9 Best Cities to Raise a Family in Florida

November 4, 2021 / Posted in City Guides
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

If you like warmer weather and like to stay close to the beach, maybe you should consider relocating to some of the best cities to raise a family in Florida. These destinations are not only located in a warm and exciting state, but they are also safe and offer good educational options for youngsters. Check out some of the most recommended options and decide what suits your unique needs and preferences.

Nature in this state you'll get to enjoy after moving long-distance
This state offers various places that are perfect for families

Is Florida Good to Raise a Family?

This state is a suitable choice for families who want to enjoy a warm climate, various options for weekend getaways, exciting opportunities, pleasant surroundings, waterfront sports options, and much more. Some of the places we’ll list are great for young professionals with children as well. Apart from the previously mentioned amenities, they also offer other important features that you need to take into consideration when moving with children:

  • Educational options,
  • Cost of living and job market,
  • Crime rates and safety,
  • Children-friendly amenities.

If you consider all of these factors before making the final cut, the chance that you’ll make a mistake when moving is much lower.

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What City in Florida Is the Best to Raise a Family?

Defining just one best place to live in Florida with kids isn’t easy. We’ll try to make this list shorter, so it will be easier for you to pick a perfect spot. But first things first – you’ll need to set your priorities and decide what’s important for you and your family members. After all, the most suitable place is the one that offers everything you need to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Street with palms
Decide what's important for you and your loved ones

#1 Nocatee Offers a Welcoming Community

This master-planned community is suitable for a relaxed lifestyle – it has a population of about 26,000, and most residents own their homes. With no traffic jams and short commute time, you can get anywhere you want in a few minutes. It is located about 26 miles south of Jacksonville, so you can visit this place any time you want.

Nocatee offers various lovely neighborhoods.

Also, beautiful beaches, recreational areas such as golf courses, shopping malls, parks, and fine dining options. 

Median age in Nocatee is 39.9

The median home value is about $$503,900, and approximately 86% of residents own their homes. Those who want to rent a home should know that the median rent in Nocatee is $3,500, according to data from Niche.

Some of the Highest-Rated Schools in the State Are Right Here

Statistics and online reviews show that this area offers some of the highest-rated schooling institutions in the state. According to Niche, these are:

  • Ponte Vedra High School,
  • Valley Ridge Academy,
  • Alice B. Landrum Middle School,
  • Ocean Palms Elementary.
Kids at school
Nocatee offers some of the highest-rated schools in the state

#2 Palm Valley Might Be Perfect for Families

This is one of the safest cities in the state, so it’s definitely one of the highly recommended options for your relocation. It has a population of about 20,500, and it’s a pretty lively and exciting place to live. People are very friendly, so it won’t be hard to make friends in this welcoming community. 

The median house value in this area is about $604,200, and the median rent is approximately $1,720, but the majority of residents own their homes.

If you want to move out of state on a budget, you should consider if buying a home at this price suits you.

Around 80% of Palm Valley residents own their homes

Educational Options Are Outstanding

If you check the Niche reviews, you’ll see that this place offers some highly rated educational institutions. Some of the good public schools serving Palm Valley are:

  • Ponte Vedra High School,
  • Ocean Palms Elementary,
  • St. Augustine Public Montessori School.
Neighbors having a barbeque after moving long-distance
Making friends with neighbors will be a breeze in Palm Valley

#3 Winter Springs Is Very Affordable

Statistics show that over 93% of residents in this place have a high school degree and that almost 30% of the population are families with children. This place is well-known for affordable housing options and good education. The place is also close to Orlando, so DisneyWorld is one of the things you can visit on weekends. Nearby Lake Jessup is also an attractive destination for a fun getaway with rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

With plenty of new constructions and a constantly growing real estate market, this place might be perfect for your upcoming relocation to a new state. The median home value is about $317,100, which is more than affordable considering prices in other nearby places. That’s why almost 75% of residents own their homes. However, if you want to be a renter, know that the median rent is $1,560.

Safety and Amenities Make Winter Springs Stand Out From Other Places

If you check out FBI crime rates and statistics, you’ll easily see that this place is recognizable for low crime rates and outstanding safety. With that in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy many events without worries. Winter Springs organizes an annual Festival of the Arts that can be interesting for kids of different ages.

Winter Springs Hometown Harvest is a fall festival that attracts many visitors, and it offers fun fall activities such as pumpkin carving, hayrides, and painting contests. Winter Wonderland is a celebration that takes place on December 7th, and it is one of the longest-running perennial favorites. It includes a tree lighting ceremony, dance classes, a parade, and much more, so don’t miss it.

kids in school after moving cross-country
Winter Springs also offers high-ranking educational options

#4 Oviedo Is a Quiet Suburban City

Another suburb of Orlando with excellent reviews might be perfect for moving in together with a partner and raising children. Public schools are highly rated, the population is diverse, and the real estate market is constantly developing

Oviedo is a great place to settle in. 

Not only will you save up on housing if you are buying a new home (median home value $397,300), but you can save up on rent as well.

Here, median rent is $1,900

Around 80% of Oviedo residents own their homes

You can also consider expanding your business, so moving an office here is another thing to think about. Crime rates and statistics show that this place is much safer than most other parts of the US. Locals are kind and welcoming, so try meeting your new neighbors as soon as you move and ask them about the most interesting locations to visit with your kids. Some of our suggestions are the Black Hammock Wilderness Area and different annual festivals.

Schools and Education Are Excellent

Over 21 public schools service Oviedo, so it will be easy for you to find a perfect fit for your children. Some of the most recommended options are:

  • Choices in Learning Charter School,
  • Rainbow Elementary,
  • Lawton Elementary.
kids playing outside
Enjoy spending time with your kids in nature in Oviedo

#5 Miami Lakes Offers Good Business Opportunities

Households with kids take up to 35% of the population in this place of 31,500 residents, so it should give you a good impression of the place you’re looking for. It is also known as one of the most affordable locations in the state. This is one of the main reasons why many people hired cross-country movers and moved here. 

It is a good place for both renters and homeowners.

Median home value is $485,900, while the rent is $1,860.

It offers various after-school activities for youngsters and good safety rates.

65 % of residents own homes in Miami Lakes

If you’re currently unemployed and planning a last-minute relocation, you should know that the job market is currently looking for experts in human resources, medical assistants, and marketing and communication specialists. Some of the top companies hiring here are Kelly Services and Cardinal Health.

This Area Offers Some of the Highest Rated Schools in the State

If you are getting organized to move and want to ensure your kids get a good education, Miami Lakes might be a perfect fit. Schooling options in this area are showing outstanding rates and reviews – some of the highest-rated schools in the state are here. Judging by Niche, these are:

  • Schools for Advanced Studies – Wolfson,
  • School for Advanced Studies – South,
  • School for Advanced Studies -North,
  • Coral Reef Senior High School.

Small school size allows teachers to build more intimate relationships with their students, making their work much better and more suitable for the individual needs of every student.

a family sitting on their lawn after moving cross-country
One-third of households in Miami Lakes are families with kids

#6 Heathrow Has Low Crime Rates and Good Amenities

Let’s start with crime rates – there is almost none of it in this place. It is a very safe and welcoming community, a perfect place to grow and study. If you decide to relocate here, there is absolutely no need for relocation stress – real estate prices are reasonable, and schools are highly rated. In Heathrow, the median home value is $509,200.

The median rent in the area is $1,805.

With a dense suburban feel, the housing market in Heathrow reflects a blend of rental and ownership options.

Here, 32% of residents rent their homes, and 68% own their properties.

Heathrow has a population of around 7,300 residents

With the median household income exceeding $119,760, you can conclude that people are also getting good wages around this place. If you’re relocating during summer, the only thing you need to consider is heat, but this shouldn’t worry you, either. You’ll find beautiful beaches around the corner, so you can easily cool off at any time.

Local Schools Have Good Reviews

With many great public schools serving this place, you don’t have to stress over your children’s education either. Good schooling options around here might be a good reason to move. Some of the highest-rated options are:

  • Choices in Learning Charter School,
  • Heathrow Elementary School,
  • Crooms Academy of Information Technology.
person at the beach
If you move to Heathrow, beaches will be just around the corner

#7 Keystone Is Also Attractive for Families

Another amazing option, even if you’re moving out for the first time and scared of possible outcomes, is Keystone. Relocating to a new home shouldn’t be very stressful. Especially if you decide to hire professional long-distance movers and rely on their convenient cross-country moving services. This will not only help you move efficiently but also leave you more time to take care of your kids during this challenging period.

For example, the Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving team can help you make the relocation fast and easy.

While you are figuring out the logistics of transferring kids to a new school, we can cover all the relocation tasks. Our comprehensive long-distance moving services will make the move simple.

On top of that, as a car shipping company, we provide some of the most efficient auto transport services in the US.

Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving provides its customers with 30 days of free storage

This place offers great parks and schooling systems, making it ideal for quiet family life. Considering that almost 92% of residents own their homes, buying real estate here might be one of the options. The median home price in this place is $528,700, judging by Niche’s reviews.

Public Schools Serving Keystone Are Highly Rated

Relocating to a bigger city opens up many possibilities when it comes to education. However, this city has an extraordinarily good schooling system even though it’s not very big in size and population. Some of the highest-rated schools are:

  • Steinbrenner High School,
  • Sickles High School,
  • Terrace Community Middle School,
  • Williams Middle School,
  • Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School.
women on a bike
Keystone has some great parks for outdoor activities

#8 Palmetto Bay Offers Beautiful Green Areas and Parks

Palmetto Bay is another one of the best places to live in Florida for families – it offers safe surroundings and various interesting amenities as well as a good schooling system and suitable housing options. With loads of parks and green space, it’s ideal for people who love spending time outside. Local parks are great for picnics, and nearby beaches are perfect for swimming, diving, and relaxation. As a suburb of Miami, this place offers easy access to everything you might need.

The only negative factor could be slightly higher real estate prices. The median home value in this place is approximately $715,700, and the median rent is $1,700, but the majority of the population owns their homes. 

Before drawing any negative conclusion, you should also keep in mind that the median household income in this place is more than $144,900.

This is among the highest median incomes in the US.

Palmetto Bay has more than 24,000 residents

Amenities Here Are Very Attractive

Palmetto Bay’s Coral Reef Park is one of the most interesting attractions, both for visitors and residents of different ages. This is a true oasis for walkers and picnickers – with more than 50 acres of untouched beauty, you’ll lose track of time while enjoying the surroundings here.

Deering Estate offers more than 400 acres of coastal scenery with beautiful cottages, the main house, and extensive gardens. Brickell Bay Terrace is open to the public and offers views that are often seen in TV shows and movies. It’s not unusual to see dolphins around here, so don’t forget to bring your camera and capture these precious moments with your little ones.

beach in SD you can visit after moving to another state
You can enjoy exploring beaches around this area

#9 Sarasota is an Amazing Place for Both Families and Retirees

Sarasota offers a unique blend of lifestyle benefits that make it one of the best places to live for families and retirees alike. Known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, top-rated schools, and vibrant arts scene, Sarasota provides a high quality of life for people at every stage of life. Families are drawn to the city’s safety, family-friendly neighborhoods, and outdoor activities that encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Meanwhile, retirees love the year-round warm weather, access to world-class healthcare, and an active senior community that fosters both recreation and social engagement.

The city offers housing opportunities for both renters and homeowners.

With the median home value of $372,000, you can tell the area is not too pricey.

As for renters, they’ll need $1,420.

Almost 60% of Sarasota residents own homes

One of Sarasota’s standout features is its diverse housing options, catering to both growing families and retirees. From waterfront properties to suburban homes in peaceful communities, there’s a wide variety of living arrangements that appeal to all lifestyles. Additionally, Sarasota’s low crime rates, excellent healthcare facilities, and plentiful opportunities for leisure activities—whether it’s golfing, fishing, or enjoying the local theater—make it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing and fulfilling life.

Family-Friendly Amenities and Top-Tier Education

Sarasota is packed with amenities that make it a haven for families. The city offers an abundance of parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities designed to keep children active and entertained. Families can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking through mangrove tunnels, biking along scenic trails, or spending the day at Siesta Key Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The city also hosts a variety of family-oriented events and festivals throughout the year, making Sarasota a vibrant, community-focused place to raise children.

In terms of education, Sarasota boasts some of the best schools in Florida. The Sarasota County School District consistently ranks highly in the state, offering excellent public schools as well as numerous private and charter options. Parents appreciate the district’s commitment to academic excellence, strong extracurricular programs, and an emphasis on both STEM and the arts. With a variety of educational choices and supportive community resources, Sarasota offers families the foundation needed for a successful and enriching upbringing.

Happy family after relocating with cross country movers
Sarasota is ideal for both younger and older family members

You Won’t Regret Relocating if You Choose One of the Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida

All of these places offer amazing amenities that are kid-friendly, and your kids are going to enjoy life here. A safe environment, amazing beaches, warm weather, and great schools make all of these cities perfect candidates for your new home. The only thing left is planning your relocation, and there is no easier way to do it than to hire professional cross-country movers.

That’s where Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving company comes into playWith our assistance, you’ll move efficiently in no time. You might also learn some cool moving tips along the way.  All you have to do is give us a call, and we’ll handle everything. Just remember, there is no need to hesitate or have second thoughts – this state is one of the dreamiest locations in the USA and ideal for all age groups. Depending on your personal preferences, pick your perfect fit and start living your own fairytale.

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