2023 Best Cities to Live in Florida

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  1,364 reviews

Current Resident: It has lots of opportunity. I moved here from California, and though I appreciate both, I think Tampa has more opportunity. It is such a fast growing city, which only brings more and more things to do that interest me. It is a relatively clean and organized city, with lots to do. Everyone is quite kind to others, and Tampa is home to several great communities!... Read 1,364 reviews

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• Population 380,476

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,045 reviews

Current Resident: Gainesville is a great town balanced with many unique different types of people. On one side you'll find people who have lived there their whole lives, they live a simple life, maybe they've been passed down a family farm or a super secret family recipe that the neighbors, who have also lived there for forever, really want to figure out. They tend to frequent all of the classics Gainesville has to offer. On the other side, you'll find people who love to party in the city, get Krispy Kreme at 3am after a crazy night at the local bar. They tend to frequent all the new trendy places that open up here. There's also the introverts who just like to lounge around at home or read a book under a vine covered laurel oak tree, or in a cafe- maybe they enjoy drinking boba from Teastori while they read. There are two things that the entirety of the town enjoys greatly though. Anybody that I know would absolutely love to come together for a pie at Satchels and/or go out for a game day. Go Gators!... Read 1,045 reviews

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• grade A minus

• Population 138,741

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  580 reviews

Current Resident: St. Petersburg is a city located on the western coast of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and cultural attractions. The city has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. The Salvador Dali Museum, which houses the largest collection of Dali's artwork outside of Spain, is a must-visit destination for art lovers. The city also hosts the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, which supports local artists and arts organizations. It's is also known for its scenic parks and waterfronts where visitors can enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and waterfront dining. In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, St. Pete has a vibrant downtown area with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and bars. Overall, St. Petersburg is a charming and lively city with something to offer for everyone. Its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and bustling downtown make it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.... Read 580 reviews

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• Population 258,245

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,247 reviews

Current Resident: Tallahassee is the perfect city for someone who wants access to the ample opportunities that a city provides, but doesn’t want the faster pace of living, over-abundance of people, or lack of integrated flora and fauna. There is literally something for everyone to do and enjoy here which is why I love it so much. There are plenty of national parks, reservation land, and outdoor activities for families to enjoy, while Tallahassee arguably also has some of the best night life and party scene around, with Florida State consistently being ranked the #2 party school in the nation. Everything is pretty close geographically which makes it fairly easy to get around, and summers are nice and quiet because all of the students are back home. It really does not get better than Tally!... Read 1,247 reviews

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• Population 195,057

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  2,021 reviews

Current Resident: Central Florida boasts a multitude of cities -- what makes Orlando unique? That is the question many people ask themselves when considering relocation or the purchase of a new home. Orlando has a quirky character with vibrant night life, a diverse population, and a strong community-minded government. Not to mention, the lively food scene and countless activities. From theme parks to museums, the area has a plethora of options. As a long-time resident who has lived their entire life here, I can say with certainty this is truly The City Beautiful. We continue to grow as a massive metropolitan area, whilst still preserving our unique character. Thus, if someone is looking for a large urban environment with close suburbs and job opportunities, this is place!... Read 2,021 reviews

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• Population 302,968

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  422 reviews

Visitor: Have been vacationing in Fort Lauderdale for 13 years straight! Locals are always very welcoming which makes me always want to come back! There are amazing restaurants and shops on Las Olas, which is not too far from majority of the beautiful hotels right on the beach. The beach is always cleaned and well-taken care of, even during busy times like Spring Break and Winter Holidays.... Read 422 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 182,247

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  373 reviews

Current Resident: Clearwater is a good suburban area with a nice beach, but other than the beach, there isn't much to do. It isn't a super "young" or recently renovated city compared to its neighbors like St. Pete and Tampa. It is a nice place to settle down though!... Read 373 reviews

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• Population 116,616

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,553 reviews

Current Resident: Jacksonville is a wonderful city to live in. I’ve lived here for 14 years and made some amazing memories as a child through my adulthood. It’s a growing city and I’m happy to see people from across the country wanting to move here. There are many events, places and attractions to see and activities you can do in Jacksonville. Basically, there’s something for everyone. Also, the weather is amazing and it’s perfect to enjoy it while sunbathing on a beach. I love living here!... Read 1,553 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 937,690

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  456 reviews

Current Resident: I like Palm Bay because it’s very diverse! It’s a perfect place to raise your kids, settle down and start a family. The community is very sweet and there’s lots of fun activities to keep busy!... Read 456 reviews

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• Population 118,709

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  459 reviews

Works Here: I love Lakeland! I grew up in a smaller town just outside of Lakeland. Although growing up we didn't spent much time in Lakeland, now as an adult its where I choose to spend it most. Lakelands down town area is has so much history, and its building and architecture unveils that. Myself, my wife and our fur baby Storm spend a lot of quality time in the don town area. We walk Lake Mirror, interacting with people from all walks of life, Lakeland brings such a happy diverse community. My family also enjoys the actives Lakeland brings on the weeks, like the market downtown, we are able meet with locals and venders. Lakeland has diverity within its shopping, and restaurants bring such life to Lakeland. Im happy to now work, living and attend school in Lakeland.... Read 459 reviews

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• Population 110,401

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.16 out of 5  1,311 reviews

Current Resident: With every city there are highlights and pitfalls. Traffic, travel times (Miami is a lot larger than people think!), and the occasional language barrier, Miami can come off as a bit rough. But there are many great things to! Miami is a place where you can find food from all parts of the world. The population is very diverse with people from all nations and walks of life making for some great cultural differences, experiences, and viewpoints. With great music, food, and dancing as well as beaches, gardens, and meuseums there is something here for everyone.... Read 1,311 reviews

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• Population 440,807

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  579 reviews

Current Resident: During my stay in West Palm Beach, I had a truly remarkable experience. To fully appreciate the natural beauty of West Palm Beach, I took advantage of the various outdoor activities available. Snorkeling allowed me to explore the vibrant underwater world, while fishing charters provided exciting opportunities to catch local fish species. Additionally, water tours allowed me to admire the breathtaking coastal scenery from a different perspective. Overall, my experience in West Palm Beach was filled with excitement, entertainment, and exploration. The variety of attractions and activities ensured that there was never a dull moment. Whether it's immersing oneself in nature, indulging in art and culture, or simply relaxing by the waterfront, West Palm Beach has something for everyone. I highly recommend it as a year-round destination with pleasant weather, making it an ideal choice for a memorable vacation.... Read 579 reviews

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• grade C+

• Population 115,877

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.62 out of 5  261 reviews

Current Resident: Pompano Beach, Florida, the hidden gem of the Sunshine State. This city is all about the eye of the beholder. With its rich history in agriculture, gorgeous beach, and historical landmarks, you'll definitely be receiving your money's worth of adoration. Pompano Beach has received many awards in schooling, and I must say our Nursing, Engineering, Sports, and Band programs in all levels of school are second to none. The job market is flourishing, with many opportunities to excel and move up within respective companies. The weather is a bit bipolar, but that's the tropical oasis of Florida for you! I highly recommend taking a trip to come and see what Pompano Beach has to offer for you and your family. Have those bags ready, because you'll be here to stay!... Read 261 reviews

• grade B

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• Population 111,423

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.56 out of 5  618 reviews

Current Resident: As someone who moved from New Jersey to Cape Coral, the difference in the community is very noticeable. For example, overall many people are amiable. There are small exercise stations along Cape Coral's Del Prado, and many people follow the bike trail that takes you around cape coral. It is a growing city, with new parks, sidewalks, and buildings in construction, and with some already built, it is a lovely place to reside in.... Read 618 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 193,003

• City in Florida

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  714 reviews

Current Resident: Port St. Lucie is a beautiful coastal city in Florida that offers visitors a range of activities, from relaxing on the beach to playing golf or exploring nature. However, there are a few areas where the city could improve to enhance the overall experience. One area is transportation, as a more comprehensive public transportation system would make it easier for visitors to get around. Additionally, more affordable accommodations would make the city more accessible to budget-conscious travelers. Finally, investing in cultural and educational attractions would provide a more well-rounded experience and attract a wider range of visitors. Overall, Port St. Lucie is a great destination for anyone looking for a laid-back beach vacation, but there is room for improvement to make it even better.... Read 714 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 202,177