Florida––The Sunshine State––is a popular vacation destination. However, more and more people are choosing to make Florida their home. If you are one of those people, check out the best places to live in Florida.
Best Places to Live in Florida
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville is the 12th most populous city in the nation, spanning 840 square miles with 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway and over 50 public boat ramps. With the St. Johns River flowing right through the city, Jacksonville is one of the best places to live in Florida.
Jacksonville has more than 30 offshore reefs making it a great place for divers, fishermen and boating enthusiasts along with kayakers and paddle boarders. Part of the St. Johns River is seawater, creating a unique ecosystem where dolphins, manatees and even sharks swim freely.
The median household income in Jacksonville is $47,000. For those raising a family, Jacksonville has 239 public schools 166 private and charter schools. The median home price is $220,000 and the cost of living is below the national average. With an appreciation of over 9 percent over the past 10 years, buying a home in Jacksonville, FL is also a great investment opportunity, making it one of the best places to live in Florida.
Tampa, FL
The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is among the best places to live in Florida. While warm and sunny are two words used to describe Tampa, they don’t do this unique and eclectic city any justice. Tampa is a very special place, from its historic charm to the roller coasters at Busch Gardens to its out of the ordinary modes of transportation.
Tampa’s mild temperatures make it ideal for exploring all the city has to offer, whether watching a hockey game at Amalie Arena, viewing ocean life at the Florida Aquarium or eating gourmet cuisine at a waterfront restaurant.
The cost of living in Tampa is on par with the U.S. average, with a median household income of $44,000. The median home price is $290,000 and is trending up 9.5 percent year over year. With 165 public schools and 60 private and charter schools, Tampa is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.
Destin, FL
Destin is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Settled against the Gulf of Mexico, Destin’s white sand beaches and emerald blue waters make it one of the best places to live in Florida.
Widely known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has something for everyone.
With pristine golf courses, fancy clubhouses and top-notch resorts, one might think it is only a vacation town, but close to 15,000 people call Destin home. The great climate and 226 days of sunshine have Destin’s residents running, cycling and riding Segways all around town.
The median household income in Destin is $66,000, which is slightly above the national average. The median home price is $320,000 and is trending up over 6 percent year over year. With just three public schools and one private charter school, Destin is an ideal small beach town to raise a family.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Whether taking a stroll among one of America’s best beach boardwalks, enjoying an afternoon picnic in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or relaxing at Las Olas Beach, there are many ways to enjoy Fort Lauderdale, one of the best places to live in Florida. From exploring Esplanade Park to visiting the Arts and Entertainment District before having dinner at Kaluz, one of the highest-rated restaurants in the city, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect combination of beachy and classy. Fort Lauderdale also has 58 public schools and 27 private and charter schools, making it family-friendly.
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living is 17.9 percent higher than the U.S. average. The median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $49,000, with an average home price of $430,000 that has appreciated 10 percent over the past 10 years. No longer a spring break city, Fort Lauderdale has graduated to first-class and is one of the best places to live in Florida.
If you are ready to move to “The Sunshine State,” let us help you qualify for your home loan today!
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