In this article, we will take a look at the 16 best places to live in Florida for young adults.
We recently published an article on best places to live in Florida. The article received a lot of traction and popularity among our readers. That’s why we decided to focus more on the sun state and discuss places that are ideal for young adults to live in the state.
Florida is the third-most populous state in the USA, with a population of approximately 22.36 million as of January 2023. The state’s capital is Tallahassee, and its largest city is Jacksonville. The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. It is a famous tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The state also has a strong economy, with industries such as tourism, agriculture, and aerospace contributing significantly. Florida is home to several famous attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center. It also has several national parks and protected areas, such as the Everglades National Park and the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Employment Trends
In February 2023, Florida had a seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment of 9,681,900, which marked a month-on-month increase of 38,800 jobs, or 0.4%. Over the year, the state added 427,400 jobs, reflecting a 4.6% increase. In comparison, the number of jobs across the US rose by 2.9% over the same period. Over the year, several industries in Florida experienced job gains. Leisure and hospitality recorded an increase of 104,700 jobs or 8.7%, education and health services observed a gain of 6.5%, while financial activities experienced an increase of 25,200 jobs or 3.9%. As of February 2023, some of the counties with the lowest unemployment rates in Florida were Monroe County at 1.6%, Miami-Dade County at 1.7%, St. Johns County and Gulf County at 2.2% each, and Wakulla County and Okaloosa County at 2.3%.
Is Florida a Cheap State to Live In?
While Florida boasts a strong economy, as discussed in our article 16 Best Places to Live In Florida, it is not a very cheap state to live in. According to the 2022 Annual Average Cost of Living stats released by the research division of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Florida is the 22nd most expensive state in the US to live in, with the average cost of living being 2.8% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, when it comes to grocery prices, Florida is the 12th most expensive state, with prices that are 5.4% higher than the national average. Furthermore, the cost of housing for both renting and buying is 8.5% higher than the national average, placing Florida in the 21st most expensive position among all US states.
While Florida’s cost of living is higher than some other states, it still remains relatively affordable compared to other major economic hubs in the USA. The state is known for offering a business-friendly environment with attractive tax incentives and access to substantial investment capital. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses are a vital component of Florida’s economy, constituting 99.8% of all businesses in the state and providing employment to 3.6 million individuals as of 2021. Meanwhile, some of the bigger corporations operating in Florida include Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTZ), ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT), and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE:SAVE). To check out more leading companies in the state, go to the 25 Biggest Florida Companies and Stocks.
Our Methodology
Several variables were taken into account to shortlist the 16 best places to live in Florida for young adults. The criterion included educational facilities, employment prospects, healthcare, and the overall cost of living, which included costs for housing, transportation, and other necessities. Furthermore, the list also considered elements such as crime rates, culture and lifestyle, and climate. These seven aforementioned factors were used to assign an average score out of 10 to each place. The maximum score a location could receive was 70. We used a consensus opinion-based rankings approach and referred to 19 notable sources to constitute our score for each of the places. Some of the prominent sources that we consulted include Forbes, Travel and Leisure, US News, Quora, and Up Homes. The places have been ranked in ascending order of their total score.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults
16. Ocala
Total Score: 12
Ocala is a city located in Marion County in the northern part of the state, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. The US Census Bureau estimates the population of Ocala to be around 64,096 as of July 2021. This makes it the largest city in Marion County. Ocala boasts a cost of living that is 6% lower than the state average and 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for young adults. Furthermore, the housing market in Ocala is particularly attractive, with prices coming in at 9% lower than the national average. The Brick City is known for its horse farms and equestrian culture. The city is home to many horse-breeding farms, training centers, and riding trails and hosts many equestrian events throughout the year. The Ocala Jockey Club hosts international three-day eventing competitions, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit attracts top-rated horses and riders from across the country.
15. Port St. Lucie
Total Score: 16
Port St. Lucie is a city situated in St. Lucie County on Florida’s east coast and is about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach. As of July 2021, the population of the city stood at 271,523, making it the ninth-biggest city in the state. Port St. Lucie is known for its many golf courses, parks, and natural areas. The city is home to the PGA Village golf resort, which includes four championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The city also has several parks and natural areas, including the Savannas Preserve State Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
14. Lakeland
Total Score: 21
Lakeland is a city located in Polk County in central Florida, about 35 miles east of Tampa and 55 miles southwest of Orlando. As of July 2021, the population of Lakeland was 115,425. Lakeland is known for its many lakes, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is home to over 30 lakes, including Lake Hollingsworth, a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. The city also has several parks, including the 1,267-acre Circle B Bar Reserve. The Swan City is home to the Polk Museum of Art, which features a collection of over 2,500 works of art.
13. Daytona Beach
Total Score: 22
Daytona Beach is situated on Florida’s east coast and is about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. As of July 2021, the population of Daytona Beach was approximately 74,437. The median home price in Daytona Beach stands at $278,897, while the median monthly rent is $1076. Daytona is amongst the best places to live in Florida for young adults due to its affordability compared to other metropolitan areas on the Atlantic coast. The city’s hard-packed sand beaches have been a popular destination for tourists and beachgoers for over a century, giving it the nickname of “The World’s Most Famous Beach.” The city is also home to the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Daytona 500 NASCAR race and other major motorsports events throughout the year.
12. Gainesville
Total Score: 29
Gainesville is a city located in Alachua County in north-central Florida and is approximately 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 120 miles north of Tampa. As of July 2021, the population of Gainesville was estimated to be around 140,398. Gainesville is known for being home to the University of Florida, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the US. The city has a strong college-town vibe, with many restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions catering to the university community. The university also brings a large number of events to the city, including concerts, plays, and sporting events, making Gainesville an attractive place for young adults.
11. Tallahassee
Total Score: 30
Tallahassee is located in the panhandle region of the state. It is situated approximately 22 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and about 165 miles west of Jacksonville. As of July 2021, the population of Tallahassee was approximately 197,102. Despite property values on the rise, local real estate in Tallahassee is relatively affordable compared to some other Florida cities. The property tax rate in Leon County, where Tallahassee is situated, is slightly lower than the national average, making local real estate more attractive. Additionally, residents do not pay a state income tax or property tax on vehicles, further contributing to the area’s affordability. Tallahassee is known for its rich history and culture, with several museums and historic sites located throughout the city. The city is home to the Florida State Capitol and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.
10. Fort Myers
Total Score: 33
Fort Myers is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County. It has an estimated population of approximately 92,245 as of July 2021. The City of Palms is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. It is also the gateway to many of the state’s best places of interest, such as Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and the Everglades. The city has a rich history, as it was named after Colonel Abraham Myers, who served as a quartermaster during the Seminole Wars. It was also the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
9. Naples
Total Score: 41
Naples is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, upscale shopping and dining options, and high-end real estate. It is also home to several golf courses, art galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Naples Museum of Art and the Naples Philharmonic. Some of the attractions in Naples include the Naples Pier, which offers great views of the Gulf of Mexico and is a popular spot for fishing and sunset watching. Other popular attractions include the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and the Naples Botanical Garden. The median monthly rent in Naples stands at $1317.
8. Melbourne
Total Score: 42
Melbourne is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is also home to several high-tech companies, including L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC). The “economic engine” of Brevard County has a strong military presence, with the Patrick Air Force Base and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit located nearby. It is also a popular destination for space enthusiasts, as it is located just a few miles from the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
7. Pensacola
Total Score: 45
Pensacola is the county seat of Escambia County and has an estimated population of approximately 53,678 people as of July 2021. It is home to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the primary training base for all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators. Some of the interesting sites in Pensacola include the National Naval Aviation Museum, which features more than 150 aircraft and exhibits on the history of naval aviation. Other popular attractions include the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, the Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt historic sites, and the Pensacola Bay Center, which hosts concerts and sporting events throughout the year.
6. Miami
Total Score: 49
Miami is the county seat of Miami-Dade County and has an estimated population of approximately 439,890 as of July 2021. This makes it the 44th biggest city in the US in terms of population. Miami is known for its vibrant culture and diverse communities. It is a major hub for international trade and commerce, with a strong focus on tourism and the arts, making it an attractive place for young adults seeking employment opportunities. One of the top attractions in Miami includes South Beach, known for its Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and beautiful beaches.
Some of the leading companies operating in Florida include Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTZ), ADT Inc. (NYSE:ADT), and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE:SAVE).
5. Cape Coral
Total Score: 50
Cape Coral’s outdoor recreation opportunities, scenic attractions, and entertainment options make it one of the best places to live in Florida for young adults seeking a vibrant and enjoyable place. The metropolitan area is known for its extensive canal system, which is one of the largest in the world and provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The canal system has given Cape Coral the nickname of Water Wonderland. The city is also home to beautiful parks and nature preserves. Some of the scenic spots in Cape Coral include the Sun Splash Family Waterpark, which features water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Other popular attractions include the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, which is a 365-acre nature preserve that is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
4. Sarasota
Total Score: 51
Sarasota is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural institutions, and arts. The city has a rich history, dating back to the early 1800s, and is home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a 1920s mansion that was once the home of the circus magnate John Ringling. This gave the city the nickname Circus City. Some of the top destinations in Sarasota include the Siesta Key Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre garden featuring a wide variety of plant species from around the world. Sarasota’s economy is primarily driven by the tourism industry, which creates a substantial number of jobs. In addition, manufacturing industries play a significant role in the job market by providing employment opportunities in the production of various products such as wood items, hydraulic valves, magnetic sensors, and electronics.
3. Orlando
Total Score: 54
Orlando has a humid subtropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, such as Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE:TUP), and the defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT). It is also home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Central Florida and Rollins College.
2. Tampa
Total Score: 58
Tampa is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown area, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Tampa Theatre, a 1926 movie palace that has been restored to its original splendor. Other popular attractions include the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Aquarium, and the Lowry Park Zoo. The Big Guava is also known for its sports teams, including the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa serves as the economic center of west central Florida, with a diverse economy that includes industries such as healthcare, tourism, insurance, finance, and maritime. The city is currently undergoing significant growth in both population and development, presenting various opportunities for young adults looking to establish their careers.
1. Jacksonville
Total Score: 62
Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by area, covering over 840 square miles, and has an estimated population of approximately 954,614 people as of July 2021. With its blend of inexpensive living and big-city luxuries, Jacksonville draws in young professionals. Housing costs in Jacksonville are approximately 14% cheaper than the U.S. average, and the overall cost of living is 8% lower than the state average. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which commemorates the first French settlement in the US. Other popular attractions include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
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Disclosure: None. 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults is originally published on Insider Monkey.
