When it comes time to relocate, there are many deciding factors that contribute to choosing your destination. These factors can include whether it’s a good place to raise a family, what the career opportunities are like, and the quality of the area’s schools.
Narrowing down your options can be daunting, so we’ve done the footwork for you. We looked at each area’s quality of life, job opportunities, leisure activities, and community vibes to give you the 30 best places to live as a young, single adult in Florida.
Table of Contents
1. Tallahassee
Florida’s capital city is a great place to be, especially if you’re a Seminole fan. Here, the cost of living is fairly low, which makes it perfect for first-time homeowners and renters.
You’ll find a little bit of everything in Tallahassee, and the job scene includes many entry-level opportunities for recent graduates or students.
When it comes to activities away from work and school, students and young professionals explore the Lake Jackson mounds or check out sites like the capitol building. There are also FSU sporting and cultural-based events as well as shopping and other fun activities here to enjoy with new-found friends.
2. Orlando
Arguably the most magical city in Florida, thanks to its many Disney and theme parks, Orlando’s 300,000 residents enjoy access to adventure, fun, and exploration.
The city of Orlando makes an excellent starting point for those looking to venture out on their own. This city has a low unemployment rate and, as a result, a job market that is teeming with a wide variety of various industries and business sectors.
When it comes time to chill out and relax, Disney World is an obvious choice. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, Orlando has an excellent food scene and is surrounded by beautiful Floridian nature.
3. Miramar
Located just north of Miami lies the lesser-known destination of Miramar. Although it may not be a hot-spot destination in terms of college options, it does make for a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
While the overall population of Miramar is estimated at just above 140,000, there is still a plethora of activities for young adults to enjoy. Foodies will love that despite its small size Miramar has a diverse restaurant scene, and for those looking for a fun night out, Miramar boasts some lively clubs as well.
4. Ocoee
As the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, Ocoee offers the peace and serenity of nature to its estimated 50,000 residents. This sanctuary is not more than 30 minutes away from Orlando and has tons of trails perfect for walking, biking, hiking, and more.
Furthermore, while this destination is perfect for everyone, it is especially perfect for young adults looking to start out on their own, as the cost of living is fairly low. And since this particular location is not far from Orlando, commuting for work, school, or leisure isn’t too much of a headache. Key hotspots located within Ocoee include the West Orange Trail and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve – a great location to study some local animal life.
5. Plant City
Located approximately 300 miles south of Jacksonville is Plant City, a small area with a population of roughly 40,000. Events here include the enticing Strawberry Festival, which is a concert that takes place one weekend each autumn.
Because of the town’s regularly occurring events, this particular spot is a great place for young adults seeking to move out on their own. Plant City is also the perfect destination to relocate and start a family, as there are great job opportunities in the area and peaceful vibes to enjoy.
6. Cutler City
Located near Miami, Cutler Bay is populated by roughly 45,000 residents. Although there really isn’t much to do in the area without traveling to Miami, Cutler Bay does boast a wide variety of options when it comes to various restaurants. Options include Japanese, BBQ, and Italian as well as commonly known fast-food chains.
Because Cutler Bay is essentially a college area – thanks to a few Miami-Dade college campuses located in the area – students, both current and incoming, will find the cost of living to be quite low and affordable. Here, buying a home is also easily affordable as it costs as little as $250,000.
7. Miami Beach
Diversely populated with an estimated 92,000, Miami Beach is chock-full of tons to do and experience. Young adults seeking to move out on their own will be pleased to know that there is a wide-open market when it comes to available jobs, for both entry-level and advanced employment.
Additionally, this city has a plethora of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Options here range from Latin dishes to Asian fusion and everything in between – all top-rated.
Beach activities are abundant here and include sunbathing, swimming, and boating. For those seeking alternative transportation options, the Miami Beach transit line is a good option but take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather with a bike ride to the beach on a nice sunny day.
8. St. Petersburg
Populated with roughly 260,000 people who call this area home, St. Petersburg sits within Tampa Bay’s vicinity. Here, young adults seeking to call this area home will be able to do so on a fair budget as the overall cost of living is not too high.
Rent is cheap and buying a home can be done for as little as $250,000. Saint Petersburg also offers excellent shopping and a wide selection of restaurants to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy with the various camping locations available in the area, and an abundance of concerts and sporting events mean that living here is never boring.
9. Sarasota
While Sarasota may be a bit more expensive than some other cities on our list, it is the perfect place to settle down. There are tons of shops and restaurants to check out throughout the city and when it comes to fun activities, Sarasota has everything covered. Popular options include exploring the local aquarium or spending time outdoors.
As an added bonus, Sarasota does boast that it is a great place for starting a family, and it has more than a few reputable K–12 schools. So, when you find yourself at that point, Sarasota certainly won’t disappoint.
10. Winter Springs
Winter Springs offers an affordable lifestyle and low cost of living just outside of Orlando. This area has a population of around 30,000, low crime rates, and decent job opportunities.
When it comes to fun, residents and visitors alike are a stone’s throw away from a plethora of resorts, restaurants, and amusement parks to enjoy anytime. Furthermore, this particular area is great for shopping, dining, and enjoying regular sporting events and concerts. Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to know they’ll be in close proximity to Lake Jesup and the Lake Jesup Wilderness Area.
11. Doral
Located in a suburb of Miami, Doral has a young adult population with 21% of it ranging between the ages of 20 and 3. The suburb of Doral is fairly close to the downtown Miami area and yet doesn’t have a high crime rate.
The typical college graduate can earn an estimated $50,000 a year in this area, and the cost of living here is quite affordable.
When it comes to fun in and around Doral, there are no limits, as the Miami area boasts an exciting lifestyle. Here, there are tons of activities to enjoy that range from sporting events and concerts to the arts, shopping, and watersports.
12. Coral Gables
A luxurious and comfortable lifestyle awaits young single adults who seek to live in the Coral Gables area. Here, the average yearly income for a college graduate entry-level position is roughly over $50,000 a year, and the crime rate in this area is fairly low.
One key feature of this particular area is that it is designed to be a waterfront city and is located just south of downtown Miami. Additionally, it also features a massive municipal pool. When not working, there are several options available for entertainment, shopping, and dining. Furthermore, since Miami is fairly close, there are plenty more activities and cultural events just a stone’s throw away.
13. Pembroke Pines
Overall, there isn’t a whole lot of activity that happens in the small town of Pembroke Pines. But while the overall population is 160,000, the estimated number of young single adults averages roughly 19%.
This city has a small-town feel while offering all the big city amenities. Pembroke Pines sits just north of Miramar and is only a short distance from Fort Lauderdale where true big city vibes await. No matter what, all the amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment are easily accessible.
14. Sunny Isles Beach
Not a traditional city or town, Sunny Isles Beach can best be described as more of a resort-style island. Located just north of Miami, the Sunny Isles is where an estimated population of 20,000 calls home. Overall, the crime rate on this island is extremely low and there are many jobs available.
New graduates will be happy to know that there is a variety of job opportunities available here and can expect to earn on average around $50,000 per year.
This island is a fairly youthful place in terms of the overall population, with young adults aged 20–34 making up nearly 20% of the entire population. This island offers spectacular nature and white sand beaches, and guests and residents alike will find a ton of different activities to participate in.
15. Parkland
While not the biggest city, roughly 14% of Parkland’s population is a young, single adult. Finding work in Parkland isn’t too difficult either, and the average estimated income is just over $55,000 per year.
Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, Parkland has various activities to enjoy, such as fishing, the cinema, and concerts.
16. Miami
An extremely popular destination in South Florida, Miami has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. An eclectic melting pot of people from nearly every walk of life, this city has an estimated population of nearly 500,000 and is a good place for young single adults seeking a fast-paced lifestyle.
Here, the unemployment rate is less than 10%, so getting a job, especially for a college graduate, can easily be achieved. While the average income is roughly $40,000 annually, apartment rentals are affordable, and buying a home here is fairly inexpensive. After work or school, there are lots of entertainment, dining, and shopping options to choose from across the entire city.
17. North Miami Beach
Considered a part of the greater Miami area, North Miami Beach is a place where the party doesn’t stop. Here the population is calculated at roughly 65,000 with an average income of just over $40,000. Additionally, the crime rate in this particular area is fairly low, so safety shouldn’t be a concern.
North Miami Beach is a fairly diverse community that has tons to do, including shopping and entertainment, and is deemed to be an affordable place to live. This is especially true for young single adults, who are just starting out on their own. As a result, anybody who is looking for a fairly good job can easily find it here.
18. North Lauderdale
Located to the north of Fort Lauderdale, North Lauderdale has a population of roughly 45,000 and is deemed a fairly safe community to live in. While the overall crime rate in this area is slightly elevated versus other cities on this list, it is still considered to be a good place for young single adults.
This area is also fairly affordable, based solely on rentals and homeownership, where rentals run roughly $1500 per month, and buying a house costs as low as an estimated $170,000. Additionally, jobs shouldn’t be a problem to find here as the unemployment rate is just under 10% and there are several entry-level and advanced jobs available.
19. Kissimmee
Located in the Orlando vicinity, the area of Kissimmee has an estimated population of 70,000 with an average income of $41,000. As it pertains to the cost of living in this area, apartment rentals average roughly $1,000 while buying a home can run as low as $200,000.
There should be no issue trying to find a job in the Kissimmee area, as the unemployment rate is just a little over 5%. When not working or going to school, do take time to travel over to Orlando and enjoy a plethora of different events, shopping malls, restaurants, and more. As always, when in the Orlando area, a visit to any of the Disney or amusement parks is a magical way to pass the time.
Home to the NASA shuttle launches, this small town has a population of only 10,000 with an average income of roughly $55,000. Here, apartment rentals average less than $1,000 while homeownership starts off at around $250,000.
The unemployment rate for this area is at an all-time low at only 4%, which is good news for jobseekers. This is a good place to call home due to the number of available jobs, low crime rate, and affordability. Overall, this particular area is fairly diverse and has good amenities in the form of shopping, restaurants, and more.
21. Hollywood
Located near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood has a population of just over 150,000 and an average income of roughly $50,000. When it comes to renting or owning a home, you’ll find a rental average of $1,200 for an apartment and $250,000 for a home.
This city has a very diverse population and offers wonderful leisure activities, restaurants, and shopping. Additionally, the crime rate in the city is fairly low, which means you can rest easy if this is your first place on your own.
22. Sweetwater
Although the crime rate in the town of Sweetwater is slightly higher than most of the cities in this article, the unemployment rate sits at just below 4%. The average income is estimated at just under $40,000, however, Sweetwater is known for its affordability.
Because Sweetwater is located so close to Miami, there are several shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment, and things to do nearby.
23. Gainesville
Located in Central Florida, this prominent college town is home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe College and has an estimated population of 135,000. While the crime rate may be a little on the high side, this town really is among one of the best cities to live in.
This is especially true for college students seeking to connect and make new friends. Here, the average income is roughly $45,000 while the rent is typically around $1,200 per month. That said, there are tons of available jobs for both entry-level and advanced employment positions. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do including shopping, trying various restaurants, exploring museums, and more.
24. Tampa Bay
Populated by more than 400,000 residents, Tampa Bay has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. The views of the Tampa Bay area are simply breathtaking, especially around the water’s edge, and the average income here is roughly $40,000.
Thanks to an unemployment rate of roughly 4%, young professionals will be happy to know that there are available jobs everywhere within the Tampa Bay area. Overall, the cost of living in the Tampa Bay area can be best described as affordable. Aside from the plethora of available jobs in the area, there are also many educational opportunities to take advantage of.
When it comes to exploring the city and having some fun, there are tons of concerts and sporting events as well as shopping, dining, and more.
25. Jacksonville
Located just shy of central Florida, Jacksonville has a population of nearly 1 million with an average income of nearly $30,000. Here, renting an apartment will run roughly $1,000 while buying a house costs as low as $100,000.
When it comes to working and or going to school in Jacksonville, there are plenty of opportunities for both. Many of the jobs are entry-level positions, however, there are gigs available for seasoned professionals as well. After work, there are tons of things to do around Jacksonville, including various beach activities and sporting events.
26. St. Augustine
Originally founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St Augustine is a city that has a rich history. Altogether, the estimated population is 15,000 with an average income of $50,000.
Technically speaking, St Augustine is considered a suburb of Jacksonville, and thus the averages for apartment rentals and buying a house are roughly the same at just under $1,000 for rental and just under $100,000 for buying.
Aside from the plethora of job opportunities that are available to young professionals, there are so many different activities to explore and enjoy.
27. St. Cloud
Closer to Orlando than any other major city, St. Cloud is a nice, quiet city that is near almost everything that Orlando has to offer. St. Cloud is a hop, skip and jump to tons of shopping options as well as entertainment, restaurants, nightlife.
Saint Cloud is the perfect relocation destination for young professionals and single young adults because of its plethora of job and educational opportunities available. Furthermore, the young adult population makes up roughly 20,000 of the total St. Cloud population, which means plenty of chances to meet new friends and dates.
28. Fernandina Beach
This island town is located south of the Georgia-Florida border and is the beach living at its finest. This town, with an estimated population of 15,000, has everything you needed all packaged in a charming small-town setting.
Fernandina Beach has an impressive 55-block historic downtown area that is all walkable. Aside from that, visitors and residents alike are able to do a fair amount of shopping and even restaurant hopping with a plethora of options that are all within walking distance of the beach.
29. Dunedin
Another small town on our list, Dunedin, has a population of roughly 40,000, an estimated 20,000 of which are young, single adults.
While larger chain stores and restaurants are found outside of the city, there are many locally-owned businesses and eateries to enjoy here. Additionally, young professionals will be happy to know that finding a job in Dunedin is relatively easy, especially compared to other smaller towns on this list.
30. Palm Beach
Although the island town called Palm Beach caters more to its wealthier single population, it is still worth noting. The entire Palm Beach area has about 10,000 residents, and roughly 3,000 of those residents are single adults.
When compared to the national average, Palm Beach’s crime rate is one of the lowest. As a result, there are many influential people that call this town home, especially during the winter months when other areas of the country are cold and dark.