When it comes to planning your future and the future of your children, finding the right place to live in is a vital issue. Fortunately, there are countless places across the US to choose from, depending on your needs. If your choice is the Sunshine State, you should get familiar with some of the best cities to raise a family in Florida. After California and Texas, it is the third most populous state, and not just due to its sandy beaches and 265 sunny days a year.
FL comes with plenty of sunny days, pristine beaches and natural beauties.
If you’re planning to relocate to one of the sunniest states in the US, your first concern should be finding the community that meets your requirements. Then, you should focus on planning your moving budget, picking reliable Florida movers to take you there, or finding the cheapest way to move out of state to reduce the costs of moving. Of course, don’t forget to find a job before moving to another state and go through some moving day tips to avoid common moving mistakes. Luckily, the Sunshine State has much more beautiful and peaceful cities than those you should stay away from. First things first, ask yourself and your loved ones what factors are the most relevant for a fulfilled and happy life because this is a different experience from moving alone to another state. If you’re a family person and want to bring up your children in a cozy and friendly environment, be at peace. You couldn’t have found a better place for relocating to the suburbs. Florida brims with places and suburbs that are just ideal for raising your offspring.
To help you out a bit, we’ve put together a list of some of the most desirable places to start a family across Florida. But first, let’s take a look at the criteria that you might want to consider before making this life-changing step.
Criteria to Consider When Looking for the Best Cities to Raise a Family in Florida
Whether you already have toddlers or you are moving in together with a partner and planning to achieve your parenting dreams, your goals will be the same – to provide them with a safe place to grow up. It’s easy enough to say, but not so simple to accomplish. There are several essential factors that you should take into account, but, above all, you need to pick a place that feels just right.
What are the essential factors that people take into consideration when choosing the right location for their future home? There are several of them you should have in mind when looking for a place to live with your loved ones, such as:
If you are wondering whether it is possible to live in a tight-knit community, among friendly residents, and have all the amenities of a comfortable life, you might be surprised by the fact that it’s totally achievable. You can provide your kids and yourself with plenty of cultural and entertainment options, great restaurants, and outdoor activities. You just have to choose wisely where to relocate.
Your Family Can Enjoy Beautiful Nature and Various Beach Activities in FL
With 1,300 miles of coastline, the Sunshine State is home to some stunning beaches. These endless miles of shoreline are probably one of the main reasons why so many families decide to relocate here. No matter if you move during the holidays or in the spring, you can always go to the beach. Some of the greatest natural wonders preserved here are:
- Manatee Park
- JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Lovers Key National Park
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Of course, the happiness of your loved ones should be your top priority, so check out our selection of places where a fresh start is waiting for you.
Make sure to do some research and find the area with all the necessary amenities.
Winter Park
Situated north of Orlando, this suburban Orange County community was once considered a winter vacation spot for business moguls from the north. If you don’t like snow and ice, don’t worry – the weather is actually quite the opposite, with 238 sunny days per year, meaning that the best time of the year to move here is anytime.
The city is brimming with art and cultural events, as well as green outdoor spaces and breathtaking beaches. You may find more than 70 parks that host various festivals and events throughout the year. With a plethora of museums, art schools, wine bars, and international cuisine restaurants, Winter Park is an excellent area for you and your dearest ones.
Thanks to the proximity to Orlando City, which has so many amusement parks, your children may enjoy visiting this major city dubbed The Theme Park Capital World of the World. As one of the biggest tourist sites in the region, Orlando will spice up the overall experience of relocating to Winter Park. If you decide to relocate long-distance to this place, be sure to learn how car shipping works and transport your vehicle across the country with reliable auto shipping services.
“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It”
The magical world of Disneyland and Universal Orlando Resort attracts around 60 million people every year, but that’s not all this region boasts with. You can find Seaworld, Legoland, Gatorland, as well as sports centers, theatres, and art galleries. Plenty of activities means no time for relocation depression.
It’s needless to say what an unforgettable experience all these attractions can offer to your kids. Winter Park is just about 25 kilometers away from the most significant urban center in Central Florida, Orlando, and its exceptional position will ensure a fulfilled lifestyle for you and your dearest ones.
If You’re Looking for the Best Schools for Your Kid, This Is the Place
Speaking about kids and their future, there’s nothing more important than getting a proper education. Providing them with good quality education will facilitate their career advancement in the forthcoming period. This location has several elementary schools, three high schools, and six colleges. That being said, it’s high time to stop stressing about where to enroll your kids, all you have to do is change the address and move to Winter Park.
It's not important just to find the perfect beach, but an excellent school, too.
Fort Myers – an Affordable Coastal Resort
When choosing where to move, you picked an excellent spot, because if you’ve ever been to Fort Myers before, you might remember searching for seashells and enjoying fine-sand beaches. But, there’s so much more to do here – visit the famous Captiva Island, for example. Your children will be thrilled with plenty of top-notch restaurants, including the one where it’s mermaid play session all year long. One more tip for people with kids – keep your eyes open for marine wildlife. Dolphins are regular visitors of Fort Myers’ waters.
Besides entertainment, this area has plenty of other things to offer, including cultural and educational institutions and events. It has several major retail and outlet shopping centers, and if you want to get out of town, the Southwest Florida International Airport is nearby. One of the most unusual attractions, Koreshan State Historic Site, is a city park that provides a unique insight into the way of life of a religious sect from the late 19th century. It’s a fascinating trip back in time. Meanwhile, downtown is a vibrant place packed with cafes, clubs, and coffee houses.
Whatever you’re yearning for, you will find here, that’s for sure. Knowing that Fort Myers has one of the most affordable costs of living in the region with home values as low as $150,000, you might find this area perfect for your prospective lifestyle and avoid moving into a smaller home.
People all over the world are attracted to mind-boggling nature and landscapes
Parkland Boasts One of the Highest Percentage of Households With Kids
For all those who want to live in a close-knit society with like-minded families, Parkland could be your best bet for house-hunting. If you decide to avoid moving to Miami and move here instead, you will have no concerns about playgrounds, parks, proper educational institutions, and friends for your kids. Also, don’t worry about getting a job before you move, you will have enough opportunities for your professional growth since this town offers plenty of high paying positions.
Raise Your Children in an Environment Crammed with Parks and Recreation
Choosing Parkland as your next place of residence will be great for your health, too. This is the area where physical activity is a cherished habit. Vast areas have been remodeled and adapted to cater to residents’ needs, meaning that it is an excellent spot for people that are moving with dogs as well. So, after relocating here, you can expect to find the following:
- 8.5 miles of multipurpose trails – bike paths and sidewalks
- 5.5-acre park with sports field and playgrounds
- 50-acre park with sports field lighting
- 7.5-acre equestrian center
- 20-acre Doris Davis Forman Wilderness Preserve
- 7-acre Liberty Park
If you like healthy living, you'll have no trouble adapting to Parkland
One of the Wealthiest Places in the Country – Naples
As one of the most affluent places in the US, Naples has the sixth-highest income per capita and the second-highest proportion of millionaire residents. Compared to other cities in Florida and the US, the cost of living component that stands out is housing. The median home price in Naples is $323,700, while in other parts of the country, that sum is much lower – on average, $237,000.
If you can afford it, this fantastic community will offer you countless breathtaking white sand beaches and a highly-walkable downtown area. Besides, the crime rates in Naples are low, and it offers an outstanding school system with a high graduation rate. If you choose Naples to be your next home, you could improve your quality of life to a great extent. The city was named the happiest and the healthiest city in the US a few years back.
Find Some of the Greatest Shopping and Dining Spots for Families in Florida
The prospect of living with your loved ones in Naples is entertaining as it is, but consider the following – this area can provide you with all the perks you need as a family-type of person. Besides the laid-back atmosphere and the proximity to the famous Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades, you can find some of the top-notch restaurants and excellent shopping spots. Your juniors can enjoy visiting the Naples Zoo and jump on a catamaran to reach Monkey Island.
Find your own food spot in Naples - it boasts a vibrant dining scene
Discover Cheap Things to Do With Your Kids
Although the Sunshine State is well-known for its abundance of attractions, there are several that are worth visiting if you want to avoid tourist crowds and save some money. When you unpack after the move you can, for example, visit urban parks with underwater theater or a mermaid show could be a perfect way to spend an afternoon with your offspring. If your son or daughter prefers culture events, you can take him or her for a history tour at the Naval Aviation Museum or the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This European palace-style complex offers a range of peculiar gardens, including a Dwarf Garden.
The Sunshine State Has Plenty to Offer to Families
If you’re thinking about moving with kids to a sunny and laid-back area where your private and personal goals could be satisfied, then you should consider some of the best cities to raise a family in the US. Long-distance relocation can get pricey so you should figure out a way to reduce your moving expenses. Learn what is the cheapest time of the year to move as well as some packing tips and tricks or try to sell and donate some unwanted items after creating a household inventory list. You can also save up on packing materials for moving by finding free moving boxes. The Sunshine State will give you a chance to turn over a new leaf and boost your energy, as well as many other reasons why you should move here. With endless miles of coastline and charming beaches, you can enjoy lots of outdoor sports, such as swimming, hiking, or diving, and forget about moving stress. Of course, if rich nightlife is what matters to you, you may find enough excitement here in every big city.
Except for some parts, homes are actually affordable. The median home value of $211,200 can’t be considered pricey if you compare it with the national average of $201,900. Besides, there is no state income tax, which is especially important if you are considering spending your retirement here.
Furthermore, some of the high-performing school areas are situated in the Sunshine State, and you can opt for public and private schools. After Massachusetts and New Jersey, Florida is ranked third when it comes to the quality of the educational system.
One of the sunniest regions in the US is waiting for you! So, don’t hesitate and go that extra mile you’ve been planning for a while. If you’re on the same page with your loved ones, change your life for the better by moving to Florida. Nothing else is left but to find the cheapest way to move out of state and come here.
