Florida checks off a lot of boxes: year-round warm weather, sunshine and palm trees. It’s no surprise then, that from 2010 to 2022, Florida’s population increased by 18%, making it the third largest state by population in the United States.
While the Sunshine State has mass appeal, each region has its own perks and downside. The USA TODAY Homefront research team ranked 30 cities in Florida across 18 metrics to determine which locations are best to call home. North central Florida is known for natural spring and manatees, adding to the allure of Gainesville, a college town we rank as our top pick. South Florida, including Miami, fared worse in part because of higher cost of living and natural risk disaster.
Before you look for one of the best moving companies, see how the rest of the state stacks up coast to coast.
Key findings
Florida saw a net migration of more than 200,000 adults in 2022.
Gainesville is the best city to move to in Florida, offering a low cost of living.
Palm Coast is the safest city in our ranking.
Fort Myers has the highest life expectancy for residents among cities in our study at 82.4 years, beating the Florida state life expectancy of 79.7 years.
The five lowest ranked cities were all in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, which scored lower due to high unemployment, poorly rated hospitals and the highest homeowner insurance premiums in the state.
Why are people moving to Florida?
Over the past few years, Florida has been the top state for net migration, meaning that more people are moving in than moving out. According to the U.S. Census, Florida experienced a net migration of more than 200,000 adults in 2022. Not surprisingly, Florida is still a popular destination for retirement, as baby boomers represent the top generation moving to Florida (86,101). But other generations are also chasing the sunshine, with Florida a top destination for Gen X and millennials as well.
For those moving, good weather and the entertainment possibilities likely outweigh the increased risk of intense hurricanes. Florida features some of the world’s top amusem*nt parks, ample dining options and 8,436 miles of coastline, second only to Alaska, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Best cities to move to in Florida
Our study ranked 30 Florida cities across 18 metrics. We are interested in livability, which includes the quality of schools, activities and walkability of different areas. We also look at health and safety, including life expectancy, hospital quality, crime and the risk of severe weather events. Our ranking considers employment rates, cost of living and the educational level of residents. Finally, we examine housing costs, including typical rents, homeowners insurance premiums and expected losses from natural disasters.
Gainesville came out as the top city, followed by Palm Coast and Fort Myers. These cities are generally home to low unemployment rates, great schools and low crime.
You might be wondering why tourist hubs like Orlando (13th in our study) and Miami (in 19th place) rank lower. While Miami and Orlando boast approximately nine restaurants for every 1,000 residents and offer ample entertainment options, our study showed that both cities are in counties tied for worst unemployment rates, as well as in the top three for high crime rates.
5. Melbourne
Melbourne, a city in Brevard County on the east coast, has the sixth lowest typical rent across all home types at $1,893 per month. It tied with Palm Bay for second-lowest unemployment rate (4%) and is also tied with Palm Coast and Palm Bay for best schools. Other perks include beautiful beaches, the Brevard Zoo and the Orlando theme parks about two hours away. Melbourne is another safe destination for those looking to move to Florida.
4. Fort Myers
Fort Myers, on the southwest coast in Lee County, has the highest life expectancy in our study — 82 years, compared to 79.7 years for Florida overall. This city is not only known for nature reserves and pristine beaches but also for top quality hospitals. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ratings for two hospitals in Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital, averaged 4.5 out of 5 — the highest rated in our study.
3. Palm Bay
Palm Bay, located on the Space Coast in Brevard County, is also quite safe, with 17 crimes per 1,000 residents. This city also ranks high on NeighborhoodScout due to school quality (8 out of 10). The hospital, Palm Bay Hospital, scored 4 out of 5 by CMS. With Kennedy Space Center just an hour away, Palm Bay is also close enough for residents to see rocket launches from their own backyards.
2. Palm Coast
Those looking for a beach-loving community might consider Palm Coast. One of the safest cities in our study, it only has 10 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is well below the state rate of 18.25 crimes per 1,000 residents. Palm Coast is located in Flagler County, which has the lowest climate risk score and lowest expected annual property loss from climate events. This lower risk climate helps keep homeowner insurance premiums in Palm Cost relatively low for Florida, at $1,741 per year.
Yet it is within 20 minutes from beautiful beaches. For added entertainment, Palm Coast sits between charming St. Augustine, America’s oldest continually inhabited city, and Daytona Beach’s International Speedway.
1. Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida Gators, Gainesville, in Alachua county, ranks as the best city to move to in Florida. At 3.7%, Gainesville’s unemployment rate is lower than the state average. Rent ($1,575) is the fourth lowest in the state, well below the national average of $1,981. As for home insurance, the Insurance Information Institute reports that the average annual premiums in Florida went up to more than $4,200 — triple the national average. We found Gainesville has the fourth lowest insurance premiums ($1,824).
Although median incomes in Gainesville are the lowest in our study, these other economic metrics pushed it higher. Whether you’re looking for sports or cultural events, the University of Florida provides a thriving community even if you’re not one of the 60,000 students. Bonus: Gainesville has the second lowest expected annual property losses from weather damage in this hurricane-prone state.
Relocating to Florida? What to know before you go
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred city, follow these tips to make the relocation to Florida as smooth as possible:
- Secure a job: Prominent industries include tourism and hospitality, health care, real estate, and aerospace and aviation. Local government is a popular employer in most Florida counties. The state also has a critical need for teachers.
- Research the house location: When searching for housing, check whether your potential future home is in a flood zone. If you’re planning to buy, the age of the home, and particularly the roof, can also be important considerations in whether you’ll be paying higher insurance premiums.
- If you have kids, find a school: Florida offers a range of charter, magnet, private and virtual school options, although 87% of the state’s students attend public school. Where space is available, children can also attend public schools that are outside their district. To learn more about options throughout the state, the Florida Department of Education is a useful resource.
- Figure out insurance needs: Register your vehicle and change your driver’s license with the Florida DMV. Make sure your car insurance covers your needs in the new state.
- Find a good moving company: Research interstate moving companies for a hassle-free move. Whether you’re looking for a full-service move or just someone to drive your belongings to the next town, we suggest requesting at least three quotes from moving companies.
- Set up utility service: A new house without electricity can make for a bumpy start. Call utility companies at least two weeks prior to your move-in date. Your landlord or real estate agent can point you toward local companies. Include electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet and cable TV on your moving checklist.
Frequently asked questions and expert insights about the best cities in Florida
We asked experts to share their insights on moving to and living in Florida.
What are some financial perks associated with living in Florida?
Tim Muth, MBA
Instructor at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
“Tax holidays during back to school and hurricane season along with a variety of scholarships, including the Bright Futures program for college students are some perks. The Family Empowerment Scholarships provide additional educational options, such as K-12 private schools. There are also low real estate taxes, especially in mid-size and small cities, and affordable homes in smaller cities.”
Eric Heninger
Professor of finance and accounting at the Coggin College of Business
University of North Florida
“Florida’s main financial perk is its usage of a voluntary tax rather than an involuntary tax. A state income tax is involuntary for its residents. On the other hand, paying for toll roads is voluntary. A resident can choose when to drive (or not drive) on a toll road, and so that cost (or tax) is voluntary. And, essentially, Florida’s toll road system is the alternative to a state income tax.
“There are also an abundance of free activities. There are 1,350 miles of coastline on two bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. And much of that coastline is beach accessible and open to the public.”
Andrea Heuson, Ph.D.
Professor of finance and academic director of real estate programs
“The lack of personal income tax or estate tax is a strong financial benefit for Floridians. For people coming from the northeast this can mean a 15% to 20% increase in take-home pay. Also, our sales tax percentages tend to be lower than in other states.
“Those tax savings are immediately available. A longer term benefit is that property taxes are based on the value of your property when you buy it. Then the assessed value can only be increased by a small percentage each year. And, when you move, the assessed value of your new home is set at the assessed value of the home you sold.”
What financial tips would you give to someone preparing to move?
Tim Muth, MBA
Instructor at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
“Consider moving to a smaller city — avoiding areas like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville — to find affordable housing. Homeowners insurance will be very expensive and have high deductibles if living near the east or west coast beaches. Buy flood insurance regardless of living in a flood zone.”
Eric Heninger
Professor of finance and accounting at the Coggin College of Business
“Spend some time coming up with a solid inventory document of everything you will be moving. It doesn’t have to be itemized, but rather think about the number of large, medium and heavy boxes along with the number of chairs, tables and mattresses. Use this document to get a few quotes from moving companies.”
Lei Wedge, Ph.D.
Associate professor in the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance
“If you are still working, relocate to a city in Florida with a robust job market and ample career opportunities to ensure professional growth and stability. On the other hand, if you are retiring, focus on finding a location that aligns with personal interests and lifestyle preferences, whether it’s a vibrant community with recreational activities or a serene, picturesque setting that enhances quality of life.”
Andrea Heuson, Ph.D.
Professor of finance and academic director of real estate programs
“Before deciding even where to move, it is important to do some serious research on the costs of getting into and living in a new home. Property tax and property insurance costs can be surprising, especially when moving to a new state. As are closing costs on a loan.”
How does Florida’s net migration ranking impact its economy?
Tim Muth, MBA
Instructor at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
“New people moving to Florida and increasing tourism has helped the state invest in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports and education while maintaining a balanced budget. In turn, this has allowed Florida to avoid a state income tax and to keep other taxes (sales and real estate) at fairly low levels.”
Lei Wedge, Ph.D.
Associate professor in the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance
“New construction took place, driven by the influx of new residents. Cities across Florida have experienced rapid expansion to accommodate this growth. Consequently, real estate prices have seen a significant upward trend over the past few years, reflecting the increased demand and limited supply in desirable areas.”
Andrea Heuson, Ph.D.
Professor of finance and academic director of real estate programs
“There has been an influx of people moving into Florida since COVID-19 struck. Many are quite wealthy and their lifestyles add demand for an increased workforce at all skill levels. Florida’s commercial real estate market [apartments, office buildings, stores and warehouses] has been booming compared to other parts of the country.
“Florida has also seen an increase in middle-class residents. The increased demand for apartments and smaller houses has raised prices temporarily but new supply of both types of property, and of single family rentals, should soon cause prices to level out.”
What role does tourism play in Florida’s economy?
Eric Heninger
Professor of finance and accounting at the Coggin College of Business
“Florida has put more efforts into diversifying the economy because it was so heavily weighted by tourism and visitor spending. It won an Oscar for its dramatic role of Leading Benefactor, adding over $100 billion to Florida’s most recent GDP.
“Thanks to many years of strategic efforts to diversify the state’s economy, tourism, while still growing, Florida accounts for roughly 6% of the GDP.”
Best and worst cities in Florida (full data)
Review our full data set of all 30 cities we evaluated and how they scored here:
Our methodology
For this study, the research team at USA TODAY Homefront ranked 30 cities in Florida across 18 metrics to determine the best cities to live in. Metrics described city livability, health and safety, housing, and jobs and economy.
- Walkability score from Walk Score
- School district ratings on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) from NeighborhoodScout
- Number of restaurants from Tripadvisor per 1,000 residents
- Number of activities from Tripadvisor per 1,000 residents
- The average rating of local hospitals from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- County level life expectancies from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s County Health Rankings
- Severe weather events from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Number of violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents from NeighborhoodScout
- National Risk Index scores from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Typical home values for single-family homes, condos, and co-ops from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
- Typical rent for all home types using Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI)
- Percentage of renters who pay more than 30% of income to rent (“rent burdened”) from the U.S. Census 2022 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates
- Median annual homeowners insurance premiums from Quadrant
- Expected annual loss inbuilding damages from natural hazards from the FEMA National Risk Index
- Median income from the U.S. Census 2022 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates
- Unemployment rates from the Florida Department of Health
- Regional price parity: Values are a percentage of the overall national price level (a lower value is better) from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Census 2022 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates
Cities for consideration were included based on completeness of data. Three major Florida cities (St. Petersburg, Port St. Lucie and Clearwater) were omitted from the study due to a lack of recorded data for severe weather events.
Data used from Quadrant is representative of publicly sourced data and should not be interpreted as bindable quotes.
Questions about our study? Please contact Homefront at [email protected].
Reference policy
We encourage journalists to share our findings on the best cities to move to in Florida. If you choose to do so, please link back to our original story and credit USA TODAY Homefront for the research.
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