Orlando

This portion of Central Florida is one of the leading tourist destinations in the country and perhaps one of the most well known and visited areas in Florida. But remember, if you decide to move to Orlando[a], the city will offer you more than just a discounted FastPass to Disney World and other local attractions. The central location makes day trips a breeze.

• Population: 277,173
• Median Home Price: $171,000

Western Florida

Clearwater

Located on the West Coast of Florida, Clearwater is one of the top destinations for retirees in the country. This city has a close-knit community feel and a slower pace of life. Everything from houses to shopping centers are all located near one another, which makes socializing and getting around as a retiree that much easier.

• Population: 114,361
• Median Home Price: $208,400

St. Petersburg

Just a short drive south of Clearwater is the city of St. Petersburg. Known for its diversity and packed social calendar, it seems like a festival or event is happening every weekend in the downtown area. Enjoy the benefits of living in the Tampa Bay area while being away from all the action (and traffic) in Tampa.

• Population: 260,999
• Median Home Price: $185,000

Tampa

Moving to Tampa puts you right in the heart of the Tampa Bay Area. Among the many reasons to move there, an active professional sports scene is one of them. You’ll also enjoy a vast array of locally owned restaurants and a ton of festivals. You might also find that the job market is on the upswing here.

• Population: 377,165
• Median Home Price: $187,400

Southwest Florida

Fort Myers

This rapidly growing town is located just a few hours from Orlando to the north and Miami to the south. Positioned on the Gulf Coast, the central location gives prospective residents of Fort Myers more day-trip options throughout all areas of the state as opposed to someone who is located further north. The diverse community is packed with expats and loads of cultural experiences that will expand your horizons.

• Population: 77,146
• Median Home Price: $204,100

Sarasota

Rent and housing costs are slightly higher in Sarasota primarily due to its small size, making it a more expensive place to live than many other parts of Florida. Despite being known primarily as a retirement and tourist community, the tradeoff for year-round residents is access to some world-class beaches (i.e., Siesta Key) and activities.

• Population: 56,610
• Median Home Price: $272,800

Fort Lauderdale

Being family-oriented and having a thriving job market are a couple of key factors that make Fort Lauderdale a hub for growing families and young professionals. Into boating? This city embraces yacht life. In fact, over 40,000 residents opt to live on the water in one of the many waterways. There are so many inland waterways that the area has been referred to as the Venice of America.

• Population: 178,752
• Median Home Price: $289,300

Miami

If you’ve ever gone on a typical spring break trip as a young adult, chances are Miami beaches were on your short list of places to visit. Miami is a large metro area and as such, can get bad rap for the touristy and nightlife aspects. Like any city, it has its share of poverty, crime and injustice. However, Miami has a culture unlike any other city in Florida. There are an array of Spanish-speaking cultures, from Cuban to Columbian to Mexican.

• Population: 453,579
• Median Home Price: $303,000