8 Best Places To Call Home In Florida In 2025
Get this: More than 900 people make the Sunshine State their new home every single day. With a median house price of $386,000 as of July 2025, many newcomers are settling in and finding their dream homes this year. These nine towns and small cities across Florida offer welcoming communities, convenient access to major highways, and quick routes to the state’s top attractions. Beyond its tourism and cultural diversity, Florida’s natural beauty stretches far past its famous beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, drawing people with all kinds of lifestyles.
Whether you’re dreaming of coastal living, warm weather year-round, or fresh economic opportunities, residents here enjoy the perks of no state income tax and a business-friendly climate. A thriving economy offers opportunities in both the public and private sectors. In fact, by the end of the year, Florida is on track to welcome more than 100,000 new residents, bringing the total population to around 23.5 million.
Bartow
Bartow is a cost-effective alternative to Tampa, 40 miles west. At $275,000, the median house price is over a hundred grand cheaper than the state's, beckoning homebuyers. The town itself is home to around 22,000 residents, according to the 2024 U.S. Census estimates, indicating a tight-knit community. Bartow Regional Medical Center is sought after beyond the town's border for high-quality routine and specialized care, as well as employment. Students also adore this town, as Florida Southern College is some ten miles north.
With major employers in government, agriculture, and manufacturing, the Polk County School Board's headquarters in Bartow provides additional jobs. Despite a 16% poverty rate, the residents earn a median household income of $66,944 and enjoy diverse downtime. There are several parks and recreational facilities to lead a healthy lifestyle and take your kids to. Mosaic Peace River Park offers eight miles of trails for foliage peeping and wildlife spotting, while the 7-mile Fort Fraser Trail is popular for leisurely strolls and exercise among walkers and cyclists.
DeLand
Home to around 45,000 residents in 2024, DeLand is a top runner in 2025 for young professionals and students, with a median house price of around $340,000 in July. At a 10% poverty rate, one of the lowest on the list, the city's commendable median household income is $73,352. Job opportunities stem from high-earning sectors like engineering, government, financial services, and healthcare. AdventHealth DeLand is one of the best in the state for routine and specialized healthcare treatments, with a world-class team of nurses and doctors looking for talented medical professionals.
Wistfully known as the "Athens of Florida," DeLand is not a quiet town, with a diverse cultural feel further enhanced by the collegiate vibe. Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the state's oldest private university and one of the largest employers with academic and administrative positions. Minutes away, Blue Spring State Park is an excellent spot to cool off in the summer. It has designated waters for swimming and kayaking, plus wildlife trails and West Indian manatees enjoying a wintertime soak. The renovated 1920s Athens Theatre presents musicals and concerts.
Inverness
Inverness draws families and nature lovers with a quieter feel along the state's Nature Coast. The median home price of $245,000 is one of the state's most affordable. The economy in this small town of under 8,000 benefits from the strategic location, about an equal distance between Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville. Inverness relies on a variety of retail, hospitality, and services that cater to both residents and tourists. In fact, the 2022 retail sales per capita of $71,587 are among the highest on the list.
Being near major highways and attractions does not impede the booming agricultural sector, with jobs related to farming. Another leading employer in the area, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, is top-rated for a range of healthcare services and the latest medical technology. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and wetlands, the locals, who earn a median household income of $44,899, live in true symbiosis with the environment. Just south, Fort Cooper State Park offers camping, hiking, and picnicking in a diverse company of fauna and flora. Meanwhile, in town, Stumpknockers Restaurant is a bustling eatery with maritime decor and delicious seafood.
Lake City
Lake City is about an hour west of Jacksonville, near the northern border with Georgia. Offering a median household income of $51,175, Lake City is ideal for remote and healthcare workers, a significant sector in the economy. HCA Florida Lake City Hospital serves the surrounding communities. Home to nearly 13,000 according to 2024 estimates, the inland town relies on manufacturing, and growth in technology and logistics signals diversification. Despite a higher poverty rate, Lake City is one of Florida's most affordable cities, with an average home costing around $265,000, $100,000 less than the state median.
The quiet area draws young families, with a range of elementary schools within walking distance. In addition to a strong presence in education, the healthy environment for small businesses is evident with 2022 retail sales per capita through the roof at $88,847. You won't miss the coast at the local Alligator Lake Park, a 1,000-acre recreation area with a playground, canoe launch, trails, picnic shelters, and fishing. As the southwestern gate to Osceola Wildlife Management Area, it is a playground for hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.
Orange Park
Home to 9,000 residents, Orange Park is one of the state's most vibrant and sought-after places to live along Doctors Lake and the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville. Despite a 15.5% poverty rate, housing is at a reasonable median of $320,000 in July 2025. Thanks to a growing economy, the median household income is one of the highest on the list at $74,564. The job market is robust and diverse, with openings in healthcare, retail, and education, including the Clay County School District, a major employer providing quality education.
Proximity to Jacksonville makes it ideal for commuters and students alike looking to settle in a place with a wider range of opportunities. The HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital is a leading healthcare provider for various medical services, as well as a potential employer to join their skilled ranks. Post-work recreation is easily accessible through waterfront parks, launches, and piers for boating, fishing, and sunset dining. Families enjoy the trails and playgrounds at Clarke House Park, while Thrasher-Horne Center hosts concerts, theater, and community events.
Ormond Beach
Hovering at just under 45,000 locals, Ormond Beach is a perfectly sized town along the beautiful Halifax River. Although the median house price in Ormond Beach is $375,000, higher than the previously mentioned communities, it remains lower than the state average. And when the word beach is part of your new hometown's name, recreation and work-life balance are implied. The perks don't end here since Ormond Beach offers exciting opportunities in the healthcare, tourism, and retail sectors as well as recreational options for downtime.
In addition to a 10 percent poverty rate, the median household income is $67,482, and the per capita income is $44,176. An airport, museums, and a vibrant downtown signal a thriving job market, which correlates with life quality, including the average commute of 22 minutes, less than the national average. The face of town, Romano Beachfront Park, is favored for its low-key vibes, where simplicity only enhances the beautiful views and time spent with loved ones along the sands, gazebo, and playground. Families enjoy Magic Forest Playground, aka Rainbow Park, featuring slides, a playground, and a skate park.
Sebastian
Home to 27,000, this vibrant community between Vero Beach and Melbourne draws new residents along Florida's picturesque Treasure Coast. Defined by Sebastian Inlet State Park, this gem offers saltwater fishing, surfing, and scuba diving. At the median home price of $350,000, you can own in the same dreamy atmosphere without the tourist crowds. Moreover, the median household income is $68,863, and the per capita income is $41,744. This is thanks to Sebastian's strong economy, which relies on healthcare, retail, and service industries.
With plenty of ways to unwind, residents work hard to play hard. With an under 9.4% poverty rate and the top-employing healthcare sector, the two go-tos for quality healthcare, Indian River Medical Center and Sebastian River Medical Center, are hiring. Serene nature is a big draw, including proximity to the nation's first wildlife refuge, a native bird habitat with hiking trails and tours. The Riverview Park offers doorstep access to sand volleyball courts, piers, a splash pad, and playgrounds. The annual Clambake marks a November weekend with a kids' zone, music, and food.
Titusville
Home to approximately 50,000 permanent residents, Titusville springs ahead along other fronts as one of the state's top places to live in 2025. With a median house price of $275,000, owning in Titusville is around $100,000 cheaper than the state's median. A thriving local economy supports jobs from entry-level to specialized roles and those requiring advanced skills. Its key industries are aerospace, healthcare, and education, with openings across the board, including NASA. With its thriving economy, the town has a high median household income of $64,898 and a poverty rate of under 10%.
The demand for skilled engineers makes Titusville ideal for career-minded individuals to get a foot in the door or move up in their respective fields. Nestled along the western bank of the Indian River, its natural advantages cannot be overlooked; the waterway paralleling the coast adds scenic appeal, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront relaxation. The 30-acre Sand Point Park offers riverfront exercise, picnics, and an astronaut memorial monument. Fox Lake Park Lakeside is a tree-lined 31.6-acre park popular for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
Settle Down In Florida In 2025
The 27th state boasts natural and cultural diversity with a rich Spanish heritage and diverse coastlines named aptly. Inverness is a high-earning, low-cost-of-living small town along the Nature Coast, while the Treasure Coast town of Sebastian boasts the lowest poverty rate on the list and the most medical professional opportunities. With fantastic healthcare facilities across the board, these eight communities offer a fresh start in a vibrant atmosphere. Cost of living is a significant factor when comparing an area and the perks that come with the price. Four of the communities are far south of $300,000 without compromising on services, nature, or accessibility.
