The Sunshine State is a highly ranked tourist destination and an equally desired area of the United States to live in! With an average of 237 days of sunshine per year, no wonder people love living in Florida. Orlando ranks third in the state for population. Why is it so popular? Could it be the universities, outdoor activities, theme parks, or proximity to beaches? The City Beautiful is centrally located to all things fun and fabulous! Curious to know how other major cities in Florida compare? Our Orlando realtors can show you!
The largest city in Florida is Jacksonville. This city near the Atlantic coast and northern border of the state has something for everyone. Besides exploring the natural beauty and wonders of the coastline and beach, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, MOSH (Museum of Science and History), and the third-largest seaport call Jacksonville home! In addition to these sites, there are top-rated schools and affordable housing.
Sitting on the beautiful Tampa Bay is the city of Tampa. If you are an urban professional, student, or retiree, this town is for you! This town has a fantastic nightlife and boasts year-round, near-perfect weather. Check out the Tampa Aquarium or the historic Tampa Theater or even horse racing at the Tampa Downs! If that’s not your style, try the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk.
Gainesville is known for the University of Florida and the Florida Museum of Natural History. Go Gators! The University of Florida Gators is a consistently ranked team among the top college football programs in the United States. The Florida Museum of Natural History isn’t just all artifacts! A butterfly rainforest is among the must-see attractions at the museum! Though the thrilling theme parks are missing, Gainesville is also known for its historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, with numerous parks and lakes that provide fun and relaxation to visitors.
Miss the calm waters of the Gulf being landlocked in Orlando? Take a trip to St. Petersburg! With an average of 360 days of sunshine each year, watersports are a great way to relax and recharge! Kayaking, canoeing, scuba, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing just to name a few! Gorgeous Clearwater Beach is close by, or choose to watch the sunset from Pier 60.
Love the beach? Then you must visit Fort Lauderdale! Enjoy the miles of gorgeous Atlantic Coast beaches, some of which are globally renowned! But a fun party town isn’t the only thing Fort Lauderdale is known for! There are museums, boating and fishing, and plenty of shopping!
Want the nightlife action of a big city? Miami is the fourth-largest city in the country! Attracting people of all ages and all walks of life, Miami has everything from tropical beaches, watersports, art districts, a rich cultural heritage presence, and museums scattered throughout this southern city.
Let’s not forget Miami’s smaller neighbor, Hialeah. Drawn by a low crime rate and affordable housing, many Cuban-Americans call this spot home. It’s a great place to eat authentic Cuban food, visit water parks, art sites, as well as the famous Amelia Earhart Park.
Don’t let the outwardly quiet demeanor of Port St. Lucie, located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, fool you! This gem has plenty to offer! From natural locales such as state parks and nature preserves to fabulous world-class golf courses. Visit the botanical gardens to view orchids, bamboo, and native plants, as well as beautiful butterflies and flitting hummingbirds. The Riverwalk Boardwalk winds through native mangroves and the St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve is perfect for viewing river otters, manatees, egrets, and alligators. Compared to its neighbors, Port St. Lucie offers a safe and affordable lifestyle.
Love the outdoors? You’ll find what you’re looking for and more in Cape Coral! Beaches, canals, and wildlife can all be found in this quiet, gulf side Florida town. With its small town feel, enjoy art festivals, golf, and fishing with gentle ocean vibes!
Located in the panhandle, Tallahassee is the state capital and home to Florida State University and Florida A&M. As you guessed it, it’s the premier college town with museums, historic houses and landmarks, trails, and festivals, concerts, art galleries, and superb restaurants.
Orlando is the center of it all! In comparison, there’s no better place to be! So since Orlando real estate is hot right now, take your time visiting areas of interest. But make sure you come back to the hub of Florida, the City Beautiful!