Best small towns in Florida. From the Castillo de San Marcos to Flagler College, there are plenty of sights to explore in this small town. The best part about Oldsmar is its affordability, especially compared to some other towns on this list. With its laid-back atmosphere, abundance of natural beauty and unique culture, this small town will charm anyone who visits. Before we begin, lets examine the differences between Florida city and small-town living. Destin. But, we think that you should visit some of these towns for yourself before deciding to move to one of them permanently. Big cities attract large populations for a reason! Quincy enjoys Florida's sunny weather from March until November and is the perfect place for families. Several corporations also operate call centers and back-office operations from the region. 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. cost of living in Oldsmar is actually a bit below the Florida state average, homes are selling for about $300,000 to $350,000 here, Destins main claim to fame is its pristine beachfront. Nokomis beaches are some of the best in the state, and are sure you leave you feeling beachy keen! With its quaint downtown area and peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy some quality time in nature. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. This city is notable for the eclectic mix of art at the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. The combination of bohemian artists and traditional fishermen makes for an eccentric hidden gem. There is also a small retail district right in the heart of town on Lawrence Boulevard. In addition to some outstanding shopping on Park Avenue, foodies will find a selection of restaurants to suit every taste. 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Ocala FL, What is a Good Salary in Florida in 2023? small-town lifestyle and top quality shoreline, located right between Sarasota and Venice. Apalachicola is one of the few towns on this list that has a cost of living that is actually below the Florida state average. PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $31,327. And if you're feeling adventurous, try exploring some of the nearby trails and creeks to discover hidden gems. , Mary Esther is a quiet, family-friendly spot tucked in between some of Floridas most popular tourist cities. If you're a fan of living large, the small town of Jupiter will help you do so. Wander up and down the streets, around the main amphitheater area, explore the attractions in Seaside, and grab a bite at one of the repurposed Airstream travel trailers serving an assortment of tasty fare. Sanibel Island is easily one of the best 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. , including local favorites like Tikka Indian Cuisine and Anitas Restaurant. This tiny hamlet feels as if its been dusted with magic, and its apt to draw you under its spell. Apalachicola is a beautiful little town along the Apalachicola Bay. Population: 9,836 Cost of Living Index: 22% Above Florida Average Crime Rate: 65% Below Florida Average Education Score: A+. 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. Known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada encompasses five islands and offers some of the best water sports in Florida. Its about 45 minutes from Odessa to downtown Tampa. - Population: 1,989. Orlando is the most prominent city in central Florida, largely due to its major tourist attractions like Disney and Universal Studios. 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? From the sparkling beaches of Apalachicola to the rustic charm of Sebring, Florida offers countless picturesque small towns for visitors to explore and enjoy. Everyone who visits loves Captiva Island. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Carrabelle is an ideal spot for beachgoers looking for an escape from everyday life. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. 1. If youre looking for The Real Florida, as the Florida state parks call it, youll find it in Lake Kathryn. It is situated on a barrier island with Lake Worth Lagoon separating it from the larger city of West Palm Beach. It also offers a quaint little retail area, with a great selection of restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops. It started off as a small beach community and retains the same close-knit feeling today. Although Cedar Key is only home to about 687 people, its worth mentioning! The area also features plenty of waterfront restaurants offering a variety of delicious dining options, so you can enjoy a meal with breathtaking views. While Tampa offers everything you need for daily life, Orlando is also a two-hour drive and Miami is only four hours away. 20 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida Alys Beach Population: 6,484 Median Home Price: $765,000 Southern Living calls Alys Beach the perfect beach town for a reason. Located nearly 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale, it boasts a bevy of natural areas and a thriving arts center. Pompano Beach is a small-town gem located on the east coast of Florida, 35 miles north of Miami. 9) Mount Dora. Just north of Sanibel Island in the Gulf Coast is the tiny beach community of Captiva. Often called Gateway to the Tropics, Vero Beach has a transitional climate. There isnt a wrong choice among them all. 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. Check out Fish Amelia for an experience like no other. Key West is the last of its kind -- a tropical paradise surrounded by crystal clear waters and rich in culture and adventure. Nature calls in the Gulf Coast town of Dunedin just south of Palm Harbor. So, if youre an avid angler, heres your next home. , and its particularly well known for its close-knit and small town feel that goes way back to its deep history from the 1870s. A visit to Islamorada isn't complete without a fishing adventure, so be sure to reserve your spot on a local charter before you arrive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One highlight of the area is the farmers' market, which features local produce and handmade crafts and other goods. The Most Charming Small Towns in FloridaPalm Beach. While the greater Palm Beach County is one of Florida's largest and most popular regions, Palm Beach proper a 10-square-mile barrier island sports a population of Anna Maria Island. Cedar Key. Mount Dora. Florida Keys. Micanopy. Sanibel. Cypress Gardens. Cape Canaveral. Fernandina Beach. Coral Springs is a family-friendly spot you'll be happy to visit. If you are searching for the best small towns in Florida to retire in, take a look at our updated list for 2023. Baseball fans will love witnessing the Toronto Blue Jays spring training sessions at TD Ballpark as well as attending the Dunedin Blue Jays' games throughout the year. The Tall Cypress Natural Area is a wonderful spot to unwind and become more in tune with nature. Education, health care and state government are the primary employment fields in this midsize metro area. Travel Best small towns to live in Best small towns to live in. With it comes a tranquil and peaceful beach life, but at a steep price. There has been a resurgence in the areas restaurants, which have started serving farm-to-table dishes incorporating artisan ingredients. It is also statistically one of the safest places on this list of the best small towns in Florida to raise a family. Tampa-St.Petersburg-Clearwater has many positive aspects for young adults and families. The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. When the day winds down, take a seat at one of Dunedin's many restaurants for a delicious dinner overlooking the harbor. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. The area also has several parks scattered around where visitors can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. There is also a small retail district right in the heart of town on Lawrence Boulevard. Looking for an Old Florida feel captured so beautifully by the Highwaymen outsider artists of the 50s? Additional things to do in Vero Beach include McKee Jungle Garden and Lion Country Safari. It is the smallest town on this list and offers a quiet and peaceful way of life with picturesque beaches and many things to do, including boating and bird watching. The population estimate for 2013 was 9,323. Another interesting place to visit in Islamorada is the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, where you can walk through the mangroves, an iconic Florida sight. The town of Celebration was conceived by Walt Disney himself and was eventually built in the mid-1990s. This makes the town a great spot for divers and treasure hunters due to the number of sunken ships that have left their mark. Once you have found your small town Florida dream home, let PODS help with the next steps. Head to Ocean Cay Park, and you'll find it easily located just off the A1A. For those wishing to stay overnight, Mount Dora also offers an array of accommodation choices, including bed and breakfasts and hotels. This charming beach town is located directly on the warm waters of the Gulf Coast in Floridas Panhandle region. Best Places to Live on Floridas Gulf Coast. Belle Isle is close to many family-friendly experiences like the Crayola Experience, the Orlando Watersports Complex, and the Florida Mall. Tanks Sushi Bistro, South Kitchen & Spirits, M Shack Nocatee, and Pieology Pizzeria are some of the great restaurants in Nocatee that are a hit with locals. Not to mention, youll enjoy the best springs in Florida. Fernandina Beach also has some eclectic vintage and antique shops that are a must-visit. Named for the daughter of the towns first postmaster, Mary Esther is a quiet, family-friendly spot tucked in between some of Floridas most popular tourist cities. COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 5% below the national average. Additionally, Pensacola International Airport serves over 40 destinations. The majority of the island is covered by the stunning 5,000+ acre JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Josh Patoka has been a personal finance writer since 2015. Darling National Wildlife Refuge are Sanibel highlights not to be missed. 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. The shores here are white-sand beaches and a sanctuary for bird lovers. We compared Florida metropolitan areas using data from several platforms to measure variable criteria including home affordability, employment and community well-being. You can enjoy this barrier islands pristine white sand beaches, have a bite at one of its delectable locally-owned restaurants, or visit one of its art galleries or antique stores around town. Plus, the cost of living here is low, so your dollar will go much further than elsewhere. Or do you want a small-town feel thats close to a major urban area? This compensation comes from two main sources. Located between the 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. Save time to check out a show if you can. WebMilton is a city in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States. Many different food places to choose from. These 17 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Florida Are DelightfulMt. Dora. Apalachicola. This friendly little fishing town in the Panhandle produces some of the best seafood in the state (and 90% of our oysters).Dunedin. Dunedin in Pinellas County has a lot to offer packed into a small city. St. Augustine. Tarpon Springs. Winter Park. Fernandina Beach. DeLand. Seaside. Stuart. More items The average home prices in Palm Beach are a staggering $1.7 million, so this community is best suited for wealthier retirees. Anna Maria Island is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are an astonishing 86% below the state average. Here are some reasons why you should consider a small-town life when living in Florida: Q: Where is the best small town in Florida to live?A: It depends on what you mean by best. Are you looking to stay on the beach? Or head over to Cedar Key Museum State Park to learn about local history. Most vacationers drive right through the town as they travel to Key West, but this beach village is definitely worth a stop, if not a full-out move. VIEW ALL BEST PLACES LISTS. County data more accurately reflects crime rates in greater metropolitan statistical areas. The town of Micanopy, which has about just 700 residents, is located in the swamps of North Central Florida. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. 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. The Sunshine State can be an excellent place for families to relocate to, as it offers an endless list of exciting things to do for both parents and children. 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 pier, built in 1911, makes a great spot for a stroll. Biotech, marine and medical are target industries for Cape Coral. Follow These Series. Close to Orlando and Kissimmee, Winter Park is the perfect place to take in a show, visit museums, or play a round of golf. Nocatee is a master-planned town located about 30 minutes south of Jacksonville. Siesta Key . Several museums in Mount Dora exhibit different subjects, such as local history and modern furniture. Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals, and lounging on a sandy saltwater beach. 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. WebLutz is a small suburb just north of Tampa and has it's own distinct charm. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. St Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America, known for its Spanish influence and stunning architecture. It is usually, rated as the best beach in all of Florida. The area is also home to major sports teams, history museums, platforms promoting the arts and impressive public transportation options. This idyllic beach community sits right on the gorgeous shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the central part of the state. Ocala is a friendly town where mostly everyone knows each other. Nicknamed the Bass Capital of the World, it's a sure bet you'll find this a popular stop for fishermen. 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. This small town is located just 30 minutes from Gainesville in Central Florida. Check the calendar for one of the many cultural events hosted on the property. The average price of a house here is still under $250,000. 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