Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida
What are the best places to raise a family in Florida? This is perhaps one of the most ignored questions when you browse the internet looking at stuff about Florida. The sunshine state is famous for its stunning beaches and fancy nightlife. That’s where most people focus while talking about Florida.
What we seem to forget is that there are thousands of families moving to Florida, not just for vacations but to make it their home. That is when they look for the best places in Florida to raise a family.
While most other lists like this only focus on schools, we are taking a holistic approach. We will take into account the education, safety, and overall facilities in these areas.
In case you did not know, Florida is also known for its Sinkhole Alley primarily located in central Florida. No matter where you decide to raise your family in Florida, make sure to check out the Florida Sinkhole guide.
Parkland
Located in the Miami metropolitan area in Broward County, Parkland is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. It has a population of almost 35,000. The schools are a part of the Broward County school district which ranks number 22.
Parkland is among the Top 10 safest cities in Florida. It ranks at number 8th in Florida. The crime rate is remarkably lower than the national and state average.
Parkland is adorned with nine lush green parks, making it a relaxing place away from the noise of big cities. Out of these nine parks, the Pine Trails Park and Liberty Park stand out for their unique charm.
There is a whole range of lavish restaurants as well. Living in such a fancy place comes at a price. An average house in Parkland costs $612,000 while the average monthly rent is $2,500.
Weston
Considered one of the most modern cities in not only Florida but the entire country, Weston is a master-planned community in the suburbs of Miami. Located in Broward County in Southeast Florida, it has a population of 72,000. The Broward County school district is ranked number 22, which means that education here is reasonable.
Weston is ranked 13th safest city in the state, making it one of the best places to raise a family in Florida. The crime rate here is less than 25% of the state average.
Built along the edge of the Everglades, Weston is famous for its lush landscapes and premium neighborhoods. A lot of events like concerts, festivals, and golf tournaments keep happening throughout the year.
The walking and biking trails of Weston are also some of the best in Florida. Because of all these pros, it is an extravagant town with an average house price of $482,000 and a monthly rent of $2,200.
Sanibel
This is an island located in Lee County in South Florida. Sanibel has a small population of 7,500. The city is a short drive away from Fort Myers. This charming town on the Gulf of Mexico is famous for its beautiful sunsets. The housing in Sanibel is quite expensive, marking the price of an average house at $721,000.
The population overall is prosperous, with an annual income of a household at $108,000. The education is decent. Lee County School District ranks 31st in the state. However, the crime rate is less than half of the national average which makes Sanibel one of the best places to raise a family in Florida.
The temperature in Sanibel is quite hot, higher than the state average, and much higher than the national average. One of the most interesting activities in Sanibel is shelling – collecting seashells while walking on its unspoiled beaches.
It is a quiet city with zero stoplights. There are many fun things to do like going boating, fishing or dining. The seafood in this city is delicious.
Gulf Breeze
This is a small town of 7,000 people, situated in Santa Rosa County. This suburb of Pensacola is a peninsula, surrounded by water bodies from three sides. The property value is high. An average house costs $372,000 while the average monthly rent is $1,470. The town is inhabited by an affluent population, with an average household income of $92,000.
Gulf Breeze schools are part of Santa Rosa County School District which ranks at number 3 in the state. It is the 38th safest city in Florida, with a crime rate far lower than the national and state average, making it a perfect place to raise a family in Florida.
Gulf Breeze is a great place for water sports, hiking, and adventure. The city is known for its mouth-watering seafood.
Gulf Breeze Zoo is spread over 50 miles and is home to thousands of animals. The zoo is made special by its raised boardwalk that gives you a vantage point to gaze at herds of exotic animals.
Ponte Vedra Beach
This is a small seaside community, situated at a distance of just 18 miles from downtown Jacksonville and 26 miles from St. Augustine. This northeastern town is best known for its beautiful shores, alluring sand dunes, miles of freshwater streams, and a close-knit community. With a population of about 28,000 people, it is a small but vibrant town.
This St. Johns County town is suitable for raising a family because it provides great schooling and a peaceful leaving. There are some really good schools here that make this town a great place to raise children. The crime rate of Ponte Vedra is lower than 70% of the country.
Being famous for its golf club and PGA tours, Ponte Vedra is a fairly expensive town with an upper-class population. The average house costs $330,000. There are lots of posh restaurants in the area.
The weather is also quite nice because the temperatures are lower than the Florida average and higher than the national average. Hence, you find balanced weather, making it a comfortable place to live all year long.
Niceville
As the name suggests, Niceville folks are friendly and open-hearted. The city is located in the center of Okaloosa County in northwest Florida. It is a small city with a population of almost 16,000 people. The city is ranked the 28th safest town in Florida. The crime rate is lower than half of the national average.
There are several educational institutions including many decent elementary schools, high schools, and Northwest Florida State College.
From stunning white sand beaches to remarkable dining, Niceville offers a combination of tranquility, value, and entertainment. The greatest Niceville area is home to many parks, the Heritage Museum of Southwest Florida, and Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center. The average house price is $238,000 while the average gross rent is $1,120 per month.
Saint Johns
We’re not talking about St. Johns County. Saint Johns is a calm town in the suburbs of Jacksonville. The entire 32259 ZIP code gathers to make up the Saint Johns area, claiming a population of roughly 40,000 people. Towns like Fruit Cove, Durbin Crossing, and Rivertown, etc. are also part of the Saint Johns area. Overall it is a peaceful place with access to some great elementary and high schools.
The crime rate is also lower than Florida’s average. Health centers for yourself and your pets are minutes away. There are countless tourist spots around the area which provide the locals with business and job opportunities.
Being near the coast, Saint Johns gives easy access to marvelous beaches. Ponte Vedra Beach is just 30 minutes away, so is the historic town of St. Augustine.
There are some high-class resorts with attractions like Beachwalk Crystal Lagoon, which is Florida’s first 14-acre Crystal Lagoon.
Ponte Vedra
This St. Johns County town lies west of Ponte Vedra Beach, just across the Intracoastal Waterway. Just like the nearby Ponte Vedra Beach, this serene town is best known for its golf courses and fancy real estate. When it comes to education, St. Johns County School District ranks among the top in all districts at the state level.
Ponte Vedra High School and Allen D. Nease Senior High School are both reputable schools with graduation rates above 96%. The crime rate is also reasonably low.
Also known as the “Golfer’s Paradise”, Ponte Verda is a neighborhood with several new developments going on. The most prominent of these newly established communities in Nocatee.
The weather conditions are favorable almost throughout the year. There are plenty of fun activities to do in this area. You can enjoy the waterparks, jogging trails, and local events.
Satellite Beach
With a population of 11,000 friendly people, this Brevard County town is spread over an area of 3 miles. Over 30 percent of the area is covered with water. Satellite Beach city is located along the Indian River. It is a coastal town, providing beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The city lies in the Brevard County school district, which ranks number 5th out of 67. Satellite Beach ranks 68th safest town in the state. The crime rate is half of the state average.
The weather of this beautiful coastal city will remind you every day that you are in Florida. The average temperature is 72.24°F which is almost the same as Florida’s average, but much higher than the national average temperature (54.45°F). Despite the higher temperature, summers aren’t extremely hot in Satellite Beach.
The town also offers a great kayaking experience. There are several gorgeous attractions like Canova Beach Park, Pelican Beach Park, and Samsons Island Nature Preserve, etc.
North Palm Beach
It is a village located in Palm Beach County in southeast Florida. It was established by the philanthropist John D. MacArthur. It has a population of just over 13,000. Palm Beach County School District ranked 20th best in the state. On average, schooling here is better than the average in Florida. The crime rate is considerably low. The village has a crime rate of almost half of the state average.
North Palm Beach is the only town in Palm Beach County with a state park. John D. MacArthur State Park offers a family-friendly recreation to the residents.
You can partake in kayaking, canoeing, or special events at the park. The average house price in North Palm Beach is $328,000 while the average monthly rent is $1,525.
Fernandina Beach
With a population of just over 13 thousand, this city is the county seat of Nassau County. The city itself is spread over an area of 11.5 miles. It is the northernmost city on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Schooling here is great. Nassau County school district is ranked number 10th in the state. There aren’t as many schools as other places but the level of education in the existing ones is high. The crime rate is lower than the state average and almost the same as the national average.
Fernandina Beach is famous for its golf courses, charming resorts, world-class spas, and historic sites. It offers you 13 miles of marvelous beaches. The average house price in this beautiful town is $334,000 and the average monthly rent is $1,140.
Gainesville
Gainesville is the largest city not only in Alachua County but the whole of North Central Florida. It has a population of 134,000. The city has a great education, especially at a higher level. It is home to Santa Fe College and the University of Florida. Elementary schools and high schools are also good.
The city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are inhabited by wildlife. Just like most of the places on this list, water sports are a thing in this city. It is an affordable place to live in, with an average house price of $162,000 and average rent of $950.
Sources
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