Best places to raise a family in Florida
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April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Florida
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Florida using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Wekiwa Springs
- Population: 23,512
- Median home value: $295,100 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,411 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $87,468
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A), Sabal Point Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sweetwater Episcopal Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 500 Sweetwater Club Blvd, Longwood ($2.1 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $295,100 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,411 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $87,468
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A), Sabal Point Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sweetwater Episcopal Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 500 Sweetwater Club Blvd, Longwood ($2.1 million, 7 bedrooms)
#24. Osprey
- Population: 6,931
- Median home value: $456,300 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,226 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $84,848
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Bay Haven School of Basics Plus (A), Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences (A)
- Top private schools: Victory Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13 N Casey Key Rd, Osprey ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $456,300 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,226 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $84,848
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Bay Haven School of Basics Plus (A), Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences (A)
- Top private schools: Victory Baptist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13 N Casey Key Rd, Osprey ($8.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#23. South Patrick Shores
- Population: 6,842
- Median home value: $284,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $78,288
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Coastal Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 442 Lanternback Island Dr, Satellite Beach ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $284,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,298 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $78,288
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Coastal Community School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 442 Lanternback Island Dr, Satellite Beach ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Horizon West
- Population: 39,065
- Median home value: $343,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,816 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $98,247
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A), Whispering Oak Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Horizons at Windermere (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Winter Garden (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Windermere (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7549 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $343,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,816 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $98,247
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A), Whispering Oak Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Horizons at Windermere (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Winter Garden (unavailable), The Learning Experience - Windermere (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7549 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Pebble Creek
- Population: 10,249
- Median home value: $276,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,566 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $95,200
- Top public schools: Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Terrace Community Middle School (A), Williams Middle Magnet School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Tampa - Regents Park Drive (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20611 Longleaf Pine Ave, Tampa ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $276,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,566 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $95,200
- Top public schools: Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Terrace Community Middle School (A), Williams Middle Magnet School (A)
- Top private schools: La Petite Academy of Tampa - Regents Park Drive (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20611 Longleaf Pine Ave, Tampa ($499,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. South Sarasota
- Population: 5,283
- Median home value: $474,600 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,037 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $70,341
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Riverview High School (A), Bay Haven School of Basics Plus (A)
- Pictured: 4414 Westwood Ln, Sarasota ($3.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $474,600 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,037 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $70,341
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Riverview High School (A), Bay Haven School of Basics Plus (A)
- Pictured: 4414 Westwood Ln, Sarasota ($3.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Tiger Point
- Population: 3,360
- Median home value: $243,100 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,650 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $104,800
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 3907 Tiger Point Blvd, Gulf Breeze ($450,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,100 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,650 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $104,800
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 3907 Tiger Point Blvd, Gulf Breeze ($450,000, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Wesley Chapel
- Population: 58,208
- Median home value: $231,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $84,951
- Top public schools: Dayspring Academy (A), Wiregrass Ranch High School (A), Sunlake High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saddlebrook Preparatory School (A), Garden Montessori School (unavailable), New L.E.A.P.S. Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 29153 Picana Ln, Wesley Chapel ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $231,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,481 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $84,951
- Top public schools: Dayspring Academy (A), Wiregrass Ranch High School (A), Sunlake High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Saddlebrook Preparatory School (A), Garden Montessori School (unavailable), New L.E.A.P.S. Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 29153 Picana Ln, Wesley Chapel ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Doctor Phillips
- Population: 10,488
- Median home value: $366,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,987 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $105,714
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A), Lake Eola Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Orlando Jewish Dayschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8955 Elliotts Ct, Orlando ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,900 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,987 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $105,714
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A), Lake Eola Charter School (A-)
- Top private schools: Orlando Jewish Dayschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8955 Elliotts Ct, Orlando ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Gotha
- Population: 2,041
- Median home value: $710,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $151,290
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Olympia High School (A), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: The Crenshaw School (A+)
- Pictured: 9927 8th St, Gotha ($889,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $710,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: No data available (4% rent)
- Median household income: $151,290
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Olympia High School (A), Orlando Science Elementary Charter School (A)
- Top private schools: The Crenshaw School (A+)
- Pictured: 9927 8th St, Gotha ($889,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Satellite Beach
- Population: 10,873
- Median home value: $300,200 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,476 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $79,082
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Brevard Montessori Private School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1665 Highway A1a, Satellite Beach ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,200 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,476 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $79,082
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Brevard Montessori Private School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1665 Highway A1a, Satellite Beach ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#14. Oriole Beach
- Population: 1,815
- Median home value: $233,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,188 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $83,406
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Gulf Breeze (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4801 Whitewood Rd, Gulf Breeze ($49,900, None bedrooms)
- Median home value: $233,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,188 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $83,406
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Gulf Breeze (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4801 Whitewood Rd, Gulf Breeze ($49,900, None bedrooms)
#13. Pinecrest
- Population: 19,244
- Median home value: $949,400 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,549 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $156,875
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Gulliver Prep - Upper School Campus (A+), American Academy of Pinecrest (B), St. Louis Covenant School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9121 SW 62nd Ct, Pinecrest ($9.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $949,400 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,549 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $156,875
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Gulliver Prep - Upper School Campus (A+), American Academy of Pinecrest (B), St. Louis Covenant School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9121 SW 62nd Ct, Pinecrest ($9.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
#12. Lake Mary
- Population: 16,698
- Median home value: $320,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,633 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $96,983
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Seminole Science Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Mary Preparatory School (A+), StarChild Academy (unavailable), St. Peter's Episcopal Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1678 Bridgewater Dr, Lake Mary ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $320,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,633 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $96,983
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Seminole Science Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Mary Preparatory School (A+), StarChild Academy (unavailable), St. Peter's Episcopal Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1678 Bridgewater Dr, Lake Mary ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. World Golf Village
- Population: 18,327
- Median home value: $273,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,705 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $91,875
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Allen D. Nease Senior High School (A), Pacetti Bay Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Augustine KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3316 E Heritage Cove Dr, Saint Augustine ($789,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $273,500 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,705 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $91,875
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Allen D. Nease Senior High School (A), Pacetti Bay Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Augustine KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3316 E Heritage Cove Dr, Saint Augustine ($789,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Palmetto Bay
- Population: 24,333
- Median home value: $562,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $123,477
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Palmer Trinity School (A+), Westminster Christian School (A+), Montessori School of Alexander (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13940 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $562,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,426 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $123,477
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Palmer Trinity School (A+), Westminster Christian School (A+), Montessori School of Alexander (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13940 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Heathrow
- Population: 6,987
- Median home value: $446,400 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,519 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $105,833
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A), Heathrow Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 380 Saddleworth Pl, Lake Mary ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $446,400 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,519 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $105,833
- Top public schools: Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Lake Mary High School (A), Heathrow Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 380 Saddleworth Pl, Lake Mary ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Keystone
- Population: 25,493
- Median home value: $379,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,450 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $116,626
- Top public schools: Steinbrenner High School (A), Sickles High School (A), Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A)
- Top private schools: Keystone Prep High School (A), Stepping Stones School (B), Odessa Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19004 Deer Point Pl, Odessa ($3.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,450 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $116,626
- Top public schools: Steinbrenner High School (A), Sickles High School (A), Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A)
- Top private schools: Keystone Prep High School (A), Stepping Stones School (B), Odessa Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19004 Deer Point Pl, Odessa ($3.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. Westchase
- Population: 23,923
- Median home value: $359,600 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,517 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $94,989
- Top public schools: Sickles High School (A), Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Terrace Community Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kids 'R' Kids Academy - West Chase (unavailable), Primrose School of Westchase (unavailable), The Goddard School - Tampa (Westchase) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9018 Hixon Rd, Tampa ($899,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $359,600 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,517 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $94,989
- Top public schools: Sickles High School (A), Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Terrace Community Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kids 'R' Kids Academy - West Chase (unavailable), Primrose School of Westchase (unavailable), The Goddard School - Tampa (Westchase) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9018 Hixon Rd, Tampa ($899,000, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Oviedo
- Population: 40,370
- Median home value: $289,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $95,935
- Top public schools: Oviedo High School (A), Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Hagerty High School (A)
- Top private schools: Star Child Academy (unavailable), First Years Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Interventions Unlimited (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1C City Walk Ln, Oviedo ($880,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,629 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $95,935
- Top public schools: Oviedo High School (A), Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Hagerty High School (A)
- Top private schools: Star Child Academy (unavailable), First Years Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Interventions Unlimited (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1C City Walk Ln, Oviedo ($880,000, 4 bedrooms)
#5. Fleming Island
- Population: 28,676
- Median home value: $269,600 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $94,154
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Creekside High School (A), Fleming Island High School (A)
- Top private schools: Childtime of Orange Park (unavailable), Eagle Harbor Parkway KinderCare (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Orange Park (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3647 Westover Rd, Orange Park ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $269,600 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,488 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $94,154
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Creekside High School (A), Fleming Island High School (A)
- Top private schools: Childtime of Orange Park (unavailable), Eagle Harbor Parkway KinderCare (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Orange Park (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3647 Westover Rd, Orange Park ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Fruit Cove
- Population: 31,314
- Median home value: $333,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,763 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $107,557
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Durbin Creek Elementary School (A), Creekside High School (A)
- Top private schools: San Juan del Rio Catholic School (unavailable), Living Waters Preschool (unavailable), Fruit Cove KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 569 E Kesley Ln, Saint Johns ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $333,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,763 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $107,557
- Top public schools: Bartram Trail High School (A), Durbin Creek Elementary School (A), Creekside High School (A)
- Top private schools: San Juan del Rio Catholic School (unavailable), Living Waters Preschool (unavailable), Fruit Cove KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 569 E Kesley Ln, Saint Johns ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#3. Fish Hawk
- Population: 21,929
- Median home value: $350,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,915 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $119,208
- Top public schools: Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Newsome High School (A), Bloomingdale High School (A)
- Top private schools: Creative World School at FishHawk (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Circa Fishhawk (unavailable), The Goddard School - Lithia (FishHawk) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6109 Avocetridge Dr, Lithia ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $350,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,915 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $119,208
- Top public schools: Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (A), Newsome High School (A), Bloomingdale High School (A)
- Top private schools: Creative World School at FishHawk (unavailable), Kids 'R' Kids Academy - Circa Fishhawk (unavailable), The Goddard School - Lithia (FishHawk) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6109 Avocetridge Dr, Lithia ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Palm Valley
- Population: 21,292
- Median home value: $476,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,397 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $109,000
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Ocean Palms Elementary School (A), Ponte Vedra Palm Valley - Rawlings Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmer Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 189 Admirals Way S, Ponte Vedra Beach ($3.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $476,800 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,397 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $109,000
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Ocean Palms Elementary School (A), Ponte Vedra Palm Valley - Rawlings Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Palmer Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 189 Admirals Way S, Ponte Vedra Beach ($3.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Nocatee
- Population: 14,747
- Median home value: $389,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,924 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $119,276
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Ocean Palms Elementary School (A), Valley Ridge Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Primrose School on Crosswater Parkway NOCATEE (unavailable)
- Pictured: 359 Wilderness Ridge Dr, Ponte Vedra ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $389,500 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,924 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $119,276
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Ocean Palms Elementary School (A), Valley Ridge Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Primrose School on Crosswater Parkway NOCATEE (unavailable)
- Pictured: 359 Wilderness Ridge Dr, Ponte Vedra ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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