Florida is a charming state with much to offer. Its great weather, great beaches, diverse ecology and numerous tourist attractions make it a great place to live for people of all ages and walks of life. Even so, those who want to put down roots in a small Florida town will find that some towns are better than others. Following is an overview of the best five small towns in Florida to live in. Buying a home, apartment or condo in any one of these cities is likely to be a wise move both now and in the foreseeable future.
Palm Beach is a small, charming city that was recently rated as being one of the top three best small towns in the entire United States. Palm Beach has a population of under 8,500 and is home to a number of enjoyable attractions, including Lake Trail, the Society of the Four Arts and Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. City Place, which is found in nearby West Palm Beach, is home to dozens of stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars.
There are over 134 amenities to be found within a one mile radius in Palm Beach. Median household income is 125% higher than the Florida average, violent crimes are 90% lower than the Florida average and average commute time is a mere 18 minutes. The graduation rate is an astounding 96%, making this city ideal for parents who want to provide a top quality education to their children. While average home values are very high, it is not too hard to find a two bedroom apartment for sale for under $250,000.
Fort Myers Beach is one of the top ten best small towns in the U.S. for a number of reasons. There are 67 amenities to be found per square mile and this small town is home to many great natural attractions, including Lynn Hall Memorial Park, the Fishing Pier off the coast of Fort Myers Beach and Crescent Beach Family Park. Average commute time is 25 minutes, which is lower than the Florida average. The crime rate is 65% lower than the Florida average, the graduation rate is an admirable 94% and the town has a 14:1 student to teacher ratio to ensure that children receive plenty of assistance and quality instruction at local schools.
Sarasota has long been considered a very desirable place to live. Its small town feel, coupled with the many varied amenities that one would only expect to find in a large city, has made it an attractive spot for year-round residents and second homeowners alike. Popular attractions include the town's sandy beaches, water sports, golf courses, The Asolo Theater, The Sarasota Opera and The Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The Farmer's Market is open every Saturday morning to those who want to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and other delectable treats.
Sarasota is also rated as being one of the top ten small town retirement destinations in Florida. While its high violent crime rate prevents it from receiving a higher ranking, it should be noted that the city's surprisingly low median home value of $175,900, its reasonable cost of living that barely exceeds the Florida average, a low average commute time of under 20 minutes and great weather make this small town a truly great place to settle down.
Jupiter is a rather large town with a population of just over 60,000. It has 117 amenities per square mile and has a tropical climate similar to that of West Palm Beach. The cost of living is 18% higher than the Florida average; however, average annual income is over 40% higher than the Florida average.
Jupiter has been rated as one of the top five Florida towns to retire in. Average temperatures range from 69F in the winter to 82F in the summer, the town has a violent crime rate that is 54% lower than the Florida average and the median cost of a home in this town is $276,700, which is very reasonable considering high property values in other popular small towns in the state.
The River Center in Jupiter offers a range of fun activities for residents to take part in. These include Starfish and Coffee Story Time for kids every Thursday morning, and the Public Tour and Fish Feeding every Saturday afternoon.
Dunedin is relatively small town with a population of just over 35,000 and some of the best beaches in the world. Unlike other small towns on the Florida coastline, Dunedin has open waterfront communities that allow you to get a great view of the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico. The downtown area is home to small, charming mom and pop shops and restaurants and is bisected by the 39 mile Pinellas Trail running from Tarpon Springs to Gulfport. Fun attractions and events include the town's own Mardi Gras celebration, a historic Jazz Age spot and Dunedin Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in the state.
Dunedin has 124 amenities per square mile. Average commute time 24 minutes, lower than the Florida average. Dunedin also has a lower crime rate, lower cost of living and a higher graduation rate than the Florida average. At the same time, median home value is very reasonable and the average cost of a home in this small city comes to $170,500.
While these small towns stand out for a number of reasons, each is unique in its own right. If you are considering settling down in the Sunshine State, look over the options outlined above to find the town that best suits your personal needs, tastes and budget.
