Florida is a very popular state to live in for people of all ages and lifestyles. The place has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a variety of cities and towns from which people can choose from.
Whether you're looking for a big city with all the amenities or a small town with a laid-back vibe, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home in Florida.
According to Forbes, these are the top 7 places to live in Florida:
- Tampa
- Gainesville
- Jacksonville
- Cape Coral
- Orlando
- Greater Miami Area
- Melbourne
Forbes mentions Tampa as the best place to live in Florida. Forbes’s methodology compares home affordability, employment, and community well-being.
The method further involves the comparison of city size, crime rate, diversity, unemployment rate and cost of living.
1. Tampa
Source: VisitTampaBay.Com
With a population of 387,050, Tampa is known to be the best place to live in Florida. It is a great place to live for young adults and families, offering something for everyone, with pristine beaches, major sports teams, history museums, and impressive public transportation options.
The city has a low unemployment rate of only 2.6% offering plenty of job opportunities. Plus, Tampa is close to other major cities like Orlando and Miami, making it a great place to live if you want to be close to the action.
2. Gainesville
Source: Wikipedia
Gainesville, Florida is a great place to live for families. It has a low cost of living, a small population with a low crime rate, and a variety of family-friendly attractions. The city is a great place to live for families. It has a low cost of living, a small population with a low crime rate, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.
According to Forbes, the median home price in Gainesville is $359,500, which is lower than the state median of $437,000. Gainesville is also home to the University of Florida, which is one of the largest universities in the country.
3. Jacksonville
Source: TimeOut
With a population of 954,614, Jacksonville ranks third on Forbes's list of best places to live in Florida. It is the largest city in the state by land mass, but it has a smaller population than Miami or Tampa. This means that you can enjoy big city conveniences and live on the Atlantic Ocean, with relatively affordable living costs.
Jacksonville is a major hub for banking, healthcare, and transportation. The city is also home to one of the nation's three Mayo Clinics and offers access to many of Florida's best banks.
4. Cape Coral
Source: Frey & Son Homes
Cape Coral, Florida is a popular city in the Fort Myers metro area. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has a low crime rate, making it a desirable place to live and visit.
Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals of Cape Coral, as well as lounging on its sandy saltwater beaches. The city is also home to a variety of businesses and industries, including biotech, marine, and medical. Several corporations also operate call centres and back-office operations from the region.
The city has a population of 204,510 people, and the median home price is $479,000. It has high job opportunities which brings down the unemployment rate to 2.7%.
5. Orlando
Source: Wikipedia
Orlando is a great place to live for young adults. It has a diverse economy with job opportunities in various industries, that includes biotech, information technology, and healthcare. The city is also home to a number of major tourist attractions, such as Disney and Universal Studios, which bring extra job options and make Orlando a vibrant and exciting place to live.
The median income in Orlando is $58,968, which is slightly lower than the state median. However, the cost of living in Orlando is also lower than the state average, so young adults can stretch their dollars further.
6. Greater Miami Area
Source: Travel and Tour World
The Greater Miami Area is one of the most vibrant and places to live in Florida. The city is home to more than 6 million people, which makes it the largest metropolitan area in Florida. Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, colourful buildings, electrifying nightlife, and diverse culture. It is also a major centre for aviation, finance, international trade, healthcare, and tourism.
Living in the Greater Miami can be quite expensive. The median home price is over $600,000, and the cost of living is higher than the state average. Additionally, the crime rate in Miami is relatively high. That is why it falls sixth on the list.
7. Melbourne
Source: Melbourneharbor.com
Melbourne, Florida is a great place to live for families and young professionals. It is part of the Florida "Space Coast" and is home to several aerospace and manufacturing companies, offering comfortable salaries and job opportunities.
The Palm Bay-Melbourne metro area is conveniently located on the Atlantic seaboard with easy beach access. There is also a cultural highlight in the Eau Gallie Arts District.
Geographically, Melbourne is the midpoint between Jacksonville and Miami, and Orlando is roughly one hour away. This makes it a great place to live if you want to be close to the action, but also want to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
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