2019 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in FloridaAbout this List

Nocatee

• Town in Florida
• 13

Current Resident: I love living here. Low crime, good schools, great neighbors and neighborhood within Nocatee. Tons of playgrounds and sidewalks on both sides of each street. However, at this point there are not many nearby shoppi g options. The nearest mall is 25 mins away, same for target, walmart, etc. Shopping developments are currently being built in st johns county, but will not be done for probably a year. This is a fantastic and safe place to raise a family. However, if I were single or a couple with no plans for children, I would not choose to live here. Other areas would suit my needs and wants better at that point.
Read 13 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 11,634 Population

Fruit Cove

• Town in Florida
• 103

Current Resident: Though I wasn’t born here, I am thankful to have grown up in such a wonderful, open community! I’ve lived in fruit cove since 2004 and I can’t imagine growing up in any other community.
Read 103 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 31,873 Population

Fish Hawk

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 36

Current Resident: Fishhawk is a great place to live, I currently attend Newsome High school which is about 5 mins from where I live. Fishhawk is a very kid friendly environment which offers great education as well as after school activities such as soccer, tennis, baseball. Also there are many parks and recreational areas to enjoy after school or on the weekends. In Fishhawk there are an abundance of fantastic restaurants to try that the whole family can enjoy. Fishhawk is a close connected community that centers around being safe and enjoying daily activities. There are many young parents with kids that lives in Fishhawk so there are plenty of opportunities to get babysitters to watch the kids once and awhile. Fishhawk is a great place to live and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Read 36 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 17,698 Population

Gotha

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 12

Nearby Resident: I have spent most of my life, almost 20 years, living right outside Gotha, Florida. Gotha is a quiet suburb of Orlando, that is nestled quietly on the edge of Windermere and Winter Garden. Historic and quaint, Gotha boast's classic architecture, small restaurants, and family ties. If there is one thing that is certain in life, besides death and taxes, is the beauty that Gotha contains.
Read 12 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 1,911 Population

Palm Valley

• Town in Florida
• 21

Niche User: I love where I live! My family is around me, I have my mom, uncle, grandparents, & cousins living near me. The weather & the beach are awesome-my friend & I go to the beach, build bonfires, sit in the hot tub, surf, & swim.
Read 21 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 20,672 Population

Westchase

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 35

Current Resident: Westchase is a great place to live for people of all ages! The community has it all within a short distance: hair salons, grocery stores, doctor offices--you name it! This master-planned community is constantly kept up with. The grass is always green, the modern buildings are always in tip-top shape, and you can always feel safe at anytime of day or night here! If you get a chance, run by Westpark village and visit the small-town-neighborhood! You can walk from Starbucks to the bakery store within seconds. There is always kids running around outside and families taking long walks together. Great place!!
Read 35 Reviews

• A+

• B+

• A+

• 23,287 Population

Horizon West

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 16

Current Resident: Master planned area, family friendly. We moved to this area couple of years ago after exhaustive investigation of all pros and cons. Schools were a major driver as we consider it is the first sign that people living around prioritize or take responsibility on education and with good education comes the rest.
Read 16 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 25,365 Population

World Golf Village

• Town in Florida
• 25

Current Resident: World Golf Village is a very family friendly place- great for raising kids. It is a growing community, with lots of new businesses and homes coming all the time. Schools are good, but with all the growth they could use more schools to avoid overcrowding.
Read 25 Reviews

• A

• A

• A+

• 15,025 Population

Weston

• Suburb of Miami, FL
• 351

Current Resident: Weston is family oriented, diverse, health conscious, has great schools and is well manicured. There are family events in town center and most parks. There are annual events such as the "Halloween Spooktacular", "Lighting of the Tree", "Chanukah", and events for Latin American culture. People can network, volunteer and sports teams to interact with fellow citizens.Weston welcomes people from a variety of backgrounds. Residents have the opportunity to learn English or other languages at the library or one of the middle schools. Weston has a walking and bike trail throughout the city. School children are encouraged to participate in the Mayors Run/Walk challenge as a team for their school. Majority of Weston schools have the reputation of being an "A" school. Weston is filled with well cut trees,shrubs and grass which creates an environmental ambiance. There are rows of different plants with brightly colored flowers along side the rode. I am so proud to call Weston my home town!
Read 351 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 69,802 Population

Wesley Chapel

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 216

Current Resident: Wesley Chapel is an amazing suburb town that is continuously developing! Within the county of Pasco, there are school complexes and other school options nearby with amazing teachers who have passion. The diversity here is excellent, and people are generally accepting. Of course, with more development, commute time is starting to become difficult. Most services and entertainment areas are in driving distance.
Read 216 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 53,414 Population

Heathrow

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 11

Current Resident: Wonderful and safe area to live, but very strict on certain rules that don't really matter. There is plenty to do around Heathrow, such as the movie theater and eateries located in the plaza outside the main gates. Heathrow is also very close in proximity to downtown Sanford which offers sight seeing and great food.
Read 11 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A

• 6,135 Population

Keystone

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 36

Niche User: My overall experience of this area is that it is a great place to live because no matter what you are always going to have a perfect weather in Tampa. There are also many informational and special places to visit within Tampa; for instance, the Everglades, MOSI, Busch Gardens, the pier, channel-side, cruises, Ybor City and a plethora of interesting places. The weather is perfect for vacationing during any season of the year, believe it or not. It is always sunny and bright here in Tampa. I think this place will suit anyone who dislikes the chilly weather and is outgoing.
Read 36 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 24,236 Population

Pebble Creek

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 23

Current Resident: It contains a very safe and easy access environment for all ages. The diversity is slowly becoming an abundant thing. People here are very kind to one another, very clean and well mannered. The real state here is very profitable, along with the community schools being excellent. Overall, a very nice and suburban area for our community to thrive and raise our next upcoming generation!
Read 23 Reviews

• A+

• B

• A

• 8,311 Population

Oviedo

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 240

Current Resident: Oviedo is a suburb of Orlando and very close to UCF. The drive to the University takes about 20 minutes on a bad day. It is a growing area, with a lot of nice apartments being built. The majority of the homes are large single-family homes, but in some of the smaller neighborhoods, there are starter homes that people are more than willing to rent.

Being close to UCF provides us with everything we can think of to want, and even things we didn't know we wanted! There are restaurants that cater to every type of taste and offer every type of cuisine. There are nice parks to rest and recharge or even study under the trees. It is about an hour and a half from Daytona and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic, or if you prefer, go the other way and you have the beautiful gentle beaches of the Gulf. There's always something to do around this beautiful area, you won't be sorry you came here!
Read 240 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A

• 38,655 Population

Pinecrest

• Suburb of Miami, FL
• 61

Current Resident: Pinecrest is in a good location situated between US1 and Old Cutler road. I like how beautiful the neighborhood is with lots of trees. Some areas are easy to navigate however others can be confusing and easy to get lost. Some areas, nearer Coral Gables, are quite secluded, especially the gated communities, whereas the areas near US1 and Palmetto Bay are busier, but still quiet and safe.
Read 61 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A

• 19,441 Population

Palmetto Bay

• Suburb of Miami, FL
• 69

Current Resident: I love how Palmetto Bay is very diverse and in an excellent location with a variety of restaurants, malls and parks. Within 10 minutes or less of my house I can choose to eat out in 3 different Asian, Indian, Latin, Seafood, American and other restaurants or fast food places. Within 10 minutes or less I can go to 3 different malls and 3 different Home Depots for the DIY'S out there. My son and I ride bike along Old Cutler Rd on most weekends and with him I have discovered the nautical side of Palmetto Bay. There are trails that lead us out to the bay where he goes looking for fish and crabs and other critters. I love it here and highly recommend it.
Read 69 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A

• 24,679 Population

Wekiwa Springs

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 77

Current Resident: I love Wekiwa Springs! The schools are wonderful, the neighborhoods are great peaceful, quiet and safe area. Everything is relatively close within a 20-30 minutes range. Wekiva island is a really cute marine bar on the Wekiva river that allows small parties, business events, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. I have lived here my whole life and don’t plan on moving any time soon.
Read 77 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 23,359 Population

Parkland

• Suburb of Miami, FL
• 81

Current Resident: This region is excellent. First of all, the high school in this region is perfect. The high school provides many academic helps to the students and all the teachers in the school are very kind and accessible. Next, it is easy to get along with the people in the neighborhood. Each neighborhood acts like a big family. In there, we help each other and gain happiness. Our safety is being protected also. When I see the police in the streets, I will feel more comfortable. Our region is also a place for people to live, this region is very quiet and there is not many people in this region. Moreover, the environment here is amazing, the fresh air and green trees all make people satisfied.
Read 81 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A

• 28,901 Population

Winter Park

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 170

Current Resident: Winter Park is amazing. Park Avenue is an absolute hub of culture with Turkish, Italian, and American food, all together on one street. The town lights massive trees to celebrate the holidays. The public schools are some of the best in the county and state. The Cady way trail runs through Winter Park, and this is a great way to encourage kids to explore and stay active in a safe manner. The Chain of Lakes is an amazing way to relax on Sundays by boating out to Dog Island to barbecue and play football with friends.

Winter Park brings amazing experiences and amazing people into your life.
Read 170 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A

• 29,922 Population

Bloomingdale

• Suburb of Tampa, FL
• 27

Current Resident: The area is quiet and great for raising a family. It is close to several stores and the area mall and the schools are all in close proximity to anywhere you may live in the area. Also, the area is up and coming, as stores are continually being built and new housing developments are being built. The biggest downside is the traffic, the typical rush hours of eight and five are the worst. The crime rate is pretty low overall in my particular area, I have had absolutely no issues and the neighbors look out for each other and are relatively friendly.
Read 27 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A

• 23,395 Population

Black Hammock

• Suburb of Orlando, FL

• A

• A

• A

• 1,361 Population

Windermere

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 51

Current Resident: What I love about my town of Windermere is its safety and overall neighborly appeal. I have yet to have a negative encounter within this suburb. I always feel safe and appreciate the law enforcement spread throughout the areas and neighborhoods. It is a beautiful place to live and has so much to offer. It is quiet , even though it is directly behind a huge theme park, which makes it an ideal place for a home.
Read 51 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 3,261 Population

Lake Mary

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 98

Current Resident: I first knew of Lake Mary when I came to visit my husband's family. I found it to be a very clean, community oriented city.

After a few years, I have had the opportunity to be both a Lake Mary resident and employee of a well-known company. Lake Mary is a great place to raise a family. There are many extracurricular activities both here and it's proximity to Orlando.

I enjoy my city of Lake Mary. Come visit sometime!

My town has great shopping both here and it's neighboring town, Sanford. Eateries are very popular and as a suburb of Orlando, FL, it's easy to access the big city benefits as well. Recently the Sunrail service can take you right from downtown Lake Mary into the heart of Orlando for a nominal fee.
Read 98 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A

• 15,886 Population

Key Biscayne

• Suburb of Miami, FL
• 15

Former Resident: I lived there when I was in 7th grade and caught a bus from Key Biscayne to the mainland to Miami to go to school. It was a paradise for boating, fishing dolphin watching and treasure hunting under the water. The Key had 2 sides equally as interesting. The bay side looked to Miami beach and the ocean side looked to Cuba although you couldn't see it. If it rained it dried up immediately I remember that. Red snapper fishing was great. You could even sell the bigger ones at the Key Biscayne Hotel down the beach. Everything good!
Read 15 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A

• 13,074 Population

Lake Butler

• Suburb of Orlando, FL
• 39

Niche User: I love this area! In the past I have lived in New York and northern Florida. For me, central Florida is the perfect blend of that city life and the relaxing, southern atmosphere of Florida. New things are being built around me every day, so there is constant growth.
Read 39 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 19,575 Population