8 Best Florida Small Towns to Live

Florida gets a ton of press as a great place to live. Around 958 people were moving to the Sunshine State each day in 2022. But what if you want those sunny days and income-tax-free perks without the packed-in lifestyle and high tourist traffic of famous cities like Miami, Orlando, or Tampa?

For that, try Florida’s small towns. These charming destinations still have stunning scenery, fresh seafood, friendly locals, outdoor recreation, and more, but without the price tag, congestion, and density of a tourist center. And you’re still within reach of major attractions like Disney World and the nation’s best beaches!

To pick Florida’s best small towns, we’re looking at places with 20,000 or fewer residents. We’ve also excluded any towns under 20,000 that are clearly bedroom communities of the big cities, so sorry Winter Park and St. Augustine!

So what exactly makes these small Florida towns special? Read on to find out!

Fernandina Beach

Population: 13,000

Region: Northeast Florida

Situated on Amelia Island and claiming the title of northeast Florida’s northernmost town, Fernandina Beach stands out among the beach towns for its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. And yes, it has pristine beaches, too.

The town’s history influences what it is today. Pirates came and hid among its inlets long before the homes of Gilded Age millionaires rose to form a winter resort town. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festivals honors the island’s fishing history, while you can tour Fort Clinch State Park, which was used during the American Civil War.

The vibe is encapsulated along Centre Street, the main thoroughfare. Visitors stroll under the palm trees on brick-laid sidewalks as they browse the boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. They come for the annual Island Hop craft beer fest, the free First Fridays concerts, and the museums.

Fernandina Beach is blessed with 13 miles of beautiful beaches on the Amelia Island coastline. These sandy shores provide ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. The beaches are known for their natural beauty, soft sands, and relatively uncrowded shores.

Fernandina Beach’s combination of historic charm, natural beauty, and coastal offerings make it a beloved destination for those seeking a tranquil beach town lifestyle. With 635 homes for sale, the median price was $635,000 in July 2023.

Islamorada

Population: 7,076

Region: Florida Keys

Known as the “Village of Islands,” Islamorada is made up of several islands in the Florida Keys: Plantation Key, Windley Key, and Upper Matecumbe Key. It’s world-famous for its sport fishing, giving it a second nickname, “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” The surrounding tropical waters are abundant with tarpon, bonefish, permit, sailfish, and mahi-mahi. Fishing enthusiasts come to charter boats or join guided tours for world-class fishing adventures.

As an island town, your choices of water sports and recreation are inexhaustible. Out the back door awaits snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys and the nearby Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Islamorada naturally has a robust tourism component and attractions that seek to entertain and draw visitors. Among these is the Theater of the Sea marine mammal park and animal encounter facility where visitors swim with dolphins and stingrays. 

A perk of living in a tourist destination is the cuisine. Islamorada doesn’t disappoint, with a focus on fresh seafood and Floribbean (Florida-Caribbean) cuisine. From casual waterfront eateries to upscale restaurants, waterfront dining just makes the fresh tropical flavors that much better.  

Anna Maria

Population: 970

Region: Suncoast/Southwest Florida

This Gulf Coast barrier island town is a hidden gem outside Bradenton featuring beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe. 

The beaches are its most famous attraction. They truly are stunning, with several miles of powdery white sand juxtaposed against turquoise waters. As it faces west, locals have unobstructed sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. And the wildlife is abundant; you’ll frequently see dolphins chasing fish, manatees surfacing for air, and sharks cruising the waters.

Anna Maria Island’s laid-back ambiance captures the essence of old Florida beach living. The island’s strict building codes and low-speed limits prioritize preserving its natural beauty and small-town character. You won’t find any high-rise developments or chain restaurants here. Instead, expect charming local shops owned by multiple-generation Floridians.

The town also nourishes artists, hosting art festivals, gallery walks, and live music events throughout the year. Besides the festivals, Pineapple Marketplace features over 30 vendors selling handcrafted goods and antiques. 

Because it is relatively small and easily navigable, locals and visitors often ditch the car on Anna Maria. Bicycles and golf carts are a popular way to get around the island, allowing visitors to leisurely explore its various neighborhoods, beaches, and hidden gems. But because land space is limited, and locals know they have a treasure in their backyard, July 2023 home prices were at a median of $3 million for the 83 listings.

Mount Dora

Population: 16,000

Region: Central Florida

Welcome to the “New England of the South,” a town that would feel a world away with its ample lakefront and Victorian-esque homes if not for the Spanish moss and cypress stands. Known for its historic downtown, antique shops, and annual festivals, Mount Dora is part of the lake-dotted landscape northeast of Orlando. 

Mount Dora is one part Old Florida, with wide front porches, sprawling live oaks, and breezes stirring the wide, open freshwater lakes. It’s also one part time capsule, as the town is known for its old architecture and as a hotspot for antique shopping. Those hunting for special treasures from bygone eras can’t miss the Renninger’s Antique Center, which features hundreds of vendors selling collectibles and vintage items across 117,000 square feet. It’s a paradise for antique enthusiasts and treasure hunters.

Another aspect of the community’s charm is its love for the arts. During the Mount Dora Arts Festival, thousands descend each year to walk the vendor row and peruse the exhibits. But it’s not a one-and-done deal, as the Mount Dora Center for the Art hosts art classes and workshops for all ages year-round. Don’t be surprised to see people sitting lakeside at the park painting the beautiful sunsets or photographers snapping herons mid-flight.

Besides its resplendent architecture, Mount Dora’s beauty is aided by the lakes it grew around: Lake Dora, Lake Gertrude, and Lake Beauclair. Life among the lakes feels tranquil. Locals love to get out on the lake and enjoy holidays Florida-style, which means a boat parade on the lake! Living here, there’s plenty of room for boating, fishing, and water sports.

Life in Mount Dora stays busy. Today there’s an annual sailing regatta, an antique spring show, and a bicycle festival. Downtown shops are complemented by delicious restaurants. The combination and being so close to Orlando metro make Mount Dora a popular town to visit and live. Its May 2023 median price was $433,500, with 367 homes for sale.

Micanopy

Population: 650

Region: North Central Florida

Some call Micanopy the “Antique Capital of Florida” due to its collection of antique shops and vintage stores. Like other central Florida small towns, its registered historic downtown features well-preserved buildings in a Victorian style. Micanopy homes date from the 1800s and mix that time period with the sensibilities of living in Florida before air conditioning–tall ceilings, windows, and wide front porches. 

Antique enthusiasts and collectors browse the downtown shops selling vintage furniture, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles. Paired with the antique shops are art galleries and charming cafes. Its historic Thrasher Warehouse dates to 1895. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Micanopy’s history, including its Native American heritage, early settlement, and role during the Civil War.

But it’s definitely not a sleepy small town, as it’s found other ways to keep visitors flowing into the downtown area. The Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival is a popular October event featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, and delicious food. Other events include the Micanopy Mayhem Vintage Motorcycle Show and the Micanopy 4th of July Parade.

Micanopy is situated in a part of Florida abundant with natural beauty. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park borders the town, and spans over 22,000 acres. People come to hike the scenic trails, spot wildlife like alligators and bison, go birdwatching, or enjoy picnicking and camping in the serene surroundings.

And not only do you get small-town charm, but Micanopy is just 15 minutes from Gainesville. Thanks to the state park on one side and Tuscawilla Lake on the other, it has a development buffer protecting it from urban sprawl. Micanopy had 44 homes for sale at a median price of $460,000.

Crystal River

Population: 3,400

Region: Nature Coast

Manatees are abundant in Florida’s coastal waters, rivers, and springs, but one town with a deep connection to these slow-moving creatures is Crystal River. 

The name gives away what you’ll find in this waterfront town. The Crystal River and its wide Kings Bay sparkles transparent and blue, fed by numerous springs that attract the manatees by the hundreds in the winter. Its Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the endangered West Indian manatee. The Three Sisters Springs is a particularly popular gathering spot for manatees seeking warmth.

The waters aren’t just attractive to manatees but teem with fish. Locals cast for snook, trout, tarpon, and redfish. The springs and their caves are also popular snorkeling and scuba diving location.

Downtown Crystal River is charming and quaint, with antique stores and restaurants shaded under tin-roofed cottages. Waterfront restaurants have dock parking, while waterfront parks and canals increase direct access for residents. 

In July 2023, it had 439 homes for sale at a median list price of $330,000. 

Cedar Key

Population: 690

Region: Nature Coast

Another Gulf Coast option, Cedar Key, is a historic small island town that has withstood the test of time. The century-old fishing village has survived a major hurricane, the collapse of the fishing industry, and many an economic depression to become a popular haven in Florida for those who want a taste of what life used to be like. The stilt buildings and salt-washed clapboard facades kick you back in time. There are no high-rises, sprawling condo complexes, or fast-food joints here.

Cedar Key is perfect if you crave isolation. There’s one road in and out, and it requires a long drive over salt flats and marshes stretching into the horizon. These surrounding rivers and salt marshes attract artists, birdwatchers, and seafood lovers. 

Cedar Key’s historic downtown area is that postcard-perfect old Florida fishing village look, with stumps of washed-away docks jutting out of the water, a downtown on stilts, and a constant stream of boats. The downtown is perfect for exploring on foot, browsing unique crafts, and sampling delicious seafood.

The commercial fishing industry is a significant part of its history and culture. Visitors indulge in succulent seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants or go on guided oyster farm tours to learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting oysters. But it’s not all fishing village. Cedar Key has a strong artistic flair, attracting the creatives who need nature and quiet for inspiration. Tourists explore the galleries and attend art workshops.

The town had 77 listings in May 2023 at a median price of $429,000.

Apalachicola

Population: 2,300

Region: Forgotten Coast/Panhandle

Want a more rustic and laidback town? Try Apalachicola, a fishing village with a rich maritime heritage. Located where the Apalachicola River flows into the bay, the town is renowned for its natural beauty. It’s truly out of the way, being over 70 miles from Tallahassee and Panama City.

The bay waters are prime grounds for fishing, oystering, and shrimping, so it’s no wonder the seafood industry has flourished here for over 175 years. The nearby Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve protects over 246,000 acres of vital coastal habitats, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and barrier islands.

As a town, the historic downtown area is a National Historic District thanks to its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The brick-lined streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and charming bed and breakfasts. 

Apalachicola may be extra small, but it knows how to throw a big party. The Florida Seafood Festival, held in November, is the oldest seafood festival in Florida and showcases delicious seafood, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a parade. The Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off, held in January, is another popular event that celebrates the town’s famous oysters.

Across the inlet awaits the barrier St. George Island, which in 2023 won accolades as America’s Best Beach. 

Apalachicola’s historic charm, natural beauty, and thriving seafood industry make it a unique and beloved destination along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It had 106 listings at a median price of $397,000.  

Seaside

Population: 2,830

Region: Panhandle/ Emerald Coast

Have you ever seen the movie “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey? It’s not all a set–Seaside formed the backdrop for the movie. 

Seaside is widely recognized as a pioneer of the New Urbanism movement, which promotes walkability, mixed-use development, and community engagement. What does that mean for you? The carefully planned town has a pedestrian-friendly environment where residents and visitors can easily access shops, restaurants, parks, and the beach.

The town also established a distinct architectural style called the “Seaside Style.” It’s a combination of pastel-colored, clapboard cottages with picket fences, wide front porches, and charming details. These iconic structures contribute to Seaside’s unique character and have been featured in numerous magazines.

Central Square is the town hub, surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants. The intent was to create a bustling and energetic ambiance. It hosts the popular Seaside Farmers Market during the summer, featuring fresh local produce, artisanal products, and live music.

With a name like “Seaside,” of course, it has a beachfront. The beautiful white sandy beaches stretch for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The clear turquoise waters and soft sands provide an inviting setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities.

Florida Small Town Living

Need more choices for Florida living? Let a local real estate agent find the town with the right set of lifestyle perks for you. We promise Florida has plenty to pick from!