With warm weather, nice beaches, theme parks and attractions, the Sunshine State attracts over 130 million visitors every year. Known as one of the best states to retire in, Florida attracts every age group and demographic from young professionals in Miami to families in Orlando.
Not only is Florida a large state with lots to offer, but the housing market is also great. The average home price in Florida is around $403,500, significantly less than in other states. Attractions such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and Busch Gardens bring in a lot of visitors and residents every year. Some of Florida’s most popular beaches like Daytona Beach, Pensacola Beach and Miami Beach not only attract college students during spring break but also families during summer vacations.
Florida is also home to a few great universities including Florida State University, Florida A&M University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida and more. In fact, so many college students choose to move to Florida that UCF has become the second-largest university in the U.S., with over 68,000 students.
The job market in Florida continues to be steady despite layoffs, inflation and the high cost of living in the United States. For professionals wanting to enter fields like hospitality and tourism, healthcare, marketing, nightlife, real estate, construction, retail and entertainment, Florida is the perfect place to live. Many college students from other states are drawn to internships in Florida because of programs like the Disney College program and internship opportunities at Universal and Seaworld. Many corporations like Publix, American Airlines and Royal Caribbean are housed in Florida, providing a wide array of job opportunities.
With a large population of over 22 million, Florida continues to bring in new residents every year. This state is incredibly diverse, with over 17 percent of Black residents and a large Hispanic population.
If you’re considering moving to Florida, there are so many large cities and small towns to choose from. Of course, the cost of living in each city along with close proximity to amenities, theme parks, beaches and more are important factors to consider. Here are some of the best places to live in Florida.
Orlando, Florida
Home to Universal Studios, Disney World and SeaWorld, Orlando is one of the best places to live in Florida for those wanting to live near theme parks. The University of Central Florida is also located here, meaning a lot of college students live in the area. Plenty of families are drawn to this area because it offers nice suburban neighborhoods and plenty of amenities to enjoy. Orlando is also a great place to live because of the lower cost of living and housing market. The average home price in the area is around $370,000.
- Population: 316,081
- Public School Rating: A
- Average Home Price: $370,000
- Walkability: Moderate to High
For Black Families: For families looking for a Florida city to move to, Orlando is a great family-friendly area. Not only are there plenty of water parks and theme parks to explore, but you’re also just a short few hours from the beach. Take a trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter any time you want. With its large population, Orlando is also pretty diverse, with 23 percent of Black residents.
For Young Professionals: If you’re considering a career in hospitality and tourism, retail, entertainment, healthcare, marketing or higher education, Orlando is great for the young professional. Many graduates of UCF choose to stay in the area because they love the opportunities and amenities that Orlando provides. The average apartment rent in this area can be anywhere from $1500 to $2000 depending on the area and type of apartment.
Miami, Florida
While the cost of living in Florida is lower than in other states, there are still expensive areas in the state. Miami is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. because of the amenities, beach access and nightlife culture offered in the area. If you’re looking for a city where you can be entertained at any point during the day or night, Miami is the perfect city for you. Homeownership comes at a steep price in this city, especially considering so many celebrities and athletes also live here. The average home price in Miami is around $700,000, of course depending on where in Miami you reside.
- Population: 449,514
- Public School Rating: A
- Average Home Price: $700,000
- Walkability: High
For Black Families: While Miami tends to be marketed as the spring break city for young professionals, plenty of families also love being in this area. Close access to the beach, restaurants, shopping and water activities draws families to this area. Around 14 percent of Black residents live in Miami, so it’s pretty diverse.
For Young Professionals: Miami is arguably probably one of the best cities in Florida for young professionals. With opportunities in nightlife, entertainment, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, music, athletics, finance and real estate, young professionals can thrive in this area. There’s also something for everyone in this city, with bars, beaches, clubs, shopping, restaurants, museums and water activities.
Tampa, Florida
For the outdoor enthusiast who loves water sports and activities, Tampa is one of the best places to live in Florida. From Busch Gardens to water parks to the aquarium and botanical gardens, there are plenty of activities for families, couples and singles to enjoy. The average home price in Tampa is around $368,000, making it a competitive housing market and affordable to live in.
- Population: 398,173
- Public School Rating: B
- Average Home Price: $368,000
- Walkability: Moderate
For Black Families: While Tampa is still a tourist attraction, this area is slightly quieter than Miami and Orlando, offering more suburban neighborhoods. There are plenty of family-friendly places and activities such as water parks, Clearwater Beach, museums and restaurants to enjoy. 21 percent of Black residents call Tampa home, making it a diverse area.
For Young Professionals: Another great Florida city for young professionals, Tampa is great for those pursuing careers in tourism, healthcare, finance, technology, construction and the marine sciences. The average apartment price here is around $1500, so it’s slightly more affordable than Miami and Orlando.
Jacksonville, Florida
The most populous and diverse city in Florida, Jacksonville is a great place for families, college students and young professionals. With a population of over 971,000 residents, there are plenty of activities and amenities to take advantage of. Residents enjoy shopping, eating, and visiting museums, art galleries and Jacksonville Beach. People are drawn to the lower cost of living in Jacksonville, with the average home price around $290,000.
- Population: 971,319
- Public School Rating: A
- Average Home Price: $290,000
- Walkability: Moderate
For Black Families: Jacksonville offers plenty of activities for families including relaxing on the beach, watersports, waterparks, restaurants, shopping and more. Around 30 percent of Black residents call Jacksonville home.
For Young Professionals: If you’re pursuing a career in retail, hospitality and tourism, healthcare and higher education, you might want to consider moving to Jacksonville. As Florida’s largest city, young professionals can enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer.
Tallahassee, Florida
Home to two major universities, Florida State University and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee is a great city for college students and young professionals. It’s also a quiet area that plenty of families enjoy living in. Over 200,000 residents call Tallahassee home, making it one of Florida’s smaller cities. The average home price in this area is also lower than other Florida cities, around $277,731.
- Population: 201,731
- Public School Rating: B
- Average Home Price: $277,731
- Walkability: Low to Moderate
For Black Families: 35 percent of Black residents live in Tallahassee because of its family-friendly amenities. From museums to parks to sports, Tallahassee is one of the best places to live in Florida for families wanting a quieter suburban life.
For Young Professionals: Pursue opportunities in higher education, hospitality and tourism, healthcare and technology in Tallahassee. Many university graduates stay in this area because the cost of living is lower with a high amount of opportunities. The average apartment rent in Tallahassee is between $1200 and $1600 depending on the area you live in.
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