Choosing the perfect place to raise your family is a crucial decision. Florida offers plenty of family-friendly options for families interested in moving to the state.
Therefore, you will certainly have a lot to choose from.
To make this choice easier for you, we want to provide you with the best family-friendly places to live in Florida.
Buckle up and let’s go.
12) Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is a charming city in Alachua County with a population of around 142,400. Known for its beautiful parks, friendly neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, it is an ideal place for families.
Valwood is one of the standout neighborhoods. It’s quiet and family-friendly with safe streets. People love the dog-friendly parks and the good relationships among neighbors.
Palmetto Woods is another great option. It’s serene and welcoming, with a focus on family life. The peaceful environment makes it very appealing to those looking for a safe place to raise children.
Your family will appreciate the abundance of outdoor activities. Gainesville offers numerous parks and trails, perfect for weekend outings or daily exercise. The town’s natural beauty adds to its appeal.
Living in Gainesville provides a nice balance between urban amenities and suburban peace. The area offers many educational institutions, which makes it a great home for families with kids of all ages.
11) Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay, Florida, is a great place to live for families. It offers a lower cost of living compared to many other places in the state.
The median home value is much more affordable, $314,431, making it an attractive option for families looking to buy a home.
Palm Bay Regional Park is a highlight for families. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and a splash pad. It’s a perfect spot to spend time outdoors with your kids.
Education is also a priority in Palm Bay. There are several highly-rated schools and educational programs available. You can find good K-12 schools that cater to various needs.
For recreational activities, Palm Bay has plenty to offer. The Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to explore. It’s a 15-acre garden filled with tropical plants and a relaxing stream.
Palm Bay is not just affordable; it’s family-friendly. You’ll find many community events and activities geared towards families. These gatherings help build a strong sense of community for you and your loved ones.
Safety is another important factor. Palm Bay has a reputation for being a safe place to raise a family. The community works together to maintain a secure environment.
10) Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is a great place to live for families. Located in southwestern Florida, near the Caloosahatchee River, the city offers a mix of natural beauty and amenities.
You’ll find excellent schools and many family-friendly activities. Edison Park is a neighborhood known for its charming streets and historic homes. The area is safe, making it ideal for raising children.
The McGregor Corridor features locally owned restaurants and boutique shops. You can also enjoy nearby golf courses and parks. This makes it easy to find fun activities for the whole family.
Manatee Park offers a unique experience where you can see wild manatees. It’s a must-visit spot for kids and adults alike. The park provides educational programs that teach about these gentle sea giants.
For dining, Harold’s is a popular choice. Located on South Tamiami Trail, it offers a variety of food options. It’s a great place for a family meal after a day of exploring.
Fort Myers is also known as “The City of Palms.” You’ll love its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and world-class shopping. It’s a growing community with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a top pick for families.
9) Wellington, Florida
Wellington, in Palm Beach County, is a well-known family-friendly village located about 30 minutes west of West Palm Beach. It’s recognized for its clean, well-kept environment and high standard of living.
The village offers excellent schools, making it a great place to raise children. There are three nearby hospitals, providing good access to healthcare.
Wellington also provides a variety of recreational activities.
This village is not just about its amenities; it’s also a welcoming and friendly community. Many families find it to be a perfect place to call home.
8) Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port St. Lucie, Florida, is a great place for families. The weather is warm and sunny year-round, making it perfect for outdoor activities. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and various recreational amenities.
The community in Port St. Lucie is tight-knit and welcoming. There are many opportunities for families to connect through community events and local organizations. The city is safe, which is an important factor for raising children.
You’ll find many neighborhoods to choose from. For example, Sandpiper Bay offers waterfront estates and contemporary homes. The proximity to the Santa Lucia River Club and golf courses adds to its appeal.
For golf enthusiasts, PGA Village is a prime spot. It’s one of the standout neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie. There’s also easy access to major highways like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making commutes convenient.
Public schools in Port St. Lucie are well-regarded. The city’s focus on education ensures your children will have access to quality learning environments.
Port St. Lucie also has good healthcare facilities, essential for any family. The local hospitals and clinics provide excellent services, giving you peace of mind.
The city is growing, with new developments and amenities continually being added. It’s a vibrant and dynamic place to live with a focus on family-friendly living.
7) Weston, Florida
Weston, Florida, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Located in Broward County, Weston offers a safe environment with low crime rates.
The city is well-planned, with excellent schools that are highly rated. You’ll find a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses.
Recreational facilities are abundant in Weston. There are numerous parks, trails, and bike lanes, perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The city also hosts cultural events like the Weston Arts Festival and the Weston Food & Wine Festival.
Weston has a strong community spirit. Families can build networks easily, thanks to neighborhood events and the friendly atmosphere. This makes it easy for both parents and kids to make friends.
Despite its many advantages, Weston does have a higher cost of living compared to some other places in Florida. It offers many amenities and a high standard of living, which many find worth the price.
In Weston, you can enjoy suburban comfort while being close to both the Everglades and urban centers. This makes it an ideal spot for families that want a mix of nature and city life.
6) Coral Springs, Florida
Coral Springs is a suburb of Fort Lauderdale located in Broward County. It’s known for its family-friendly environment with excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. With a population of about 133,801, Coral Springs offers a mix of urban and suburban living.
You will find many parks, recreational facilities, and healthcare options here. The city focuses on family values, making it a welcoming place for families. Coral Springs also has lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping centers.
Home prices in Coral Springs are higher than the national average, with median house prices around $577,000. This makes it one of the more expensive places to live in Florida. Despite the cost, families are drawn to its quality of life and amenities.
5) St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers a mix of city life and beautiful beaches. Known for its warm weather and vibrant arts scene, St. Pete is popular among families.
You will find many family-friendly neighborhoods. Historic Kenwood stands out with its strong community vibe and monthly porch parties.
St. Pete Beach is famous for its resorts and outdoor activities. Alden Suites features roomy accommodations with separate living spaces, kitchens, and balconies.
TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, another great spot, offers lots of fun for kids with its 60-foot slide and multiple pools. On weekends, you might catch a local event or festival.
For outdoor fun, check out local parks and trails. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers guided hikes and bird-watching. The city also boasts a range of good schools and healthcare facilities.
St. Petersburg is a place where you can enjoy both urban and beach lifestyles, making it perfect for families.
4) Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a top choice for families looking for vibrant neighborhoods and excellent amenities. The city’s cost of living is reasonable, and it offers various housing options including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
Hyde Park – Spanishtown Creek is a standout neighborhood. It’s close to Downtown Tampa and boasts a mix of housing types. You’ll find good public schools, parks, and recreational facilities nearby.
Cheval is another family-friendly area. It’s known for its excellent schools and safe environment. The neighborhood is designed with families in mind, making it easy for you to feel at home.
Harbour Island is perfect if you want a quiet, safe, and walkable neighborhood. It’s one of the more affluent areas, offering a higher median household income and property values.
Seminole Heights is rich in history and popular among families. It has top-rated schools like Seminole Heights Elementary, Broward Elementary, and Hillsborough High School. The community vibe is strong, making it a welcoming place for you to live.
3) Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida is a top choice for families. The city is known for its world-famous theme parks, but there’s much more to it.
Neighborhoods in Orlando such as Orwin Manor and Winter Garden offer a family-friendly environment. Orwin Manor is centrally located, making it easy to get to downtown Orlando. Winter Garden is known for its historic charm and fun activities.
Outdoor activities abound in the Orlando area. You can enjoy hiking, biking, or jogging on the West Orange Trail. This 22-mile trail is perfect for families who love spending time outdoors.
For those who prefer a quieter suburban life, Oviedo is a great option. It offers a safe, community feel with many outdoor activities. Orlando Speed World is nearby for those interested in drag races.
Orlando’s diverse neighborhoods provide plenty of options with good schools, parks, and community activities. Maitland, another nearby area, offers beautiful neighborhoods and a friendly community vibe.
With easy access to major highways like I-4, you can commute without much hassle. This is especially helpful if you work in different parts of the city or neighboring towns.
In Orlando, you’ll find a community that suits your family’s needs, whether you prefer bustling city life or a quieter suburban setting.
2) Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is a standout location for families in Florida. Known for its beautiful beaches, Sarasota also offers excellent educational opportunities. Public schools in the area are well-rated, making it a smart choice for families.
You will find numerous parks and outdoor spaces. These areas provide plenty of opportunities for your kids to play and explore.
Sarasota’s neighborhoods like Fruitville are particularly family-friendly. They offer a mix of suburban living and proximity to downtown. This balance makes it easy to enjoy both quiet residential life and city conveniences.
Local amenities, such as grocery stores and restaurants, are easily accessible. This adds to the overall convenience for families settling in Sarasota. You will also appreciate the low crime rates, making it a safe place to raise your children.
1) Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida, is a great place for families to call home. Known for its beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, it offers many outdoor activities. Families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing together.
The city has excellent schools, both public and private. This makes Naples a good place for your child’s education. The area has many community events and activities for kids of all ages.
Neighborhoods like Coquina Sands and Lely Resort are popular among families. These areas are safe, with quiet streets and lots of green space. You’ll find parks and playgrounds where children can play and make new friends.
Naples also has a rich culture and plenty of shopping and dining options. The city is known for its art galleries and theaters, providing fun outings for the entire family. The local zoo and aquarium are also big attractions.
Sports and recreation are important here. Many neighborhoods have tennis courts, golf courses, and upcoming pickleball courts. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, keeping families active and engaged.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best place to live in Florida with your family involves considering many factors like safety, schools, affordability, and amenities.
Florida offers many family-friendly cities that provide a pleasant, supportive environment for raising children.
This decision will have a significant impact on your family’s quality of life, so take your time and choose wisely.
