13 Best Beach Towns in Florida to Live For A Young Family
While Florida is a famous destination for spring breakers and retirees, it is also important to note that thousands of young families move to the sunshine state each year. Having a beautiful white-sand beach right next to your home might sound like a dream, but it is a reality in Florida. There are some awesome beach towns in Florida to live in.
As a family, you need to make sure that the place you call home is not only safe (in case you are not familiar, Florida is also known for its sinkhole activities so here is more information for that) but also has great educational and work opportunities. That is why we have compiled a list of the 13 best beach towns in Florida to live in.
1- Tampa
Tampa is a bustling metropolis that has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re looking for work or just want an exciting place to live, the city of Tampa will not disappoint you. It has a population of over 385,000 people while 4 million reside in the Greater Tampa area.
Tampa’s location on the water, combined with its amazing climate and all of those big-city amenities make it a fantastic place for families. The third-largest city in Florida has everything you’re looking for without sacrificing anything else.
Tampa is one of the best cities for public schools in Florida. There are many different types of public schools to select from, including charter schools. Tampa has some of the best accredited private schools in Florida, including highly-ranked Bradford Academy.
2- Sarasota
A flourishing city with its roots in Old Florida, Sarasota is an hour south of Tampa and two hours north of Fort Myers. Sarasota is a quaint, beachy metropolis that’s different from most neighboring cities. The area has its own vibrant arts scene and bustling food culture with some of the best restaurants in all of South Counties.
The city of Sarasota has experienced an influx of young adults, middle-aged people, and families with children. It is a friendly, safe city that offers a variety of great neighborhoods to choose from. You have lots of family-friendly amenities abound in the area and there are plenty of parks to take your kids for some outdoor fun.
Sarasota has a rich cultural scene with abundant art galleries, theaters, and music venues. In addition, two reputable universities can be found in Sarasota where students can receive high-quality educations.
3- Bradenton
Located just south of Tampa, Bradenton is an up-and-coming big city that’s culture-rich with lots to offer its residents. It has a population of 50,000 people with another 152,000 in the surrounding area. The median age in Bradenton is 39, which means plenty of young families are moving to Florida. Bradenton has a safe, family-friendly environment for its residents.
Situated in Manatee County, Bradenton residents can take advantage of all the amenities in Sarasota without having to live with the noise and traffic. Family life here isn’t hectic like it might be in another large city; instead, it’s quite relaxing. The city has a modest yet lively downtown area where you can find great restaurants and bars close by.
For the 2021-22 school year, there are 30 private schools serving 4,143 students in Bradenton. The best top-ranked institutions include Manatee Learning Academy with its 93% average student proficiency rate and Woodland Early Childhood/ Dunn Preparatory School.
4- Naples
Naples, Florida is home to the second-highest amount of millionaires and it has a high per capita income ranking. Located in southwest Florida next to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches with an abundance of golf courses makes this city one that everyone should consider living in.
It’s also one of the safest cities in Florida, with 90% less than average crimes per capita. Some people might think of Naples as just a glamorous vacation destination, but it has much more to offer than that. The excellent school system and educational opportunities are part of what makes this community such a great place.
The beaches in Naples are like no other. For those that love the water, there is nothing better than cooling off by swimming on these soft white sand shores with crystal blue waters and beautiful views of Capri Island.
5- Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the 12th most populous city in America and has a population of almost a million people. Located near beautiful beaches, picturesque riverside areas, an active naval air station, Jacksonville can’t be beaten for outdoor activities. Jacksonville is one of the most livable cities in America, with top recreational facilities and abundant employment opportunities. The warm sunshine throughout this beautiful city makes it an awesome place to live.
Living in Jacksonville is more affordable than you expect. You may find yourself able to buy or upgrade your home more quickly by choosing this city as opposed to others with higher costs of living. There are also significantly lower utility prices here.
The best schools in America are right here! Jacksonville is home to some of the most prestigious institutions, including Florida State College at Jacksonville.
The city’s public school system was ranked by U.S News as having one of (if not the best) high schools around. It also happens that there’ll be plenty more college acceptances coming your way after graduation from schools here.
6- Daytona Beach
A friendly and welcoming community, visitors often get the impression that Daytona is a small town. While not on any lists of North Florida’s most populated cities it does have over 67,000 year-round residents according to 2019 census data.
Daytona is a friendly city with an interesting mix of people. You’ll find bikers, car enthusiasts, and retirees living here all year round. Located in Volusia County, Daytona provides the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure for visitors as well as residents.
In terms of education, you’ll find many good institutions here. The city lies in Volusia School District. Moreover, there are opportunities for higher education as well, thanks to colleges like Daytona State College.
7- St. Petersburg
The clear water and white sand beaches of St. Petersburg are a perfect destination for your family vacation this summer, come see us. It is a city with big-city amenities but small-town values. You have everything from gourmet restaurants on every corner to world-class parks where children can play safely, wonderful stores, and public transportation systems making getting around quick-easy as well affordable.
Housing in St. Petersburg is a great value! You can find gorgeous homes that are reasonably priced and have other amazing benefits like beautiful scenery, lower cost of living than other cities around Florida (7% less).
8- Venice
Venice is a sweet spot located along Florida’s southern Gulf Coast that makes it the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy 14 miles of stunning white-sand beaches. You can find boutique shops with clothing lines from around the world and excellent restaurants serving up delicious seafood fresh from one of the beautiful coasts nearby.
Being able to find quality medical and healthcare services in a new area is extremely important. Venice’s regional Bayfront Health Hospital, which can be found on the north side of the island near Jacobo Blvd. It provides top-notch care for all types of illnesses or injuries that may happen while living there.
One of the many great things about Venice is that it is referred to as the “Crown jewel of Sarasota County” The city also has a family-oriented environment with low crime rates, good schools, and safe surroundings.
9- West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a city in Florida with an urban-suburban mix vibe. It is a city within Palm Beach County; a county that has the eleventh-largest school system in America. The 100,000+ residents of West palm beach have their pick from nearly 30 public and private high schools, each providing an excellent education for students even if they live outside this community.
The unemployment rate in West Palm Beach is currently on the decline. And as long you are willing to work in the service industry, there will be no trouble finding a job here. It would be even better if you have a creative side.
The cost of living in West Palm Beach, Florida is surprisingly low when you consider all factors at play. Healthcare costs are nearly 15% less than the national average and make it a great place for those who need medical attention.
10- Satellite Beach
The people of Satellite Beach are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature. The city is filled with beautiful beaches, but it’s not all about tourism here. This place has something special to offer. With a focus on residential properties over hotels (and other tourist attractions), residents can enjoy a quiet life while still living near plenty of amenities like seafood restaurants or shopping centers.
The city of Satellite Beach is located along the Indian River in Brevard County. The area has over 30% coverage with water and provides beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean from its coastlines. It lies in Brevard County School District which ranks 5th out of 67 school districts for academic excellence. making it an excellent place to live or have your children’s education at this fantastic school system. With crime half that expected rate compared to other Florida townships; Satellite Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida to live in.
11- Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a town in Florida with the best of both worlds, an urban feel and tranquil environment, and most residents owning their homes. It has a small population of about 6,000 people.
Siesta Key Beach is a beautiful, expansive white sand beach that has been named the “best in America” for 2017 by Dr. Beach. S Kyles Landing and Village are located off of Highway 41 North near downtown Sarasota with their own unique shops and restaurants to make your vacation feel more like home than any other destination can offer.
There are many great educational institutes like Pine View School, Sarasota School of Arts and Science, and The Out-of-Door Academy.
12- Sanibel
Sanibel is a town in Florida with a population of 7,319. The best way to feel like you’re on vacation all year long? Head down the road from your home and spend some time at San Benito Beach or stay right there. With beautiful sunsets as one big bonus, this quaint city has it going for it too.
Housing prices are anything but average. An average house will set you back about $721,000 (not including repairs).
The crime rate here isn’t as high compared to other places so it makes this an ideal place where families will thrive too. Lee County School District ranks 7th out of 31, out of all across Florida.
13- Destin
The best places to live in Florida are the small towns like Destin, which is both urban and conservative. Located on Okaloosa County‘s beautiful North Shoreline with gorgeous beaches just one hour away from Fort Walton Beach or Panama City Beach neighborhoods, it offers an appealing environment for those who want more than what they can get at home – but without having too far commute each day.
The median income in Destin, FL is $79,000 and the median home value is approximately 347,124. This small town offers an array of amenities for visitors with its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses as well as fishing villages on some coves overlooked by towering coastal mountains.