Cheapest places to live on the gulf coast of florida

Choosing where to live is a huge decision, and there are many factors to consider. These vary from one person to the next, as everyone has different needs and lifestyles. Just some of the factors that people consider are schools in the area, crime rates, local amenities, the community, geographical features, and employment opportunities. These factors all contribute to your standard of living and the type of lifestyle you can enjoy. Other essential factors to consider are the cost of the property or renting and the cost of living. If you are moving to Florida and have a limited budget or want to get value for money, here are the 20 cheapest places to live in Florida.

20. Orlando

Orlando is often seen purely as a tourist area. While it is one of the top tourist destinations in the state, there are some advantages to living in this city, not least because it is an affordable option. Tourism in the area means that you are on the doorstep of all the activities and attractions. It also means that there are plenty of job opportunities, especially in the tourism, catering, and hospitality sectors. The median price for a property in Orlando is around $230 thousand.

19. Palm Coast

The median house price in this city is around $213 thousand, and Palm Coast offers a good property price and income ratio. This city is particularly good for those who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, as it boasts mountain trails, magnificent landscapes, and plenty of colorful wildlife. The lifestyle on offer is great for both families and retirees.

18. Kissimmee

Kissimmee is a tourist area, but it is also a fantastic and affordable place to live. It is close to many of the top attractions in Florida, and it is just 22 miles from Walt Disney. The median house price in Kissimmee is around $217,500, but the low property prices are not the only appealing features of this city. It is also great for outdoor recreation as there are picturesque landscapes, and it has many eating and drinking options. Furthermore, it is linked to many other major cities in the state, so it is a commutable option.

17. Palm Bay

With median house prices at under $190 thousand, Palm Bay comfortably makes it onto this list of affordable places to live in Florida. Until 1920, this city was called Tillman, and it is known for its sabal palm trees. Aside from the low cost of living, another reason to consider living in Palm Bay is the job opportunities. Two industries that are booming in this area are technology and telecommunications.

16. Gainesville

According to Footloose Tribe, Gainesville is an affordable place to live in Florida, with the median house price around $185 thousand and an overall cost of living. It is a university city as it is home to the University of Florida. Gainesville has also earned the nickname of ‘Tree City’ as there are vast expanses of the landscape covered in a dense and diverse array of trees. This city has plenty to keep the resident entertained, including historical attractions, museums, theater, and outdoor activities. Gainesville is in Alachua County, and there are around 130 thousand residents in this city. It is worth noting that public schools in Gainesville are highly rated.

15. Coconut Creek

There are many condos available in this area, and these are often on the market with a price tag under $100 thousand. However, it is important to note that some buildings have age restrictions, and they do not accept residents under 55 years of age. Coconut Creek is close to the beaches along the east coast, and it has a diverse population. Crime rates are low in this town, and there are plenty of employment opportunities.

14. Dunedin

If you prefer to live along the west coast, then one of the cheapest places to live in Florida is Dunedin. This small town is a suburb of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, with a population of around 36 thousand residents. The area offers an urban-suburban vibe, and there are plenty of parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. It is close to the west coast beaches, and it boasts one of the most walkable downtown districts in the state. It is possible to buy a condo for under $100 thousand, while the cost of single-family homes is under $200 thousand. Other advantages of living in this area are the above-average schools, the range of outdoor activities, the vibrant nightlife, and the variety of housing options available.

13. Sebastian

Sebastian is considered a safe place to live, and it is also an affordable option. It is on the east coast of Florida in India River County. It has a population of just under 25 thousand residents, and the outdoor spaces give this town a rural feel. It is a great place to live for those who enjoy spending time on the beach and for watersports enthusiasts. It is possible to buy a small home in this area for a little over $100 thousand. Other positive factors about this city are the employment opportunities, the excellent public schools in the area, and the range of activities to enjoy.

12. Edgewater

Not only is Edgewater one of the most affordable places to live in Florida, but it is also one of the safest places along the east coast of the state. Furthermore, it is close to the Atlantic Beaches and within easy traveling distance of some of the state’s major attractions. So, Edgewater can offer residents an enjoyable lifestyle. There is a small-town vibe in this location, as Edgewater has a population of around 18 thousand people. Although house prices vary according to size, style, and location, it is possible to get smaller homes for between $50 thousand and $100 thousand.

11. Cape Coral

State of Florida Living lists Cape Coral as one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. Nicknamed the ‘Waterfront Wonderland,’ Cape Coal boasts more than 400 miles of canals and multiple water-clad areas. It is just across the Caloosahatchee River from Fort Meyers. Two of the most common activities enjoyed by the residents of Cape Coral are fishing and boating. The median house price in this city is just over $200 thousand. For single person condos, the prices are even lower, and there are many available for under $100 thousand.

10. High Springs

Located in Alachua County in Florida, High Springs is a town with a population of fewer than six thousand residents. Therefore, it will appeal to those who enjoy the small-town vibe. Some parts of this town even have a rural feel, so it is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet lifestyle in an area that is commutable to the amenities and employment opportunities of the larger cities. High Springs is a diverse town that has good housing options, great public schools, and low crime rates. The median household income in this area is quite high, while the property prices are low, with the median house price at under $155 thousand.

9. Milton

Blackwater River runs through Milton, which is the County Seat of Rosa County, and it is located in the Pensacola Metropolitan Area. Milton is one of the areas where buying a property is the better option. The median house price in Milton is $131 thousand, while the median household income is just under $59 thousand. On the other hand, the cost of renting in this city is quite high. Other positives of this location are diversity, excellent public schools, vibrant nightlife, and good employment opportunities.

8. Dade City

Dade City is located in the Tampa Bay area, and it is rising in the ranks of the cheapest places to live in Florida. It is considered an excellent place to invest, as the median house price is a little over $95 thousand, and Florida is the fifth-fastest growing state in the United States. Residents of this city have a median household income of around $46 thousand. It has a population of under seven thousand, so it offers a small-town feel. Dade City offers a pleasant lifestyle as there are plenty of things to see and do in the city and the surrounding area.

7. Okeechobee

There are plenty of things to do in Okeechobee, which is one of the reasons that it is such an appealing place to live. Southern Florida is typically more expensive than other areas of the state, but Okeechobee is the most affordable option in Southern Florida. In addition to the low property prices and overall living costs, there are plenty of other factors that make this an appealing place to live. It has excellent job opportunities, especially in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The unemployment rate is just three percent.

6. Clewiston

Home Snacks says that Clewiston’s overall cost is below the average for Florida. It is particularly affordable if you are renting, as rental prices, utilities, and groceries are low. On the other hand, it is less affordable if you decide to purchase a property. However, the median house price in this area is still just below $110 thousand. The downside to this city is that the unemployment rate is relatively high, at 13 percent.

5. Bartow

Known as the ‘City of Oaks and Azaleas,’ Bartow is just east of Tampa, and it is close to Lake Hancock. Its proximity to the lake means it is a popular place to live for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. In terms of its affordability, the median household income is just under $47 thousand, while the median cost of a property is around $121,600. Another reason to consider relocating to this area is the low unemployment rate of just 5.7 percent.

4. Macclenny

Macclenny is a city in Baker County and part of Greater Jacksonville. It has a small-town feel due to a population of around 6,482. Despite its small size and low population, Macclenny has a big town feel that many people enjoy. It is particularly cheap to live in this city if you decide to rent. However, buying a property is also affordable as the median house price is just under $123 thousand, while the median household income is around $50 thousand. It is also worth noting that the unemployment rate in this city is below average.

3. Quincy

Third on the list of the most affordable places to live in Florida is Quincy, which is a hip and diverse city in Gadsden County. The area is known for its links to the tobacco industry, historic buildings, arts, and culture. Residents of this small town enjoy a happy lifestyle. You can buy properties for under $100 thousand in this city.

2. Live Oak

Live Oak has an excellent home price to income rati0 as the median house price is around $89 thousand, while the median household income is just under $40 thousand. This city is located in northern Florida, and there are employment opportunities in the timber, agriculture, and technology sectors. Other factors that make this location appealing are the low crime rates, and the healthy lifestyle residents enjoy.

1. Fort Meade

According to Home Snacks, the cheapest place to live in Florida is Fort Meade. This city also ranked first in the list of cheapest places to live in Florida in 2019. It is located just east of Tampa in Polk County. The median property price is under $75 thousand, and the median household income is just over $43 thousand. In addition to low property prices and a below-average cost of living, this city also has low crime rates, a strong economy, and plenty of job opportunities. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, including kayaking and canoeing.