Tampa
Tampa is the third-largest city in the Sunshine state and home to an estimated 380,000 residents. The city’s proximity to pristine beaches, Florida’s excellent weather, and plenty of great golf courses make it a great retirement destination.
Cost of Living
The median home price in this area is $301,963 while the average monthly rental costs are $1,115. The average individual income for Tampa Bay is $36,169 while the median household income is $53,833. The utility costs in this city are slightly higher than the national average.
Tampa is a mid-sized city and one of the best places to live in Florida. The city oozes character and offers its residents exciting job opportunities making it the perfect destination for young professionals.
The Tampa Bay metro area offers attractive job prospects and with no state income taxes, residents have more money left in their pockets. The property taxes here don’t exceed the 2% mark.
Education in Tampa
Tampa is home to several school districts and some of the best schools in the state of Florida. Residents get to choose from a pool of best-rated public and private schools offering both secular and non-secular curriculums.
The area also hosts some of the country’s top colleges and universities which include the University of South Florida, Florida College, Saint Leo University, and the University of Tampa just to mention a few.
Places to Visit
Tampa has 185 parks, themed attraction sites park and endless fine dining options. The city hosts several community celebrations and festivals. Mention-worthy festivals you can’t afford to miss include the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival, Tampapolooza, and the Sunset Music Festival.
The city also has a number of museums, cultural centers, and professional sports teams. Fancy a bit of fine dining and shopping options? Tampa’s downtown area offers access to world-class resorts, hotels, and shopping centers.
Jacksonville
Florida’s largest city boasts well over 850 square miles of gorgeous beaches, stunning attractions, year-round warm sunshine, and some of the best recreational facilities in the state. Natural beauty aside, the city has a number of affordable housing options spread out across several distinct neighborhoods.
The city has a growing population of 949,611 largely made up of a white majority (58.22%), African American ( 30.95%), and Asian (4.76%). The Latino population sits at 10.0%. This beautiful city is the perfect destination for young aspiring professionals, young families, and retirees looking for a culturally diverse location to call home.
There are abundant employment opportunities, and warm sunshine throughout the year; all valid reasons why Jacksonville is ranked among the best places to live in Florida.
Cost of Living
Jacksonville’s cost of living is on average lower than the state and national figures. The median household income is $54,701 while the median per capita income is $30,064. The average price of a house in Jacksonville ranges between $254,834 and $273K.
Utility costs in Jacksonville are lower compared to national and state averages on some select items. There are no state income taxes in Florida.
Education in Jacksonville
In matters education, Jacksonville is as good as it gets in the state of Florida. The city is home to a number of top-ranked public and private high schools both nationally and state-wide. With four of the 25 highest-rated schools in the sunshine state located in Jacksonville, it is easy to see why the city is among the best places to live in Florida.
Colleges and universities in the area include Florida State College’s Downtown Campus, the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University to mention a few.
Fun Things to Do
one thing that Jacksonville gets right is when it comes to keeping families entertained. The metropolis has nature all around with marshes, woods, and wetlands. It makes Central Park in New York look like a small playground.
Jacksonville offers wallet-friendly prices as far as housing, utilities, and shopping are concerned with only 6% general sales tax levied on purchases. Additionally, the city has an energetic downtown area featuring the most colorful food scene alongside numerous cultural attractions.
Orlando
Orlando is the theme park capital of America on account of the numerous amusement parks located in the city. Disney world is the most famous of the bunch and the largest tourist attraction in Orlando.
With so many amusement parks, theme parks, and affordable cost housing options, it is easy to see why it is ranked among the best places to live in Florida.
While the job market in this area may not be the most competitive compared to most places in Florida, the city makes up for that with lower costs of living and great schools.
Cost of Living
Orlando has a reasonable cost of living when compared to some of the best cities in the country. By comparing some key metrics, living costs are considerably lower than the state and national averages. The average per capita income for this area is $32,085 while the median household income is $45,436. Home prices on average range from $247,000 to $325,000.
Top employers in the city include the likes of Lockheed Martin, Publix, the University of Central Florida, and more.
Education
Orlando is home to the largest concentration of top-ranked public schools in the state of Florida. The area has more than 35 colleges, universities, technical schools, and private institutions dedicated to providing only the best quality education and training.
There are continuing education programs designed to offer workers ongoing opportunities to sharpen their skills, making Orlando a one-of-a-kind educational hub.nTop schools in the area include the University of Central Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Seminole State College of Florida, Rollins College, and more.
Theme Parks, Nature Reserves, and More
Orlando’s economy largely relies on tourism. The city is home to the world-famous Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and a number of nature reserves and historical sites. Orlando has the most vibrant hospitality and recreation scene with nearly endless motels, hotels, and resorts.
The downtown Orlando area is home to several art galleries and cultural attractions that showcase the city’s rich history and heritage. For the sports buff, the city offers a buffet of exciting sports events, famous professional sports teams that include Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer Club, and many more.
Sandy beaches, hiking trails and bike trails, theme parks, plenty of kid-friendly activities, and plenty of affordable housing choices. These factors make the city an attractive destination for young adults and one of the best places to live in Florida.
Fort Myers
Two words best describe the city of Fort Myers. Tropical paradise. This fabulous city is located 30 miles north of Miami on the west coast and is nestled between Naples and Sarasota. The area is home to approximately 180k people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Its prime location along the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast means lovely, warm weather that lasts practically the whole year. This makes it a boater’s paradise that offers residents and visitors unique access to Fort Myers Beach, and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean
While there are plenty of reasons why the city is among the best places to live in Florida, the area is perhaps most famous for hosting winter homes belonging to two of history’s most iconic figures; Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Cost of Living in Fort Myers
Fort Myers’s costs of living make it one of the most affordable places when compared to similar-sized cities such as Cape Coral and Coral Gables in South Florida. The average price of a house in Fort Myers is $293,562 while rental costs average at about $919.60 a month.
While utility costs are on average lower than state and national figures, transport costs and gas prices are a tad bit higher than the national average. The median household income in this area is $46,409 while the average per capita income is $29,991.
Education
One thing that stands out about this city is that it takes education quite seriously. The area is home to some of the most highly-regarded public schools. Schools in the city fall under the Lee County Public School System.
Local schools in the area include Florida Southwestern Collegiate High Schoo and Fort Myers High School. There are several well-established institutions of higher learning such as Florida Gulf Coast University that offers its college students access to an on-campus private beach.
Other noteworthy mentions include Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College, Hodges University, and Fort Myers Technical College.
Fun Things to Do
Fort Myers is home to a number of must-see attractions that range from a vibrant cultural scene, botanical gardens, historical sites, and more. As far as low-cost recreation options go, the area has an abundance of pocket-friendly entertainment choices you can indulge in.
Fort Myers Beach is a popular recreational spot if you need to soak in some sun and unwind. The city hosts many annual cultural and community events throughout the year. The city also has plenty of world-class dining establishments, a local fresh produce market where you can stock up on groceries and grab some fresh seafood.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a city located Southeast of Orlando along the banks of the Indian River Lagoon. This estuary is beloved by anglers, and enthusiast boaters, and is often frequented by yacht clubs and residents who want a taste of its gorgeous natural beauty.
Due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, the city is part of Florida’s Space Coast making it one of the best places to live in Florida.
Cost of Living
The city has a Median Household Income of $68,949 and a median per capita income of $48,673. Utility costs in Melbourne are slightly lower than most major cities and the national average. The median house price in this area is about $231,800 while monthly rental costs for a decent-sized apartment will set you back $1,381. The job growth in Melbourne is impressive thanks to the numerous Florida-based tech companies.
Education in Melbourne, Brevard County FL
Jacksonville is part of the Brevard County Public Schools system; one of the finest school districts in the state of Florida. The schools here are a model of academic excellence and innovation. Brevard County is also home to several colleges and universities, including the renowned Florida Institute of Technology and a regional branch of the University of Central Florida.
Local Attractions
Melbourne is an economic powerhouse that offers numerous cultural amenities a thriving art scene and lively performing arts venues in the downtown area. The King Performing Arts Center is a definite must-visit for the performing arts enthusiast.
The city is home to a number of top-ranked zoos, museums, art galleries, and a thriving restaurant scene. If a laid-back beach lifestyle sounds like something you identify with, then a visit to Melbourne Beach is exactly what you need.
This thriving metropolis has an excellent school system with some of the best-performing schools in the state. A strong job market with exciting job opportunities in the tech industry makes Melbourne one of the best places to live in Florida. Furthermore, you have easy access to Interstate 95 with the Melbourne International Airport not too far away.
Naples
If you fancy living in a city renowned for superior quality healthcare, gated communities, high-end shopping, and entertainment options, then Naples is for you. The city is a millionaire’s playground that offers world-class housing options, pristine beaches, and golf courses.
The city has a population of 22,206 that is comprised of a mostly White majority (89.3%). The second and third largest ethnic groups in this area are Hispanic (4.9%), and Black (2.5%) respectively.
Cost of Living
While Naples may not be considered the most affordable place to live in Florida, the city makes up for that fact in several ways. The median household income in Naples is $217,838 and an average per capita income of $107,013.
The average cost of renting an apartment in Naples is $1,357 a month, and the median home value sits at $988,500.The cost of living in Naples is higher than the state and national averages as far as housing, transport, food, and other utility costs are concerned.
Education in Naples
Naples is home to a number of top public and private learning institutions with an affiliation to a religious group. The city’s education is under the Collier County Public Schools. There are three universities and colleges in the area. These are Florida Gulf Coast University, Ave Maria School of Law, Keiser Stae Naples, Edison State College in the Florida State University, and Hodges University,
Places to Visit
One thing Naples is best known for is its abundance of fun things to do and scenic places you can visit. The city has well over 700 restaurants, stunning beaches, and gorgeous eco-systems you can explore all year round. If a laid-back tropical lifestyle sounds like something right up your alley, you’re going to love what Naples has to offer.
For the history and culture hound, the Naples museum is a must-see. The museum showcases native Calusa and Seminole history and the exploits of the earliest Naples settlers.
For many, moving to Naples is a chance of a lifetime, and it’s easy to see why it ranks among the best places to live in Florida. From stunning sunset views at Naples Beach, a highly regarded public school system, endless shopping, and quality dining options, you can have it all in Naples.
Miami
Miami is a vibrant metropolis and a melting pot of cultures. The city has a subtropical climate and is one of America’s largest international centers of commerce. Dubbed the “Magic City”, Miami can be both the ideal place to call home as well as the epicenter of all things fun and recreation.
Miami is famous for its epic beach parties and is the number one vacation spot in South Florida. So what makes Miami one of the best places to live in Florida?
Cost of Living in Miami
Miami, Florida’s cost of living is 14% higher than the national average. Median household income in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area is$60,141 while the average per capita is $33,917. The average price of a house in Miami is $500,000 making the city the second most expensive housing market.
Renting an apartment in Miami on average costs $1,915 a month. Miami by comparison is slightly more expensive to live in than Tallahassee, the state capital, and most other cities in the Florida panhandle.
Education
Education in this city is overseen by the Miami-Dade County school system; one of the largest public school districts in the nation. The city offers learners diverse options in education. There are four types of schools which include Charter schools, Magnet Schools, Private and Public schools.
Universities and colleges in the area include the likes of Miami University, Florida International University, Miami Dade College, and Barry University to mention a few.
South Beach, Miami Beach, and other Fun Places to Visit
The Magic City provides all and all-immersive experience in culture with its cosmopolitan flair. Perfect year-round weather and stunning beaches make it both an amazing vacationing spot and for those who call it home; a little slice of heaven.
History, cultural diversity, professional sports teams, and vibrant entertainment scene are a few of Miami’s key offerings. Downtown Miami provides access to scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay are must-see gems.
The Little Havana area offers plenty of fun things to do that involve a deep dive into Cuban culture cuisine and music. find plenty of things to do. The Art Deco District is worth a visit as well. For the nature lover, the Everglades National park is home to one of Florida’s most important ecosystems; the swampland, an area that covers about 1.5 million acres.
The park is home to several species of snakes, birds, alligators, and crocodiles. The city is home to several key industry leaders in fields such as Medicine and Healthcare, tourism and more. Although the cost of living may be higher than state and national averages, the city makes up for it with a high quality of life