The 10 Best Places To Live In Florida For 2024


The best places to live in Florida for 2024 are Key Biscayne, North Palm Beach, and Longboat Key. 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 2024? After analyzing 208 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 2024

Best Places To Live In Florida Map

Key Biscayne, FL

Source: Public domain
Stat Key Biscayne Florida
Population 14,572 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 3
Median Home Value $1,568,763 $392,904
Median Income $173,015 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 4.1% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0137 0.0216

More on Key Biscayne: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

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 43rd 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 $1,568,763, the 3rd most expensive in Florida. The good news is that the median household income in Key Biscayne is $173,015/year, the 4th 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!

North Palm Beach, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Michael Kagdis | CC BY-SA 3.0
Stat North Palm Beach Florida
Population 13,092 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 1
Median Home Value $570,128 $392,904
Median Income $89,175 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 1.9% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0077 0.0216

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

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 $570,128 is substantially lower than elsewhere in the top ten and combined with a median income of $89,175, 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 1.9%, 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 13th lowest crime rate in Florida.

Longboat Key, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Ebyabe | GFDL
Stat Longboat Key Florida
Population 7,479 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 7
Median Home Value $1,105,402 $392,904
Median Income $141,250 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 3.8% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0083 0.0216

More on Longboat Key: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

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 2nd highest rate of insured residents in Florida. And since old folks don’t often go in for violence, Longboat Key’s title as the 10th 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 6,743 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 18
Median Home Value $706,435 $392,904
Median Income $109,375 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 1.1% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0136 0.0216

More on Neptune Beach: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Neptune Beach, known for its close-knit community and scenic beaches, holds the 4 position for best places to live in Florida. Located in Duval County, it offers a suburban lifestyle with a population of 6,743 and a highly educated demographic, with 60% 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 2 and a strong local economy, with a high median income at 109,375. The competitive real estate market is evident with its $706,435 median home value, making Neptune Beach a sought-after location in Florida.

Marco Island, FL

Source: Flickr User davidwilson1949 | CC BY 2.0
Stat Marco Island Florida
Population 15,942 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 15
Median Home Value $903,039 $392,904
Median Income $105,315 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 4.0% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0061 0.0216

More on Marco Island: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Marco Island, within Collier County, combines economic stability, indicated by a 105,315 median income and a low 4.0 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 $903,039 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 (5th lowest) and violent crime rates (22nd lowest).

Naples, FL

Source: Wikipedia User Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) | CC BY 2.5
Stat Naples Florida
Population 19,315 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 5
Median Home Value $596,178 $392,904
Median Income $135,657 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 2.5% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0169 0.0216

More on Naples: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

A city of 19,315 people, Naples is the 109th 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 38th most expensive in the state, but you’ll also get the 8th highest income statewide ($135,657/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.

Weston, FL

Source: Public domain
Stat Weston Florida
Population 68,029 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 14
Median Home Value $717,713 $392,904
Median Income $132,832 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 3.6% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0050 0.0216

More on Weston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Weston, recognized as 7 among top living destinations in Florida, was meticulously developed by Arvida/JMB Realty, also notable for their work on Walt Disney World. Weston is a master-planned city with a robust population of 68,029. It sits strategically in Broward County, bordering the Everglades, and enjoys proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

The community boasts a 132,832 median income and has an educated populace with 67 percent of adults holding advanced degrees. The city’s low 3.6% unemployment rate, accessibility to distinguished schools, the Weston Town Center for shopping, and premier healthcare at Cleveland Clinic fortify its status as a prime residential area in Florida.

Sanibel, FL

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL
Stat Sanibel Florida
Population 6,420 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 2
Median Home Value $1,000,285 $392,904
Median Income $111,683 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 4.6% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0062 0.0216

More on Sanibel: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

An island-city just a half hour outside of Cape Coral, Sanibel is our first representative of Florida’s western coast. Sanibel is a wildly popular destination for tourists, thanks to over half the the island being made up of wildlife refuges like Ding Darling and epic beaches like Bowman’s Beach. There’s seriously an endless amount to do in Sanibel, so you’ll be just as excited to live here after ten years as you are on day one.

Sanibel’s population is super smart, with about 30% of residents having a master’s degree or higher. Big degrees lead to big paychecks, as Sanibel’s median household income is $111,683. And since smart people don’t usually resort to crime, Sanibel has the 5th lowest rate of violent crime in Florida.

Lighthouse Point, FL

Source: Flickr User eoringel | CC BY 2.0
Stat Lighthouse Point Florida
Population 10,496 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 9
Median Home Value $777,160 $392,904
Median Income $86,586 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 2.2% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0144 0.0216

More on Lighthouse Point: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Next up on our list of best places to live in Florida is Lighthouse Point, an affluent suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Low levels of unemployment and poverty keep Lighthouse Point’s economy strong in combination with a median household income of $86,586. It’s also one of the most densely-populated cities to make this list, meaning it’s unlikely you’ll be bored here.

Lighthouse Point also scored a 9.5/10 in the education category of our SnackAbility score, so you better believe kids are getting the best possible start here. And if those kiddos do well enough in school, an ice cream cone from Frosty Point followed by some water park action at Quiet Waters Park makes for a great reward.

Parkland, FL

Source: Flickr User digitalbookmobile | CC BY 2.0
Stat Parkland Florida
Population 34,832 21,634,529
Rank Last Year 12
Median Home Value $1,077,923 $392,904
Median Income $188,544 $67,917
Unemployment Rate 4.5% 5.0%
Crime Per Capita 0.0060 0.0216

More on Parkland: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

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 6th lowest overall crime rate in Florida.

We named Parkland as one of the best places to raise a family in Florida: 49.36% of households have kids, and with the 18th 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 4th lowest poverty rate in Florida, and the median household income of $188,544 ranks as the 2nd highest statewide. Homes in Parkland have a median price tag of $1,077,923.

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 198,259, 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 208 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 208, 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 2024. This report is our tenth 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, North Palm Beach, Longboat Key, Neptune Beach, Marco Island, Naples, Weston, Sanibel, Lighthouse Point, 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 2024.

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

  1. Sebring (Pop. 11,006)
  2. Pahokee (Pop. 5,548)
  3. Fort Meade (Pop. 5,133)

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 14,572 4.1% $1,568,763 $173,015 $3,501 0.0137
2 North Palm Beach 13,092 1.9% $570,128 $89,175 $1,785 0.0077
3 Longboat Key 7,479 3.8% $1,105,402 $141,250 $2,469 0.0083
4 Neptune Beach 6,743 1.1% $706,435 $109,375 $1,459 0.0136
5 Marco Island 15,942 4.0% $903,039 $105,315 $1,870 0.0061
6 Naples 19,315 2.5% $596,178 $135,657 $1,601 0.0169
7 Weston 68,029 3.6% $717,713 $132,832 $2,631 0.0050
8 Sanibel 6,420 4.6% $1,000,285 $111,683 $1,003 0.0062
9 Lighthouse Point 10,496 2.2% $777,160 $86,586 $1,682 0.0144
10 Parkland 34,832 4.5% $1,077,923 $188,544 $2,948 0.0060
11 Tequesta 6,116 3.3% $661,607 $92,457 $1,826 0.0044
12 Palm Beach 9,205 5.6% $1,976,941 $190,824 $1,793 0.0142
13 Safety Harbor 17,087 4.1% $519,382 $102,670 $1,674 0.0142
14 Lake Mary 16,636 1.7% $466,468 $106,971 $1,926 0.0132
15 Oviedo 39,552 4.2% $497,890 $116,764 $1,902 0.0069
16 Satellite Beach 11,176 5.6% $538,965 $103,819 $1,896 0.0098
17 Niceville 15,804 1.2% $436,865 $92,345 $1,511 0.0036
18 Lauderdale-by-the-Sea 6,202 3.0% $649,632 $76,855 $1,670 0.0197
19 Atlantic Beach 13,381 2.1% $658,924 $99,628 $1,678 0.0135
20 Jupiter 60,926 4.0% $690,094 $105,413 $2,002 0.0129
21 Palm Beach Gardens 59,088 3.5% $658,967 $106,544 $2,053 0.0180
22 St. Augustine Beach 6,774 8.1% $604,317 $87,019 $1,456 0.0059
23 Coral Gables 49,696 4.8% $1,354,428 $118,203 $1,954 0.0245
24 Fernandina Beach 13,028 2.9% $601,790 $86,494 $1,299 0.0106
25 Palmetto Bay 24,267 3.6% $962,359 $144,987 $1,728 0.0223
26 Belle Isle 7,020 1.2% $513,455 $111,836 $1,282 0.0152
27 Fort Myers Beach 5,650 3.6% $623,652 $87,204 $1,713 0.0244
28 Winter Park 29,985 3.9% $449,047 $96,563 $1,634 0.0215
29 Venice 25,710 4.0% $449,500 $68,843 $1,492 0.0141
30 Miami Lakes 30,621 3.2% $630,644 $90,339 $1,856 0.0149
31 Bay Harbor Islands 5,843 3.4% $608,277 $73,587 $2,250 0.0075
32 Indian Harbour Beach 8,944 4.3% $490,200 $78,774 $1,491 0.0085
33 Gulf Breeze 6,372 11.2% $481,295 $107,202 $1,530 0.0141
34 Jacksonville Beach 23,583 2.1% $611,639 $109,649 $1,819 0.0360
35 St. Pete Beach 8,905 5.7% $715,388 $112,578 $1,613 0.0238
36 Flagler Beach 5,100 2.3% $501,044 $64,242 $1,417 0.0071
37 Southwest Ranches 7,589 1.6% $1,256,520 $165,556 $2,724 0.0260
38 Boca Raton 97,980 5.9% $574,246 $95,570 $2,170 0.0225
39 Punta Gorda 19,605 4.9% $410,177 $75,898 $1,172 0.0146
40 Maitland 19,266 4.6% $459,687 $89,871 $1,754 0.0187
41 Surfside 5,625 3.6% $1,161,290 $73,160 $1,670 0.0219
42 Rockledge 27,808 3.8% $399,816 $80,759 $1,538 0.0145
43 Dunedin 36,089 4.7% $445,513 $63,824 $1,356 0.0119
44 Minneola 14,406 3.5% $468,876 $91,435 $1,787 0.0075
45 Wellington 61,373 4.6% $666,198 $105,848 $2,304 0.0111
46 Winter Springs 38,205 4.2% $427,030 $83,732 $1,557 0.0092
47 West Melbourne 26,762 4.9% $410,923 $86,398 $1,698 0.0172
48 Lynn Haven 19,421 3.5% $324,783 $81,378 $1,512 0.0111
49 Key West 26,078 2.0% $1,074,326 $80,828 $2,059 0.0278
50 Sunny Isles Beach 22,202 4.0% $701,954 $57,145 $1,839 0.0127
51 Seminole 19,287 3.3% $401,887 $69,417 $1,417 0.0197
52 Coral Springs 133,801 6.2% $536,819 $87,488 $1,818 0.0137
53 Miami Shores 11,638 7.0% $1,025,122 $120,833 $1,997 0.0488
54 West Miami 7,104 3.7% $620,895 $73,525 $2,027 0.0122
55 Doral 74,891 3.1% $534,476 $83,823 $2,393 0.0190
56 Destin 13,923 2.1% $635,124 $86,777 $1,773 0.0256
57 Royal Palm Beach 38,874 4.8% $485,720 $90,143 $1,983 0.0150
58 Daytona Beach Shores 5,087 4.9% $433,976 $65,334 $1,495 0.0273
59 South Pasadena 5,334 6.8% $363,694 $48,490 $1,210 0.0133
60 Pembroke Pines 170,472 4.7% $485,196 $77,657 $1,787 0.0159
61 Port Orange 62,849 3.9% $359,733 $65,026 $1,355 0.0138
62 Wilton Manors 11,451 3.9% $603,112 $81,424 $1,684 0.0445
63 Clermont 43,266 5.0% $424,952 $75,951 $1,723 0.0149
64 Treasure Island 6,590 5.5% $634,262 $87,941 $1,423 0.0381
65 Pinecrest 18,279 4.9% $1,909,075 $178,095 $1,800 0.1906
66 Ormond Beach 43,127 2.4% $394,764 $65,238 $1,230 0.0207
67 Bonita Springs 53,945 3.6% $592,429 $84,668 $1,681 0.0244
68 Miramar 135,158 4.2% $506,754 $81,812 $1,840 0.0137
69 St. Augustine 14,642 3.2% $456,760 $72,806 $1,355 0.0300
70 Aventura 39,621 4.8% $510,079 $75,211 $2,271 0.0438
71 Miami Springs 13,729 1.3% $678,387 $88,196 $1,227 0.0333
72 New Smyrna Beach 30,449 4.4% $476,677 $73,096 $1,550 0.0106
73 Coconut Creek 57,574 4.8% $325,475 $72,740 $1,884 0.0130
74 Cocoa Beach 11,334 7.4% $497,607 $80,880 $1,474 0.0275
75 Fruitland Park 8,219 4.4% $297,255 $70,167 $1,171 0.0180
76 Stuart 17,639 4.4% $389,245 $61,878 $1,372 0.0227
77 North Port 76,975 3.3% $354,098 $78,815 $1,547 0.0117
78 South Miami 11,944 3.9% $897,891 $78,830 $1,564 0.0295
79 Cape Canaveral 9,980 2.9% $357,812 $68,495 $1,047 0.0605
80 Cape Coral 198,912 4.4% $394,398 $72,474 $1,630 0.0120
81 Gulfport 11,796 5.9% $398,423 $60,461 $1,361 0.0322
82 Port St. Lucie 210,520 5.7% $391,794 $75,040 $1,684 0.0095
83 Oldsmar 14,877 5.3% $398,002 $73,984 $1,330 0.0142
84 Alachua 10,570 3.9% $322,612 $72,491 $1,119 0.0275
85 Margate 58,396 4.2% $334,085 $56,324 $1,513 0.0134
86 Edgewater 23,138 2.6% $303,689 $56,886 $1,262 0.0176
87 Sunrise 96,510 6.5% $372,339 $66,001 $1,846 0.0157
88 St. Petersburg 259,343 4.6% $375,897 $70,333 $1,410 0.0327
89 DeLand 38,392 4.1% $375,692 $71,439 $1,144 0.0227
90 Vero Beach 16,531 3.5% $371,589 $59,335 $1,139 0.0172
91 Lady Lake 16,047 7.7% $326,124 $46,694 $1,275 0.0099
92 Tavares 19,088 4.9% $310,065 $54,271 $1,191 0.0055
93 Cutler Bay 44,738 4.4% $531,378 $78,569 $1,806 0.0207
94 Davie 105,821 4.5% $517,729 $84,346 $1,805 0.0256
95 Fort Walton Beach 20,919 3.9% $331,452 $61,820 $1,181 0.0256
96 Winter Garden 46,518 6.9% $572,785 $101,953 $1,590 0.0207
97 Longwood 15,628 5.8% $450,211 $75,197 $1,600 0.0227
98 Sarasota 55,508 2.9% $462,175 $68,870 $1,417 0.0379
99 DeBary 22,310 4.0% $380,533 $83,678 $1,461 0.0379
100 Temple Terrace 26,818 3.5% $327,406 $62,415 $1,372 0.0219

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.