10 Best Places to Live in Florida for Families Roger Odoardi Reviewed by: Jason Caruso Whether it’s the allure of bustling city life, the tranquility of a suburban neighborhood, or the charm of a coastal town, Florida has long been a popular place for families to call home. Of course, choosing the right home depends on personal preferences, but the Sunshine State is regarded as one of the best places in the country to live (ranked No. 9 on the latest annual list compiled by U.S. News and World Report). To help narrow your search for the perfect spot to settle into, the Blue Water Mortgage team compiled a range of data — from quality of life to school performance and economic health — to create a desirability index. Statistical information is the latest provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Boca Raton Population: 99,974 Boca Raton is known for offering a luxurious lifestyle, upscale shopping, fine dining and five miles of beachfront. The city is home to prestigious universities and cultural attractions, including the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Mizner Park Amphitheater. It boasts a strong economy with a significant presence of high-tech companies and a well-regarded business scene. Boca Raton has a robust healthcare system, low crime rates and a strong sense of community, which helps to ensure a high quality of life for all residents. Average Home Price: $597,100 Notable Attractions: Boca Raton Museum of Art, Mizner Park Amphitheater, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Cape Coral Population: 224,455 Cape Coral, nestled in southwestern Florida, is celebrated for its expansive canal system, boasting over 400 miles of navigable waterways. At its core, the city celebrates outdoor enthusiasts with a wealth of recreational options — from scenic parks to golf courses and nature preserves. The city’s educational institutions, including nearby Florida Gulf Coast University, bolster its reputation as a family-friendly haven with an exceptional quality of life. Enhanced by a sunny climate and expanding infrastructure, Cape Coral consistently lures new residents and businesses, offering an ideal environment to live, work and raise a family. Average Home Price: $302,400 Notable Attractions: Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Cape Coral Farmers Market, Wicked Dolphin Distillery, Rotary Park Environmental Center >> Looking for guidance as you navigate the home-buying process in Florida? The team at Blue Water Mortgage is ready to lead the way. Get in touch with a member of our team. Clearwater Population: 116,850 Aptly named for its pristine, white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater attracts residents and tourists alike with its lively downtown district, iconic attractions like Pier 60 and Sand Key Park and a calendar packed with year-round community events. This quintessential Florida beach town welcomes people of all ages, with a notable 23% of its population aged 65 and older. Families are drawn to Clearwater for its abundance of amenities, convenient access to major healthcare facilities and diverse job opportunities in tourism, healthcare and technology. Average Home Price: $287,900 Notable Attractions: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Honeymoon Island State Park, sunset cruises, Ruth Eckerd Hall Fort Myers Population: 97,372 Fort Myers, located in the Southwestern portion of the state, is known for its historic brick-paved downtown, waterfront views and booming arts and cultural scene. The city’s rich history, evident in its well-preserved architecture and museums like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, blends seamlessly with its modern amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities. Fort Myers attracts residents and visitors with its year-round events, beautiful beaches, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. Average Home Price: $538,600 Notable Attractions: Jet Blue Park (Boston Red Sox Spring Training Facility), Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Lakeland Population: 122,264 The city’s 38 named lakes play a substantial role in its cultural identity, serving as community hubs where residents and visitors enjoy picturesque views and recreational opportunities. A downtown area is lovingly referred to as “Lakeland’s living room,” emphasizing the value placed on community and togetherness. Here, historic brick buildings surround the iconic Munn Park town square, where visitors can explore quaint shops, casual eateries, lively pubs, craft breweries and upscale dining experiences. Notable institutions in Lakeland include Southeastern University, Florida Polytechnic University, Polk State College’s Lakeland campus and Florida Southern College, renowned for its extensive collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Average Home Price: $207,800 Notable Attractions: Circle B Bar Reserve, Hollis Garden, Bonnet Springs Park Melbourne Population: 86,960 Melbourne, nicknamed “Harbor City,” spans the Indian River Lagoon with a large area sitting on Florida’s mainland and a portion on a barrier island. Residents have access to top-rated schools, employment opportunities in the technology industry and many recreational activities. The small-town appeal of Melbourne is what draws many people to it, offering a charming community atmosphere with the convenience of nearby amenities and scenic views. Melbourne also lands in the top 25 places in the country to retire, according to U.S. World and News Report. Average Home Price: $247,300 Notable Attractions: Brevard Zoo, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida Tech Botanical Garden Miami Population: 442,241 Miami is the most populous city in Florida and the second most expensive place in the country to live. Families can explore a variety of cultural festivals, museums and art galleries that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. Miami’s job market is another factor that makes it attractive to families. With a diverse economy that includes sectors such as tourism, finance, healthcare and technology, there are ample employment opportunities for adults, contributing to the city’s overall economic stability. Average Home Price: $532,300 Notable Attractions: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Wynwood Walls, Bayside Marketplace, Dolphin Mall, Little Havana Naples Population: 19,704 High-end shopping, world-class arts and cultural experiences, diverse dining and family fun are all why U.S. News and World Report ranked Naples as the No. 1 best place to live (2024-2025) on its highly-regarded annual list. For families, Naples offers top-rated schools, parks, and safe, friendly neighborhoods, making it an ideal place to raise children while enjoying a high quality of life. Average Home Price: $1.2 million Notable Attractions: Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Zoo and Caribbean Garden, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples Pier Ocala Population: 68,426 Ocala is renowned as one of the horse capitals of the world, making it an especially attractive place for families looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture of horse breeding, training and competitive events. The small-town atmosphere, recreational activities and reputation for community and safety make it a destination for many. Ocala’s proximity to major cities — about an hour from both Orlando and Tampa — provides residents with easy access to even more entertainment, cultural events and employment opportunities. Average Home Price: $280,000 Notable Attractions: Silver Springs River, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, World Equestrian Center Orlando Population: 320,742 People across the world associate Orlando with its theme parks and family-friendly vacation amenities. But for the hundreds of thousands of people who call the city home, there’s much more to it. Orlando features family-friendly neighborhoods and well-regarded public education systems. The list of attractions, businesses and activities in the area is expansive, a plus for everyone in the family. Average Home Price: $332,700 Notable Attractions: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Premium Outlets, Epcot, SeaWorld, Disney Springs, Universal Orlando Resort Roger Odoardi Roger is an owner and licensed Loan Officer at Blue Water Mortgage. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and has been a leader in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. Roger has personally originated over 2500 residential loans and is considered to be in the top 1% of NH Loan Officers by leading national lender United Wholesale Mortgage.
