It\u2019s called the Sunshine State for a reason \u2014 endless sunny days and warm weather make\u00a0Florida\u00a0an attractive destination no matter your stage in life. With a population of nearly 22 million, Florida is the third most populous state in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Most of the state is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Florida, meaning no part of the state is very far from the water and its 600 miles of beautiful beaches.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This slice of paradise has a thriving economy, no state income tax, low insurance rates, a top-notch education system and many of the nation\u2019s leading educational institutions, a wealth of family-friendly attractions and a relatively low cost of living, which also makes it attractive for retirees and those who enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. Here\u2019s a look at some of Florida\u2019s best places to live.<\/p>\n
Plus<\/strong>: Want an \u2018average\u2019 retirement lifestyle? You\u2019ll need more than $1 million \u2014 sometimes a lot more \u2014 in these cities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Located on the east coast in Central Florida,\u00a0Daytona Beach\u00a0offers warm weather and a beachfront lifestyle with 23 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Like other Florida cities, the city doesn\u2019t have a state individual income tax, which translates into a\u00a0lower cost of living for places like Daytona Beach. Known for its racing history,\u00a0Daytona Beach also affords year-round outdoor activities\u00a0such as biking, hiking, golf and water sports. <\/p>\n The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is a fun place to while away the hours with its arcade and gift shops. As if you need any other\u00a0reasons to call Daytona Beach home, Daytona Beach has\u00a0an excellent school system that prepares students for the future\u00a0and\u00a0excellent healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n Why is racing important to Daytona Beach?<\/strong><\/p>\n Known as a mecca for racing enthusiasts and the site of the Daytona 500 \u2014 the most prestigious race on the Nascar circuit \u2014 this city stages some of the largest motor sports events in the world. The\u00a0Daytona International Speedway\u00a0alone brings in over $800 million to Florida\u2019s coffers annually. The city also has several attractions that center on racing, including the Motorsports Hall of Fame and area car shows.<\/p>\n You might like:<\/strong> 25 of the best places to live out West<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gainesville\u00a0is enjoying a creative renaissance that influences how this college town\u2019s residents work and play. With a student population of more than 60,000, it\u2019s no wonder that the city is centered on the\u00a0University of Florida\u00a0and\u00a0Santa Fe College. Gainesville is the largest city in north Central Florida, with easy access to the beach \u2014 about 73 miles away from the Atlantic Coast. <\/p>\n Gainesville is a quirky town that combines creativity and innovation at places like the\u00a0Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, a modern space filled with fascinating science and tech exhibits. (It\u2019s named for Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, a piece of local trivia every new resident should know.) <\/p>\n This college town has an affordable cost of living and numerous bars and restaurants, many of which cater to students. Playing outdoors is also a big draw to living in Gainesville, with access to nature parks, hiking and biking trails and plenty of golf.\u00a0<\/p>\n What makes education so important in Gainesville?<\/strong><\/p>\n The University of Florida, home of the Gators, is the state\u2019s oldest and largest university and a center of education, with more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 16 academic colleges, not to mention numerous cultural and sporting events. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university was ranked fifth nationally among all public universities in the nation in 2022. Interestingly, the school is integrated with a local retirement community, where students can find mentors, work and do internships.<\/p>\n See<\/strong>: Duke up, UChicago down: Here\u2019s the 2024 college rankings list from U.S. News<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Similar to other Florida cities,\u00a0Jacksonville, or JAX, offers both sea and sand with its beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches, scenic coastline and plenty of outdoor activities. Home to Florida\u2019s youngest population, this hip, northeastern Florida city has many amenities built in, like the country\u2019s most extensive urban park system with more than 80,000 acres to explore. With a population of more than 950,000, this city provides a small-town vibe with big-city amenities. <\/p>\n The low cost of living draws families to its many neighborhoods, and Jacksonville\u2019s job market is one of the nation\u2019s best,\u00a0especially for entrepreneurs. There\u2019s a diverse number of restaurants and a lively nightlife scene, with some places offering ocean views. Music also takes center stage here with festivals like JAX River Jams along the St. Johns River.<\/p>\n Why is the job market so strong in Jacksonville?<\/strong><\/p>\n Jacksonville was the third hottest job market in the country in 2023, according to a study by The Wall Street Journal, moving up from the sixth spot in 2022\u2019s ranking. The city is known for both Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. Dun & Bradstreet Check out: <\/strong>6 cities where women earn more<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Water, water everywhere, is no joke in\u00a0Fort Lauderdale. This Florida city is known as the Venice of America (yes, you can ride on a gondola here) thanks to its enormous waterways. This South Florida city boasts 165 miles of inland waterways, a historic riverfront on the New River and 24 miles of some of the state\u2019s finest beaches. And, thanks to its location in the Sunshine State,\u00a0Fort Lauderdale residents can enjoy fun in the sun all year long. <\/p>\n The laid-back vibe in Fort Lauderdale includes world-class dining spots, nightclubs and a variety of fun attractions. Plus, the city was named one of\u00a0Livability\u2019s Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2023\u2014hard to beat that. Retail, finance, insurance, technology, education, healthcare, marine, manufacturing, and film and television production all add to the city\u2019s diversified economy.<\/p>\n Why is Fort Lauderdale such a popular vacation spot?<\/strong><\/p>\n More than 13 million visitors enjoy all the wonders this fun Florida city offers. Besides parking it on one of the many beaches, travelers can book a stay at a luxury hotel, reserve a deep-sea fishing excursion or arrive via cruise ship \u2014 all of which add a significant bump to the city\u2019s tourism base. In fact, the hospitality industry accounts for 11.5% of the workforce. <\/p>\n The wealth of outdoor activities visitors can partake in ranges from bird-watching to paddleboarding and much more. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show in the world, brings in more than 100,000 visitors.<\/p>\n Read<\/strong>: We want to live in a medium-sized city close to the beach but without much traffic. Where should we retire?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Located in the Panhandle, this small city of nearly 21,0000 draws both young professionals, retirees and, of course, tourists.\u00a0Fort Walton Beach\u00a0is known for its lovely white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, drawing visitors who enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities, delicious seafood and unforgettable sunsets. In addition to the enticing weather and beautiful beaches, Fort Walton Beach is a military town with both Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Companies such as Boeing Company Why is the military so important to Fort Walton Beach?<\/strong><\/p>\n While hospitality and tourism may take top billing, Fort Walton Beach is a hotbed of research and development, thanks to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, both important U.S. military facilities. In fact, Eglin is the largest U.S. Air Force installation in the world, with more than 700 acres and over 36,000 residents. With an estimated $9 million annual economic impact, Eglin also feeds talent back into Fort Walton Beach, as many service members stay in the area to launch their own businesses. And, thanks to the military industry,\u00a0Fort Walton and Okaloosa County are drawing in droves of defense jobs to the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n Also see:<\/strong> Hurricane Idalia: Florida storm is 2023\u2019s costliest U.S. disaster so far<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Miami Beach\u00a0conjures up images of palm trees, gorgeous golf clubs, cool architecture, waterfront homes and delicious dining. This island city, which is connected by bridges to the mainland, is an urban wonderland and a tourist mecca.<\/p>\n The city is well-known for its incredible shopping, famous nightlife, world-class restaurants and an expansive cultural scene. Famous streets such as Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road have an array of international hotels and dining spots. <\/p>\n There are plenty of well-known spots to visit, but if you\u2019re looking to go off the beaten path and have an adventure, there are plenty of\u00a0road trips\u00a0and\u00a0restaurants\u00a0waiting. The city also has a strong Cuban influence, adding an interesting international flair to the area.<\/p>\n Why is Miami Beach a destination for arts and culture?<\/strong><\/p>\n This city of 80,000 is known worldwide for its multicultural arts scene, with both visual and performing arts on tap. Art Basel Miami Beach takes place every December, attracting thousands of art collectors and artists to the city. The city\u2019s dynamic galleries feature emerging and mainstream artists in neighborhoods such as South Beach, Miami Design District, Wynwood Arts District and Little Haiti. Ballet, opera and the symphony also add to Miami Beach\u2019s cachet.<\/p>\n Be sure to read:<\/strong> The fastest-growing American cities are also some of the places with the worst climate-change effects<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This central Florida city, with a population of a little more than 308,000, is ranked as one of\u00a0Livability\u2019s 2023 Best Places to Live in the U.S.\u00a0That\u2019s because of its warm weather, awesome amenities and thriving economy. In addition to its many world-class attractions,\u00a0Orlando\u00a0provides exceptional healthcare facilities, good schools \u2014 including 35 colleges, universities and technical schools \u2014 as well as premier arts and culture offerings. Orlando also emphasizes locally-grown food,\u00a0urban farms\u00a0and has a\u00a0great vegan dining scene.\u00a0<\/p>\n See<\/strong>: The best affordable little cities to live in America<\/p>\n What is Orland best known for?<\/strong><\/p>\n Orlando is known, of course, for Mickey, Minnie and Donald, who reside at the Walt Disney Other attractions include Gatorland, the Crayola Experience, Ripley\u2019s Believe It Or Not Orlando, the Museum of Illusions Orlando, airboat and zip line tours and many fun destinations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n St. Petersburg\u00a0is a coastal city is known for its warm weather, attractive beaches and wealth of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Nicknamed \u2018The Sunshine City\u2019 because it averages 361 days of sunshine a year, St. Pete holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. (For the record, it was a 768-day stretch that started in 1967.) <\/p>\n There is also a plethora of exciting art museums and galleries, including the famous Salvador Dali Museum, the Chihuly Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, to name just a few. Financial services is the largest employment sector in the city, with the notable Raymond James based here. The city is also a magnet for startups in places like the Skyway Marina and the Warehouse Arts District. This Florida city is a great place for families and\u00a0pet owners.\u00a0<\/p>\n Why should I move to St. Petersburg?<\/strong><\/p>\n Besides the phenomenal weather, St. Pete offers beautiful scenery, 35 miles of beaches, good schools and high-quality medical care for residents. There\u2019s also a unique downtown waterfront with restaurants and bars and a free Looper Trolley that connects to the city\u2019s major attractions. The city\u2019s cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, so it\u2019s hard to go wrong with breathtaking coastal living at an affordable price.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Believe it or not, the state capital of Florida is the hilliest spot in the state, with its highest peak about 200 feet above sea level. Located in the northern part of the Panhandle,\u00a0Tallahassee\u00a0is located about halfway between Pensacola and Jacksonville. Government is the primary focus of the city\u2019s economy, but there are also large employers in healthcare, technology and higher education. <\/p>\n Schools such as Florida State University, Florida A&M and a handful of smaller schools bring the total student population to about 70,000. The city is known for outdoor recreation, fun events and great restaurants, making it an easy place to settle down and raise a family or start a career. And if you\u2019re\u00a0looking for a fresh start in a place with endless opportunities, Tallahassee is the place to be.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the job market like in Tallahassee?<\/strong><\/p>\n Government reigns supreme in Tallahassee, with a large majority of people working for state government. Similar to other capital cities, Tallahassee has a large number of lobbying groups, professional and trade associations and law firms. Increasingly, more graduates are choosing to stay and start small businesses here, partly because the city has one of the fastest-growing economies in Florida.<\/p>\n Related<\/strong>: Florida is still tops, as retirees flock to warm weather and tax-free locales<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sunny skies, convenient beach access and a variety of living options make a move to\u00a0Tampa\u00a0an easy decision. With a population of nearly 400,000, Tampa is an economic engine for the state\u2019s West Coast, powered by a diverse mix of industries. Unlike other major metros, Tampa is an affordable place to live, with a\u00a0low cost of living\u00a0and an excellent place to build a business. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy pro teams, college ball and ample outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is diverse, a melting pot of cultures, which gives the food and art scene some additional pizazz.<\/p>\n Why is Tampa such a melting pot?<\/strong><\/p>\n It all started when cigar makers from Cuba began hand-rolling cigars in Ybor City, a trade that started in 1886. Soon, other immigrants from Spain, Italy, Germany and other countries moved there, bringing their own customs, food and culture to the area. Today, Ybor City is one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. The neighborhood is a great place to grab some Cuban fare and learn more about this city within a city\u2019s history at the Ybor City Museum State Park.<\/p>\n Read<\/strong>: We are a diverse couple looking for the stars and good libraries in Florida. Where should we retire?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As you might expect,\u00a0West Palm Beach\u00a0is known for its palm-lined streets, but it also has made a name for itself due to its distinct architecture, luxury shopping and beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Coast. <\/p>\n The waters here are known as the \u201cfish superhighway,\u201d affording anglers an excellent opportunity to reel in a big one. Besides a booming tourism industry, the city is known for healthcare, finance, insurance and construction. Lake Worth Lagoon separates West Palm Beach from the affluent Palm Beach. <\/p>\n Plus: (July 2023)<\/strong> South Florida ocean waters reach hot-tub temperatures, setting possible record high<\/p>\n There\u2019s a vibrant downtown district with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy, and compared with neighboring Palm Beach, WBP is known as a much more affordable option.<\/p>\n Why is West Palm Beach a popular place for retirees?<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to understand why WPB draws those looking for the good life when they are ready to retire. There are a lot of living options for seniors, as well as a lively urban city center. Pleasant year-round temperatures, golf clubs, fishing and boating all draw residents to its shores. Plus, West Palm Beach has a small-town feeling but with every amenity at your fingertips.<\/p>\n Read the original article on Livability.<\/em><\/p>\nDaytona Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Gainesville<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Jacksonville<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n Paysafe
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\n Johnson & Johnson
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\n Vision and Redwire Space
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\n all have offices here. Major industries include financial services, life sciences, technology, logistics and advanced manufacturing. And, if you\u2019re an aspiring entrepreneur,\u00a0Jacksonville is an unexpectedly awesome place to start your business.\u00a0<\/p>\nFort Lauderdale<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fort Walton Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n TYBRIN Corporation, Payroll Management, Inc., and Precision Measurement Inc. also have a strong presence in Fort Walton Beach. This beach town is\u00a0known for its artsy vibe\u00a0and\u00a0active community, and there are countless\u00a0reasons why people are moving to this Okaloosa County community.\u00a0<\/p>\nMiami Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Orlando<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n World Resort, but also for Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland and many other theme parks. These tourist attractions are critical to the city\u2019s economy, contributing about $31 billion annually. In fact, Orlando was named the largest U.S. travel and tourism city destination for 2022 by the World Travel & Tourism Council. <\/p>\nSt. Petersburg<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tallahassee<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tampa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
West Palm Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n