Florida is one of the 15 most expensive places to live in the United States. However, there are some counties that are more affordable. In this blog, we are going to discuss which are the best places to live in Florida, which are the cheapest, how much rent costs, and much more.
Florida: Growth and Economics
Florida’s economy and job market are very strong due to tourism, international trade, agriculture, aviation, and science. At the end of 2021, Florida had the fourth largest economy among the states, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $1,226.298 billion and a state budget of $101.5 billion. In turn, that same year, it welcomed a record 122.4 million visitors.
Miami has become one of the cities in the United States where most Latinos live. According to the 2020 census, 70.2% of the 442,241 total inhabitants are Hispanic. This means means that more than 310,000 people are of Latino origin.
Benefits of Living in Florida
In addition to its strong economy and job market, Florida has a range of benefits that make not only immigrants but also U.S. citizens choose to live there. One of the predominant reasons is its climate. It is one of the warmest areas in the United States and has an average daily maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). At the same time, its beaches are another great attraction that goes hand in hand with the weather conditions.
On the other hand, mobility is not a problem. Florida is a state that, as mentioned, receives many tourists. Therefore, each city is capable and prepared for it, with extensive networks of roads, railroads, airports and ports. Another popular and well-known reason to live there is Disney World. Its parks attract millions of citizens from all over the world, including the United States.
Now, let’s delve into those benefits that are not as well known…
Florida: Accessible Properties
This is an appealing point for many people who want to move to Florida permanently. You will be particularly impressed by what you can buy here with your money. The large amount of land and the low cost of living contribute to this. In addition, Florida homes tend to be very spacious, with plenty of room for entertaining.
Florida’s real estate market is booming, with new home construction increasing almost everywhere. Strong demand has driven up prices, setting a median price of $348,000 to purchase a home. Compared to many northern and western states, where home prices are much higher, Florida still represents a great overall value.
Tax Benefits
Florida is one of only seven states that does not have an individual income tax. The prohibition of such tax is enshrined in the Florida Constitution. Therefore, it is difficult for this regulation to change in the short term. Also, there is no estate tax. This is also supported and established by federal law.
Asset protection is another of the benefits offered by this state. This means that the person interested in residing in Florida should not have to worry about losing their assets to a creditor or lawsuit.
Where Is It Cheaper to Live in Florida?
There are several counties where the cost of living is low and affordable for both young and old. Below, we will share some of these places.
Suwannee
With an average annual cost of living of $65,400, Suwanee is the cheapest place to live in Florida. Suwannee County was established in 1858, and the county seat is Live Oak.
Bradford
Bradford County has an affordable cost of living of approximately $65,800. It was established in 1858 under the name of New River and, three years later, it was changed to the one we know today. The county seat is Starke.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s housing costs are 13% lower than the national average and utility prices are 3% lower than the national average. In turn, estimated monthly expenses for a family of four are $3,579 without rent. Jacksonville is Florida’s most-populous city but is not crowded due to the city’s immense geographical area. Jacksonville borders the Atlantic Ocean and is in the northern part of the state, so it is cooler than the other large Florida cities.
Pensacola
The cost of living in Pensacola is 5% lower than the state average and 4% lower than the national average. Housing in Pensacola, on the other hand, is 11% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are 19% more expensive.
Pensacola is in Escambia County, in the state’s “panhandle.” Living there offers residents a taste of a suburban feels. In addition, most residents own their homes. There are also plenty of restaurants and parks to enjoy.
North Fort Myers
Fort Myers’ housing costs are 3% higher than the national average and utility prices are the same as the national average. Transportation costs, such as bus fares and gasoline prices, are 4% higher than the national average. Food prices there are 7% higher than the national average as well.
Cape Coral
The cost of living in Cape Coral is 4% lower than the national average. Housing prices in the area are 15% lower too, and utility prices are 12% lower. Cape Coral is a very safe place to live. Its overall crime rate is 49% lower than the national average.
Safest Cities in Florida
Safety is a major issue when looking for a new city to live in. That is why we’ve ranked the six safest counties in Florida.
The first is Sanibel, a city located on the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida. Its crime rate is 63.1% below the national rate. It has experienced only two violent crimes in the last year.
The second is Key Biscayne, one of the best neighborhoods to live in Miami, especially if you are raising a family. There are many excellent local restaurants and opportunities for outdoor activities such as visiting the lighthouse, biking, and/or playing with your kids at the local park. Its crime rate is 73.2% below the state rate.
In third place, we have Longboat Key, whose numbers express 70.3% below the national crime rate. It’s a small town located in Manatee and Sarasota counties. It has several public and private beaches that attract new residents and tourists.
Tequesta is fourth on the list. It is a town with more than six thousand inhabitants, located in Palm Beach County. Its main tourist spot is Coral Cove Park, a large park next to a beach. Only two violent crimes were committed last year. In addition to this, its crime rate is 77.5% below the state crime rate.
Marco Island is located south of the city of Naples. It has beaches and many tourist centers, generating an urban environment whose security rates are high. We’re talking about an island that is 77.7% below the national crime rate, and 78.5% below the state rate.
Finally, we have Satellite Beach. In the last year, they had three violent crimes and 41 non-violent crimes. It ranks 84.7% below the national crime rate.
The Best Places to Live in Florida
It’s time to talk about the best places to live in Florida. We have already reviewed the safest and cheapest places. According to the research done by WalletHub, the state of Florida was ranked seventh among the best states to live in the U.S.
Orlando
Orlando is a large city with a population of 257,000. It has become one of the state’s top tourist attractions, yet the cost of living remains surprisingly affordable. Living there offers residents a sense of suburban urban mix, and most residents rent their homes. It also has a wide variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. However, among Florida’s large cities, Orlando has the highest crime rate.
Tallahassee
The cost of living in Tallahassee is 5% lower than the state average. In comparison, it’s 4% lower than the national average. Housing is 10% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are 13% less expensive. The home of Florida State University, it offers many job opportunities. It’s a great city for college and outdoor activities.
Davie
Davie is located only 30 minutes away from Miami. Its population reflects a great cultural diversity, thanks to the Latino influence. It’s characterized by a high quality of life. The average household income is $59,000. And, The average home price is only $210,000. It’s a popular city, away from the metropolitan area.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers has the amenities and beach access of some other popular Florida cities, like Naples and Sarasota, but it is more affordable. The cost of living is 6% lower than the state average. And, the median home price is $160,800. This is $6,000 less than the Florida average. In addition, it’s been named one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Valrico
Valrico is located in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. It offers residents a rural suburban blended feel. Most of its residents are homeowners. The crime rate in Valrico is one of the lowest in America among communities of all sizes. On the other hand, the nearest beach (Clearwater Beach) is a 39-mile drive. In addition, the median household income has grown exponentially over the past two decades, and currently stands at $70,732.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Florida offers a high quality of life for its residents. From its beautiful beaches to its bustling cities, Florida has something for everyone – although some may not care for the heat and humidity each summer. In addition, the state boasts a strong job market and a relatively low cost of living. It’s no wonder Florida consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country. Overall, it’s an ideal destination for individuals and families looking to improve their quality of life.
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