In 2019, more Americans moved to Florida than any other state in the country. The 2020 Miami Report released earlier this summer found that an average of 950 people move to the Sunshine State every day, with most coming from high-taxed states like New York and California. They’re making the move not only to reduce tax bills (there’s no state tax in Florida) but for the mild weather and endless recreational activities.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, the question at the forefront of your mind is likely to be which place to move to in Florida. After all, it’s a large state, stretching all the way from Pensacola in the northwestern Panhandle to Key West, the southeasternmost point in the U.S.
To help make your decision a little bit easier, here are the four cities that are often ranked as the very best to live in the state.
Jacksonville
You’ll definitely want to search through the Jacksonville houses for sale. Tucked in the northeast corner of Florida along the Atlantic, it offers a great mix of city attractions and beach delights. While it isn’t as warm as Miami in the winter, average high temperatures are in the mid-60s during the chilliest season of the year, so you definitely won’t have to worry about shoveling snow. Spread over 850 square miles (the largest metro area by landmass in the continental U.S.), it boasts countless stunning stretches of sand, a thriving arts scene, countless restaurants, and an NFL team. The cost of living is also lower than average, so your dollar will go further, too.
Port St. Lucie
Located on the southeast side of the state, Port St. Lucie often ranks high among the best places to live, with everything from uncrowded beaches and endless outdoor activities on land and water to a low cost of living. It boasts a great job market, with the top industries tourism and healthcare thanks to large employers like the Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Port St. Lucie Hospital. There are several call centers headquartered in the area, including Maximums, Convey Health Solutions, and Teleperformance, employing many in customer service.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is a growing Southwest Florida city renowned for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. It also has a minimal crime rate and a low cost of living. Residents enjoy popular activities that most beach towns offer, like boating and other watersports, but there are also multiple natural preserves, parks, and 400 miles of canals. Unemployment is low here, too, with job openings often found in healthcare, education, and construction.
Fort Lauderdale
Just 30 minutes north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale has lots to offer with pristine white sandy beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year. While there are some expensive neighborhoods, the general cost of living is cheaper than many places, particularly the area’s more opulent communities like Miami and Palm Beach. You’ll be close to major international airports that make it easier and cheaper to get to where you want to go, and if you like cruises, many cruise itineraries depart from Fort Lauderdale. There are endless shopping opportunities, a fantastic arts and food scene, buzzing nightlife, and a good job market with large employers like American Express, Spirit Airlines, Microsoft, and Marriott International found here.