Best Places to Live in Florida: A Guide to the Sunshine State’s Top Cities

Find Your Perfect Florida City

Florida is one of the most sought-after states for relocation, offering beautiful beaches, warm weather, no state income tax, and a diverse mix of cities and towns. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolitan area, a quiet suburban retreat, or a coastal paradise, Florida has something for everyone. But with so many choices, how do you find the best places to live in Florida?

This guide explores some of the top Florida cities and towns, including West Palm Beach and Jupiter, and answers common questions like how many people live in Florida, is Florida a good place to live, and what are the biggest cities in Florida.

Florida’s Growing Popularity: How Many People Live in Florida?

As of 2025, Florida’s population is estimated to be around 22.6 million, making it the third-most populous state in the U.S. behind California and Texas. People continue moving to Florida in record numbers due to its warm climate, lower cost of living compared to other coastal states, and business-friendly environment.

With the influx of new residents, housing markets in major cities in Florida remain competitive. However, there are still affordable places to live in Florida, making it possible to find a location that suits your budget and lifestyle.

How Many Cities Are in Florida?

Florida has 282 incorporated cities and many more unincorporated communities, towns, and villages. These areas range from small rural towns to large metropolitan hubs, offering a wide variety of living environments.

The state is divided into 67 counties, each with its unique charm. Some counties are known for their bustling urban centers, while others feature quiet coastal communities and scenic natural landscapes.

The Biggest Cities in Florida

If you’re looking for big-city amenities, Florida is home to several large metropolitan areas that offer job opportunities, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the biggest cities in Florida by population:

Jacksonville: 971,000 residents (Largest city by land area in the U.S.)
Miami: 449,000 residents (A major cultural and financial hub)
Tampa: 398,000 residents (Known for its booming tech industry and waterfront lifestyle)
Orlando: 324,000 residents (Home to world-famous theme parks and a growing job market)
St. Petersburg: 260,000 residents (A coastal gem with arts, nightlife, and beautiful beaches)

These major cities in Florida offer diverse industries, including tourism, finance, healthcare, and technology, making them great options for professionals and job seekers.

The Best Places to Live in Florida

Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, Florida has a wide variety of cities and towns that cater to different lifestyles. Here are some of the best places to live in Florida:

West Palm Beach – A Vibrant Coastal City

Located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, West Palm Beach is known for its beautiful waterfront, thriving arts scene, and lively downtown. The city offers a blend of urban and beach lifestyles, making it a popular destination for young professionals and retirees alike.

Population: 117,000
Why Live Here? A great job market, excellent restaurants, and a lively cultural scene.
Best For: Young professionals, families, retirees.

Jupiter – A Scenic and Luxurious Beach Town

Just north of West Palm Beach, Jupiter is a quiet, upscale beach town known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and natural beauty. The town is home to a mix of families, retirees, and professionals who appreciate a slower pace of life with easy access to major amenities.

Population: 62,000
Why Live Here? Pristine beaches, top-rated golf courses, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best For: Retirees, families, outdoor lovers.

Naples – The Ultimate Retirement Destination

Naples is often ranked among the best places to live in Florida for retirees due to its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, luxury lifestyle, and world-class golf courses. It has a higher cost of living, but for those who can afford it, Naples offers an unbeatable quality of life.

Population: 21,000
Why Live Here? Safe neighborhoods, top-tier healthcare, and breathtaking ocean views.
Best For: Retirees, upscale living.

Sarasota – Arts, Culture, and Beach Living

Known for its cultural attractions and stunning beaches, Sarasota is one of Florida’s most desirable places to live. The city features theater, ballet, opera, and art galleries, as well as top-rated beaches like Siesta Key.

Population: 55,000
Why Live Here? A mix of city life and beachside relaxation.
Best For: Retirees, families, arts lovers.

Orlando – Affordable Big-City Living

Home to theme parks, a growing job market, and a strong economy, Orlando is one of the most affordable places to live in Florida when compared to other major cities. It offers a family-friendly environment and plenty of job opportunities in tourism, tech, and healthcare.

Population: 324,000
Why Live Here? Affordable housing, world-class entertainment, and job growth.
Best For: Families, job seekers, young professionals.

Tampa – A Thriving Gulf Coast City

Tampa is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, offering great job opportunities, top-rated restaurants, and access to beautiful beaches. It’s a great alternative to Miami, with a lower cost of living and a strong economy.

Population: 398,000
Why Live Here? A diverse community, affordable housing, and a growing economy.
Best For: Young professionals, families, job seekers.

Is Florida a Good Place to Live?

The Sunshine State has plenty to offer, but is Florida a good place to live for you? That depends on what you’re looking for. Here are some pros and cons of living in Florida:

Pros of Living in Florida:

No state income tax: Keep more of your paycheck!
Warm climate year-round: Say goodbye to cold winters.
Diverse cities and lifestyles: From beach towns to urban centers, Florida has it all.
Strong job market: Growing industries in tech, tourism, healthcare, and finance.
Endless outdoor activities: Beaches, boating, fishing, and golf.

Cons of Living in Florida:

High humidity and heat: Summers can be extremely hot and humid.
Hurricane risks: Some areas are prone to storms and flooding.
Tourism-heavy cities: Popular destinations can be crowded, especially in peak seasons.

Moving to Florida? Let Bald Eagle Moving Handle Your Relocation!

If you’re ready to make the move to one of these amazing Florida cities, you’ll need a reliable moving company to get you there. Bald Eagle Moving offers professional moving services across Florida, ensuring a stress-free relocation experience. Contact Bald Eagle Moving today and start your new adventure in the Sunshine State!

Why Choose Bald Eagle Moving?

Choosing Bald Eagle Moving means opting for peace of mind and exceptional service:

Experienced Team: Our movers are trained, professional, and courteous.
Fully Licensed and Insured: We provide complete protection for your belongings.
Affordable Rates: Competitive pricing to suit all budgets.
Discounts for Veterans! We honor our veterans with special discounts.
Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize customer satisfaction above all.

OUR SERVICES

Local Movers

Whether you're moving within the same city or to a neighboring town, our local moving services ensure a quick and efficient transition to your new home.

Commercial Movers

Relocating your business can be challenging, but our commercial moving services are designed to minimize downtime and handle all your office equipment and furniture with care.

Long-Distance Movers

Planning a move across the state or country? Our long-distance moving services provide reliable and timely transportation of your belongings, no matter how far you're going.

Packing Services

Our professional packers use high-quality materials to securely pack your belongings, ensuring they arrive at your new location in perfect condition. We handle everything from delicate items to bulky furniture.

Labor-Only

Need help with just the heavy lifting? Our labor-only services are perfect for loading, unloading, or rearranging your furniture, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

White Glove Service

For those who require an extra level of care and attention, our white glove service offers meticulous handling of your most valuable and fragile items, ensuring they arrive safely and in pristine condition.

Piano Movers

Moving a piano requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Our piano moving services ensure your instrument is transported safely, preserving its integrity and sound quality.

Large Item Movers

From pool tables to large sculptures, our large item moving services are equipped to handle bulky and heavy items with ease, ensuring they reach their destination without any damage.

Apartment Movers

Navigating stairs and tight spaces can be challenging during an apartment move. Our apartment moving services are designed to handle these challenges efficiently, ensuring a smooth move from start to finish.

Reviews

See what our valued customers are saying about us.

Excellent

Bald Eagle Moving

4.9

Based on 153 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Flora R.

I recently used Bald Eagle Moving and I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and careful with my belongings. They arrived right on time and handled everything with great care, ensuring that nothing was damaged in the process. The team was courteous, hardworking, and well-organized, making the entire moving experience smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a reliable moving company, I highly recommend Bald Eagle Moving. They did an excellent job, and I would definitely use them again in the future!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the glowing review! We’re beyond thrilled to hear that your moving experience with us was seamless and exceeded expectations. Your words are absolutely fantastic, and we’re so glad we was able to provide you with such professional and clear guidance. It’s great to know that Bald Eagle Team was able to show you just how hard-working, skilled, and friendly we strive to be! Moving can be stressful, but we’re so happy to hear that we could take that weight off your shoulders with a smile. Thank you Peter

Cindy H.

Bald Eagle Moving has moved us 3 times. Twice locally and now long distance. Honest pricing, on time and great crews. Thank you so much Bald Eagle Moving for taking the stress out of our move.Thank you very muchThe Hudson's

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. We truly appreciate your kind words and are pleased to hear that our team made your moving experience smoother and more efficient. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we are grateful for your trust. If you ever need assistance in the future, we would be more than happy to help!

honza R.

Peter is the best!

Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are always here to help with any of your moving needs, now or in the future. Wishing you the best in your new home! Thank you Peter

Edward H.

Moving can be a stressful even. However Peter and Bald Eagle movers including Gill and Kelly took every ounce of stress out of the process. They are the ultimate in professionals. Our move from Pa to Florida was uneventful with them handling our belongings. Need to make a last minute change in plans…no problem. Need to adjust you delivery…no problem. Simply the best you could ask for. Do yourself a favor, call them if you are thinking of a move. We were thrilled we did.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience. We greatly appreciate your kind words regarding our team’s professionalism and friendly service. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your recommendation. Should you require any further moving services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be more than happy to assist you again in the future. Thank you Peter

Josh B.

Everything I could ever want in a moving company. On time, fast, and efficient with military efficiency. We were moved out of one house and into another within just over 4 hours. Can’t recommend them enough! Thanks to Gannon, Garrett, and Gilbert for an awesome moving day.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Josh! Your review truly made our day! We’re honored to hear that this was your best moving experience yet, especially given your extensive relocation history. Bald Eagle team takes great pride in providing exceptional service, and we’re thrilled they made such a positive impact on your move. Thank you Peter

Kemmisha M.

Peter, Kelly and his team are amazing. They packed our home up thoughtfully and professionally. We will definitely be using Bald Eagle Moving in the future.

Response from the owner: Kemmisha, Your words truly mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We take great pride in our work, and knowing that customer see we care, precision, and dedication stood out means everything. Raising the bar is what we strive for, and your recommendation fuels our passion even more! We appreciate your trust and can’t wait to assist you—or anyone you send our way—whenever the need arises. Wishing you nothing but smooth sailing ahead! Thank you Peter

Jim M.

Bald eagle movers were excellent! On time, very efficient, very professional, very neat and careful with all my furniture. I would highly recommend them thank you Jim Mani

Response from the owner: Jim, we’re so glad Bald Eagle Team could take the stress out of your moving day! That’s exactly what we strive for—skilled movers who care and make the process smooth. Thanks for trusting us, and we appreciate the recommendation! Wishing you all the best in your new space!

Shannon Bonsell RD, L.

Bald Eagle Moving is the best in the area. Kind staff and reliable.

Response from the owner: Hi, Shannon. Thank you for your review. Glad to hear you had a great experience. Really appreciate it. Peter Bald Eagle Moving

Kyla M.

Peter is amazing not only reasonably priced but kind and trustworthy.

Response from the owner: Thank you for your 5-star rating! We’re glad you had a great experience. Let me know if we can assist you or your family/friends again in the future!

Amanda M.

Fantastic experience! Stress free and nothing broken. Highly recommend

Response from the owner: Amanda, thank you for the awesome compliments for your moving team! We are happy to hear that the team was efficient, friendly and created a raving fan experience for you! We appreciate your business!! You are the BEST!!!

More reviews