Looking for the perfect place to raise a family? Check out Florida! With its year-round warm weather, miles of beaches, and diverse landscape, the Sunshine State is home to plenty of towns and cities that are perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for a quiet town with good schools or a bustling city with plenty of things to do, Florida cities and towns have something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best places to live in Florida for families.
What makes Florida a nice place to raise a family?
Many things make Florida a great place to raise a family. Whether you’re looking for an ideal climate, a supportive community, or ample cultural and natural attractions, Florida has a lot to offer families.
Perfect Weather
Florida’s great weather is one of the key reasons why it’s such a desirable place to live. The state has a moderate temperature year-round. The weather is warm and sunny, making it an ideal location to live for kids. With an average temperature of 75 degrees and very little variation, Florida provides a consistent and comfortable climate that is perfect for raising families. The state also sees very little rainfall, which means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
Beautiful Beaches
Florida boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches and tropical scenery in the world. This makes it perfect for those who love the outdoors! Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun or a place to enjoy active pursuits like swimming, surfing, and fishing, you’ll find it in Florida.
Family Friendliness
Florida offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including theme parks, zoos, and museums. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep families busy and entertained. From the beaches to the Everglades, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, which are perfect for relaxing and spending time with loved ones.
Diverse Culture
Its diverse population and culture make it a great place to raise a family. Families can find a supportive community no matter what their background or interests are. This means that there are many different cultures and religions represented in the state, which can be beneficial for children who are developing their identity.
Lowest Taxes
When it comes to taxes, Florida is definitely one of the best places to call home. The state has some of the lowest taxes in the country (no state income tax and 6% sales tax). This means that families have more money to save or spend on other things, which makes it affordable to purchase a home or run a business. Additionally, property taxes are relatively low compared to other states.
Employment and Business Opportunities
Florida also has a thriving economy and plenty of opportunities for families to grow and thrive. The state has a diverse economy with opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, among other sectors. Florida is also home to several major corporations, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and NASA. And with no state income tax, Florida is an attractive option for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Cost of Living
Florida is a very affordable state. The cost of living in the state is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Families can find affordable housing, and many families live there who can make ends meet. This is especially important for families who are trying to save money for their children’s education or their retirement.
Quality Schools & Low Crime Rates
The state’s combination of quality schools and low crime rates make it an attractive option for parents looking to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children. There are many best places in Florida for families that offer both great schools and low crime rates. For example, Coral Springs is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Florida for families. It has excellent public schools and a very low crime rate. Other towns and cities that offer both quality schools and low crime rates include Ponte Vedra Beach, Plantation, Weston, and Boca Raton.
The Nicest Town in Florida To Live In
Not all towns in Florida are equal in terms of quality of life. The list below is based on the U.S. News & World Report Best Places ranking in 2022-2023.
#1: Sarasota, FL
The city has a wide variety of activities and attractions that appeal to all age groups, from young children to adults. Families can enjoy the sun and sand at Siesta Key Beach, Lido Key Beach, and the rest of the famous outposts on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Residents can also explore the many shops, local favorites, tiki bars, and seaside restaurants downtown, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries such as the Sarasota Orchestra and Opera House, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. In addition, Sarasota is home to some of the best schools in the state, making it an ideal place to raise children. And with its proximity to both Tampa and Orlando, Sarasota offers families the perfect balance of beach life and big-city fun.
- Population: 821, 613
- Median House Price: $387,630
- Overall Score: 6.7
- Quality of Life: 7.4
#2 Naples, FL
Naples is adjacent to another town called Marco Island and is popularly known as the preferred spot for the wealthy and powerful retirees because of its stunning beaches, sprawling golf courses, and farming community. The city is also home to craft brewery businesses, and there are pockets of bars and waterside establishments. There are also many shopping and dining options available in Naples.
Some of the top reasons why Naples is one of the best places for families are its great school system, low crime rate, and family-friendly attractions, including the Naples Zoo and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
- Population: 379,345
- Median Home Price: $345,000
- Overall Score: 6.5
- Quality of Life: 7.0
#3 Melbourne, FL
Melbourne is a short drive from the beach and other attractions such as Orlando’s Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and Port Canaveral. Families can enjoy the best of both worlds in Melbourne: the amenities of a big city and the laid-back lifestyle of a small town. In addition, the city is home to several large employers, making it a great place to live for working parents.
- Population: 549,001
- Median Home Price: $217,400
- Overall Score: 6.5
- Quality of Life: 7.0
#4 Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is situated close to the Atlantic shore in northeast Florida and is connected by bridges to unite the downtown area with stunning beaches. The city has a strong sense of community, and there are plenty of museums, parks, attractions, and activities like hiking on nature trails and marshes for kayaking. It is home to several highly-rated schools, making it a perfect place to raise kids. Its thriving economy offers plenty of job opportunities while maintaining a relatively low cost of living.
- Population: 1,533,796
- Median Home Price: $348,852
- Overall Score: 6.5
- Quality of Life: 6.7
#5 Tampa, FL
As a family-friendly city, Tampa has much to offer residents of all ages. From award-winning museums and zoos to beautiful beaches and state parks, Tampa is a great place to call home. The city is also known for its delicious food, diverse cultures, and vibrant nightlife. In addition, Tampa is located in a convenient spot for exploring the rest of Florida. Just a short drive away are cities like Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
- Population: 3,152,928
- Median Home Price: $369,299
- Overall Score: 6.4
- Quality of Life: 6.9
Safest Places to Raise a Family in Florida
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a great place to raise a family, according to WalletHub’s study. It beats the other cities with perfect scores on safety and health issues, housing affordability, and education quality. It also features low crime rates, low unemployment rate, and low poverty rate.
- Population: 481,334
- Median House Price: $233,133
- Overall Score: 6.2
- Quality of Life: 6.4
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a small city in Southwest Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque tropical weather. The area is also known for being a great place to raise children. Fort Myers has an unemployment rate of just 2.8 percent, making it one of the safest places to raise a family in Florida. In addition, the city has seen record-low crime rates over the past few years.
- Population: 756,570
- Median House Price: $405,336
- Overall Score: 6.0
- Quality of Life: 6.5
Lakeland
Lakeland is filled with Old Florida history and natural beauty and is favored for its 38 enchanting lakes. The city also has a wide range of educational institutions that provide opportunities for young people to learn new skills. There were no murders between 2012 and 2017. Furthermore, it only has less than ten robberies during that time which shows how safe people feel when walking around at night.
- Population: 705,735
- Median House Price: $304,274
- Overall Score: 6.0
- Quality of Life: 6.2
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is home to the largest colleges in the state, making it an ideal place for families to grow up and start their lives together. The education rate in Daytona Beach is high compared to other cities in Florida. The city’s crime rate is extremely low and only had less than ten violent crimes between 2016 and 2017.
- Population: 658,961
- Median House Price: $339,137
- Overall Score: 6.2
- Quality of Life: 6.5
Ocala
Aptly known as the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala is visited by the finest thoroughbreds from North America for training.
The area’s low crime rate makes it an excellent community for raising a family. The community has a low unemployment rate and a high income level. Moreover, it has a great educational system with more than 80 percent of its residents graduating from high school, and nearly 65 percent have graduated from college.
- Population: 360,210
- Median House Price: $168,850
- Overall Score: 6.1
- Quality of Life: 6.4
The Most Kid-Friendly Cities in Florida
There are many factors to consider, from the quality of schools to the safety of the neighborhoods. But when it comes to finding kid-friendly Florida living, the following are a few places that stand out above the rest.
Gainesville and Tallahassee
The best places to live in Florida for families are in the middle of the state. Towns like Gainesville and Tallahassee offer a great mix of activities and amenities. These two towns are close to some of Florida’s best schools. You can’t go wrong with either of these two towns if you’re looking for a safe place to raise a family in Florida.
Tampa
Tampa is another great option for families. This vibrant city offers an abundance of cultural attractions, including museums, zoos, and art galleries. And with its long stretches of white sand beaches, Tampa is the perfect place to enjoy some sunny Florida.
Orlando
For families with young children, Orlando is a great choice. It is home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Additionally, Orlando’s mild climate lets kids enjoy year-round outdoor activities. Orlando offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as golfing, fishing, and hiking. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and ballet companies. Indeed, Orlando is a perfect choice for families looking for an exciting and diverse place to call home.
Wrapping Up
With all the amazing places to live, Florida is one of the best states to raise a family. Our list should give you a good starting point so if you’re ready to start your search for the perfect place to call home, be sure to consult with a real estate expert who can help you find the best community for your needs.