Florida is a diverse state with an array of cities, towns, and suburbs that cater to family life, offering everything from top-tier schools to family-friendly recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle or a peaceful, suburban community, the Sunshine State has something to offer. In this article, we'll cover the best places to live in Florida for families, focusing on cities, suburbs, and towns that provide an ideal environment for raising children.
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect home for your family, Florida offers a variety of cities and suburbs that check all the boxes. From low crime rates and excellent schools to affordable housing and family-friendly activities, Florida’s best places for families provide a high quality of life in some of the most beautiful and vibrant locations in the country. This guide will explore the top places to live in Florida for families, highlighting key factors that make each spot ideal, whether you’re drawn to the bustling city life in Tampa or want to find the best suburban area for families like the tranquility of Weston and Oviedo.
Here’s a quick look at what we’ll look at in this “Best Suburbs in Florida for Families” article:
Safety: We’ll highlight what Florida cities and suburbs are known for their low crime rates, offering a safe environment ideal for raising a family.
Education: Discover areas with highly-rated public and private schools that give children a strong academic foundation.
Affordability: Learn about family-friendly locations in Florida that balance cost of living with quality of life, accommodating a variety of budgets.
Family-Friendly Activities: Explore cities and towns with plenty of parks, beaches, recreational facilities, and events that keep the whole family entertained.
Community Atmosphere: Find welcoming Florida neighborhoods and areas with a strong sense of community, making them great places for families to settle and thrive.
Each section dives into what makes these locations some of the best places to live in Florida for families, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your family’s lifestyle and needs. Moreover, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the best cities, towns, and suburbs for family living in Florida, ensuring a safe, enriching, and enjoyable environment for everyone in the family. So, whether you’re looking for a luxurious suburb or a cozy small-town vibe, Florida has the perfect destination for your family’s needs.
List of the Best Florida Places to Raise a Family
Wellington (Palm Beach County)
Oviedo (Seminole County)
Winter Springs (Seminole County)
Bellechase (Marion County)
Naples (Collier County)
Winter Park (Orange County)
Tampa (Hillsborough County)
St. Petersburg (Pinellas County)
Wesley Chapel (Pasco County)
Coral Springs (Broward County)
Weston (Broward County)
FishHawk Ranch (Hillsborough County)
Ponte Vedra Beach (St. Johns County)
Windermere (Orange County)
Below, we’ll dissect each place/area below, starting with the best places to live in Florida for families, followed by the best Florida neighborhoods!
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida for Families
Wellington – Palm Beach County
Wellington consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Florida for families. Known for its equestrian community, Wellington provides a quiet suburban feel while offering top-tier schools and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods.
Safety: Wellington is considered one of the safest cities in Florida, with low crime rates.
Schools: The schools in Wellington, such as Wellington High School, are known for their strong academic programs.
Family Activities: With numerous parks, playgrounds, and events like the Winter Equestrian Festival, families have plenty of activities to enjoy year-round.
Oviedo – Seminole County
Oviedo is located northeast of Orlando and is one of the best suburbs in Florida for families. This suburban town offers a strong sense of community and proximity to the entertainment options in Orlando, making it a popular choice for families.
Suburban Appeal: Oviedo’s quiet neighborhoods offer the best of suburban living while being close to the action in Orlando.
Education: Schools in Oviedo, such as Hagerty High School, consistently receive high rankings for academic achievement.
Outdoor Life: Families can enjoy the many parks, nature trails, and local wildlife that Oviedo is known for.
Winter Springs – Seminole County
Winter Springs is another standout suburb in Seminole County, offering excellent schools, safety, and outdoor beauty, making it one of the best suburbs in Florida for families. Located close to Oviedo, Winter Springs is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods and parks.
Recreation: Central Winds Park and other outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for family-friendly activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Schools: Schools such as Winter Springs High School provide a top-tier education for children.
With a population of 35,000, Winter Springs sits in the heart of Central Florida. Families can find a home here for an average price of $426,000, or rent for about $1,700 per month.
While the overall cost of living in Winter Springs exceeds both the national and state averages, you’ll find that grocery and utility expenses are comparable to other areas in Florida. Notably, healthcare costs are lower than the national average, and residents enjoy affordable amenities.
Families benefit from access to quality schools with low pupil-to-teacher ratios.
When it comes to dining and entertainment, Winter Springs has plenty to offer. One of the significant advantages of living in this Central Florida suburb is the quick access to Orlando's attractions, perfect for family fun. For those seeking a quieter outing, the area boasts abundant green spaces, parks, and wildlife to explore. Overall, Winter Springs ranks among the best places to live in Florida for families, especially for those searching for the best Florida suburban areas for families.
Bellechase - Marion County
Bellechase is a picturesque suburb in Ocala, offering an exquisite blend of luxury living, community engagement, and natural beauty that makes it an excellent choice as a top place to raise a family in Florida. With its tree-lined streets and serene lakes, this neighborhood provides a peaceful ambiance while still being conveniently close to essential amenities.
Recreation: Outdoor enthusiasts will love Bellechase's recreational offerings. The neighborhood is ideally located near the Santos Trailhead, part of the extensive Ocala Mountain Bike Park, which features miles of biking and hiking trails suited for all skill levels. Residents can also enjoy various parks and green spaces perfect for family picnics and leisurely walks. Additionally, Bellechase is in the vicinity of Ocala, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” So, for horse enthusiasts and those looking for horse farms for sale in Ocala and surrounding areas that could also be a great place to raise a family, Bellechase is one of the best alternatives.
Education: Families in Bellechase have access to high-quality schools within the Marion County School District, which is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. The schools in this area offer favorable pupil-to-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support for each student.
Bellechase is home to a small yet vibrant community of about 1,600 residents, fostering a sense of belonging and neighborly connections. The average home price in Bellechase is significantly higher, ranging from approximately $500,000 to over $1 million, reflecting the neighborhood's luxurious offerings and desirable location.
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Naples – Collier County
Naples, located on the Gulf Coast, is known for its luxury, but it’s also one of the best places to live in Florida for families thanks to its excellent schools, low crime rates, and family-friendly environment.
Affluence & Safety: Naples is an upscale city with a low crime rate, making it an ideal place for families looking for a safe and beautiful place to live.
Education: Collier County Public Schools, including Naples High School, are some of the best in Florida.
Recreational Opportunities: From Naples Botanical Garden to the beautiful Gulf beaches, there are countless activities for families to enjoy.
Winter Park – Orange County
Winter Park, located just outside of Orlando, offers families a mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. It’s often considered one of the best cities for families in Florida due to its top-notch schools, cultural attractions, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Schools: Winter Park’s public schools, such as Winter Park High School, are well-regarded, and the area offers access to some of the top private schools in Florida.
Cultural Life: With the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum and Rollins College nearby, families have plenty of educational and cultural opportunities at their fingertips.
Outdoor Fun: The city is home to several parks, including the scenic Central Park, which hosts various family-friendly events throughout the year.
Tampa – Hillsborough County
Tampa is a bustling city with a rich history and plenty of amenities that make it one of the best cities in Florida for families. It’s a family-friendly city that offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, schools, and activities.
Schools: Tampa has several highly-rated public and private schools, making it an appealing option for families.
Entertainment: Families will never run out of things to do with attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Lowry Park Zoo.
Neighborhoods: Areas like Westchase and Carrollwood offer a suburban feel while still being close to downtown Tampa.
Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, has a growing population of nearly 400,000. Families enjoy a high quality of life with a vibrant mix of amenities, including Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and regional parks.
With beach access to Clearwater and year-round activities for all ages, boredom is never an option. Tampa’s cost of living is competitive, and the Hillsborough School District offers a mix of high-performing and average schools.
Overall, Tampa ranks among the best Florida suburban areas for families, making it an excellent choice for your next move!
St. Petersburg – Pinellas County
St. Petersburg, often called "St. Pete," is a coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico. With its laid-back atmosphere, excellent schools, and a variety of outdoor activities, it’s one of the best places to live in Florida for families.
Schools: St. Petersburg has several top-rated schools within the Pinellas County School District.
Outdoor Activities: Families can take advantage of the waterfront parks, beaches, and museums that St. Pete is known for.
Affordability: While offering a coastal lifestyle, St. Pete remains more affordable than other beach cities in Florida.
Wesley Chapel – Pasco County
Located just north of Tampa, Wesley Chapel is a rapidly growing suburban area that offers the best of both worlds: proximity to the city and the quiet, family-friendly feel of a suburban community. It’s one of the best suburbs in Florida for families who want easy access to the amenities of a large city while living in a close-knit neighborhood.
Education: Pasco County’s schools, including Wiregrass Ranch High School, provide excellent educational opportunities.
Family-Friendly Living: Wesley Chapel is known for its spacious homes, parks, and family-oriented events.
Coral Springs – Broward County
Coral Springs, located in Broward County, is a well-planned community with tree-lined streets, great schools, and plenty of parks. It’s one of the best cities to live in Florida for families due to its low crime rate, excellent amenities, and affordable housing.
Safety: Coral Springs has a very low crime rate compared to other cities in Florida, making it one of the safest places for families.
Schools: The city is served by the highly-rated Broward County School District, with schools like Coral Springs High School providing strong academic programs.
Recreation: Families can enjoy the city's many parks, recreational programs, and cultural activities, such as events at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
Best Suburbs in Florida for Families
For many families, suburban living offers the ideal balance of space, safety, and community. Florida boasts a variety of suburbs that rank high in these categories, making them perfect for families looking to settle down in a family-oriented environment.
Weston – Broward County
Weston is often considered one of the best suburbs in Florida for families. This master-planned community features everything from high-performing schools to safe, tree-lined streets.
Education: Weston offers access to top-rated public schools in the Broward County School District, including Cypress Bay High School.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Weston’s extensive park system, sports leagues, and community events cater to families with children of all ages.
Weston, located in Broward County near the Florida Everglades, is one of the best places for families to live in Florida. With a population of over 70,000, this suburban oasis is just 25 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and 45 minutes from Miami.
While the median home price is around $860,000 and the cost of living is higher than both the Florida and national averages, Weston offers a high-end lifestyle worth the investment. The area boasts a low unemployment rate of 3%, a crime rate lower than 77% of U.S. neighborhoods, and an above-average school district. For sports enthusiasts, Weston offers top-notch soccer academies and fully equipped equestrian centers, making it an excellent choice for families seeking an active lifestyle. Overall, Weston ranks among the best Florida suburban areas for families.
FishHawk Ranch – Hillsborough County
FishHawk Ranch, located outside of Tampa, is one of the top suburban communities in Hillsborough County. Designed with families in mind, this area offers a mix of affordable homes, great schools, and family-friendly activities.
Education: FishHawk Ranch has access to some of the best schools in Hillsborough County, such as Newsome High School.
Community Events: The community regularly hosts family-focused events and has an active homeowners association.
Ponte Vedra Beach – St. Johns County
Ponte Vedra Beach is a suburban coastal community just south of Jacksonville. Known for its luxury homes and top-notch schools, it’s one of the best suburbs in Florida for families who want to be near the beach while still enjoying suburban life.
Schools: Ponte Vedra High School consistently ranks as one of the best in the state.
Affluence & Safety: Ponte Vedra Beach is an upscale community with low crime rates and a high standard of living.
Windermere – Orange County
Windermere, located near Orlando, offers the perfect suburban lifestyle for families seeking an upscale environment. Known for its luxurious homes and proximity to Disney World, it’s a highly sought-after suburb.
Schools: Windermere’s schools, including Windermere High School, are among the top-rated in Orange County.
Community Feel: Windermere has a small-town vibe, with regular community events and outdoor activities that make it an appealing choice for families.
What Makes a Place Great for Families in Florida?
When choosing a home for your family, several factors play an important role. The best places to live in Florida for families often have the following attributes:
Safety - Safety is always a top concern for families. Florida is home to several cities and suburbs that rank high for low crime rates, making them ideal for parents looking for a secure environment for their children.
Education - Highly-rated schools are essential for families. The quality of education available in a community often determines its desirability for families. The best suburbs in Florida for families usually have access to top public and private schools.
Affordability - Raising a family comes with many expenses, so affordability is key when deciding where to live. While some parts of Florida, such as Miami and Naples, are known for their luxury living, there are still plenty of affordable places that offer a good balance of quality of life and cost of living.
Family-Friendly Activities - Access to parks, recreational facilities, and family-friendly events is vital for a well-rounded family life. Many of the best places for families in Florida offer everything from beaches and hiking trails to sports leagues and community events.
Choosing the Best Place in Florida for Your Family
Finding the perfect family-friendly spot in Florida is easy with so many fantastic options, each offering top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant community life. Our guide to the best places to live in Florida for families will help you zero in on the right fit for your family.
Ready to start your search? Browse our Florida real estate listings or connect with us for expert guidance. Gailey Enterprises Real Estate is here to help you find your ideal family home in the Sunshine State!
Summary: Best Suburbs in Florida - Explore the Top Places to Live in Florida for Families
In conclusion, Florida offers a diverse range of cities, towns, and suburbs for families looking to settle down in a safe, vibrant community. Whether you prefer the bustling activity of a major city like Tampa, the luxury of a suburb like Weston, or the quaint charm of a town like Mount Dora, the Sunshine State has the perfect spot for every family. With excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Florida is one of the best states to call home for families.
If you liked this article, make sure to check out our other content on our blog! One article you might like, similar to this one, is our “Top South Florida Towns” blog post! Also, if you’re currently looking for real estate in Central Florida like Marion County or nearby, or houses for sale in Florida like Jacksonville, Tampa, etc., make sure to contact either our Ocala real estate agents, top-ranked Jacksonville real estate agents, or our agents in any of our other locations!
Lastly, if you’ve been asking yourself, “How much house can I afford in Florida?” then make sure to check out our Florida Affordability Calculator and our free Florida mortgage calculator!
