Safest Places to Live in Florida

Are you searching for a new place to call home?

If you crave warm weather and beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State is a great option. This part of the United States boasts numerous pretty coastal towns and cities to choose from. This state is home to more than 21 million people and is blessed with mild winters and warm summers. When choosing the perfect place to call home, safety is sure to be one of the most important considerations. 

So, let’s take an in-depth look at the safest places to live in Florida and what they have to offer.

The Villages 

The first of the safest areas to live in Florida is set in Sumter and Marion County. The Villages boasts a population of just under 80,000 people. Most of the residents are 55 and over and are attracted by the low crime rate and high quality of life. The crime rate is 881 per 100,000 people, which is the lowest in the entire state. 

While this retirement community is not an ideal city for young families, it’s a great place to live. The planned community can be found halfway between Gainesville and Orlando. This offers endless day trip opportunities, while the community also boasts an excellent range of amenities. 

Palm Coast 

Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Palm Coast is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. There are several beautiful sandy beaches for residents to unwind on during their free time. This coastal city is also popular among people who enjoy fishing, waterskiing, and wind sailing.

Palm Coast is home to around 89,000 people, and the violent crime rate is 997 per 100,000. The homeownership rate in the city is 74%, and most residents settle here for life. This gives Palm Coast a strong community feel, and there is plenty for residents to do. 

Property and violent crimes…

The property crime and violent crime rates are the second lowest in the state. Palm Coast boasts several excellent schools, making it an excellent choice for families. The city boasts a diverse population composed of residents of all ages. 

Riverview 

Located in Hillsborough County, Riverview boasts a young and vibrant population that is rapidly growing. The city is currently home to around 107,000 people. The median age is 36, and this is a popular city among young families.

Most people are drawn here by the natural beauty of the area and the low crime rate. The average income is one of the highest in the state, while unemployment is particularly low. This translates to low property crime and violent crime rates and makes Riverview a very safe place to live. 

North Port 

Located in the county of Sarasota, North Port boasts a population of just under 75,000 people. The cost of living is around 4% below the national average. This makes North Port one of the most affordable cities in the state.

The city has one of the lowest poverty rates in the state, and property crime is very low. The large and lovely Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park can be found just to the south of the city. This is an excellent destination for residents who want to get back to nature during their leisure time. 

Tampa 

Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is a major city located in Hillsborough County. The city’s name comes from the name that its early Native American inhabitants gave it. This coastal city boasts a population of just under 400,000, and the violent crime rate is particularly low. 

A number of projects have been established to improve safety in the city, including traffic safety. Measures to improve public recreation areas have helped to make the city’s parks safe for families; in fact, Tampa is currently the eighth safest city in the state of Florida.

The most popular attractions…

Tampa offers residents a huge range of attractions to explore during their leisure time. The Busch Garden theme park and Florida Aquarium are two of Tampa’s most popular attractions. An African theme runs through Busch gardens, which includes a small zoo of African animals. The Florida Aquarium features a recreated wetland area and an enclosed coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

Near Tampa is St. Pete Beach, with its white sand, and Hillsborough State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and camping. The Salvador Dali Museum in nearby St. Petersburg boasts the largest selection of his works outside of Spain.

Sanford 

Situated on the south shores of Lake Monroe, the city of Sanford is the waterfront gateway to southern Florida. This cosmopolitan city boasts an interesting history and relaxed atmosphere, while the crime rate is very low. Most areas of the city are very safe, and there are some impressive neighborhoods with close communities. 

Sanford offers visitors access to over 5,000 acres of public wilderness areas on its doorstep. The diverse collection of wildlife attracts many visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. Walking through Sanford’s downtown historic district is particularly rewarding. 

So many dining options…

Residents can enjoy the city’s diverse architectural styles. Many historic buildings are designated with bronze plaques. Highlights include the First National Bank, which is Sanford’s oldest brick building, and the ex-Seminole County Jail. The focal point for downtown is the city clock at the intersection of Magnolia and First Street.

Leisure time within the city can be spent in many ways. Sanford offers a wide range of dining options, from old-fashioned Southern cooking to a smorgasbord of fresh Florida cuisine. Options for shoppers range from antique rows to outlet stores and upscale boutiques to flea markets.

Marco Island 

Marco Island is the largest and northernmost island of the Ten Thousand Islands, located just off the southwestern tip of Florida. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere complete with a superb beach, excellent shopping and dining, and vibrant nightlife. The population is just over 18,000, while the violent crime rate is 0.3. 

Marco Island is surrounded by warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and boasts miles of brilliant white sand. One of the most popular beaches is Tigertail Beach, offering views over to Dollar Island. The area is a nesting ground for a variety of endangered birds. Boating, fishing, and kayaking are all popular on the island’s many inland waterways.

Natural Beauty for all to see…

Ten Thousand Island and Rookery Aquatic Preserves feature a serene and untouched expanse of mangrove estuaries. Nearby is Briggs Nature Center, famous for its butterfly garden full of a myriad of native plant species.

Naples 

Next, on my rundown of the Safest Places to Live in Florida, Naples is known as southwest Florida’s most sophisticated and refined city and is unpretentious despite the city’s wealth. The residents are drawn by the sunny climate and beautiful beaches. The population of Naples is a little over 22,000, while the violent crime rate is 0.4. 

A scenic and energizing walk takes residents from historic Olde Naples to Vanderbilt Beach. One of the choicest neighborhoods in Old Naples is known as Millionaire’s Row, with its stunning turn-of-the-century houses. Vanderbilt is a classic beach resort with condominiums, high-rise hotels, water sports, and other aquatic activities.

Do you love watersports?

Sightseeing cruises are very popular among both visitors and residents. Residents can take catamarans, yachts, and cruisers to see the outlying islands and sunsets over the Gulf. Fishing is another popular pastime and can be enjoyed from Naples pier and on deep-sea fishing excursions.

Shoppers looking for the finer things can head to Broad Avenue, which is the Rodeo Drive of Naples. The city’s restaurants range from the exclusive to moderate options near Vanderbilt Beach. The city’s entertainment scene is varied from singles bars along Fifth Avenue to classical music venues and cabaret.

Fort Myers 

Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is one of the state’s oldest cities. The city boasts an eclectic mix of old and new, retaining a proud sense of its history. The city is also home to a youthful population, which gives it an atmosphere of energy and vibrancy.

With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Estero Bay on the other, Fort Myers Beach boasts numerous ocean activities. The Burroughs Home is a Georgian Revival Mansion built in 1901 and located in downtown Fort Myers. This prestigious neighborhood is home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents.

Some of the most beautiful beaches…

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are located within a few miles of downtown Fort Myers. Sports fans can enjoy professional and semi-professional hockey, baseball and basketball teams, and Arena Football. Fort Myers is also the winter training home of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins.

Clearwater 

Clearwater is on a beautiful peninsula situated on the state’s west coast. The city is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and by Tampa Bay to the east. Clearwater offers 35 miles of white sand beaches on twenty stunning barrier islands.

The city area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Offering just numerous beach activities, Clearwater Beach has been named the top city beach in the Gulf region. Pier 60 Park boasts a family recreation complex on Clearwater’s expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing, and concessions.

Made up of five islands…

Fort De Soto Park offers nine hundred unspoiled acres of land, including seven miles of beaches. This unique area is made up of five islands, and the park features a fort built during the Spanish-American War. Fort De Soto Park also offers a popular biking and skating trail as well as rental facilities for canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.

Kissimmee 

This city in central Florida is mainly known for being a gateway to multiple major tourist locations. Many people travel here in order to visit Universal Studios Escape and Walt Disney World. There are also numerous ecotourism attractions in the area, like Snakes of Florida, Jungle Crocs of the World, and Gator Jumparoo.

Kissimmee’s interesting nightlife scene includes dinner and a show with the Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Residents are sure to find that there is never a dull moment in Kissimmee. The city also boasts several very safe and interesting neighborhoods where the crime rate is very low. 

Melbourne 

Melbourne is a sunny beach community mainly located on the mainland and also on a stunning barrier island. Named after its larger Australian counterpart, Melbourne was originally settled in the 1860s. Melbourne is known as a prime golfing destination, with good public courses at Baytree, Harbor City, and Melbourne Municipal.

The city’s two downtown areas feature a variety of unique shops and restaurants. The Eau Gallie, Melbourne’s historic district, is home to the Brevard Museum of Arts and Science. This museum features a collection of artwork by local and international artists in a variety of genres.

St Petersburg 

The last of the safest places to live in Florida is St Peterburg. This vibrant coastal city boasts a beautiful sandy beach, numerous excellent restaurants, and great shopping opportunities. The city features several family-friendly neighborhoods, which are known for being very safe. The city boasts a very low crime rate combined with a strong sense of community. 

A stroll along the pier showcases the city’s most recognizable landmark. The famous structure was built as a railroad pier in 1889 and is now home to restaurants and entertainment options. Leisure options here include a visit to the aquarium, fishing, boat tours, shopping, and miniature golf.

Lots of outdoor activities available…

Popular outdoor activities among residents include golf and sailing. Two of the top golf courses are the Mangrove Bay Golf Course and Bardmoor Golf Club. Two of the best places to indulge in sailing are the Offshore Sailing School and Annapolis Sailing School.

Shopping enthusiasts can visit the pier or nearby Beach Drive. Haslam’s Book Store is the largest in the state and boasts more than 350,000 books. Nightlife options can be found at Baywalk and at the Coliseum Ballroom, which is popular among older residents.

Learn More About Work Permits In Different States

Whether you’re job hunting or relocating, you might want to find out How to Get a Work Permit in Arizona, How to Get a Work Permit in Massachusetts, and How to Get a Work Permit in Illinois, along with How to Get a Work Permit in California, and How to Get a Work Permit in Maryland.

We’ve also covered How To Get A Work Permit In New Jersey, How to Get a Work Permit in Washington, and How to Get a Work Permit in North Carolina, or perhaps you’d like to know How to Get a Work Permit in New York, and How to Get a Work Permit in Michigan, in 2023.

Lastly, a few more remaining states include How To Get A Work Permit In Louisiana, How To Get A Work Permit In Ohio, and How To Get A Work Permit In Georgia, followed by How to Get a Work Permit in Hawaii, and How To Get A Work Permit In Oregon.

Final Thoughts

The state of Florida tends to suffer from a fairly high crime rate. In many parts of the state, the violent crime rate is well above the national average. However, there are also plenty of places in the state where the quality of life is high.

Generally speaking, a higher quality of life translates to a lower crime rate. If you have your heart set on living in a big city, the Villages or Tampa are pretty safe areas. However, there are also numerous coastal towns and small cities to choose from where the crime rate is fairly low.

Good Luck with the move, and enjoy Florida!