Best places to live in Florida
An ideal town or neighborhood looks different for everyone.
Those who can't get enough of the outdoors may prioritize proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches, while parents are looking for places with top-ranked schools for their children. Culture lovers might want to live in a city with museums and art walks, whereas sports fans look for professional or college sports teams nearby.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live 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.
On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums.
Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
CORRECTION: A previously published version of this piece, in some cases, incorrectly listed private schools as public schools.
#30. Golfview, Florida
- Overall Rank: 391
- Population: 1,252
- Median household income: $218,798
- Median home value: $1,179,988 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,317 (7% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#29. Davis Islands, Florida
- Overall Rank: 368
- Population: 5,449
- Median household income: $150,687
- Median home value: $1,014,460 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,444 (40% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#28. Carver City/Lincoln Gardens, Florida
- Overall Rank: 364
- Population: 4,824
- Median household income: $76,772
- Median home value: $218,403 (28% own)
- Median rent: $1,934 (72% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#27. Lake Davis/Greenwood, Florida
- Overall Rank: 346
- Population: 1,748
- Median household income: $97,875
- Median home value: $468,817 (36% own)
- Median rent: $1,360 (64% rent)
- Top public schools: Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus), Audubon Park School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#26. Cory Lake Isles, Florida
- Overall Rank: 330
- Population: 2,829
- Median household income: $170,649
- Median home value: $581,214 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,594 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: American Youth Academy (grade A+), Seffner Christian Academy (grade A), Zephyrhills Christian Academy (grade A minus)
#25. Lake Eola Heights, Florida
- Overall Rank: 324
- Population: 2,003
- Median household income: $100,277
- Median home value: $377,388 (35% own)
- Median rent: $1,464 (65% rent)
- Top public schools: Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#24. Bel Mar, Florida
- Overall Rank: 294
- Population: 2,172
- Median household income: $188,254
- Median home value: $656,425 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,903 (8% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#23. Riverside Heights, Florida
- Overall Rank: 286
- Population: 3,380
- Median household income: $100,672
- Median home value: $379,645 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,615 (29% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#22. College Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 264
- Population: 13,352
- Median household income: $118,453
- Median home value: $532,915 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,670 (27% rent)
- Top public schools: Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#21. Hunters Green, Florida
- Overall Rank: 262
- Population: 5,090
- Median household income: $127,421
- Median home value: $396,003 (69% own)
- Median rent: $2,174 (31% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Carrollwood Day School (grade A+), Academy at the Lakes (grade A+), Universal Academy of Florida (grade A+)
#20. New Suburb Beautiful, Florida
- Overall Rank: 260
- Population: 1,496
- Median household income: $232,651
- Median home value: $942,509 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,720 (20% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#19. Swann Estates, Florida
- Overall Rank: 244
- Population: 1,899
- Median household income: $136,798
- Median home value: $747,152 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,709 (30% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#18. Hyde Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 243
- Population: 1,422
- Median household income: $170,195
- Median home value: $1,477,799 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,778 (25% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#17. Channel District, Florida
- Overall Rank: 238
- Population: 4,038
- Median household income: $103,423
- Median home value: $549,201 (30% own)
- Median rent: $2,182 (70% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#16. Beach Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 234
- Population: 4,791
- Median household income: $147,380
- Median home value: $846,077 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,945 (37% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#15. Arbor Greene, Florida
- Overall Rank: 227
- Population: 3,449
- Median household income: $127,607
- Median home value: $423,010 (76% own)
- Median rent: $2,181 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Academy at the Lakes (grade A+), American Youth Academy (grade A+), Saddlebrook Preparatory School (grade A)
#14. West Meadows, Florida
- Overall Rank: 213
- Population: 4,134
- Median household income: $156,861
- Median home value: $427,963 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,882 (32% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Carrollwood Day School (grade A+), Academy at the Lakes (grade A+), Universal Academy of Florida (grade A+)
#13. Delaney Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 208
- Population: 1,296
- Median household income: $141,687
- Median home value: $547,684 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,639 (24% rent)
- Top public schools: Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus), Audubon Park School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#12. Orwin Manor, Florida
- Overall Rank: 179
- Population: 1,939
- Median household income: $169,317
- Median home value: $683,481 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,779 (37% rent)
- Top public schools: Winter Park High School (grade A+), Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#11. Lawsona/Fern Creek, Florida
- Overall Rank: 142
- Population: 1,730
- Median household income: $93,536
- Median home value: $425,845 (49% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (51% rent)
- Top public schools: Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#10. Lancaster Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 116
- Population: 1,254
- Median household income: $152,300
- Median home value: $457,781 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,192 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus), Audubon Park School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#9. Courier City/Oscawana, Florida
- Overall Rank: 113
- Population: 3,042
- Median household income: $140,335
- Median home value: $559,721 (41% own)
- Median rent: $2,143 (59% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#8. Virginia Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 111
- Population: 5,894
- Median household income: $175,591
- Median home value: $677,083 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,552 (12% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#7. Baldwin Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 96
- Population: 15,332
- Median household income: $151,007
- Median home value: $689,848 (43% own)
- Median rent: $2,245 (57% rent)
- Top public schools: Winter Park High School (grade A+), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#6. North Quarter, Florida
- Overall Rank: 87
- Population: 1,637
- Median household income: $63,037
- Median home value: $231,886 (12% own)
- Median rent: $1,662 (88% rent)
- Top public schools: Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#5. Palma Ceia West, Florida
- Overall Rank: 51
- Population: 1,542
- Median household income: $133,278
- Median home value: $579,854 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,132 (33% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#4. Audubon Park, Florida
- Overall Rank: 22
- Population: 3,658
- Median household income: $108,265
- Median home value: $422,598 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,031 (16% rent)
- Top public schools: Winter Park High School (grade A+), Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)
#3. Harbour Island, Florida
- Overall Rank: 9
- Population: 4,185
- Median household income: $156,929
- Median home value: $497,689 (45% own)
- Median rent: $2,323 (55% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)
#2. Hyde Park - Spanishtown Creek, Florida
- Overall Rank: 6
- Population: 2,219
- Median household income: $133,738
- Median home value: $621,272 (39% own)
- Median rent: $1,977 (61% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
#1. Uptown, Florida
- Overall Rank: 4
- Population: 2,428
- Median household income: $80,431
- Median home value: $278,210 (14% own)
- Median rent: $2,130 (86% rent)
- Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 42 states.
