Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is not only a favorite tourist destination but also a sought-after place to raise a family. With its vibrant cultural scenes, splendid natural beauty, and thriving job markets, it holds a treasure trove of opportunities for families to grow and flourish. Here we have handpicked the top cities that offer the perfect setting for a wholesome family life. Discover the best places to live in Florida for families:
Naples
Historical Background: Naples, situated on the Gulf of Mexico, has metamorphosed from a modest fishing village to a city that epitomizes luxury living with a touch of historic charm.
- Job Opportunities. Naples boasts a thriving job market with opportunities in healthcare, education, and the tourism sector, providing families with stable and prosperous prospects.
- Cost of Living. While the cost of living is higher compared to other Florida cities, the superior amenities and housing options justify the expenditure.
- Safety. Naples is known for its low crime rate, offering families a safe and peaceful environment to reside in.
- Accessibility. The city has a well-planned infrastructure, providing easy access to neighboring cities and attractions.
- Recreational Facilities. With beautiful beaches, parks, and a vibrant arts scene, Naples offers a plethora of recreational opportunities for families.
Did You Know? Naples is home to the Naples Zoo, a historic tropical garden inhabited by a variety of exotic wildlife, offering a delightful outing for families.
Sarasota
Historical Background: Once a quiet fishing village and a winter home for the Ringling Brothers Circus, Sarasota has blossomed into a vibrant city known for its rich cultural amenities, beautiful beaches, and a thriving arts scene.
- Job Opportunities. The job market in Sarasota is promising, with growth in sectors like healthcare, education, and tourism. The city hosts a number of corporate headquarters offering a range of job opportunities for locals.
- Cost of Living. Living in Sarasota might be slightly on the higher side, with the housing market being competitive due to its prime coastal location and the amenities it offers.
- Safety. Sarasota maintains a relatively low crime rate, ensuring a safe environment for families to live and flourish.
- Accessibility. Well-connected roads and public transportation systems facilitate easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas.
- Recreational Facilities. Families can enjoy a myriad of recreational options including visits to the famous Ringling Museum, beautiful botanical gardens, and pristine beaches.
Did You Know? Sarasota is home to the famous Ringling Museum of Art, which preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, who were noted art collectors and circus entrepreneurs.
Weston
Historical Background: Nestled on the edge of the Everglades, Weston is renowned for its lush landscapes, planned communities, and top-notch public schools, making it a favored destination for families.
- Job Opportunities. The city offers a healthy job market with opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education, and corporate services, promising stable careers for its residents.
- Cost of Living. Though the cost of living in Weston is slightly higher compared to other Florida cities, the quality of life, safety, and educational facilities justify the investment.
- Safety. Weston takes pride in having one of the lowest crime rates in the country, offering a peaceful and secure environment for families.
- Accessibility. The city’s strategic location near major highways ensures convenient accessibility to nearby cities and attractions.
- Recreational Facilities. The city is home to several parks, golf courses, and recreational facilities, providing a balanced and active lifestyle for its residents.
Did You Know? Weston is known for its scenic bike lanes and walking trails, offering residents an excellent way to enjoy the city’s beautiful landscapes while staying active.
Palm Beach Gardens
Historical Background: Established as a tree city, Palm Beach Gardens has grown into an affluent city, characterized by gated communities, high-end shopping, and lush gardens.
- Job Opportunities. The city offers robust job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, retail, and real estate, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking stable employment prospects.
- Cost of Living. The cost of living is relatively high in Palm Beach Gardens, reflecting the upscale amenities and lifestyle the city offers.
- Safety. The city maintains a commitment to safety with low crime rates, providing a secure environment for families to settle in.
- Accessibility. Being well-connected to major highways, the city offers easy commutes to neighboring regions and attractions.
- Recreational Facilities. With an array of gardens, high-end shopping districts, and golf courses, the city offers a rich tapestry of recreational options for families.
Did You Know? Palm Beach Gardens is known as the golf capital of the world, hosting numerous championship courses and being home to several professional golfers.
Oviedo
Historical Background: Oviedo, with its roots tracing back to the time when it served as a haven for settlers and citrus farmers, has transformed into a city with a harmonious blend of the historic and the modern, retaining much of its original southern charm.
- Job Opportunities. This blossoming city is home to a growing job market with sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail trading thriving, thus presenting numerous opportunities for professionals.
- Cost of Living. The cost of living in Oviedo is moderately high, reflecting the quality amenities and excellent public services the city offers to its residents.
- Safety. Known for its community-centric approach, Oviedo maintains a low crime rate, offering a secure and friendly environment for families.
- Accessibility. Its proximity to Orlando allows for convenient access to a wider array of amenities and attractions, making it a desirable place for many to settle in.
- Recreational Facilities. Families can enjoy a plethora of recreational opportunities, including natural reserves, parks, and historic sites that provide both leisure and learning experiences.
Did You Know? Oviedo is known for its population of chickens that roam freely in the downtown area, a quirky aspect that adds to the city’s unique charm.
Winter Park
Historical Background: Established as a winter resort in the late 19th century, Winter Park now stands as a city with picturesque parks, a chain of lakes, and a rich cultural scene, hosting art festivals and events that draw crowds from various parts of the state.
- Job Opportunities. Winter Park offers a vibrant job market with opportunities primarily in the education, healthcare, and service sectors, promising steady employment prospects.
- Cost of Living. The cost of living in Winter Park is on the higher side, justified by its scenic beauty, historic architecture, and superior amenities.
- Safety. The city is dedicated to maintaining a safe and peaceful environment, boasting low crime rates and community-centric safety programs.
- Accessibility. Conveniently located, the city provides easy access to Orlando, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both city life and suburban tranquility.
- Recreational Facilities. Known for its beautiful parks, art festivals, and a rich array of dining and shopping options, Winter Park offers a vibrant lifestyle for its residents.
Did You Know? Winter Park hosts the famous Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals, drawing artists and visitors from around the country.
Coral Gables
Historical Background: Founded in the 1920s as a fully planned community, Coral Gables stands as a city with a rich architectural heritage, featuring Mediterranean Revival styled buildings, and lush, tree-lined boulevards.
- Job Opportunities. Coral Gables hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational companies, offering a bustling job market with opportunities in various high-profile industries.
- Cost of Living. Being an upscale neighborhood, the cost of living is notably high, offering residents a luxurious lifestyle with top-notch amenities.
- Safety. The city prides itself on maintaining a safe and secure environment, with well-organized community patrols and low crime rates.
- Accessibility. Coral Gables enjoys a prime location with excellent connectivity to Miami, offering convenient commutes and access to a range of attractions and amenities.
- Recreational Facilities. The city offers a rich recreational life with beautiful parks, golf courses, art galleries, and exquisite dining venues, providing a vibrant lifestyle for its residents.
Did You Know? Coral Gables is home to the iconic Biltmore Hotel, a national historic landmark that showcases the city’s rich architectural heritage and offers a peek into its glamorous past.
Wellington
Historical Background: Initially a strawberry farming hub, Wellington transformed over the decades into an internationally recognized equestrian destination, without losing its small-town charm and community vibe.
- Job Opportunities. The city offers diverse job opportunities, with sectors like healthcare, education, and equestrian industries providing stable employment options for residents.
- Cost of Living. While the cost of living in Wellington is a bit high, it’s justified by the quality of life, excellent schools, and recreational facilities it provides.
- Safety. Wellington maintains a low crime rate, with community policing initiatives ensuring a safe and secure environment for families.
- Accessibility. Conveniently located near Palm Beach, residents enjoy easy access to a variety of amenities and attractions, while still residing in a serene setting.
- Recreational Facilities. The city boasts numerous parks, equestrian facilities, and community centers, offering a vibrant and active lifestyle to its inhabitants.
Did You Know? Wellington is known as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, hosting the largest horse show in the world from January to April.
Valrico
Historical Background: From humble beginnings as a region populated with cotton plantations, Valrico has evolved into a bustling suburban community, attracting families with its serene environment and quality amenities.
- Job Opportunities. Valrico presents a growing job market, primarily in the sectors of retail, healthcare, and education, promising steady career growth for its residents.
- Cost of Living. The cost of living in Valrico is relatively moderate, making it an attractive option for families seeking quality living without the hefty price tag.
- Safety. Valrico maintains a community-centric safety approach, resulting in low crime rates and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
- Accessibility. The city offers convenient access to Tampa, allowing residents to enjoy urban amenities while residing in a suburban retreat.
- Recreational Facilities. Families in Valrico can enjoy a range of recreational facilities including parks, golf courses, and community centers that foster an active and balanced lifestyle.
Did You Know? Valrico started as a region with a phosphate mining industry and has a rich history connected to the early railway developments in Florida.
Coral Springs
Historical Background: Coral Springs, founded in the 1960s, was meticulously planned and developed to maintain its character as a family-oriented city. This vibrant city is known for its lush neighborhoods and commitment to arts and culture.
- Job Opportunities. The job market in Coral Springs is thriving, with numerous opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology, which are continually growing.
- Cost of Living. The cost of living in Coral Springs is relatively moderate when compared to other cities in Florida, offering a good balance between affordability and quality of life.
- Safety. With well-structured community safety programs in place, Coral Springs boasts low crime rates, making it a safe and peaceful place for families.
- Accessibility. Situated conveniently in the proximity of Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs offers easy accessibility to various amenities and attractions, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.
- Recreational Facilities. Coral Springs is home to numerous parks and recreational centers. The city also takes pride in its vibrant arts and cultural scene, featuring theaters and museums that host a range of events year-round.
Did You Know? Coral Springs is home to the Coral Springs Center for the Arts which hosts a myriad of performances, shows, and events, serving as a hub for culture and arts in the city.
Bottom Line
From the pristine beaches of Naples to the vibrant communities of Sarasota, each place offers a unique blend of qualities that cater to the diverse needs of families. As you ponder upon settling down in the Sunshine State, let this guide aid in finding a place that resonates with your family’s aspirations and lifestyle. With an eclectic mix of historical charm, modern amenities, and nature’s bounty, these Florida cities promise a fulfilling and joyful family life in the warm embrace of the sun-kissed state.