This small town is located about 20 minutes west of Orlando. The 44-acre Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area is a perfect place to become one with nature. PER CAPITA INCOME FOR POPULATION: $31,327. WebAbout 30 miles from the capital, Tallahassee, Quincy is in the center of all the action. Don't miss a visit to Dubois Park. You can enjoy this barrier islands pristine white sand beaches, have a bite at one of its delectable locally-owned restaurants, or visit one of its art galleries or antique stores around town. In addition to the scores of shelling opportunities, Captiva offers lovely beaches and more of Florida's tasty seafood. Over 200 works by the Czech-born American artist are on display. Take a look back in time to some of the most significant outposts, turned towns, and in some cases, turned major cities in Florida, and see what makes them so vital, captivating, and beautiful. First, there are several pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Driving through town will leave you feeling like youve stepped back in time. Tampa Tampa St Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America, known for its Spanish influence and stunning architecture. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. This is a small neighborhood in Orlando in Orange County, and it has a population of a little more than one thousand residents. Visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area filled with historic buildings, along with modern shops and eateries where you can find everything from souvenirs to delicious local cuisine. Biotech, information technology and health care are other booming sectors in Orlando which help make it one of the best places in Florida for young adults. Tampa, which we named as the 2nd best city in Florida in 2023, is just a 20-30 minute drive from Oldsmar. The area has been able to produce a variety of vibrant flora, which makes it a great place to enjoy the beautiful combination of flora from various regions! Nocatee is also home to Nocatee Community Park, an excellent place for walking trails, tennis courts, and soccer fields that the whole family can enjoy. Florida has been a long-time favorite destination for retirees. Our choice for the best small town in Florida to retire in is Destin. The best part about Oldsmar is its affordability, especially compared to some other towns on this list. For more adventure, Jacksonville and Orlando are each approximately 90 minutes away to enjoy beaches, theme parks and big-city amenities. It boasts more than 66 acres of luscious forest featuring everything from pine flatwoods to cypress basin swamp. The downtown area of Apalachicola has much to offer as well, including quaint boutiques and galleries, unique restaurants, and interesting monuments. Although there are many things to do downtown, like shopping and dining, the biggest draw to this area is the 13 miles of pristine beaches, where you can fish, sunbathe, or take part in a variety of water sports. Updated 55 min ago. - Population: 1,989. With benefits like beautiful weather, affordable property, and no state income tax, this large southern state is a desirable place for young professionals to jumpstart their careers or for retirees to reap their golden years! Here, you'll find family-owned businesses that have been around for generations and trendy eateries and boutiques. In addition to some outstanding shopping on Park Avenue, foodies will find a selection of restaurants to suit every taste. While Pensacola is Floridas westernmost city and hours from the states other major towns, you can reach Mobile, Alabama, within an hour and New Orleans in three hours. The highlights of DeLand include a wonderfully walkable downtown. St. Petersburg. Or do you want a small-town feel thats close to a major urban area? Our choice for the best small town in Florida to retire in is Destin. Population: 1,130 Cost of Living Index: 1% Above Florida Average Crime Rate: 58% Below Florida Average Education Score: A. Keystone Heights is one of the best places to live in Florida for those who want to experience a quiet lifestyle with their family and be surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural sights you could hope to see. We made sure that our choices for the best small towns in Florida to retire in will allow you to live a safe and active lifestyle, but without the pressures of a larger city. Accommodation options range across all budgets, with condos for rent along with some very fine oceanfront resorts. For ideas on what to see and where to go, have a read through our article on attractions and places to visit in the Florida Keys. Not to mention the mild winters and approximate 825 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico that sprawl across the peninsula and panhandle. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The area is also home to major sports teams, history museums, platforms promoting the arts and impressive public transportation options. Walk the winding trails through slash pine, palm, and cypress forests. Our Spring Park is a popular spot for people to visit where there is a spring fed pool with. View nearby homes. This compensation comes from two main sources. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for sightings of the famous sea cows, and the constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, combined with visibility often reaching 200 feet, ensures an enjoyable snorkeling experience. some top attractions for families to enjoy, , including Oak Tree Nature Park and Surge Trampoline Park. Thus, find activities suitable for all ages. You wont find many places like this in other areas of the state, so make sure to check out some of the restaurants on the water. Oldsmar is a small town that is located just outside of Tampa and is one of the best small towns in Florida to retire in for those who also want to be close to a big city. Take Frostproof, for example. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. So why not plan your next trip to one of these twelve most picturesque small towns in Florida? Everyone who visits loves Captiva Island. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Often called Gateway to the Tropics, Vero Beach has a transitional climate. Have a dog or two in tow? If you want to stay on the mainland, but keep beach access, look no further than Nokomis in the Sarasota area. Therefore, we looked through all of the places across the state and hand-picked the best small towns in Florida to raise a family that provides a well-rounded quality of life where you and your kids can seamlessly integrate into the community. But, the town itself offers residents everything they could want. Travel Best small towns to live in Best small towns to live in. If you aren't a beach lover, visit one of the many galleries, like Amelia SanJon Gallery or Shady Ladies Art, where you can take a class if you have time. Additionally, Nocatee offers a surprising number of shops and restaurants with diverse cuisines, especially for a town of its size. When you need to visit a big city, the bustling Tampa metro area is 60 miles to the north. It features mixed-use residential and commercial districts that are designed around its walkable streets. Like Sanibel, St. George Island has strict zoning laws that forbid high rises and chain stores. On any given day, you can spend your time relaxing on the beach or fishing off the dock. and was eventually built in the mid-1990s. There is plenty to do here. Full-time residents can find employment opportunities in aerospace and manufacturing offering comfortable salaries. SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14.5%. Micanopy is known for its annual Fall Festival and its various antique stores. Built in 1895, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of Florida's maritime history and is open to visitors who are interested in learning more about it. An adorable, upscale small town greets visitors to Florida's Coconut Creek. Due to the strict zoning regulations, it has been able maintain its lovely charm while growing. Carrabelle, located in the Florida Panhandle just southwest of Tallahassee, offers a unique experience for those looking to get away from it all. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Jacksonville is one of the best cities in Florida overall because it has a little of everything. The 10 Best Small Towns in Florida. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. This is the spot to be for travelers looking to enjoy its healing waters, as well as the abundance of additional activities on offer. Population: 13,931 Cost of Living Index: 15% Above Florida Average Crime Rates: 58% Below Florida Average. Still, living here is a permanent vacation. The Cost of Living Diaries. Dec. 20: StarTribune At U of M memorial, late Medtronic founder Bakken's legacy is lauded Mechanical engineering professor Arthur According to data, small southern suburbs outside of larger cities were some of the most popular ZIP codes to move to this past year. Stay for a meal in one of the tasty restaurants. While here, stay in one of the upscale resorts and spas to get in some rest, relaxation, and pampering. Spanning close to 70,000 square miles and ranking 22nd in area among all of the 50 states, you have a wide variety of options for finding the right place to live. From streets lined with antique shops and art galleries, to the waterfront views of Lake Dora, this small town is full of surprises. A strong sense of community and intimacy is found in smaller towns. Editors note: This story was updated on Jan. 5, 2023, to replace crime statistics by city with more relevant stats by county; the revision caused some of the rankings to shift. Hiking, fishing, and boat tours are a great way to explore the little town. Its slow pace and proximity to live oaks and lakes make it a refreshing place to live overall. Ever wanted to swim with a manatee? We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. Your email address will not be published. This city can be an excellent option if you desire the college town experience, are a political junkie or want to live in a part of the Florida Panhandle that isnt swarming with tourists, as the nearest beach is an hour away. The lighthouse beach is also a great spot for a walk. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed vacation destination, each town has something unique to offer that will leave you with lasting memories. The majority of the island is covered by the stunning 5,000+ acre JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Just north of Sanibel Island in the Gulf Coast is the tiny beach community of Captiva. The downtown area features quaint shops and restaurants that add to the charm of this historic seaside village. Some might call the peaceful town of Anna Maria sleepy; others call it laid-back and relaxing. The 10 Best Places To Live In Florida For 2022 North Palm Beach Palm Beach Sanibel Key Biscayne Naples Longboat Key Parkland Coral Gables Tequesta Lake Mary Where is the best place to live in Florida for 2022? A big plus of living in Odessa is that youre close by Starkey Ranch, a master-planned community complete with a town square, parks, and preserves to keep you engaged with your community all year-round. Job opportunities in Sarasota include health care, manufacturing and insurance. Whether you want a calming getaway that perfectly captures the essence of small-town charm or an upbeat and vibrant beachfront scene, these 12 small towns in the Sunshine State have something exciting to offer everyone. There is also a small retail district right in the heart of town on Lawrence Boulevard. Coral Springs is a family-friendly spot you'll be happy to visit. Head to Crystal River, home to one of the best springs in Florida, and a haven for nature lovers and manatee aficionados. It's one of our favorite small towns in Florida by the beach. Ironically enough, the town was almost lost when a deep freeze hit the area just a few years after it was founded. Home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the Panhandle region, the small town of Pensacola Beach should be on every beach lover's itinerary. Best College Towns in Florida #1: Boca Raton Major Schools in Boca Raton, FL. Anna Maria Island is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are an, Just north of Sanibel Island in the Gulf Coast is the tiny beach community of Captiva. Saint George Island Situated opposite the Apalachicola River, The 20 mile-long Saint George Island is a favorite destination for beach lovers, bird watchers, and anglers. Population: 9,836 Cost of Living Index: 22% Above Florida Average Crime Rate: 65% Below Florida Average Education Score: A+. 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