The 10 Best Places to Live in Florida in 2025

Thinking of making the move to the ‘Sunshine State’? You’re not alone! Around 400,000 UK expats now call Florida home, drawn to the warmer weather, generous tax benefits, and outdoor lifestyle. 

Deciding where to live is a big task with a choice of diverse cities, coastal towns, and suburban communities. From seeking outdoor adventure in the Florida Keys to the family-friendly neighbourhoods of Orlando, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

1st Move International has put together our top picks of the 10 best places to live in Florida to help you decide where to call home. 

Why are UK Expats Moving to Florida?

There are endless reasons Brits are moving to Florida from the UK, from the year-round sunshine to amazing tax benefits. The Sarasota–Bradenton area on the West Coast is particularly popular with UK expats, home to the highest concentration of UK-born residents in the U.S.

Tax Benefits – A big draw for many UK movers, especially retirees, is that Florida has no state income tax.

Warmer Weather – Florida experiences year-round warm weather and mild winters, making it an ideal place to live for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lifestyle – Thanks to the sunshine, Florida residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Beach living, golf, and water sports are a big part of daily life. 

Retirement Friendly – There are many retirement-friendly communities in Florida that are home to excellent healthcare facilities and world-class golf courses.

10 Best Places to Live in Florida Overall 

1. Orlando 

Orlando offers more than just tourist attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. It’s one of the most dynamic cities in Florida and attracts families, young professionals, and retirees alike. 

The job market is thriving, especially in sectors like tech, healthcare, and aerospace. Safe neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and plenty of parks make it ideal for families.

There is a variety of housing options and development on offer, and property is often cheaper than in coastal cities like Miami or Tampa. The average house price in Orlando is $381,502, and rent costs around $1,844 per month.

Who will love Orlando?

• UK expats who want year-round sunshine
• Families who want endless tourist attractions on their doorstep
• Young professionals looking to grow their careers
  

2. Sarasota 

Home to Siesta Key Beach, which is ranked among the best in the U.S., Sarasota offers a slower pace of life while still providing plenty to do for retirees, families, and young professionals seeking coastal charm.

Sarasota is a cultural hub, nicknamed Florida’s Cultural Coast, thanks to its many museums, theatres, and opera and ballet performances held there. The Gulf Coast city offers a welcoming, small-city community feel, despite its growing popularity.

You can get a range of property types in Sarasota, including waterfront condos, luxury homes, and suburban single-family homes. Sarasota’s average property price is $422,105, 9% more expensive than Florida’s average, and you can rent a home for an average of $2,071 per month.

Who will love Sarasota?

• Culture lovers and gallery goers
• Young professionals building careers
• Families and retirees enjoying the shore
  

3. Naples 

Naples offers luxury coastal living, often preferred by retirees or professionals looking for an upscale lifestyle. It’s also the golf capital of the US, with over 90 golf courses to choose from. 

The city’s dining and art scene is vibrant, with 5th Avenue South acting as a lifestyle hub for both residents and visitors. You’ll find luxury shops, fine dining, and art events all within walking distance and not far from the beach.

The property scene is sought after, which is reflected in the average home price of $1.1 million. Rental properties average at around $1,984. Waterfront properties are sought after, but condos and villas are often more affordable.

Who will love Naples?

• Retirees and golf lovers seeking upscale calm
• Families who want top schools and safe suburbs
• Nature fans drawn to beaches and preserves
  

4. Tampa

Tampa offers family-friendly living, with popular areas including Hyde Park, Westchase, and Seminole Heights. Quality schools, tourist attractions, and a thriving job market all add to the appeal. There is also a vibrant nightlife for young professionals or students. 

When it comes to housing, there is something for all budgets, like waterfront properties, suburban neighbourhoods, and high-rise condos. Properties sell for an average of $376,278, and rental properties cost around $2,038.

Home to the NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, baseball Tampa Bay Rays, and NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa is a sports lover’s paradise. Tickets are affordable and will give you an excellent family-friendly atmosphere.

Who will love Tampa?

• Sports fans and beach lovers seeking sun, sea, and stadiums
• Young professionals in finance, healthcare, or tech industries
• Families wanting suburban comfort with city access

5. Gainesville 

The college town of Gainesville is known for its low cost of living, being more affordable than Miami and Tampa. Home to the University of Florida, the town offers excellent job opportunities and student living. 

The town is surrounded by natural beauty, with highlights including Ichetucknee Springs, Paynes Prairie, and Devil’s Millhopper. It’s ideal for those who enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, and wildlife watching.

University Park is ideal for students, Duckpond is a historic district, and Northwest Gainesville offers a suburban, family-friendly vibe. The average property in Gainesville is $301,833, and rent averages at $1,804 per month.

Who will love Gainesville?

• University students and faculty are looking for a lower cost of living 
• Healthcare and biotech professionals
• Outdoor enthusiasts seeking springs and parks
  

6. Ocala

Ocala is often overlooked as somewhere to live in Florida, which makes its property prices affordable and lifestyle calmer. As Ocala is in central Florida, the hurricane risk is also lower, meaning insurance is cheaper than in coastal cities.

Known as “Horse Country,” it’s surrounded by beautiful rolling pastures, equestrian events, and natural springs. The city has a smaller population, so less traffic and more peace and quiet.

An attractive city for first-time buyers, retirees, and remote workers, Ocala’s average property price is $272,939, 29% lower than Florida’s average. The average monthly rent is $1,544, which is 43% lower than in Miami.

Who will love Ocala?

• Budget-conscious movers wanting a slower, small-town lifestyle
• Those into horse-riding, as it’s full of farms and equestrian events.
• Families seeking safe neighbourhoods, parks, and good schools
  

7. St. Augustine

St. Augustine is rich in historic charm, offering a walkable downtown area and relaxed beach neighbourhoods, perfect for those seeking a blend of cultural city life and laid-back coastal living. The cost of living is lower than in Florida, but property prices remain around 14% higher. 

Desirable neighbourhoods like Downtown, Flagler, and Lincolnville have seen an increase in house prices from tourism, making the average price of property $444,034. Rent costs around $1,869 per month, which is on the more expensive range of rents in the state.

It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering pristine beaches like St. Augustine Beach and Crescent, rivers for kayaking, fossil-hunting spots, waterfront parks and scenic trails.

Who will love St Augustine?

• Retirees and culture lovers drawn to historic charm and coastal life
• Those who enjoy small-town energy balanced with local festivals and restaurant options
• Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, fishing, and scenic walks
  

8. Pensacola

The Gulf Coast city boasts 50 miles of white sand beaches and close proximity to Fort Pickens, Perdido Key, and Gulf Islands National Seashore, making it a playground for nature lovers and water enthusiasts.

Pensacola’s cost of living is around 8% below the U.S. average. Housing is about 27% cheaper, and the state’s no income tax adds extra value to your dollar. Properties sell for an average of $264,116, and rent is $1,439 per month.

The Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Baptist Health Care, Escambia County Public Schools, and the University of West Florida are some of the top employers in Pensacola.

Who will love Pensacola?

• Military families or veterans, as there is a strong community near NAS Pensacola
• Those looking for more affordable property options with access to gorgeous beaches 
• Young professionals and families, as there are many big employers and a walkable downtown area
  

9. Tallahassee

Boasting a charming blend of historic architecture and a vibrant college-town atmosphere, Tallahassee is Florida’s capital city. Many UK expats get a small taste of home with fall foliage and seasonal change, something not experienced in many parts of Florida.

Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee presents opportunities for study and career development. Popular with retirees who want to work part-time, the city’s affordability, no state income tax, and community amenities all add to the appeal. 

The cost of living is around 7% below the U.S. average, with housing roughly 13% cheaper. Average property prices are $294,605 in Tallahassee, and monthly rental costs are roughly $1,714.

Who will love Tallahassee?

• College students, those looking for state jobs, and career chasers
• Nature lovers who appreciate seasons
• Retirees and those who want a low cost of living, a slower pace, and a strong community feel
  

10. Jacksonville

Boasting 22 miles of coastline, Jacksonville’s popular beaches, Neptune, Atlantic, and Mayport provide endless opportunities for coastal living, surfing, and enjoying nature. The arts scene is vibrant in the city, including Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Riverside Arts Market, and Jacksonville Symphony.

Cost of living and housing are more affordable than in many parts of Florida, with housing around 15% cheaper than the national average. You can buy a house for around $290,108 in Jacksonville, with rent costing on average $1,501 per month.

The job market is thriving, with sectors like finance, healthcare, logistics, IT, and aviation showing real growth. Major employers include Mayo Clinic, CSX, FIS, and the Naval Air Station. 

Who will love Jacksonville?

• Young professionals and families looking for a strong job market
• Creatives who appreciate art and culture 
• Outdoor lovers wanting to be near many beaches
  

Best Places to Live in Florida for Families

If you’re moving to Florida with your family, especially younger children, then these are some of the top spots to direct your search.

• Lakewood Ranch – Near Sarasota and Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch is home to many top-rated schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and safe parks and trails. 
• Winter Garden – Located west of Orlando, Winter Garden is popular with families thanks to excellent schools and is near the job and attractions hub. 
• St. Johns – This town South of Jacksonville, has one of the best-rated school districts in Florida. Neighbourhoods are quiet and safe too.
• Palm Harbor – Palm Harbor offers suburban calmness without being too far from Tampa. Beautiful beaches and excellent schools make it ideal for families.

Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees

Thinking of retiring to Florida? Many people choose the Sunshine State as their retirement destination thanks to tax benefits, warm weather, and world-class golf courses.

• Venice – Boasting stunning beaches and golf courses, Venice’s low crime and walkable downtown is what attracts many retirees.
• The Villages – Home to one of the largest age-restricted communities in the U.S., with over 3,000 activity clubs, golf courses, and a lively social scene.
• Punta Gorda – Sitting between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Punta Gorda is a quiet, charming small-town with great waterfront living. Retirees love its lower cost of living and fewer tourists. 
• Stuart – Named the best coastal town in the U.S in 2024, Stuart is ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace, downtown boutique shops and cafes, fishing, museums, and outdoor culture.

Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults

Moving to Florida alone and looking for a lively area? These are some hot spots for young adults living in Florida.

• Miami – Miami’s vibrant nightlife, booming tech scene, beaches, restaurants, and cultural diversity are what attract many young adults.
• Tampa – Tampa boasts a strong job market, professional sports teams, craft breweries, music venues, and proximity to beaches.
• Downtown Gainesville – Filled with upscale apartments, coworking spaces, local bars and shops, Downtown Gainesville is ideal for young professionals.
• Fort Lauderdale – The beach town of Fort Lauderdale offers water sports, trendy restaurants, a lively nightlife, and a growing business scene.
  

Removals to Florida

When you’re ready to move to Florida, get your free, tailored quote from 1st Move International. Our team of experts will be able to provide you with an accurate price for your removals to Florida. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or a fresh start, we’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely and on time.

We’ve been shipping household goods to Florida for over 25 years, including Miami and Jacksonville. Whether it’s a full household or a smaller load, we offer secure packing, door-to-door delivery, and full customs support.