Florida Has 67 Counties and Hundreds of Communities. Where Should You Start?
The right Florida town for you depends on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. Use this map to explore the three regions and find your perfect starting point.
Florida's Three Regions at a Glance
Florida is a big state with three distinct personalities. Here is how they compare for NJ residents making the move.
Home Price Range
$200K - $500K
Insurance Cost
$1,200 - $2,500 / year
Best For
Budget-conscious buyers, lake lovers, remote workers, those seeking a relaxed pace
Climate
Four mild seasons, cooler winters, lower humidity
Key Advantage
Lowest cost of living in Florida. Significantly cheaper insurance. Space and nature.
Home Price Range
$250K - $800K+
Insurance Cost
$1,800 - $4,000 / year
Best For
Residents, professionals, job seekers, Gulf Coast lovers
Climate
Hot summers, mild winters, afternoon thunderstorms
Key Advantage
Strongest job market. Best balance of cost and lifestyle. Gulf Coast beaches.
Home Price Range
$350K - $1.5M+
Insurance Cost
$3,000 - $7,000+ / year
Best For
Northeast relocators, luxury buyers, those who want proximity to NJ
Climate
Warmest year-round, tropical, higher humidity
Key Advantage
Closest to NJ. Most direct flights. Largest transplant community. Area schools.
North Florida
Affordable living, lake communities, and a slower pace
Jacksonville Metro
River city, largest FL metro by area
St. Augustine / Historic Coast
America's oldest city, historic charm
Gainesville / University Area
College town, medical hub, affordable
Ocala / Horse Country
Horse farms, natural springs, value
The Villages
Active retirement, 100+ golf courses
Lake Communities
Leesburg, Tavares, DeLand, DeBary
Central Florida
Theme parks, tech jobs, Gulf Coast beaches, and central location
Orlando Metro
Tech corridor, community-oriented suburbs
Tampa Bay
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
Sarasota / Cultural Coast
Arts, culture, world-class beaches
Lakeland / Chain of Lakes
Between Tampa and Orlando, affordable
Space Coast
Melbourne, Palm Bay, aerospace
Fort Myers / SW Florida
Growing hub, island beaches
Naples / Gulf Coast Luxury
Luxury living, Gulf Coast
The Villages
Also central FL, active retirement
South Florida
Beaches, nightlife, international culture, and the closest to NJ
Boca Raton
Upscale, area schools, championship golf
Delray Beach
Walkable downtown, arts scene
Jupiter
Area schools, Loxahatchee River
Palm Beach Gardens
Planned community, golf, retirement
West Palm Beach
Urban, arts, waterfront
Boynton Beach
Affordable, growing, central location
Pompano Beach
Coastal Broward, revitalized waterfront
Davie
Equestrian heritage, suburban space
Pembroke Pines
Master-planned, area schools, family
Fort Lauderdale Area
Plantation, Davie, Weston, airport access
Deerfield Beach
Affordable beach living, growing
Coconut Creek, Coral Springs & Parkland
Community-focused western Broward communities
Treasure Coast
Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach
Side-by-Side Region Comparison
Compare the three regions across the factors that matter most for your move.
| Factor | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Price Range | $200K - $500K | $250K - $800K+ | $350K - $1.5M+ |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.8 - 1.1% | 0.8 - 1.2% | 1.0 - 1.3% |
| Annual Insurance | $1,200 - $2,500 | $1,800 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $7,000+ |
| Northeast Flights | Limited (JAX, ECP) | Good (MCO, TPA, SRQ) | Excellent (PBI, FLL, MIA) |
| Northeast Community | Growing | Moderate | Very large |
| Schools | District schools serve each region | District schools serve each region | District schools serve each region |
| Pace of Life | Relaxed, slower | Balanced | Active, fast-paced |
| Best For | Budget-conscious buyers, lake lovers, remote workers, those seeking a relaxed pace | Residents, professionals, job seekers, Gulf Coast lovers | Northeast relocators, luxury buyers, proximity to NJ |
Which Region Is Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Here is a quick way to narrow it down based on what matters most to you.
North Florida
If you want affordable living and lake life
- Lower home prices and insurance costs
- Lake and nature lifestyle
- Slower pace, more space
- Four mild seasons
Central Florida
If you want theme parks, tech jobs, and central location
- Strongest job market in Florida
- Gulf Coast's best beaches
- Community-focused communities
- Best balance of cost and lifestyle
South Florida
If you want beaches, nightlife, and international culture
- Closest to NJ with most direct flights
- Largest Northeast transplant community
- Area schools in Florida
- Warmest year-round weather
Still not sure which region fits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities?
Take the Quiz — Find Your Perfect Florida TownReady to Explore a Specific Area?
Whether you have a region in mind or are just starting your research, Scott Selleck can help you find the perfect Florida community. Book Your Free Discovery Call to discuss your move.
Insurance notice: Insurance rates and availability vary by carrier, location, and property type. Consult your carrier or a licensed Florida insurance agent for current rates and coverage options.