When youre not out and about, just enjoying the natural beauty of the area is all you really need on your agenda! I dont know what you picture when you picture a fishing village but this one is super fun and bright! Along with its neighbor Sanibel, to the south, Captiva Island is the perfect place to go biking, sailing, fishing, kayaking, birding, or seashell hunting! Winter Garden is known for its historic downtown district, which is full of charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Dovecote House in Madison, Georgia. Meanwhile, Devil's Den offers snorkeling and scuba diving in a cave filled year-round with clear, 72-degree spring water. In north central Florida, just 15 minutes south of Gainesville, you'll find the town of Micanopy a town that's fun to say, but even more fun to visit. For those who want to explore more of the unspoiled outdoors in the area, a trip to Collier Seminole State Park or Briggs Nature Center should be on your agenda. Festive Christmas palms in Sarasota. Boasting the oldest library still serving the public, it's also home to a retro hotel and Victorian homes surrounding Lake DeFuniakone of only two naturally circular bodies of water in the world. Parks dot the landscape, and youll also find great golfing, water sports, and trails in this beautiful town! Tampa, which we named as the 2nd best city in Florida in 2022, is just a 20-30 minute drive from Oldsmar. Author Jack Kerouac spent time in one of the bungalows. Swim in the blue waters at the Blue Springs Recreation Area in the summer, or visit Merritts Mill Pond for some of the best cave diving in the world. Some small towns seem made for Instagram. Micanopy is a small town in Florida's north-central interior. More about us. Celebration, Florida is one of the most popular planned communities in Central Florida. Here are the Best Small Beach Towns in Florida 1. Visit the famous Stetson Mansion, or the Museum of Art DeLand. Florida's charming small towns offer a glimpse into the state's true character and are a great choice for a quiet and hassle-free vacation. Apalachicola 11. The town takes the art seriously. Nearby, Mills 50 is two neighborhoods in one. For those who love nature, the outdoors, and adventure Marianna is the perfect escape! Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cave diving, tubing, birding, fishing, and horseback riding are just some of the activities that make Marianna an adventurers world class paradise! Explore the brick-streets lined with art galleries and businesses in buildings from the late 1800s. Rent one of the beautiful beach homes here, or stay in a local inn to really get your feel of the community. Home of Floridas oldest college, Stetson University, DeLand is full of historic buildings and beautiful murals. But residents here would definitely argue that Naples offers the best versions of all three. About 25 miles from Cape Canaveral lies Viera, a fairly young town converted from pasture land to a planned community in the 1980s. Also, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. Compare small private and public colleges with less than 3,000 students. Tarpon Springs, a small cute town on central Florida's Gulf Coast is one of Tampa Bay's best-kept secrets. Escape the crowds and discover your new favorite South Florida getaway today. On the north end of town, Longbeach Village, a former fishing settlement patrolled by roaming peacocks, preserves Old Florida homes from the 1930s and a laid-back pace from bygone days. We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. . And after a day at their relaxing beaches, you should end your day at one of Vero Beachs amazing restaurants! The residents of this small town have proclaimed their town the antiques capital of the sunshine state, and you will find dozens of shops in this cute city. There's also a historic train depot (with a train mural) and a clown museum (with a clown mural). Residents Love Mount Dora Residents of this small town can enjoy Dora Lake with a kayak or boat. Read More: 29+ Things To Do In Amelia Island That The Locals Want Kept Secret, (Looking for small towns in Georgia? Baldwin Park offers something for everyone. For outdoor adventures, there are nature tours and plenty of water sports to choose from. The oldest municipality in Florida without beachfront property, Micanopy dates back to 1821. If you get hungry from all that mural-spotting, La Pupusa Queen is a favorite with locals for hearty, homemade Salvadoran cuisine. 10 Central Florida Neighborhoods and Charming Small Towns. Join hundreds of families who are flying free using travel rewards, saving thousands of dollars in the process. Coolest Small Towns in Florida. Orlando is an amazing place to live for many reasons. This totally renovated bed and breakfast inn includes several rooms along with secluded cottages. Admission to the gallery is free. Its known for its antique shops and annual festivals, and its downtown area is absolutely charming. Stop here for Southern specialties like fried green tomatoes and buttermilk walnut pie. Neptune Beach Population: :7101 Cost of living index: 108.6 Median Home Value: 557000$ Crime rates/100 residents: 18.71 Unemployment rates: 4.8% One of the best places to live in Northers Florida is Neptune Beach. The annual Fall Harvest Festival brings out music and crafts, but you can also escape the crowds in nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and watch wildlife from a 50-foot-high observation tower. Islamorada 9. Farther down Citrus Avenue is the Coastal Heritage Museum, on the National Register of Historic Places, and several restaurants including the award-winning Vintage on 5th. There are over 40 public beach access points from which to enjoy the waves on Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Destin 6. Lodging and dining aren't far either. Maitland is also home to Enzian Theater which hosts the Florida Film Festival. While in town, make sure to grab the original Cuban sandwich at Floridas oldest restaurant the Columbia Restaurant. If you are looking for scenic and entertainment, there is a lot happening in Maitland. | Credit: John Starrett Photography for Visit . Spend a day visiting the islands three public fishing piers the perfect place to fish, watch the boats, grab a bite to eat, or watch the sunset! Laudergate Isles, Broward County. Quiet parks dot Dr. Phillips, which was named for a citrus magnate and philanthropist. In Havana youll find shops that feature antiques and collectibles, home decor, furniture, jewelry, artwork and of course, some local restaurants too. They also have lodging and camping facilities on the property. One of the best places to visit on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers holiday travelers more than just white sandy beaches, warm emerald waters, and swaying palms. Youll find antique shopping, beach volleyball, golf, water sports, and one of the most beautiful beaches youve ever seen! A visit to the observation tower at the nearby Paynes Prairie State Park will award you with possible wild horse and bison sightings! This year's rankings have reduced the weight of ACT/SAT scores to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions . Although small, it offers some amazing amenities like luxury resorts, beautiful parks, and of course, Instagram-worthy beaches. Forget MiamiFlorida's small towns offer so much more. Floating down the Santa Fe River on an Anderson's Outdoor Adventures tube trip. Table of Contents Why Live in a Small Town? Hollywood Enjoy fishing and swimming in the shimmering waters or sunbathing and relaxing among the dunes of this unspoiled barrier island. In Blountstown, youll find a charming, southern town filled with beautiful murals and a picture-perfect downtown area. Adults sup and sip wine and martinis in welcoming dining rooms, cafes and watering holeschic, bohemian or cozy. Florida has some amazing big cities, popular beaches, and gigantic theme parks, but sometimes you just want to get away from all that!Enter: these amazing small towns in Florida that have a whole lot of charm, and a lot less people. Youll find wineries, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, and so many antique shops here too! While youre in town, make sure to visit the Nature Coast State Trail, which follows an old railroad line. This beautiful, small town evokes feelings of days gone by, and youll find white sandy beaches, and amazing seafood here. The main draw here is definitely Fanning Springs State Park, where youll find the turquoise water is 72 degrees year-round. An artsy island community, Matlacha (pronounced "matt-la-shay") is quirky and colorful. That may not be so great for young professionals, but families have been flocking to Mount Dora recently. Its rich history, beautiful white sand beaches, and gated communities make it one of the best small towns in Florida to retire. Funky art overflows outside the bright-hued buildings off Pine Island Road, the towns single thoroughfare. You should also save time to wander downtown. The town is charming, the people are friendly, and its a great place to raise a family. The Families Fly Free program will make your familys travel dreams come true! Alys Beach is just such a place. The feature photo above is from within the Florida Caverns State Parkthe only air-filled walking cave tours in Florida. Places to Visit in Central Florida offers the best of all worlds - close to top attractions, but far from the crowds. Then enjoy the small-town charm in the "main street" area of Vero Beach, where you'll find weekly gallery strolls, a vintage market, and plenty of quaint cafes. Mount Dora, Florida. Youll find plenty of hiking, water sports, and golfing here, along with annual events like the Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and Festival! Escape to one of these destinations for a laid-back Florida vibe. Abundant in history, Greek culture, natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and great food, this little coastal destination boasts of Greek heritage. Trolleys loop the island from Coquina Beach on the southern tip in Bradenton Beach and up to the City Pier in the City of Anna Maria on the north end of the island. Florida Caverns State Park features the only dry cave tour in Florida. While youre in town, you must visit Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands both well-known for how completely beautiful they are! Winter Park is also home to Florida's oldest college, Rollins College, which sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Virginia. This never impacts how we share the destination with you opinions are always our own and we pride ourselves on that. If you are looking to make the move to warmer weather and experience resort-style living, come discover the best places to retire in the sunshine state. Plus, the weather in Florida is perfect year-round, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of year it is. Just a little west of Tampa on the Gulf Coast youll find the quaint town of Dunedin. This gorgeous area is very similar to Celebration, Florida. The communitys homes and stores are on stilts overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and the police drive golf carts. Two lakes are the focal points of this community. Finding the best place to enjoy one's post retirement life can be a difficult task, but thankfully, America's lake towns offer a wonderful selection for retirees, where encounters with beautiful nature, charming small town communities, and a great sense of leisure define them. Not only is Blountstown a small town, its part of a small county too! If you are looking for where to live in Central Florida, look no further than these all-inclusive small towns or gated communities. Here are a few examples of things to do in Tavernier: This is definitely a top pick for quaint towns in Florida. Like many southwest Florida communities, Naplesbrings together the best of shopping, recreation, and beautiful white sand beaches. Cedar Key oozes with small-town charms and pretty seaside beauty. There are usually more amenities, such as parks and playgrounds, and it can be easier to get around. Theres no getting around it: St. George Island is just incredibly beautiful. Lots to do for a small town. A quiet day in a beautiful town, shopping, checking out art, and all with the friendliest people around? Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's main peninsula, Anna Maria features seven miles of white-sand beach. If youre looking for a charming small town in Central Florida to call home, here are a few of our favorites: Most of us know of Celebration, Florida for its robust amenities. Median Home Price: $247,112. (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). 1. Explore some of Florida's best small towns to soak up the charm of quiet coastlines, historic downtowns, and immersive nature experiences like scuba diving in a prehistoric cave or swimming with manatees. 9. Get outside of the tourism corridor for a glimpse of how the locals live. The town of Chipley in Washington County is one of those places that has something for everyone. Dinner Recipes, Cutest The Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids, Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing. The small town of Bristol, FL is the county seat of Liberty County which happens to be the least populated county in Florida. ARobert Trent Jones golf courseis open to the public. While the area boasts 27 lakes, it's better known today for its massive caladium flower fields and collection of nearly 50 murals. There are plenty of local events to attend such as food festivals and concerts. It is perfect for those who want to live in a quiet and peaceful community, while still being close to all the action of Orlando. Micanopy,FL. Ivanhoe Row and Mills 50 are up-and-coming Orlando neighborhoods known for their offbeat yet attractive businesses. With an amazing focus on marine life, the Intracoastal Waterway connects the 23 municipalities in Palm Beach County and features 43 miles worth of exploration! 08 of 11 Delray Beach Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images Cruise down Atlantic Avenue, the main drag in Delray Beach, and you'll end up at one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's east coast. 866-696-7432. The 2023 Best Small Colleges ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. It also gives them a chance to play in the snow when it's 80 degrees outside. Micanopy, FL, USA. There is also caroling and street vendors selling food and Christmas goodies. Away from College Parks center, expansive homes with lake views show Orlando living at its most graceful. Its known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, so its the perfect place to catch the big one! Stuart also is a super pedestrian-friendly town, and is filled with history. You'll find the town hall and library in an 1895 brick schoolhouse and the Micanopy Historical Society Museum in an 1886 warehouse. The small towns in this article are designed with a specific goal in mind. Mexico Beach is honestly the perfect beach town. Enjoy 51 miles of waterfront and a National Register of Historic Places downtown 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg. You won't find much bustling action in Cedar Key, in fact, police officers patrol the town in spruced-up golf carts. This charming, southern town is filled with antique shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and galleries galore. Another quaint town is the Downtown Sanford. By day, its high-rises bustle with office workers. Read More: 9 Sensational Things to Do in Mount Dora (Youre Going to Fall in Love!). Most dining is waterfront, but the 40-year-old Euphemia Haye Restaurant serves a made-from-scratch menu (and a dessert bar of gourmet pies) in a cottage surrounded by tropical foliage. Best U.S. Less than 160 acres, its pleasantly walkable. Read More: 21+ Relaxing Things To Do In Beautiful Marathon, FL. Experience the charm, friendliness and slower pace that beckon folks to visit these three small towns. Yes, please! Thanks to its proximity to the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon there is no shortage of outdoor. Vineyards is the best small town in Florida based on the most recent Census data. 7. Named for its fish-abundant waters, Tarpon Springs is also the "sponge capital of the world" and has the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any U.S. city. And! Naples has a population of just over 22,000. Celebration, Florida is a very nice place to live. And theres no better place to try a brand new sport than Deerfield Beach. Book a room at a charming inn and learn about the local oyster, timber, and fishing history or relax on miles of unspoiled beaches in nearby St. George's Island. 76 reviews. Niceville. 14. This site uses cookies to enhanceyour experience. While youre in the area, take a scenic drive east and then south on Highway 65 through the Apalachicola National Forest and see what makes this area so incredibly special! The Best Small Towns To Retire In Florida The US State of Florida is an easy choice to retire for the pleasant weather with endless beach access. It is located just 40 minutes north of Orlando, yet offers a quieter way of life. Its within the spiffy 25-acre Kissimmee Lakefront Park, an open-air escape with floating docks over Lake Tohopekaliga, fishing piers, wooden and paved trails, and eco rain gardens. Family-oriented dinner theaters abound along Kissimmees main tourism thoroughfare. Fort Pierce 7. St. Augustine. Oldsmar is a small town that is located just outside of Tampa and is one of the best small towns in Florida to retire in for those who also want to be close to a big city. A group of volunteers and train enthusiasts run a 24-gauge train at Veterans Memorial Park. Read More: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA. Don't miss the free, bike-friendly boardwalk at the zoos entrance. Weve got those too! Each of these towns offers its own unique character and attractions, making them perfect places to live. Plus, its very close to Amelia Island, which is the ideal escape! With a population under 3,000 and a landscape thats mainly rural, Williston has elbow room in spades. Miramar Beach has everything you need to have a memorable family vacation! Maitland is located in Orange County and is considered one of Floridas greatest places to live. Thanks to its proximity to the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon there is no shortage of outdoor activities here. Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach is a small community located in Walton County on Florida's stunning Emerald Coast. For one weekend each December, downtown Fernandina is turned into a classic Victorian village with decorations and Christmas lights. Bay Hill, a residential golf community, is home to the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational. Towns With Fewer Than 10,000 Residents. Sidewalk cafes on Park Avenue (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). In southwest Florida, about 30 minutes west of Fort Myers, youll find an Old Florida fishing village called Matlacha. You can rent a set of wheels from Space Coast Bike Tours. Get out on a SUP, hit the driving range, enjoy miles of walking trails, or take in a game of tennis. Those who are looking for outdoor adventures will love a dip in the springs at deLeon Springs State Park, or a kayak trip down the Spring Garden Run! Alys Beach is one of several New Urbanist planned communities off Scenic Highway 30A on the Gulf Coast. Source: flickr. Read More: 41 AMAZINGLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA, FLORIDA. The residents of this small town have proclaimed their town the antiques capital of the sunshine state, and you will find dozens of shops in this cute city. It has a mural society, a murals website, and a team of mural volunteers to greet tour groups. Disney started building the self-contained neighborhood as a master planned community in 1996. Besides all the water sports and beautiful beaches this community offers, you can also get your fill of educational and historical opportunities. Havana a town so nice, it was voted (twice!) Where, WhereTraveler, WhereTraveler.com and "The complete guide to Go", are service marks of Morris Visitor Publications, LLC. Bristol is a quiet town, with something that makes it extremely unique its own train! Captiva Island is home to amazing restaurants your only tough decision will be choosing which ones to visit. With beautiful white beaches on the Gulf, this town is so relaxed, it doesnt even have a traffic light! Youll see unique formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies! You can interact with dolphins, or learn about sea turtles at the Turtle Hospital while youre there! Biz Journals says that this area is just south of downtown and that it is bordered by Briarcliff Drive, Mills Avenue, and Gore Street. 8. Not far from the Everglades, youll find the only developed land in the Ten Thousand Islands Marco Island. If that's not enough manatee love for you, see them hanging out at Three Sisters Springs, or celebrate them at the Florida Manatee Festival in January. Many of these homes were restored during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Fernandina Beach Downtown FERNANDINA BEACH is as far north as you can go in Florida. Most households are sitting pretty on a $103,563 income - not bad when you consider the national average is a comparatively tiny $55,322. Marianna is located in Jackson County, where there is an abundance of things to do. Naples Source: flickr. The park is known for its beautiful natural springs that are 68 degrees year round! Its main drag, Sand Lake Road, has become known as Restaurant Row for its midscale and upscale restaurants, which flank the street via high-end Mediterranean-style strip centers. Jacksonville, the only Florida city on this list of the best small towns to retire in Florida with an NFL team, shares the second-lowest monthly grocery cost of $348 with Gainesville. Miramar Beach is one of South Waltons most diverse and active beach neighborhoods, and the perfect place to set down vacation roots. Art and culture are also important here, with Venice being home to The Venice Theatre, the Venice Symphony, and The Venice Art Center. The region also has Blue Jacket Park, home of the RTC Orlando Memorial, as well as walking and cycling on the Cady Way Trail. Miramar Beach is also close to other beautiful beach towns like Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, and Inlet Beach. Park Avenue is amazing and one of the top places to live. Citrus County is the only place in the country you can swim with manatees, and Crystal River, with its proximity to the warm springs of Kings Bay, is a wintertime hub for these gentle giants. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola is known for its mouthwatering seafood - no wonder it's also known as the "Oyster Capital of the World." What is cable skiing exactly? Dade City. Night of a Million Lights Read Also: 12 Amazing Day Trip Ideas from Orlando How to Spend a Day in Orlando on a Budget Top 10 Free and Fun Things to Do in Orlando 2. In north central Florida, just 15 minutes south of Gainesville, youll find the town of Micanopy a town thats fun to say, but even more fun to visit. It's one of the best beaches in Florida's Panhandle. The downtown area is preciousand there are lifeguards, a playground, and plenty of fun on the beach. Marathon has some of the best fishing around, restaurants right on the water, and every water sport you can imagine. 35 Awesome Apple Picking Farms Across the U.S. Country Living editors select each product featured. Fourteen miles of white, sandy beaches? Art galleries, boutiques, seafood restaurants, and Florida cottages dot this picturesque town. Cedar Key represents a slice of old Florida, with a low-season population of around 900 and a two-lane road leading on and off the Key. 1. 1. The most attractive feature of Florida is the weather. 4. Quite honestly, it is hard to say which small town is the best to live in since it will depend on your unique taste. Cheryl Rodewig is an award-winning professional writer. One of the most charming small beach towns in Florida, it is off the beaten path, accessible by Route 24 along the Nature Coast. The main drag, Park Avenue is lined with civic buildings, retail, art galleries, and a private liberal arts college, Rollins College. Known as Cayo Largo, meaning "long islet," Key Largo is the largest of the Keys in the Florida Keys archipelago, at 33 miles (53 km) long. In addition to all things manatee, the town of Crystal River is a charming southern town, where youll find water activities, restaurants, and golfing. About an hour southwest of Gainesville, this small community is known for its restaurants and shops perched on stilts above the Gulf of Mexico. Try Pizza Gallery & Grill for creative pies in an art-filled setting or the hip 28 North Gastropub for sustainable brews and bites. The 50 Best Historic Towns in Florida. The 10 Best Small Towns To Live In Florida For 2022 Vineyards Sewall's Point Palm Beach Shores Indian River Shores Island Walk Black Diamond Punta Rassa Redington Shores Holmes Beach Highland Beach What's the best small town in Florida? Market Street in downtown Celebration (Celebration Town Center). Yet, this cute small town in Florida has a lot to offer! College Park is technically part of the city of Orlando, yet this urban commercial/residential hybrid is a closely knit community all its own. Contents1 Where is the best small town to live in Florida?2 What [] This community houses the Alfond Inn Hotel, beautiful boutiques, fine dining, art and music festivals, scenic parks, tree-lined streets, Multi-million-dollar homes, and historic bungalows. You can even watch the cannons being fired into the . Orlandos creative community shows its talent in the Downtown Arts District. 2. By Mariana Zapata, updated on May 2, 2022. The city was founded in the 1880s. Then check out these amazing RV locations in Florida! The park also offers trails for hiking or biking, and picnic areas too. After a day in the sun, check out the local restaurants and bars that serve up fresh seafood, live music, and a whole lot of fun! The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park has beautiful grounds to see, costumed interpreters in action, and, of course, the waters from the Fountain of Youth. An hour away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, youll find Mount Dora, where relaxation is the name of the game. One-bedroom average rent: $1,674 (up 17.4 percent since last year) Two-bedroom average rent: $2,221 (up 34.1 percent since last year) With more convenience to downtown, Ocoee at just under 14 miles is one of the closest cities on this list to Orlando. (For real!). Amelia Island. Central Florida. Children jump in splash pads and couples cavort in oversized porch swings set in the center of town--where silver-haired gentlemen sometimes play Americana tunes alfresco. 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