The Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida

People from across the Canada (especially seniors!) are buying vacation homes in Florida thanks for how cheap houses are in these cities.

Florida is a tourist and retirement haven that boasts a rich culture, beautiful beaches, and amazing beachfront homes. One would expect all these things to make Florida an expensive place to live, but that’s not the case at all.

There are certain regions in Florida where you can live comfortably on a budget. We’re not talking about housing values alone, but also high quality of life, availability of jobs and affordable cost of living.

With that in mind, here are six cities in Florida that will steal your heart without making a big dent in your wallet.

Gainesville

Established in 1854, Gainesville is known for having one of the largest universities in the United States. Beyond higher education, the city boasts a richly diverse array of trees, state packs, diverse cultures, and biking and hiking trails.

The city is also appealing to families looking for quality education, a lively town with a laid-back vibe, and green space. The town has several museums and theaters. Also, there are historical landmarks, including Ginnie Springs, the clearest spring in Florida.

The average home costs only $183,000 in Gainesville which is far below the national average. It’s hard to find a city that boasts so many great amenities with an average housing price under $200,000 but Gainesville fits the bill.

Cape Coral

Since its founding in 1957, Cape Coral has grown into one of the best multicultural cities in the US. Its demographic majorly constitutes young individuals between the age of 25 to 44 years.

Educated individuals searching for job opportunities and affordable housing plus amenities will love this city. It boasts many industries, ranging from healthcare to retail trade to social assistance and even construction.

Fishing, boating, real estate and rental markets thrive in this charming waterfront town. Although the young individuals dominate the city, seasonal snowbirds and retirees usually find their way to the town.

Other cheap yet amazing destinations in the city include Cape Coral Yacht Club, Sun Splash Family Waterpark, and Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Besides that, they’re also home to burrowing owls.

The average home in Cape Coral only costs $231,700. This is a fairly low price to pay considering you’ll be immersing yourself in year round sunshine, warm weather and always be close to the beach.

Palm Bay

Before the 1920s, this city was called Tillman, but later it got renamed Palm Bay because of its sabal palm trees.

It’s a charming, vibrant town that anchors “Space Coast” along with Titusville and Melbourne. It’s a hub for the telecommunications and technology industries. Also, it offers residents affordable housing with home values at just over $177,000.

Kissimmee

Kissimmee is renowned for having the best amusement parks in America. It’s home to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. However, that’s not the only reason families flock to live in this fairy-tale land.

The city’s high quality of life, low cost of living, and beautiful weather makes it an enchanting home. Let’s not forget the city’s affordable housing means that there is an abundance of homes for well below $100,000.

Kissimmee offers over 60,000 residents endless entertainment, many job opportunities, and outdoor recreation. It’s convenient to all major roadways, meaning you can easily commute to work or entertainment grounds.

Palm Coast

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, a vibrant community, a quiet home, and a picturesque front, look no further than Palm Coast.

Located on the upper east coast of Florida, Palm Coast offers you a perfect lush nature preserves and golf resorts. Its location and winds shield the city from hurricanes and allow residents to enjoy year-round sunshine. Also, it’s home to one of Florida’s secret beaches.

Palm Coast marshlands and estuaries harbor colorful birds, including the roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, and wood stork. The peace and tranquility of the city makes it the perfect place to retire without being too far from everything else.

Orlando

Orlando is an amazing city with a laid back-atmosphere, scenic attractions, and a plethora of job opportunities. The best part is, the cost of living is low.

Dubbed “Theme Park Capital of the World”, this Central Florida paradise won’t break your bank with its affordable home prices.

It’s the perfect city for golfers, competitive athletes, or individuals who want to enjoy warm weather. Orlando also features a more cosmopolitan vibe than other cities on this due to the fact it has an international airport which allows you access to the entire world. The presence of professional sports teams like the Orlando Magic of the NBA also gives you something to do.

Currently the average home price in Orlando is only $292,716.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of moving to Florida, the choices above will provide you with affordable housing and a low cost of living. These cities boast a rich history, diverse cultures, low crime rates, and a plethora of job opportunities.