From beaches and farmland to coasts and tourism spots, Florida has something to offer everyone. While the Sunshine State has long been a favorite among retirees, the area has also become highly appealing to young adults and families over the past decade. Along with a reasonable cost of living, Florida is one of the few states that doesn't have a state income tax.
If you enjoy spending time among nature and want to avoid harsh winters, the temperatures in Florida are mild all throughout the year. When you want to relax and take in the beautiful weather, there are over 800 miles of beaches stretching along the panhandle and peninsula.
When you're searching for the best places to live in Florida, you are probably looking for places with low crime rate, plenty of activity, and more. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in the Sunshine State. In addition to activities available in the area, we’ve also considered crime rates as they compare to both state and national averages. Discover which part of Florida would be best for you and your family while you’re looking for your forever home.
Best cities in Florida to consider
Tampa
The Tampa and St. Petersburg areas have proven to be popular destinations among families and young adults who are looking for a peaceful place to settle down and enjoy life. Along with the sprawling beaches found along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is also host to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Bay History Center, major sports teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, and a great public transportation system. You might also want to stop by Busch Gardens to look at some animals or take part in thrill rides. The unemployment rate in the city is just 2.6%.
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Jacksonville
Although it doesn't have the population of Tampa or Miami, Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida when you take land mass into account. Residents in this city live right near or on the Atlantic Ocean. Despite such an appealing location, the cost of living remains relatively affordable. The main employment opportunities available in Jacksonville include health care, transportation, and banking. With such appealing job opportunities, the median income in the city is more than $58,000, which is higher than the state average.
Orlando
Orlando houses some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, which include Universal Studios and Disney World. However, the city offers much more than fun destinations. You'll also have access to thriving job sectors like health care, biotech, and information technology. The presence of reputable employers in these fields has made Orlando a top spot for young adults. Along with performing arts and cultural events, Orlando is just an hour's drive from Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach.
Sarasota
Do you want to live in a family-friendly beach town that offers great employment opportunities? If so, Sarasota may be your preferred destination. It's just an hour away from Tampa, which provides the residents of Sarasota with easy access to the hustle and bustle of a major city. The primary job opportunities include insurance, health care, and manufacturing. If you love fishing or taking in a beautiful sunset, Lido Key and Siesta Beach are two favorites among the locals.
Greater Miami area
Miami is among the most energetic and vibrant cities in Florida. In fact, this coastal metropolis has an amazing nightlife, vast beaches, and a major business district that's home to the Jackson Memorial Hospital and Oceania Cruises. This city has long been famous for its fashion and art exhibitions, which go on all throughout the year. The Miami metro area boasts over six million residents. While the cost of living can be relatively high, Miami-Dade and Broward counties offer first-time homebuyer programs that you might have interest in.
Tallahassee
As the state capital of Florida, Tallahassee is the place to be for college students who have enrolled at Florida A&M University or Florida State University. If you enjoy the exciting college town experience, this city offers the quintessential one. It's also one part of the state that isn't always crowded with tourists who are looking for a beach to spend time at. The beach that's closest to Tallahassee is still an hour away. The main employment fields that you'll have access to include health care and education.
Benefits of a home security system and home automation in Florida
Even if you live in the safest neighborhood and the safest city in Florida, it's still a good idea to protect yourself and your family with a home security and automation system. Depending on the features and systems you choose for your home automation system, you can control nearly every aspect of your property once it's installed. With a home security system, you’ll get:
Remote access: You can control your home via your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and any other mobile device you own. With these devices, you can monitor your home even when you're away.
Convenience: A home automation system allows you to access your systems remotely, turn devices on automatically at specific times, and lock your door when you leave. Even when you don't remember something, the automation system will.
Comfort: With home automation, you can make your property more comfortable to live in. Your thermostat can auto-adjust to maintain the most relaxing temperature when you’re home and reduce energy use when you’re away. Once the system gets installed, you can even adjust your lights based on what time of day it is.
Better safety: Security systems deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide detection as well as water leak detection to help keep you safe. A home security system will give you peace of mind that your family is secure.
More energy efficiency: Smart home automation gives you the ability to monitor your energy usage, which makes it easier to save on your monthly energy bills.
Protect your family with the right security system
Regardless of where you choose to live in Florida, you should take the appropriate steps to keep your family safe and protected at all times. Here at Vivint, we offer the best security cameras and home automation systems around. Contact us if you'd like to receive a free quote that helps you identify the right security system to suit your needs. All the products we provide use the most advanced technology that's available in the home security industry. Contact our Smart Home Pros today at 855.822.1220 to make your Florida home more secure.
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Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.
Third-Party Financing Options Available
Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.
Vivint Systems & Services
System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.
