Yahoo Finance I’m a Real Estate Agent: These 8 Florida Cities Are Safe and Affordable
If you like sunny beaches, giant theme parks and no state income tax, then Florida might be for you. The problem is, finding a place that’s both safe and doesn’t cost too much can be hard. But never fear!
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Omer Reiner of Florida Cash Home Buyers and Lindsay Fanali, a strategic real estate advisor at Real Estate Bees, both know a lot about buying and selling homes in Florida. When they talk about good places to live in Florida, it’s a good idea to listen!
Here’s a look at eight cities in Florida that are both safe and affordable.
Winter Springs
If you like the idea of living near a big city but don’t want all the problems that come with it, Winter Springs might be perfect for you.
“You can’t go wrong with a smaller city like Winter Springs, which is close to Orlando without the usual big city headaches like cost of living and traffic,” said Reiner.
It’s close to Disney World or Universal Studios, so you can visit whenever you want, but you don’t have to deal with the hassle of living in a big city like Orlando.
It’s quieter, more relaxed and the houses are usually cheaper, so it’s a great place to settle. And if you crave the hustle and bustle of the city, Orlando is a short drive away!
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Weston
Maybe you’re looking for something a bit bigger than Winter Springs. If so, Reiner thinks Weston could be a great choice. He said Weston is good if “a larger city is more your style.”
What makes Weston special? Well, Reiner said it offers “affordable housing and low crime rates.”
Weston is in the southeast part of Florida, not too far from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. So if you like beaches and big city fun, but still want a safe and affordable home, Weston might be just right for you.
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Port St. Lucie
The third city Reiner recommends is Port St. Lucie. Like Weston, Port St. Lucie is bigger than Winter Springs but still offers that great combo of affordability and safety.
Reiner said Port St. Lucie also has low crime and affordable housing.
Port St. Lucie is on Florida’s east coast, about halfway between Orlando and Miami. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and parks. If you love outdoor activities like fishing, golfing or just enjoying nature, Port St. Lucie could be the place to hang your hat.
Vero Beach
“Known for its small town charm and scenic atmosphere, Vero Beach is home to beautiful beaches, parks and entertainment options for the entire family,” said Fanali. “With a lower crime rate than most cities in Florida and lower housing costs, along with its charming, beach-vibe lifestyle, Vero Beach is the perfect place to retire or start a family — it’s absolutely beautiful!”
Kissimmee
“Home to Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell, Kissimmee, Florida is known for its amenities, such as a variety of restaurants, great shopping and tourist attractions,” said Fanali. “This keeps the economy stable and contributes to lower crime rates with better living quality.”
She pointed to its community programs and safety initiatives, as well as quality schools and healthcare.
She continued, “Housing costs are lower than other larger cities, making Kissimmee a budget-friendly option.”
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Wellington
“Wellington, Florida is known for its strong equestrian presence and is home to many beautiful parks, recreational activities and community events,” said Fanali.
“It has excellent schools, shopping and restaurants and is known for its attractive lifestyle and safe neighborhoods,” she said.
She also mentioned that Wellington offers affordable housing options for different needs — apartments, townhomes and single-family homes.
“Wellington is a fabulous city that offers an exceptional quality of life for families and anyone seeking affordable, safe and active living at its finest,” she said.
Gainesville
“Home to a prestigious institution, the University of Florida, Gainesville is known for its cultural and educational diversity,” said Fanali. “This helps to stabilize the economy, delivering excellent job opportunities and healthcare options.”
She added, “Gainesville is safer and more affordable than most larger Metropolitan areas and tends to attract families, students and retirees who are looking for a pleasant sense of community.”
Cape Coral
“Cape Coral is a charming city best known for its canals and waterways,” said Fanali. “With more canals than Venice, Italy, many homes have direct access, providing opportunities for boating, fishing and water sports.”
Fanali added, “Cape Coral is one of the most affordable cities on the coast for housing, utilities and groceries and has a lower crime rate because of its strong police presence and community safety programs. The pleasant weather and scenery, along with its safety and affordability, make Cape Coral an attractive city to live in for almost anyone.”
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What These Cities Have in Common
Reiner had some nice things to say about his picks in particular: They are all “safe places to set down roots and grow a family.” This means that whether you’re just starting out, have a young family or are looking for a peaceful place to retire, these cities could be great choices.
These cities have good schools, safe neighborhoods and lots of activities for kids — even if you don’t have kids now, it’s nice to know you’re in a place where families are welcome and supported!
“There is a lot to love about Florida living,” Reiner said. And with these eight cities, it’s not hard to see what.
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