Central Florida
Where Theme Parks Meet Real Life
Central Florida is the state's economic engine. From Orlando's booming tech corridor to Tampa Bay's vibrant urban culture, Sarasota's arts scene, and the Space Coast's aerospace innovation, this region offers the best balance of jobs, lifestyle, and affordability for NJ families.
The Heart of Florida
Central Florida is where most new Floridians settle. The region spans from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, anchored by the Orlando and Tampa Bay metros. It is home to the state's strongest job market, the world's best beaches on the Gulf Coast, and a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities that appeal to every lifestyle.
For NJ families, Central Florida offers the best balance of the Florida benefits (no state income tax, warm weather, outdoor lifestyle) with strong job opportunities, excellent schools, and direct flights back to the Northeast. It is the region that gives you the most "Florida" for your money without the premium pricing of South Florida.
$0
State income tax
0.8-1.2%
Property tax rate
3 airports
Direct NE flights
#1
Job growth in FL
Key Cities and Communities
Central Florida is diverse and dynamic. Here are the major destinations for NJ families.
Orlando Metro
0.9-1.2% taxTech corridor, diverse suburbs, and a growing arts community
Orlando has evolved far beyond its theme park reputation. Lake Nona's Medical City is a global hub for health innovation. The Packing District is a massive new urban development. Winter Park offers one of the most charming downtowns in Florida with Park Avenue's boutiques and Museums. International food scenes thrive in Mills 50 and the Dr. Phillips corridor. Families love the A-rated schools in Windermere, Winter Garden, and Oviedo.
Best for: Families seeking top schools, tech and healthcare professionals, anyone who wants big-city amenities with suburban options
Tampa Bay (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater)
0.9-1.2% taxUrban culture, world-class beaches, and a booming tech scene
Tampa Bay is Florida's most balanced metro area. Tampa offers a dynamic downtown with Water Street's new restaurants and offices, a growing tech and finance scene, and professional sports. St. Petersburg brings a vibrant arts district, the Dali Museum, and a walkable downtown. Clearwater and the barrier islands offer some of America's best beaches, including Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island.
Best for: Young professionals, retirees who want city and beach, art and culture lovers
Sarasota and North Port
0.9-1.1% taxArts, culture, beaches, and retiree-friendly living
Sarasota is the cultural capital of the Gulf Coast. The Ringling Museum, Sarasota Opera, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall draw world-class talent. Siesta Key Beach has the whitest sand in America. North Port and Venice offer more affordable housing options with easy access to Sarasota's amenities. The area is particularly popular with retirees, but a growing number of new residents are discovering its charms.
Best for: Retirees, culture enthusiasts, beach lovers, those who value well-rated schools and Gulf Coast lifestyle
Lakeland and Winter Haven
0.8-1.1% taxBetween Tampa and Orlando, affordable, chain of lakes
Lakeland and Winter Haven sit in the heart of Central Florida's chain of lakes, offering a more affordable alternative to Tampa and Orlando with easy access to both. Lakeland has undergone a downtown renaissance with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and a growing arts scene. Winter Haven is home to LEGOLAND Florida and dozens of spring-fed lakes. The area is well-suited for those who want suburban affordability with urban access.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, lake lovers, those who want easy access to both Tampa and Orlando
Space Coast (Melbourne, Palm Bay)
0.8-1.0% taxAerospace jobs, beautiful beaches, more affordable than Orlando
The Space Coast is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Melbourne and Palm Bay offer a strong aerospace and defense job market anchored by Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base. The beaches here are some of the least crowded in Florida, with Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach offering classic Florida coastline. New construction homes are abundant and more affordable than Orlando or Tampa.
Best for: Aerospace and defense workers, beach lovers, those seeking affordable coastal living, remote workers
The Villages
0.8-1.0% taxAmerica's largest retirement community, active lifestyle
The Villages is not just a retirement community, it is the fastest-growing metro area in the United States. With over 150,000 residents, over 100 golf courses, three town squares with nightly entertainment, and more than 3,000 social clubs, it offers an unmatched active adult lifestyle. The Villages spans three counties (Lake, Sumter, Marion) and continues to expand. It is designed for retirees who want an active, social, maintenance-free lifestyle.
Best for: Active adults 55+, retirees seeking social connection and activities, golf enthusiasts
The Central Florida Advantage
Here is why Central Florida is the most balanced choice for NJ families.
Is Central Florida Right for You?
Central Florida offers the full Florida experience (beaches, sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, tax savings) with strong job opportunities and well-rated schools. It offers more variety than any other region in the state, from the urban energy of Tampa and Orlando to the laid-back coastal feel of Sarasota and the Space Coast.
If you need direct flights back to the Northeast, want a balance of city and nature, and are looking for home prices significantly below South Florida, Central Florida should be at the top of your list.
Ready to Explore Central Florida?
Whether you are drawn to Tampa Bay's urban scene, Orlando's community-oriented suburbs, or the Space Coast's laid-back beach lifestyle, Scott can help you find the perfect Central Florida community for your family.