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. This beautiful part of the Florida Keys has something to offer anyone looking to have some fun in the sun, above or below the turquoise water. 10 Best Small Towns in Florida for Shopping August 25, 2022 larryedg@gmail.com The 10 Best Small Towns in Florida for Shopping Florida is known for beaches, Disney, alligators and oranges. For those looking for something a bit more relaxing, take a boat ride out to the barrier reef island, Cayo Costa, and find yourself a private beach. But there's magic here in the Sunshine State beyond Orlando and Miami. Bartow is known for its small city heritage and distinctive Southern culture . Maitland is located in Orange County and is considered one of Floridas greatest places to live. Read More: 21 Things To Do In Stuart, FL For A Fun & Affordable Family Vacation [Video]. Apalachicola[SEE MAP] This is one of those charming small towns of Florida which makes it to almost every visitor's list. Parks dot the landscape, and youll also find great golfing, water sports, and trails in this beautiful town! Located in northwest Florida, Niceville is far from the big cities in the less populated panhandled region of Florida. 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. | Credit: John Starrett Photography for Visit . Along with its neighbor Sanibel, to the south, Captiva Island is the perfect place to go biking, sailing, fishing, kayaking, birding, or seashell hunting! If you are looking for where to live in Central Florida, look no further than these all-inclusive small towns or gated communities. These towns offer a range of amenities and are perfect for those who want to live in a friendly and welcoming community. The town's annual Scottish celebrations honor its heritage and history as once one of Florida's chief seaport and trading centers. For golf and fine dining, visit the Plantation at Crystal River, a 50-year-old, 232-acre eco-friendly resort. As the number one ranked small town to retire in from USA Today, Mount Dora is worth checking out, and easily made it on our list of best Central Florida cities to live in. Each of these towns offers its own unique character and attractions, making them perfect places to live. (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach is a small community located in Walton County on Florida's stunning Emerald Coast. Two lakes are the focal points of this community. 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. Explore the brick-streets lined with art galleries and businesses in buildings from the late 1800s. Stretching for 11 miles on a thin barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key is a popular but uncrowded destination for shelling, swimming, and watersports. Carve out some time for exploring these eight personable neighborhoods and quaint small towns, each with a distinct vibe and plenty of local flavor. Anna Maria Island Beach at the Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages/Oyster The seven-mile-long Anna Maria Island surfaces between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Orlando is an amazing place to live for many reasons. Get out on a SUP, hit the driving range, enjoy miles of walking trails, or take in a game of tennis. Biz Journals says that this area is just south of downtown and that it is bordered by Briarcliff Drive, Mills Avenue, and Gore Street. 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. Youll see unique formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies! Now it's time to head north to discover some of Florida's best springs. Let's check 10 Best Places to live in Northern Florida. Lake Eola is a blue oasis. Please dont repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. It was established in 1903 and today, it is home to a population of around 40,000 people, and climbing. 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. Cedar Key (from USD 165) Cedar Key is an island town off the northwest coast of Florida and on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Dade City. Central Florida features a variety of unique towns and cities for you to explore, each with their own collection of adventures to choose from. Alys Beach is one of several New Urbanist planned communities off Scenic Highway 30A on the Gulf Coast. Lodging and dining aren't far either. Yes, please! Plus, the weather in Florida is perfect year-round, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of year it is. It's a short walk to Loch Haven Cultural Park's museums and theaters. Micanopy, FL, USA. Windermere is a town in Orange County, and it is known for its upscale homes and beautiful lakes. A local Kissimmee resident (Paul Marcellini). Tucked away along the Atlantic Coast of South Florida, Martin County offers an authentic slice of paradise, blending seaside allure with a dash of Key West whimsy and true Old Florida charm. It is located just 40 minutes north of Orlando, yet offers a quieter way of life. Amelia Island. Floating down the Santa Fe River on an Anderson's Outdoor Adventures tube trip. Explore the charming town of Mount Dora near Orlando. Florida brings to mind the bustling cities of Miami and Orlando, but the state also features many other amazing destinations. You can rent a set of wheels from Space Coast Bike Tours. If you love warm weather, day trips from Orlando, pristine beaches, world-renowned amusement parks, and tropical relaxation and the natural beauty of the Sunshine State, Florida is probably already high on your list of travel destinations.Some travelers are content to lie in the sun with a mojito or margarita in hand, while others live for the moment they . Dinner Recipes, Cutest The Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids, Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing. Sunshine State spots with plenty of charm America's southernmost state might be best known for bustling resorts like Miami and Orlando, but beyond the bright lights and big cities there are. Its a short walk to Loch Haven Cultural Parks museums and theaters. If you fancy gallery-hopping, Matlacha Menagerie, Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, and Wild Child Art Gallery are all within a few feet of each other. 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. In and around Chipley, you can find a state park, a greyhound park, a wolf preserve, golf, horseback riding, a historic district filled with Victorian homes, a winery, a gator farm, and a family opry! Besides all the water sports and beautiful beaches this community offers, you can also get your fill of educational and historical opportunities. 35 Awesome Apple Picking Farms Across the U.S. Country Living editors select each product featured. Explore some of Floridas 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. Central Florida is home to some of the most charming small towns in the country. This is definitely a top pick for quaint towns in Florida. This charming, southern town is filled with antique shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and galleries galore. Its also Orlandos Asian center, packed with Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores and acupuncture practices. Its now a writers retreat. An hour away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, youll find Mount Dora, where relaxation is the name of the game. Niceville. Youll find wineries, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, and so many antique shops here too! Of course, there is a lovely beach, but the quaint historic downtown, with upscale shopping and dining, really earns it a place on our list of quaint small towns in Florida. Here, vibrant communities are marked by swaying palms and seashell-speckled sidewalks. Let's Talk: 866-696-7432. Theres a reason Readers Digest voted Lake Placid Americas Most Interesting Town and thats because it is! 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. The city was founded in the 1880s. Miramar Beach is one of South Waltons most diverse and active beach neighborhoods, and the perfect place to set down vacation roots. For outdoor adventures, there are nature tours and plenty of water sports to choose from. Local professor and chef Hari Pulapaka, who runs Cress Restaurant, is a four-time James Beard semi-finalist for best chef in the South. Celebration, Florida is one of the most popular planned communities in Central Florida. Ponce de Leon, FL is home to one of the best state parks in Florida Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Thanks to its proximity to the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon there is no shortage of outdoor. The small town of Bristol, FL is the county seat of Liberty County which happens to be the least populated county in Florida. Or enjoy one of the sandy beaches that overlooks this spring-fed river. This totally renovated bed and breakfast inn includes several rooms along with secluded cottages. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's main peninsula, Anna Maria features seven miles of white-sand beach. Get outside of the tourism corridor for a glimpse of how the locals live. 1. Want to experience the beauty of a south Florida beach without all the crowds? Winter Garden, Florida is a charming town that is located in west-central Florida. Home; Best Small Towns In Florida Best Small Towns In Florida. 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. Table of Contents show 20. For those who love a good shopping day, youll find malls, outlets, and wonderful local shops along Main Street. Lake Placid had various names throughout the early 20th century until Dr. Melvil Dewey, of Dewey Decimal fame, likened it to his lake-filled home in New York. If you're feeling outdoorsy, visit the Viera Wetlands, beloved by birdwatchers, or the Brevard Zoo, where you can feed a giraffe or kayak through the habitats. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Take a walk to the Palm Island Lighthouse or peruse antique shops, art galleries and boutiques downtown. Well, its a mix of surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, and fun! Photo by Cheryl Rodewig. Apalachicola 11. 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. 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. This town has worked hard to be beautiful, with more than 50 murals dotting its buildings around town. You won't find much bustling action in Cedar Key, in fact, police officers patrol the town in spruced-up golf carts. Stay at a resort, go on a dolphin cruise, visit the spa, or spend all day at the beautiful beaches! Here are a few examples of things to do in Tavernier: Below, check out our list of amazing small towns in Florida that will make you feel like you're a world away from the big beats of Miami's nightclubs and the endless lines at Epcot. There is a reason why central Florida has some of the best places to retire. In the center of the Florida peninsula, this city's historic downtown is designed in a circle with boutiques and galleries for perusing. 9. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can also launch your canoe or kayaks here for a trip down Suwannee River. Median Home Price: $247,112. And if youre looking for something to do besides enjoying this waterfront town may I suggestfishing? And! //]]> Florida Caverns State Park features the only dry cave tour in Florida. Sign-up and receive travel ideas directly to your inbox. Here are 13 Small Towns in Georgia and What To Do There! A walkable downtown is popular for boutiques and a variety of restaurants. A brewery and indoor locavore market, plus a weekly farmers market, offer up artisan wares and groceries. Home to great restaurants, shopping, golf, fishing, and of course beaches this town is filled with great things to do! If youre there on a Saturday, be sure to pick up some satsuma citrus preserves from the farmers market. Theres no getting around it: St. George Island is just incredibly beautiful. 866-696-7432. Downtown Historic Winter Garden is the perfect place to live if youre looking for a small town with a lot of character. Downtown, students, locals and visitors watch movies in the 1921 Athens Theatre, shop locally owned boutiques and dine at sidewalk cafes, amid colorful outdoor murals depicting historic scenes. A group of volunteers and train enthusiasts run a 24-gauge train at Veterans Memorial Park. When youre not out and about, just enjoying the natural beauty of the area is all you really need on your agenda! Deland boasts the first private university in Florida, Stetson University. Adults sup and sip wine and martinis in welcoming dining rooms, cafes and watering holeschic, bohemian or cozy. Its tropical topography of giant cacti and bougainvillea vines is a picturesque backdrop for the already stunning sunsets that attract visitors from far and wide. Bay Hill, a residential golf community, is home to the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational. And history buffs will want to visit Fort Fanning Historic Park used during the 1800s during the Seminole Wars. Miami. Best Places to Stay. 1. 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. About 1.5 hours northwest of Orlando, located on Floridas Nature Coast, youll find Crystal River, FL a town thats all about the manatees! It's also home to a variety of parks and lakes and the Sebring International Raceway. Naples has a population of just over 22,000. Celebration is perfect for those who want to live in a community that has everything they need, including top-notch schools, restaurants, and shops. Boutiques, upscale grocers, and polished retailers selling goods from cigars to liqueurs beckon those looking to stock their hotel rooms or suitcases. And only an hour away, youll also find the Apalachicola River another great river where water sports reign supreme! If you are looking for scenic and entertainment, there is a lot happening in Maitland. Central Florida. Another popular planned community in Central Florida is Windermere. But their cheapest activity might be the best: feeding the giant tarpons off the marina. This area has a beautiful mix of urban and suburban feel and offers a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Read More: 41 AMAZINGLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA, FLORIDA. 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. The Families Fly Free program will make your familys travel dreams come true! I dont know what you picture when you picture a fishing village but this one is super fun and bright! (Photo by Bonnie Gross) Each offers a variety of activities within an hour's drive. Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," this island paradise sits 90 minutes south of Miami in the Florida Keys. The springs flow at a constant 72 degrees creating an ideal home for the gentle giants when the temperature drops in the Gulf of Mexico. The homes and businesses in a planned community are often designed to look similar, which can give the area a more unified feel. Turquoise water, manicured lawns, contemporary sculptures, and bright white Mediterranean-style houses deliver photo-worthy landscapes. Our Top Picks 1) Celebration, Florida 2) Baldwin Park 3) Downtown Historic Winter Garden 4) Park Avenue in Winter Park 5) Maitland 6) Downtown DeLand 7) Downtown Sanford We make no guarantees of any price listed on our site. Historic downtown Naples is filled with with high-end shoppes and boutiques. Home to several state parks and museums, youll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and a little bit smarter. MONTICELLO is a pretty little town with giant oak trees forming canopy streets and a lot of old restored homes, many of them going back to before the Civil War. Spend less time in traffic and waiting for a table, and more time relaxing, being pampered, and enjoying the beauty all around you with a visit to these amazing small Florida towns. But anyone who's enjoyed a quiet afternoon swinging on a front porch or hiking up . This town has so many options, youll never run out of things to do. Rent one of the beautiful beach homes here, or stay in a local inn to really get your feel of the community. Visit M&B Memorial Railroad Park, the site of an old railroad line, that used to be the shortest railroad in Florida only 29 miles! Distance from downtown Orlando: 13.7 miles. The 45 minute tour is a wonder to experience. Seaside 10. However, some of the most popular include Celebration, Winter Garden, Maitland, and Winter Park. Experience the charm, friendliness and slower pace that beckon folks to visit these three small towns. If you love the outdoors, youre going to love Captiva Island! 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! Explore the Ovens on the Chipola River, a dry cave. Today this thoughtfully designed mini metropolis, now unaffiliated with the corporate giant, is a polished, upscale residential and commercial area with old-fashioned looking homesbig on front porchesthat have modern interiors within. This beautiful, small town evokes feelings of days gone by, and youll find white sandy beaches, and amazing seafood here. 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. The Sunshine State is known for the glitzy metropolis of Miami, but it's also home to tons of charming small towns. In summer, its scallop season and there are plenty of tours available. Livability: 69. Away from College Parks center, expansive homes with lake views show Orlando living at its most graceful. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"IW81pDVCiMw65TsWXTMJj1g1nqZP2zjyg45dFtqEybo-3600-0"}; These towns are perfect for those who are looking for a quaint and peaceful place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions. 1 beach in America in 2020 by Dr. Beach. Just a little west of Tampa on the Gulf Coast youll find the quaint town of Dunedin. Very low violent crime rate. Maitland is also home to Enzian Theater which hosts the Florida Film Festival. The new Trader Joe's and Slate restaurant on Restaurant Row (Slate). Enjoy the bohemian charm by visiting shops, galleries, seafood markets, or hanging out at the community park. The beaches here are so amazingly clean and perfect, theyve won awards. Yes, please! Turkey Creek Nature Trail - Niceville, FL. The location of Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art, its walkable downtown is packed with restaurants, upscale shopping, and parks that play host to various events throughout the year. Madison. Festive Christmas palms in Sarasota. Northwest Florida is home to so many great towns where youll find lots of southern charm and beautiful beaches off the beaten path but well within reach. About an hour southwest of Gainesville, this small community is known for its restaurants and shops perched on stilts above the Gulf of Mexico. Coolest Small Towns in Florida. St. Augustine. Bristol is a quiet town, with something that makes it extremely unique its own train! The college has a public dock and a free art museum open to visitors. Alys Beach is just such a place. If you can stretch to the $305,700 median home price, you'll find Laudergate Isles a superb place to live. Here youll find one of the largest diving facilities in the state. Market Street in downtown Celebration (Celebration Town Center). Located between the Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida, not far from Bradenton, youll find the barrier island of Anna Maria. The "easy-breezy" island town is connected by overseas U.S. Highway 1 to the mainland. When youre ready to take a break from the sun, the town also offers really great local shopping and restaurants. Population 65 and older as a percentage: 13.8%. Plus, pups are welcome to this beach! Located in the Tampa Bay area, Dade city ranks as the sixth most affordable place in Florida. Sanibel Island. They run daily and arrive in approximately 20-30 minute intervals. After dark, the streets fill with decked-out club-hoppers. This Amelia Island enclave on Florida's northeastern border boasts 13 miles of pristine beaches. Here are the Best Small Beach Towns in Florida 1. Author Jack Kerouac spent time in one of the bungalows. Also home to plenty of beautiful beaches, your view won't be blocked by . The main draw here is definitely Fanning Springs State Park, where youll find the turquoise water is 72 degrees year-round. 1. 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? Read More: 21+ Relaxing Things To Do In Beautiful Marathon, FL. One of the most charming small beach towns in Florida, it is off the beaten path, accessible by Route 24 along the Nature Coast. One of the oldest towns on Florida's west coast, Dunedin features a walkable downtown, four miles of waterfront, and popular craft breweries. Also, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. These towns offer a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, while also providing all of the amenities and conveniences that you could want or need. . After touring the sites, cool down with a treat from Southern Craft Creamery, serving ice cream made with milk sourced from the family farm just 6 miles away. 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. Jackson County is also home to miles of hiking trails, and two state parks Florida Caverns State Park and Three Rivers State Park. Youll also find plenty of touring opportunities here from seashell excursions to canoe and kayaking tours. 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. Step back in time on this barrier island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed. A few miles offshore, the living coral reef makes it a highly-demanded tourist spot known as the "Diving Capital of the . Not far from the Everglades, youll find the only developed land in the Ten Thousand Islands Marco Island. Stroll down Main Street alongside Heritage Park and admire the new city hall and The Ivy Housebuilt in 1912 and converted into a restaurant. And theres no better place to try a brand new sport than Deerfield Beach. (For real!). Yet downtown Orlando is packed with intriguing sub-destinations worth exploring. 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