Between the beautiful sunny weather and pristine beaches, it’s no secret that life in Florida is pretty sweet.
Florida’s awesome, but where are the best places to live in Florida?
If you start off in Miami and drive north up the coast, you’ll find great places to live. The Gulf Coast also has several representatives south of Tampa.
Most of this list consists of coastal and island cities, but it takes more than some soft sand and crystal-clear water to make a city great. So we used Saturday Night Science to analyze Census, FBI, and ZIllow data on crime, economic factors, and the cost of living to find the best places to live in Florida.
$181,505 median income · $1,658,764 median home · #1 best place in Florida
Located in
Miami-Dade County, FloridaKey Biscayne, an island town located just south of Miami. In opposition to the image of Florida as a retiree-state, Key Biscayne’s median age is a low 42, so it’s fair to say that this is one of the hippest places you’ll see on this list. Living in Key Biscayne, you also get access to all the best that Miami has to offer, without the high crime. That’s because Key Biscayne has the 26th lowest crime rate in Florida, about 70% lower than the national average. Another perk of Key Biscayne over Miami is the weather; being an island, Key Biscayne has cooler summers and lower precipitation than The Magic City.
Word to the wise: you may want to have a lucrative job lined up before making the move to Key Biscayne, because the median home price here is $1,658,764, the 3rd most expensive in Florida. The good news is that the median household income in Key Biscayne is $181,505/year, the 3rd highest in the state, so residents don’t have too much trouble making mortgage payments. You also may want to start reading more books if you want to fit in here, because around 35% of Key Biscayne’s population has a master’s degree or higher.
If you decide to settle down here, you’ll probably spend a good amount of time at Bill Baggs Florida State Park on the south end or Crandon Park in the north. That way, you’ll never get bored of going to the same beach every day. Key Biscayne bills itself as an “Island Paradise” and, looking at the data, we’re inclined to agree!
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$158,030 median income · $964,716 median home · #2 best place in Florida
Located in
Sarasota County, FloridaWe’ll wrap up our list of best places to live in Florida with Longboat Key, an island town an hour south of St. Petersburg. Longboat Key has the oldest populous on this list, with a median age of over 70. These septuagenarian residents really know their stuff though, because over 30% of the population have at least a master’s degree.
That older population helps explain why Longboat Key has the 4th highest rate of insured residents in Florida. And since old folks don’t often go in for violence, Longboat Key’s title as the 1st least violent place in Florida also makes sense.
Both unemployment and poverty rates in Longboat Key are among the top ten lowest statewide, so Longboat Key’s economy is about as good as it gets. You can reward yourself for choosing such an awesome place to live by visiting one of many beaches Longboat Key has to offer.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$119,294 median income · $772,433 median home · #3 best place in Florida
Located in
Duval County, FloridaNeptune Beach, known for its close-knit community and scenic beaches, holds the 3 position for best places to live in Florida. Located in Duval County, it offers a suburban lifestyle with a population of 7,168 and a highly educated demographic, with 62% of adults graduating college.
Incorporated in 1931, the city enjoys easy access to Jacksonville but maintains a peaceful residential atmosphere. It has a low unemployment rate of 13 and a strong local economy, with a high median income at 119,294. The competitive real estate market is evident with its $772,433 median home value, making Neptune Beach a sought-after location in Florida.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$153,182 median income · $551,996 median home · #4 best place in Florida
Located in
Collier County, FloridaA city of 19,704 people, Naples is the 111th biggest city to make the cut for best places to live in Florida. Because of its proximity to the Everglades, Naples is a popular destination for ecotourists. Those looking for a tamer experience will prefer Naples’ world-class Botanical Gardens or hanging out at the pier.
If you decide to settle down in Naples, homes here are the 4most expensive in the state, but you’ll also get the 7th highest income statewide ($153,182/year). As for actually getting to and from work, Naples has one of the lowest commute times on this list of just 22 minutes. On top of that, GreatSchools gave Naples’ public schools a 9/10 rating, so you can be confident that you’re giving your children a top-notch educational experience.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$97,254 median income · $457,548 median home · #5 best place in Florida
Located in
Brevard County, FloridaUnlike the touristy resort towns that dot Florida’s coast, Indian Harbour Beach is actually one of the best places to live in Florida for people who want a real neighborhood. At just 1.8% unemployment (8th lowest in Florida), this Space Coast barrier island of 9,025 people has its financial priorities straight.
With a median household income of $97,254 and homes averaging $457,548, you’re looking at solid value for a waterfront locale. The community wraps around the Indian River Lagoon, and waterfront parks and recreation maintained by the city give residents that genuinely livable Florida suburb feel rather than the tourist-trap vibe you get just up the coast.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$120,698 median income · $632,971 median home · #6 best place in Florida
Located in
Duval County, FloridaJacksonville Beach earns a spot among the best Florida cities to live in for 2026, and the numbers back it up. With an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, this Atlantic coast community ranks 7th lowest statewide for joblessness, and a poverty rate of only 4.8% puts it in the 10th spot for economic health in Florida.
What keeps Jacksonville Beach feeling like a real neighborhood rather than a tourist trap is places like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a 450-acre preserve with camping, mountain biking trails, and a freshwater lake right alongside the ocean. Homes run around $632,971 on average, not cheap, but for a beach address with a median income of $120,698 and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, you get what you pay for.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$90,049 median income · $622,594 median home · #7 best place in Florida
Located in
Palm Beach County, FloridaLet’s take a step back from the hyper-wealthy communities and look at a place where your average Joe can make a good life for himself, North Palm Beach. North Palm Beach’s median home cost of $622,594 is substantially lower than elsewhere in the top ten and combined with a median income of $90,049, this village is one of the most overall affordable places you’ll see on this list.
We think North Palm Beach residents dig the fact that you can spend 25% as much on a home as in Palm Beach and still have access to awesome beaches like MacArthur Beach. And the unemployment rate in North Palm Beach is a measly 2.3%, so nobody gets left out here. One more plus is that there’s no need to fear for your safety here, because North Palm Beach has the 23rd lowest crime rate in Florida.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$106,830 median income · $495,956 median home · #8 best place in Florida
Located in
Pinellas County, FloridaSafety Harbor sits on Old Tampa Bay as one of the best Florida suburbs most people haven’t thought to consider yet. With a median household income of $106,830 and a poverty rate of just 6.1%, this Pinellas County community of 17,033 residents keeps its finances as tidy as its waterfront.
The unemployment rate of 3.2% ranks 43rd lowest in Florida, which tells you something about how this town operates. Philippe Park, set right on the edge of Old Tampa Bay, is the kind of place that makes Saturday mornings feel genuinely earned, and honestly that sums up Safety Harbor pretty well.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$101,523 median income · $865,675 median home · #9 best place in Florida
Located in
Collier County, FloridaIf you’re shopping around for the best places to live in Florida and you want actual island living, Marco Island sits just south of Naples on a true barrier island.
This Collier County community is upscale, with a median home value of $865,675 and a median income of 101,523. Marco Island has one of the oldest populations on the list, at 68.
For 16,205 residents, the quality of life is worth the price tag. Bank fishing in tidal canals, shelling at Tigertail Beach, and boating whenever you want. A poverty rate of 7.3% and unemployment of 4.8% make the case airtight for Marco Island as the best island in Florida.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
$198,669 median income · $1,058,618 median home · #10 best place in Florida
Located in
Broward County, FloridaParkland had a spotlight shone on it after the tragic events at Stonemason Douglas High School, but the community responded to the shooting in a way that displayed resilience and compassion. That’s just the sort of thing you’d expect from the 10th best place to live in Florida.
In normal circumstances, Parkland is incredibly safe, with the 57th lowest overall crime rate in Florida.
We named Parkland as one of the best places to raise a family in Florida: 48.13% of households have kids, and with the 6th lowest high school dropout rate statewide, and a GreatSchools average rating of 8.5, parents can rest assured that their kids are getting off to the best start.
Parkland also has the 6th lowest poverty rate in Florida, and the median household income of $198,669 ranks as the 2nd highest statewide. Homes in Parkland have a median price tag of $1,058,618.
While Miami and Fort Lauderdale are just a short drive away, there’s plenty to keep you occupied within Parkland itself. Like taking an airboat tour of the Everglades.
Data | Crime | Cost of living | Movers
The receipts
Compare the top ten
Pick a metric. The bars rescale. The red line is Florida’s statewide median.
Florida statewide median: $74,568
Florida statewide median: $375,662
Florida statewide median: 4.8%
On the map
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Florida
Saturday Night Science
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Florida
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Florida, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit cities with populations over 100,000 against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Florida have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in Florida across a number of criteria from one to 210, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Florida.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2026. This report is our eleventh time ranking Florida’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Florida. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Key Biscayne at the end of the cul-de-sac.
The full plate
Best Places To Live In Florida Table
Click any column to sort. Search by city name.
| Rank | City | Best Score | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Total Crime /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Key Biscayne | 19.60 | 14,791 | 2.8% | $1,658,764 | $181,505 | 805 | |
| 2 | Longboat Key | 24.70 | 7,539 | 1.8% | $964,716 | $158,030 | 411 | |
| 3 | Neptune Beach | 29.20 | 7,168 | 2.1% | $772,433 | $119,294 | 1,256 | |
| 4 | Naples | 34.10 | 19,704 | 2.3% | $551,996 | $153,182 | 475 | |
| 5 | Indian Harbour Beach | 37.40 | 9,025 | 1.8% | $457,548 | $97,254 | 665 | |
| 6 | Jacksonville Beach | 38.90 | 23,654 | 1.8% | $632,971 | $120,698 | 1,616 | |
| 7 | North Palm Beach | 41.45 | 13,238 | 2.3% | $622,594 | $90,049 | 627 | |
| 8 | Safety Harbor | 41.70 | 17,033 | 3.2% | $495,956 | $106,830 | 816 | |
| 9 | Marco Island | 46.10 | 16,205 | 4.8% | $865,675 | $101,523 | 475 | |
| 10 | Parkland | 46.65 | 37,178 | 3.1% | $1,058,618 | $198,669 | 1,415 | |
| 11 | Lauderdale-by-the-Sea | 47.15 | 6,232 | 3.1% | $712,501 | $81,655 | 1,415 | |
| 12 | Lake Mary | 49.00 | 16,860 | 2.6% | $466,032 | $109,173 | 1,163 | |
| 13 | Palm Beach | 49.20 | 9,348 | 4.9% | $2,070,045 | $168,403 | 1,433 | |
| 14 | Weston | 49.30 | 68,837 | 3.9% | $730,059 | $139,825 | 1,415 | |
| 15 | Bay Harbor Islands | 49.80 | 5,847 | 3.2% | $660,038 | $89,663 | 855 | |
| 16 | Southwest Ranches | 49.95 | 7,656 | 1.5% | $1,437,706 | $161,051 | 1,415 | |
| 17 | Lighthouse Point | 50.70 | 10,600 | 3.3% | $762,810 | $92,135 | 1,415 | |
| 18 | Fort Myers Beach | 53.50 | 5,513 | 1.8% | $494,794 | $91,291 | 2,323 | |
| 19 | Pinecrest | 54.50 | 18,462 | 3.0% | $2,172,519 | $206,417 | 4,087 | |
| 20 | Atlantic Beach | 55.95 | 13,363 | 3.2% | $704,117 | $118,935 | 1,616 | |
| 21 | Gulf Breeze | 56.60 | 6,660 | 7.8% | $468,224 | $104,050 | 345 | |
| 22 | Miami Lakes | 57.00 | 31,553 | 3.1% | $653,606 | $101,557 | 1,413 | |
| 23 | Oviedo | 58.25 | 40,599 | 5.3% | $506,154 | $117,070 | 707 | |
| 24 | Coral Gables | 58.90 | 49,802 | 3.6% | $1,516,825 | $134,216 | 4,087 | |
| 25 | St. Pete Beach | 59.85 | 8,805 | 3.5% | $600,935 | $114,583 | 2,408 | |
| 26 | Winter Park | 59.90 | 30,274 | 4.5% | $464,211 | $105,724 | 2,150 | |
| 27 | Maitland | 61.55 | 19,469 | 4.8% | $480,711 | $97,150 | 1,454 | |
| 28 | Tequesta | 63.40 | 6,193 | 6.2% | $636,088 | $98,271 | 565 | |
| 29 | Palmetto Bay | 63.45 | 24,639 | 2.7% | $920,528 | $142,447 | 2,131 | |
| 30 | Niceville | 65.25 | 16,544 | 1.1% | $437,726 | $102,409 | 1,686 | |
| 31 | Treasure Island | 65.30 | 6,553 | 4.3% | $523,698 | $87,107 | 1,999 | |
| 32 | Boca Raton | 65.95 | 100,234 | 5.5% | $562,566 | $106,273 | 1,854 | |
| 33 | South Pasadena | 67.50 | 5,320 | 2.3% | $304,627 | $53,075 | 1,410 | |
| 34 | West Melbourne | 68.15 | 28,795 | 4.5% | $372,682 | $92,986 | 1,410 | |
| 35 | Miami Shores | 68.95 | 11,752 | 5.4% | $735,780 | $144,050 | 3,846 | |
| 36 | Coral Springs | 69.15 | 136,103 | 5.1% | $520,102 | $93,602 | 1,222 | |
| 37 | Pembroke Pines | 70.10 | 173,194 | 4.1% | $487,422 | $85,104 | 1,415 | |
| 38 | Wilton Manors | 70.75 | 11,511 | 4.3% | $576,125 | $85,392 | 1,415 | |
| 39 | Royal Palm Beach | 70.95 | 40,344 | 3.5% | $481,810 | $96,027 | 1,609 | |
| 40 | Key West | 72.05 | 25,720 | 2.2% | $1,018,284 | $87,037 | 2,508 | |
| 41 | Dunedin | 72.05 | 36,062 | 5.1% | $405,386 | $74,477 | 998 | |
| 42 | Wellington | 73.85 | 62,146 | 4.7% | $648,906 | $115,632 | 917 | |
| 43 | Oldsmar | 75.75 | 14,904 | 4.5% | $365,724 | $88,333 | 1,946 | |
| 44 | DeBary | 75.85 | 22,869 | 4.3% | $365,930 | $88,569 | 411 | |
| 45 | St. Augustine Beach | 76.70 | 6,860 | 6.7% | $584,851 | $100,802 | 2,323 | |
| 46 | Fernandina Beach | 76.70 | 13,420 | 2.7% | $600,245 | $97,903 | 2,323 | |
| 47 | Sanibel | 76.90 | 6,418 | 5.7% | $808,687 | $108,644 | 2,323 | |
| 48 | Miramar | 78.25 | 138,600 | 4.5% | $518,019 | $89,125 | 1,415 | |
| 49 | Ormond Beach | 78.40 | 43,976 | 3.5% | $362,275 | $69,177 | 411 | |
| 50 | Daytona Beach Shores | 78.55 | 5,188 | 5.1% | $365,983 | $74,392 | 411 | |
| 51 | Surfside | 78.80 | 5,631 | 5.2% | $1,276,757 | $100,208 | 4,087 | |
| 52 | Destin | 79.55 | 14,077 | 2.1% | $613,519 | $89,011 | 1,686 | |
| 53 | Flagler Beach | 79.85 | 5,373 | 2.8% | $452,138 | $84,632 | 2,323 | |
| 54 | Seminole | 80.85 | 19,396 | 5.3% | $380,864 | $75,774 | 2,047 | |
| 55 | Satellite Beach | 83.10 | 11,313 | 5.8% | $516,286 | $119,134 | 4,797 | |
| 56 | Vero Beach | 83.40 | 17,042 | 3.4% | $362,131 | $69,758 | 329 | |
| 57 | Palm Beach Gardens | 83.80 | 60,959 | 3.9% | $675,581 | $106,947 | ||
| 58 | Winter Springs | 83.85 | 38,951 | 4.0% | $424,494 | $92,574 | 2,970 | |
| 59 | Miami Springs | 84.25 | 13,726 | 1.7% | $729,504 | $87,099 | 4,087 | |
| 60 | Lynn Haven | 84.70 | 20,081 | 3.4% | $321,841 | $80,973 | 827 | |
| 61 | Sunny Isles Beach | 85.10 | 22,437 | 4.6% | $649,891 | $61,921 | 1,288 | |
| 62 | South Miami | 86.50 | 12,277 | 3.6% | $867,893 | $94,507 | 2,574 | |
| 63 | St. Augustine | 87.45 | 15,351 | 3.8% | $431,116 | $78,151 | 2,323 | |
| 64 | Port Orange | 87.70 | 64,767 | 4.7% | $335,496 | $74,426 | 411 | |
| 65 | Doral | 87.90 | 79,216 | 3.3% | $549,014 | $94,164 | 4,087 | |
| 66 | Jupiter | 88.10 | 61,883 | 3.0% | $693,656 | $110,240 | ||
| 67 | Davie | 88.65 | 108,346 | 5.2% | $515,020 | $87,250 | 1,415 | |
| 68 | Sunrise | 89.05 | 97,918 | 5.4% | $360,656 | $77,652 | 1,415 | |
| 69 | Aventura | 89.30 | 39,885 | 4.7% | $425,757 | $89,274 | 4,087 | |
| 70 | Cutler Bay | 89.95 | 45,070 | 4.8% | $564,584 | $89,244 | 1,451 | |
| 71 | Bonita Springs | 90.20 | 55,904 | 3.4% | $511,964 | $95,210 | 2,323 | |
| 72 | New Smyrna Beach | 90.25 | 31,974 | 5.2% | $448,438 | $83,865 | 411 | |
| 73 | Fort Lauderdale | 90.90 | 185,604 | 5.3% | $508,474 | $83,130 | 1,415 | |
| 74 | Tarpon Springs | 93.35 | 25,791 | 4.1% | $388,386 | $79,529 | 1,815 | |
| 75 | Punta Gorda | 93.45 | 20,278 | 5.0% | $335,129 | $85,779 | 2,323 | |
| 76 | Alachua | 94.65 | 10,743 | 1.4% | $331,489 | $83,464 | 3,473 | |
| 77 | Minneola | 95.55 | 16,598 | 3.0% | $440,330 | $110,902 | 2,775 | |
| 78 | Clermont | 96.55 | 46,853 | 5.7% | $429,095 | $82,306 | 2,775 | |
| 79 | Coconut Creek | 96.90 | 58,330 | 5.0% | $283,669 | $75,014 | 1,415 | |
| 80 | Hialeah Gardens | 97.40 | 22,915 | 3.7% | $416,365 | $65,439 | 1,043 | |
| 81 | Tavares | 97.50 | 20,463 | 2.6% | $310,773 | $58,886 | 327 | |
| 82 | Edgewater | 97.55 | 23,627 | 3.7% | $291,763 | $60,977 | 411 | |
| 83 | DeLand | 98.30 | 41,611 | 3.5% | $346,257 | $71,863 | 411 | |
| 84 | Fruitland Park | 98.95 | 8,740 | 3.8% | $293,327 | $82,656 | 2,775 | |
| 85 | Gulfport | 99.20 | 11,734 | 6.2% | $349,949 | $71,203 | 2,471 | |
| 86 | Cape Canaveral | 99.65 | 10,006 | 4.0% | $315,155 | $67,276 | 4,797 | |
| 87 | North Port | 99.80 | 84,605 | 4.9% | $303,120 | $84,049 | 972 | |
| 88 | Oakland Park | 100.05 | 44,682 | 5.8% | $366,517 | $72,708 | 1,415 | |
| 89 | West Miami | 100.45 | 7,162 | 2.0% | $662,496 | $61,274 | 4,087 | |
| 90 | Fort Walton Beach | 100.60 | 21,025 | 3.5% | $324,007 | $68,538 | 1,686 | |
| 91 | Margate | 100.75 | 59,198 | 4.1% | $318,811 | $62,450 | 1,415 | |
| 92 | St. Cloud | 100.75 | 65,130 | 5.9% | $394,011 | $83,174 | 1,003 | |
| 93 | Longwood | 100.85 | 16,337 | 6.7% | $455,599 | $78,548 | 1,702 | |
| 94 | Marathon | 101.50 | 9,914 | 4.3% | $825,707 | $89,355 | 2,508 | |
| 95 | Temple Terrace | 101.70 | 27,275 | 3.7% | $325,256 | $69,252 | 2,053 | |
| 96 | Milton | 102.45 | 10,733 | 5.4% | $284,184 | $76,301 | 345 | |
| 97 | Sarasota | 103.30 | 56,970 | 3.6% | $412,112 | $72,105 | 2,220 | |
| 98 | Belle Isle | 103.85 | 7,444 | 5.5% | $533,137 | $104,559 | 7,511 | |
| 99 | Deltona | 104.05 | 97,334 | 3.4% | $297,466 | $76,924 | 411 | |
| 100 | Rockledge | 104.90 | 29,133 | 5.0% | $395,209 | $84,255 | 4,797 |
Source: U.S. Census ACS 2020-2024, FBI UCR, Zillow research. 210 places with more than 5,000 residents.
Summary
Summary: The Best Places In Florida
If you’re looking at areas in Florida with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in Florida are Key Biscayne, Longboat Key, Neptune Beach, Naples, Indian Harbour Beach, Jacksonville Beach, North Palm Beach, Safety Harbor, Marco Island, and Parkland.
Key Biscayne made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Florida for 2026.
