THESE 5 FLORIDA CITIES Are Becoming Unaffordable 2025

Introduction

Welcome back to the Florida Relocation Guide! Today we’re diving into one of the biggest considerations when moving to Florida: affordability. As housing costs continue to rise, many potential movers are reconsidering their options, some even shifting their focus to other states like Texas or the Carolinas. However, Florida still offers opportunities for those who approach their home search strategically.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to navigate affordability in Florida and provide alternative locations for some of the most popular destinations. If you’re set on moving to Florida but worried about price, there are still ways to make it work!

The Florida Housing Market: Affordability vs. Dream Location

Many people assume Florida has become unaffordable, and while housing costs have certainly increased, it’s not as black and white as it may seem. The key is prioritizing where you truly want to live first—geography, lifestyle, logistics—before worrying about housing constraints.

For nearly every high-priced location in Florida, there’s an alternative just a few miles away that provides access to the same amenities at a lower cost. Whether it’s moving slightly inland, considering a suburban area, or choosing a developing region, there are options for buyers who remain flexible.

Five Affordable Alternatives to Florida’s Most Popular Locations

1. Lakewood Ranch vs. Parrish

• Lakewood Ranch, FL
• Located in Sarasota’s metro area, 12.5 miles from downtown
• Known for master-planned communities with amenities and new construction
• Median home cost in 2025: $653K
• Alternative: Parrish, FL
• 12.5 miles northeast of Lakewood Ranch
• Offers similar suburban communities at a lower price
• Median home cost in 2024: $431K (34% cheaper than Lakewood Ranch)
• Potential for appreciation as it follows the Lakewood Ranch growth model

2. Naples vs. Bonita Springs & Estero

• Naples, FL
• One of Florida’s most desirable and expensive coastal areas
• Highly sought-after downtown and beachfront properties
• Alternative: Bonita Springs & Estero
• Located 8-14 miles north of Naples
• Offers similar coastal access with more affordability
• Single-family homes can be $150K–$300K cheaper than Naples
• Estero provides newer developments with proximity to Florida Gulf Coast University

3. Orlando Metro: Expanding Your Search Radius

• Winter Park ($510K median cost)
• Affluent historic suburb with a charming downtown
• Located close to downtown Orlando
• Alternative: Longwood, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs
• 5-10 miles further from Winter Park
• More affordable, with similar suburban amenities
• Dr. Phillips & Windermere ($600K+)
• Upscale communities close to Disney and commercial areas
• Alternative: Kissimmee & Claremont ($425K-$450K)
• Offers more affordable new construction and nature-focused living
• Lake Nona ($600K median cost)
• Tech-focused, innovative community
• Alternative: Sunbridge
• Newer, larger master-planned community with more competitive pricing

4. Destin vs. Navarre

• Destin, FL ($578K median cost)
• Popular vacation and relocation spot with strong amenities
• High demand keeps prices elevated
• Alternative: Navarre, FL ($410K median cost)
• Located between Pensacola and Destin
• Quieter and less commercialized, with easy beach access
• Offers similar Gulf Coast lifestyle at a significantly lower price

5. Boca Raton vs. Boynton Beach

• Boca Raton, FL ($578K median cost)
• South Florida’s upscale alternative to Miami
• Less chaotic but still expensive
• Alternative: Boynton Beach ($400K median cost)
• 14 miles north of Boca Raton
• Similar suburban benefits at a lower cost
• Follows a trend of affordability shifts seen in other Florida metros

The Bottom Line: There’s Still a Way to Make Florida Work

If moving to Florida is your goal, don’t let affordability discourage you. Instead of compromising on your dream location, consider the next-best alternative just a few miles away. Many of these “secondary” locations offer similar benefits, better pricing, and even potential for long-term property appreciation.

With some strategic flexibility, you can still achieve the Florida lifestyle you want without breaking the bank.

Stay Connected

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my 30-day email newsletter, where I share real-time insights on the Florida market. Also, the 2025 Sarasota Florida Relocation Guide is now available for download—it’s packed with local insights, real estate trends, and recommendations from a true local perspective.

For personalized real estate assistance, whether you're buying, selling, or investing, reach out to me and my team. We specialize in helping relocation buyers make informed decisions, ensuring you get the most out of your move to Florida. Thanks for reading!

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