The 10 Best Places To Live In Florida For 2026


The best places to live in Florida for 2026 are Key Biscayne, Longboat Key, and Neptune Beach. Find out where your city or town ranks.

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.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary


Where is the best place to live in Florida for 2026? After analyzing 210 places in Florida, the best place to live in Florida is Key Biscayne based on Census and FBI data.

Who wouldn’t want to live in a beautiful mini-island surrounded by the ocean? And it’s close to Miami.

For more reading, check out:

The 10 Best Places To Live In Florida For 2026

Best Places To Live In Florida Map

Key Biscayne, FL

Source: Public domain
Stat Key Biscayne Florida
Population 14,791 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $1,658,763 $375,661
Median Income $181,505 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 2.8% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0080 0.0176

More on Key Biscayne: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Key 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 $1,658,763, 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!

Longboat Key, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Ebyabe | GFDL
Stat Longboat Key Florida
Population 7,539 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $964,716 $375,661
Median Income $158,030 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 1.8% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0041 0.0176

More on Longboat Key: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

We’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.

Neptune Beach, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Michael Rivera | CC BY-SA 4.0
Stat Neptune Beach Florida
Population 7,168 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $772,432 $375,661
Median Income $119,294 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 2.1% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0126 0.0176

More on Neptune Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Neptune 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 $772,432 median home value, making Neptune Beach a sought-after location in Florida.

Naples, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) | CC BY 2.5
Stat Naples Florida
Population 19,704 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 4
Median Home Value $551,996 $375,661
Median Income $153,182 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0048 0.0176

More on Naples: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

A 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.

Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Source: Chuck Palmer User Chuck Palmer | Copyright Chuck Palmer
Stat Indian Harbour Beach Florida
Population 9,025 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 25
Median Home Value $457,548 $375,661
Median Income $97,254 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 1.8% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0066 0.0176

More on Indian Harbour Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Jacksonville Beach, FL

Source: Public domain
Stat Jacksonville Beach Florida
Population 23,654 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $632,970 $375,661
Median Income $120,698 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 1.8% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0162 0.0176

More on Jacksonville Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

North Palm Beach, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Michael Kagdis | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat North Palm Beach Florida
Population 13,238 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $622,594 $375,661
Median Income $90,049 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0063 0.0176

More on North Palm Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Let’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.

Safety Harbor, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Dlohcierekim’s sock at English Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 2.5
Stat Safety Harbor Florida
Population 17,033 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 6
Median Home Value $495,956 $375,661
Median Income $106,830 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 3.2% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0082 0.0176

More on Safety Harbor: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Marco Island, FL

Source: Flickr User davidwilson1949 | CC BY 2.0
Stat Marco Island Florida
Population 16,205 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 8
Median Home Value $865,675 $375,661
Median Income $101,523 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 4.8% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0048 0.0176

More on Marco Island: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Marco Island, within Collier County, combines economic stability, indicated by a 101,523 median income and a low 4.8 unemployment rate, with island living. The barrier island is connected to the mainland, allowing easy access to the mainland while island life.

Known for its high $865,675 median home value, the city caters to retirees and tourists alike, providing resort-like amenities and a vibrant culture.

Safety is prioritized with low property crime (20th lowest) and violent crime rates (34th lowest).

Parkland, FL

Source: Flickr User digitalbookmobile | CC BY 2.0
Stat Parkland Florida
Population 37,178 22,416,077
Rank Last Year 18
Median Home Value $1,058,617 $375,661
Median Income $198,669 $74,568
Unemployment Rate 3.1% 4.8%
Crime Per Capita 0.0142 0.0176

More on Parkland: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers

Parkland 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 $1,058,617.

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. Or get your own boat and go nuts with water sports at nearby Quiet Waters Park.

Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Florida

Best Places To Live In Florida Size Requirement

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 Tallahassee, with a population of 201,875, 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

This filter left 210 cities, 279 towns, and 126 small towns.

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.’

Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Florida

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.

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.

If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Florida according to the data:

  1. Fort Meade (Pop. 5,225)
  2. DeFuniak Springs (Pop. 6,532)
  3. South Bay (Pop. 5,102)

For more Florida reading, check out:

Best Places To Live In Florida Table

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value Median Income Rent Crime Per Capita
1 Key Biscayne 14,791 2.8% $1,658,763 $181,505 $3,501 0.0080
2 Longboat Key 7,539 1.8% $964,716 $158,030 $3,501 0.0041
3 Neptune Beach 7,168 2.1% $772,432 $119,294 $1,763 0.0126
4 Naples 19,704 2.3% $551,996 $153,182 $2,305 0.0048
5 Indian Harbour Beach 9,025 1.8% $457,548 $97,254 $1,827 0.0066
6 Jacksonville Beach 23,654 1.8% $632,970 $120,698 $1,848 0.0162
7 North Palm Beach 13,238 2.3% $622,594 $90,049 $2,010 0.0063
8 Safety Harbor 17,033 3.2% $495,956 $106,830 $1,743 0.0082
9 Marco Island 16,205 4.8% $865,675 $101,523 $1,990 0.0048
10 Parkland 37,178 3.1% $1,058,617 $198,669 $3,157 0.0142
11 Lauderdale-by-the-Sea 6,232 3.1% $712,501 $81,655 $1,787 0.0142
12 Lake Mary 16,860 2.6% $466,032 $109,173 $2,120 0.0116
13 Palm Beach 9,348 4.9% $2,070,045 $168,403 $2,311 0.0143
14 Weston 68,837 3.9% $730,058 $139,825 $2,851 0.0142
15 Bay Harbor Islands 5,847 3.2% $660,038 $89,663 $2,442 0.0086
16 Southwest Ranches 7,656 1.5% $1,437,706 $161,051 $2,733 0.0142
17 Lighthouse Point 10,600 3.3% $762,810 $92,135 $1,880 0.0142
18 Fort Myers Beach 5,513 1.8% $494,793 $91,291 $1,836 0.0232
19 Pinecrest 18,462 3.0% $2,172,519 $206,417 $1,946 0.0409
20 Atlantic Beach 13,363 3.2% $704,116 $118,935 $2,159 0.0162
21 Gulf Breeze 6,660 7.8% $468,224 $104,050 $1,536 0.0035
22 Miami Lakes 31,553 3.1% $653,606 $101,557 $2,120 0.0141
23 Oviedo 40,599 5.3% $506,154 $117,070 $1,955 0.0071
24 Coral Gables 49,802 3.6% $1,516,825 $134,216 $2,373 0.0409
25 St. Pete Beach 8,805 3.5% $600,934 $114,583 $1,811 0.0241
26 Winter Park 30,274 4.5% $464,211 $105,724 $1,738 0.0215
27 Maitland 19,469 4.8% $480,710 $97,150 $2,071 0.0145
28 Tequesta 6,193 6.2% $636,088 $98,271 $1,852 0.0057
29 Palmetto Bay 24,639 2.7% $920,527 $142,447 $2,101 0.0213
30 Niceville 16,544 1.1% $437,726 $102,409 $1,749 0.0169
31 Treasure Island 6,553 4.3% $523,698 $87,107 $1,631 0.0200
32 Boca Raton 100,234 5.5% $562,565 $106,273 $2,508 0.0185
33 South Pasadena 5,320 2.3% $304,627 $53,075 $1,792 0.0141
34 West Melbourne 28,795 4.5% $372,681 $92,986 $1,845 0.0141
35 Miami Shores 11,752 5.4% $735,780 $144,050 $2,657 0.0385
36 Coral Springs 136,103 5.1% $520,101 $93,602 $2,084 0.0122
37 Pembroke Pines 173,194 4.1% $487,422 $85,104 $2,046 0.0142
38 Wilton Manors 11,511 4.3% $576,125 $85,392 $1,871 0.0142
39 Royal Palm Beach 40,344 3.5% $481,809 $96,027 $2,273 0.0161
40 Key West 25,720 2.2% $1,018,284 $87,037 $2,220 0.0251
41 Dunedin 36,062 5.1% $405,386 $74,477 $1,675 0.0100
42 Wellington 62,146 4.7% $648,906 $115,632 $2,562 0.0092
43 Oldsmar 14,904 4.5% $365,724 $88,333 $1,427 0.0195
44 DeBary 22,869 4.3% $365,929 $88,569 $1,751 0.0041
45 St. Augustine Beach 6,860 6.7% $584,851 $100,802 $1,807 0.0232
46 Fernandina Beach 13,420 2.7% $600,245 $97,903 $1,259 0.0232
47 Sanibel 6,418 5.7% $808,687 $108,644 $811 0.0232
48 Miramar 138,600 4.5% $518,019 $89,125 $2,117 0.0142
49 Ormond Beach 43,976 3.5% $362,275 $69,177 $1,411 0.0041
50 Daytona Beach Shores 5,188 5.1% $365,983 $74,392 $1,505 0.0041
51 Surfside 5,631 5.2% $1,276,757 $100,208 $1,866 0.0409
52 Destin 14,077 2.1% $613,519 $89,011 $1,936 0.0169
53 Flagler Beach 5,373 2.8% $452,138 $84,632 $1,462 0.0232
54 Seminole 19,396 5.3% $380,864 $75,774 $1,708 0.0205
55 Satellite Beach 11,313 5.8% $516,286 $119,134 $1,909 0.0480
56 Vero Beach 17,042 3.4% $362,131 $69,758 $1,221 0.0033
57 Palm Beach Gardens 60,959 3.9% $675,580 $106,947 $2,417 inf
58 Winter Springs 38,951 4.0% $424,493 $92,574 $1,867 0.0297
59 Miami Springs 13,726 1.7% $729,503 $87,099 $1,441 0.0409
60 Lynn Haven 20,081 3.4% $321,841 $80,973 $1,563 0.0083
61 Sunny Isles Beach 22,437 4.6% $649,890 $61,921 $2,096 0.0129
62 South Miami 12,277 3.6% $867,893 $94,507 $1,764 0.0257
63 St. Augustine 15,351 3.8% $431,116 $78,151 $1,653 0.0232
64 Port Orange 64,767 4.7% $335,496 $74,426 $1,634 0.0041
65 Doral 79,216 3.3% $549,014 $94,164 $2,669 0.0409
66 Jupiter 61,883 3.0% $693,656 $110,240 $2,381 inf
67 Davie 108,346 5.2% $515,019 $87,250 $2,066 0.0142
68 Sunrise 97,918 5.4% $360,655 $77,652 $2,140 0.0142
69 Aventura 39,885 4.7% $425,757 $89,274 $2,513 0.0409
70 Cutler Bay 45,070 4.8% $564,584 $89,244 $1,978 0.0145
71 Bonita Springs 55,904 3.4% $511,964 $95,210 $1,882 0.0232
72 New Smyrna Beach 31,974 5.2% $448,437 $83,865 $1,712 0.0041
73 Fort Lauderdale 185,604 5.3% $508,474 $83,130 $1,854 0.0142
74 Tarpon Springs 25,791 4.1% $388,385 $79,529 $1,298 0.0181
75 Punta Gorda 20,278 5.0% $335,129 $85,779 $1,410 0.0232
76 Alachua 10,743 1.4% $331,489 $83,464 $1,284 0.0347
77 Minneola 16,598 3.0% $440,329 $110,902 $2,073 0.0278
78 Clermont 46,853 5.7% $429,094 $82,306 $1,828 0.0278
79 Coconut Creek 58,330 5.0% $283,668 $75,014 $2,102 0.0142
80 Hialeah Gardens 22,915 3.7% $416,364 $65,439 $1,946 0.0104
81 Tavares 20,463 2.6% $310,772 $58,886 $1,496 0.0033
82 Edgewater 23,627 3.7% $291,763 $60,977 $1,309 0.0041
83 DeLand 41,611 3.5% $346,257 $71,863 $1,355 0.0041
84 Fruitland Park 8,740 3.8% $293,327 $82,656 $1,221 0.0278
85 Gulfport 11,734 6.2% $349,949 $71,203 $1,555 0.0247
86 Cape Canaveral 10,006 4.0% $315,154 $67,276 $1,318 0.0480
87 North Port 84,605 4.9% $303,120 $84,049 $1,894 0.0097
88 Oakland Park 44,682 5.8% $366,516 $72,708 $1,804 0.0142
89 West Miami 7,162 2.0% $662,495 $61,274 $2,210 0.0409
90 Fort Walton Beach 21,025 3.5% $324,007 $68,538 $1,307 0.0169
91 Margate 59,198 4.1% $318,811 $62,450 $1,750 0.0142
92 St. Cloud 65,130 5.9% $394,010 $83,174 $1,683 0.0100
93 Longwood 16,337 6.7% $455,599 $78,548 $1,755 0.0170
94 Marathon 9,914 4.3% $825,706 $89,355 $1,633 0.0251
95 Temple Terrace 27,275 3.7% $325,255 $69,252 $1,594 0.0205
96 Milton 10,733 5.4% $284,184 $76,301 $1,455 0.0035
97 Sarasota 56,970 3.6% $412,112 $72,105 $1,684 0.0222
98 Belle Isle 7,444 5.5% $533,137 $104,559 $1,452 0.0751
99 Deltona 97,334 3.4% $297,466 $76,924 $1,711 0.0041
100 Rockledge 29,133 5.0% $395,208 $84,255 $1,820 0.0480

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About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.