Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida (2025 Edition!!!)

Introduction

Florida has always been a top destination for people looking for great weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse communities. Whether you're a retiree, a family looking for a great neighborhood, or a young professional searching for vibrant city life, there's a spot for you in the Sunshine State. In this 2025 edition of the best places to live in Florida, we’ve broken it down into categories so you can find the perfect fit.

Retiree-Focused Areas

Florida has long been a retirement haven, but some places stand out more than others. Here are three top choices for retirees:

1. Port St. Lucie

Located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Port St. Lucie is about an hour north of Palm Beach. This city is surprisingly large—it’s the eighth-largest in the state—but doesn’t have the overwhelming tourist traffic of places like Miami or Tampa.

Why Port St. Lucie?

• Affordability – Housing costs here are 4% below Florida’s state average and 1% below the national average.
• Central Location – Close to major Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Sarasota (all under three hours away).
• Laid-back Lifestyle – Offers a quieter, less congested living experience with access to Florida’s best amenities.

2. The Villages

This master-planned, 55+ community is a retiree’s dream. Located about an hour north of Orlando, The Villages is one of the most well-known retirement communities in the U.S.

Why The Villages?

• Everything in One Place – Golf courses, pickleball courts, over 3,000 weekly events, and a vibrant social scene.
• Affordable HOA Fees – Active lifestyle perks for a low monthly fee (under $200 on average).
• Massive Community – With over 150,000 residents and 60 square miles of space, it’s larger than Manhattan!

3. Venice

A hidden gem on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast, Venice is often overshadowed by nearby Sarasota, but it’s carving out its own identity.

Why Venice?

• Coastal Charm – Features four beaches, a historic downtown, and a relaxing, small-town feel.
• Master-Planned Growth – The city is seeing major developments, including the booming Wellen Park, one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida.
• Proximity to Sarasota – Just 45 minutes from downtown Sarasota, making it easy to enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.



Family-Friendly Communities

If you're looking for a place to raise a family, these three Florida locations offer excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of activities.

4. Lakewood Ranch

Located in Sarasota’s metro area, Lakewood Ranch is a massive master-planned community that offers something for everyone.

Why Lakewood Ranch?

• Top Schools – Excellent education options make it a family favorite.
• Master-Planned Perks – A self-sustaining community with shopping, dining, and recreational facilities.
• Proximity to Tampa & Sarasota – Enjoy suburban living just 50 minutes from Tampa and 30 minutes from Sarasota’s beaches.

5. St. Augustine

A historic city on Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine blends old-world charm with modern amenities.

Why St. Augustine?

• Top-Ranked Schools – St. Johns County is ranked #3 in Florida for public schools.
• Rich History – As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., it has stunning architecture and cultural attractions.
• Close to Jacksonville – Just 40 minutes from Jacksonville, offering easy access to jobs and big-city conveniences.

6. Sanford

Located in northeast Orlando, Sanford offers a balance of small-town charm, affordability, and proximity to major attractions.

Why Sanford?

• Top Public Schools – Seminole County is ranked #1 in Florida for public schools.
• Great Location – Just 30 minutes from Orlando, 45 minutes from New Smyrna Beach.
• Outdoor Appeal – Plenty of lakes, parks, and nature trails for an active lifestyle.

Affordable Hidden Gems

Florida isn’t just for the wealthy—there are still affordable places where you can get more home for your money.

7. Babcock Ranch

Located between Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch is Florida’s first solar-powered town.

Why Babcock Ranch?

• Sustainability – Lower energy bills, independent water & power grid.
• Hurricane Resiliency – No power outages during recent storms.
• Affordable New Construction – Master-planned neighborhoods with lower prices than Sarasota or Naples.
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8. Wimauma

Situated between Tampa and Sarasota, Wimauma is an emerging affordable suburb with great access to both cities.

Why Wimauma?

• Great Location – Just 35 minutes from downtown Tampa and 40 minutes from Lakewood Ranch.
• More Space for Less – New construction homes with larger lots and lower prices than other Tampa suburbs.
• Close to Beaches – Within 30 minutes of world-class beaches.

Best for Young Professionals & Job Seekers

If you want to be in the heart of economic activity with plenty of social life and career opportunities, these two cities are the best choices.

9. Downtown Orlando

Orlando is more than just Disney—it has a thriving job market, vibrant nightlife, and affordable urban living.

Why Downtown Orlando?

• Job Opportunities – Growing industries in tech, healthcare, and aerospace.
• Affordability – Cheaper than Miami or Tampa, with similar job perks.
• Walkable & Social – The downtown area offers a great food, beer, and arts scene.

10. St. Petersburg

If you love coastal living but still want a city vibe, St. Pete is an excellent alternative to Tampa.

Why St. Pete?

• Waterfront Lifestyle – Vibrant downtown right on the bay, with a laid-back, artsy vibe.
• Job Market – A hub for finance, healthcare, and creative industries.
• Less Congestion – More walkable and pet-friendly than Tampa, with a relaxed “play-first, work-second” atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Florida offers a diverse range of places to live, from retirement havens to booming job centers. Whether you're looking for affordability, great schools, or a mix of city life and coastal charm, there's a perfect spot for you.

If you're considering moving to Florida in 2025, download my free “Best Places” flipbook, where I expand on these locations and add even more recommendations.

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Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Florida real estate? Reach out today—we’d love to help you find your perfect place in the Sunshine State!

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