The Best Small Towns in Florida: 10 Hidden Gems in the Sunshine State

The big cities of the Sunshine State get most of the attention, but some of Florida’s nicest places to live are tucked away from the hubbub of business, tourists, and crowds. With fewer people, more green space, and definitely less traffic, the best small towns in Florida are attracting young professionals, families, and retirees in search of a slower pace and a more peaceful lifestyle. Our guide highlights some of the best small towns in Florida to live in. No matter what kind of small-town vibe you’re looking for, this list offers options to explore before you make your next move.

Big Florida Cities vs. the Best Small Towns in Florida  

Even with thriving urban centers around the state, many residents are choosing small towns in Florida over living in St. Petersburg, Miami, Orlando, and other cities, looking for a better quality of life based on factors like lower density and easier access to nature.

And small towns in Florida offer more variety than you might expect. Some are historic inland towns rich with Old Florida style, while others are seaside destinations that blend walkability with quaint dining spots and locally owned boutiques.

10 Best Small Towns in Florida

Whether you’re moving in Florida or relocating from afar, these destinations should be on your radar. We chose this selection of small towns in Florida based on population (about 5,000 to 17,000), affordability, amenities, and lifestyle variety — and they’re some of the most appealing places to live in the Sunshine State. 

Micanopy was founded in 1821, making it one of the oldest small towns in Florida.

1. Micanopy, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $324,300
• Great for: Old Florida life, antiquing, mossy oaks

Known as the oldest inland town in Florida, the 1821-founded Micanopy is one of the smallest of the small, with just under 700 residents. This charming destination, one of the best small towns in Florida to live in, is located in the swamps of North Central Florida near the college town of Gainesville.

Old Spanish moss-covered oak trees and narrow dirt roads — both staples of country living in Florida — are highlights of this area. Micanopy is also known for its annual Fall Festival and charming antique stores. In the nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a research district that’s part of the University of Florida, you can spot wild horses and bison roaming. And you can’t go to Micanopy and skip a trip to the Pearl Country Store & Barbecue — no joke: Get the pecan pie.

2. Vero Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $356,100
• Great for: Restaurants, divers, raising a family, activities, flora

Located on Florida's Treasure Coast, Vero Beach has managed to maintain its lovely charm as one of the best small towns in Florida, even through rapid growth. In fact, you can walk miles along the coastline without seeing another soul, thanks to the town’s commitment to conservation that keeps the area peaceful and pristine.

World-class fishing is legendary in Vero Beach, where artificial reefs have helped boost the underwater population and keep the ecosystem in balance. The area around the reefs offshore is known for its shipwrecks, famous among divers — even today! — who’ve discovered sunken treasures of gold coins and rare pottery. Non-water lovers enjoy attractions like the Lion Country Safari and the McKee Botanical Garden, which showcases the area’s vibrant flora. As for dining, the farm-to-table movement finally made its way here within the last few years — try Michael’s on 7th for some delish dishes.

3. LaBelle, FL

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,950
• Average home value: $284,100
• Great for: Easy beach access, day trips to Orlando and Jacksonville

Set along the winding Caloosahatchee River in the southwest part of the Sunshine State, LaBelle is one of the best small towns in Florida to live — especially for people who enjoy the cowboy life. This pleasant destination has a cattle-driving past that its residents celebrate annually with the Swamp Cabbage Festival’s quirky parades, music, and traditional food. The town is vacation-worthy the rest of the year, too, with kayaking, canoeing, and camping at riverfront spots like Camp Florida.

Downtown LaBelle’s oak-lined Bridge Street and the historic business district are home to Forrey Grill and Bridge Street Coffee & Tea Co., known as “Charlie’s” to locals. And just past the iconic Old Hendry County Courthouse, a 1926 Mediterranean Revival landmark, you’ll find the LaBelle Heritage Museum. 

Lovers of birdwatching, seafood, beaches, and local businesses should flock to Sanibel — one of the most charming, tranquil small towns in Florida.

4. Sanibel, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $789,200
• Great for: Laid-back atmosphere, local restaurants, wildlife, art

Sanibel Island is easily one of the best small towns in Florida to live in. A small barrier island between the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, the destination is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and amazing birdwatching, particularly at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The town of Sanibel is almost legendary for its laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. Part of that charm is because chain businesses are prohibited on the island; the iconic Dairy Queen, grandfathered in when Sanibel passed the no-chains law, finally closed its doors in 2023 after 52 years — a victim of Hurricane Ian. Today, everything is local. There are seafood restaurants, of course, but for a special treat, the French bistro Bleu Rendez-Vous is a go-to. Shoppers can check out the boutiques and cafes at Periwinkle Place, and nature lovers should head to Lighthouse Beach Park at the tip of the island for stunning scenery and, true to its name, an 1884-era lighthouse.

5. Chipley, FL

• Median rent (one-bedroom): $700
• Median home sale price: $215,400
• Great for: Million-dollar homes, unspoiled barrier island, privacy

Nestled in the Panhandle, the charming Chipley fits the bill as one of the best small towns in Florida. The “City of Welcome,” as it’s known, has a friendly vibe and a strong sense of community. Outdoor lovers can explore Falling Waters State Park, home of Florida’s tallest waterfall, and the nearby network of northwest Florida’s Heritage Trails.

Downtown Chipley’s brick facades, wide sidewalks, and shade trees make walkability a given, particularly to places like the local Mug on Main for pizza and a salad or a hot cup of coffee. As for shopping, vintage and collectibles are big here at the T & B Hidden Treasures and the Historic Chipley Antique Mall.

Islamorada is one of the best small towns in Florida for fishing fanatics. In fact, it’s the self-proclaimed sport fishing capital of the world.

6. Islamorada, FL

• Median rent (one-bedroom): $2,250
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Tropical vibes, saltwater fishing, living where you vacation

Islamorada is way down in the Keys, floating happily in the Straits of Florida, the body of water connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. Most vacationers drive right through this key as they travel to Key West, not realizing they’re in one of the best small towns in Florida. But this beach village is definitely worth a stop, if not a full-on move.

The island is the self-proclaimed sport fishing capital of the world. So if you’re an avid angler, here’s your next home. If you’re also into eating fish and other seafood, the Green Turtle Inn is your new favorite restaurant. (It’s been around since 1947 for a reason.)

7. Lake Kathryn, FL

• Median rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Median home sale price: $204,600
• Great for: Wide-open spaces, big home lots, lake life

If you’re looking for “The Real Florida,” as the state parks call it, you’ll find it in Lake Kathryn. Located in Central Florida near DeLand and bordered by Ocala National Forest, Lake Kathryn puts the “small” in “small town” with a population just under 800.

You’ll be surrounded by Florida wilderness here, with the opportunity to take in all the fresh air you might want in one of the best small towns in Florida. Plus, the cost of living in Lake Kathryn is a smidge lower than in the rest of the state, so your dollar will go a bit further. Dining is more affordable here, too — particularly at one of the area’s most beloved local haunts, Griffis Cafe. This tiny country diner defines “comfort food.” Don't miss it.

8. Odessa, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $671,400
• Great for: Families, small-town feel in a major metro, ranching

Odessa has grown over the past two decades from a rural area of horse farms into a thriving Tampa suburb — but it feels more like one of the best small towns in Florida. There are lots of lakes in this region, so even though the Gulf of Mexico is 30 minutes away, you can still get your fill of boating, fishing, and swimming (as always, just watch out for gators).

If you work in downtown Tampa or St. Petersburg, you’ll have quite a commute: Close to an hour on a light traffic day. But there are benefits that may balance out the potential negatives. A big plus of living in Odessa, for instance, is Starkey Ranch, a 2,400-acre master-planned community complete with a town square, parks, preserves, plus a gem of a country store, Starkey Market.

9. Mount Dora, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $385,900
• Great for: Retirees, festivals, art, museums

Mount Dora is one of the most charming small towns in Florida, known for its quaint downtown district that’s a highlight of the central part of the Sunshine State (besides living in Orlando near Disney, of course). You’ll find a charming blend of dining and shopping along its historic streets. Cafes and restaurants include Cafe Gianni, a delicious destination — and whatever you have for your entree, do not skip the cannoli for dessert. Festivals are a hallmark of Mount Dora, drawing thousands of visitors every year. The annual Mount Dora Arts Festival alone attracts close to 200,000 people.

A slow pace, serene lakes, and lush parks make Mount Dora a lovely escape into nature and one of the finest small towns in Florida to live. Lake Dora invites boating, fishing, and beautiful sunset views, and parks include Gilbert and Palm Island, where visitors enjoy picnics, hiking, and wildlife watching.

10. Apalachicola

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,500
• Average home value: $279,500
• Great for: Retirees, seafood, outdoors

Historic, sleepy, and tied to Florida’s seafood industry and maritime roots, Apalachicola is known for its oysters, artsy vibe, and sun-and-surf-weathered 19th-century buildings. Apalach, as the locals call it, is one of the finest small towns in Florida to live, filled with family-owned cafes and stores that celebrate the local culture. Now that the 2020 moratorium on oyster harvesting has ended, it isn’t unusual to have an oyster boat slide up next to your waterside table and dump its bounty on the dock. Check out the Half Shell Dockside, one of many riverfront eateries, for a delish raw bar and gorgeous views.

Apalachicola is known as the gateway to the “Forgotten Coast,” a stretch of Florida’s Panhandle wilderness that remains untouched by development — a rarity in the Sunshine State, for sure. If you’re looking for a slice of Old Florida with charm, character, and the quiet vibe of a fishing village, Apalachicola is one of the best small towns in Florida for you.

The Best Small Towns in Florida — FAQs

Q: Where is the best small town in Florida to live?
A: The “best” depends on your lifestyle and priorities. For walkable downtowns, Micanopy is delightful. Coastal views and fishing your jam? Islamorada and Sanibel will hook you. And if Southern charm without sacrificing affordability is key, pack your bags for LaBelle.

Q: Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in Florida?
A: Smaller inland towns are generally more affordable than seaside destinations, so you can’t go wrong with, say, towns in the rural areas in South Florida. In the Panhandle, Chipley is a great choice that’s easy on the wallet. The cost of living is almost 20 percent lower than the national average and 22 percent lower than Florida’s. And it’s also impossibly cute.

Q: What is the quaintest town in Florida?
A: The best small towns in Florida are the very definition of quaint. Mount Dora may take the cake for the quaintest, however. With a historic downtown of preserved 19th-century architecture dotted with flower boxes, quirky local shops, and tasty cafes, this small town belongs on a postcard.

Q: What is the prettiest place in Florida?
A: We’re talking about Florida here. What town isn’t pretty? But Micanopy could top the list, with its moss-draped oaks, lovely main street lined with antique shops, and untouched natural surroundings.

Q: Which of the small towns in Florida has the lowest population?
A: When it comes to some of the best small towns in Florida to live, Micanopy again takes No. 1. Just under 700 people call this sweet spot home.

Q: What is the cheapest small town to live in Florida?
A: Chipley and LaBelle, Florida, are among the most affordable best small towns in Florida, with a cost of living averaging 80.3 percent and 83.5 percent, respectively. 

Is small-town life calling your name? PODS can help you move to one of these lovely small towns in Florida.

Move to Your Favorite Small Town in Florida With PODS  

Once you’ve found the best of the best small towns in Florida, make your move to Florida flexible with PODS portable storage containers. Have a container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home. If you need a little breathing room as you settle into Labelle, Mount Dora, or any of the other wonderful small towns in Florida, one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. PODS can also help you find local packing and loading services for a hand with the heavy lifting.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}