in Florida
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Sunshine State:
- Redfin[1]: Median House Price
- Zipatlas[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
- Salary.com[3]: Cost of Living
- Sharecare[4]: Community Well-Being
- Neighborhoodscout[5]: Crime Index Score
The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).
Additionally, we have listed the best cities to live in Florida for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Florida is best to live in?
Metropolitan areas like Jacksonville and Tampa are best for young professionals. Small cities with lower cost of living and moderate population are the best option for retirees and families.
What's the cheapest place to live in Florida?
Deltona, Lakeland, and Kissimmee are the cheapest places to live in Florida, however Lake City is one of the best and cheapest option with a median house price of $256,530.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Florida?
The best city to live in Florida is Gainesville with a median house price of $258,000 and cost of living 13% lower than the national average.
