30 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida

Every year, many US citizens decide to move to the sunshine state due to the beautiful beaches and quaint beach towns.

The majority of people attracted to Florida often relocate for the warm weather and the endless activities throughout the state.

It’s not hard to figure out why people move to Florida with its array of theme parks, nature preserves, and white sand beaches.

Although the sunshine state is filled with activities for all ages, it can be fairly difficult to find affordable housing with the rise of rental properties as Florida is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

However, there are still cities and towns throughout Florida that has an affordable cost of living.

Whether you decide to move to Florida for the gorgeous hot springs or the rich history from the early 1900s, here’s the scoop on the best places to live in Florida on the Gulf Coast!

Disclaimer: Some of these places have been destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Sanibel Island is in the process of allowing residents back on the island.

Best Places to Live on Florida’s Gulf Coast

1. St. Petersburg

Part of the Tampa Bay area, St. Petersburg is one of the major cities of Florida and is popular for golfing, boating, fishing, and museums. Alongside Jacksonville, St Petersburg is the most affordable place to live.

This city is notable for the eclectic mix of art at the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. You can also visit the shopping centers in this big city.

When relocating to St. Petersburg, you don’t have to worry about the job market due to many businesses claiming the Florida city as a base. Spend the day connecting with nature at the Sunken Gardens or relaxing on St. Pete Beach.

2. Sanibel Island

A city located in southwest Florida, Sanibel Island is known for its shell-filled beaches with the towering Sanibel Lighthouse and boardwalk through marshes.

The cost of living is over the national average but it is still considered to be one of the best places to live on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Many retirees move to this beautiful island featuring a blend of urban and suburban housing alongside restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

3. Bonita Springs

In southwestern Florida, this city is home to a plethora of beaches and parks for nature lovers. Bonita Springs is also in close proximity to RSW Airport and Miami.

Even though this area of Florida does have a high cost of living, Bonita Springs is not overly commercialized, preserving parts of Old Florida. If you decide to move to Bonita Springs, make sure to visit Everglades Wonder Gardens, Little Hickory Island Beach Park, and Lovers Key State Park.

4. Fort Myers

When moving to Fort Myers, be prepared for more shell varieties than any other spot in the country. Fort Myers is one of the best places to live on the Florida Gulf Coast due to its budget-friendly housing, beach access, warm weather, and fantastic restaurants with fine dining.

Since this city is centrally located, there is easy access to both beaches and theme parks. Explore Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Manatee Park, Fort Myers Beach, and the River District.

You can also explore Captiva Island, north of Sanibel Island for the white sandy beaches, shelling paradise, and miles of beaches.

5. Amelia Island

A stunning island in Nassau County, Amelia Island has a rich history involving Spanish, French, British, and American rule. This Florida island on the Gulf Coast is known for luxury resorts, sandy beaches, and golf courses for visitors and locals alike.

Besides the high cost of living, Amelia Island introduces visitors from all over the country with its southern charm, island lifestyle, canopy-covered lanes, and quick access to beaches.

6. Key Largo

One of Florida’s most popular holiday destinations, Key Largo is a part of the Florida Keys with a plethora of state parks, wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Key Largo is the Dive Capital of the World with plenty of adventures for divers and snorkelers. Don’t be surprised to find a lot of travelers here during the winter months.

Most retirees relocate to Key Largo not only for the area’s breathtaking beaches but also for the suburban atmosphere and the above-average schools.

7. Destin

Known as the Panhandle, Destin is one of the most popular cities in Florida for vacationers. Destin is less of a laid-back town and more of a city that draws in tons of people.

However, there is a plethora of things to do like the Destin Habor Boardwalk and the Henderson Beach State Park. Just east of downtown Destin, Miramar Beach is one of the most popular beaches for parasailing.

People are also drawn to this city due to the wide selection of fish species including the Blackfin tuna and the King Mackerel.

8. Naples

Relocate to this southwestern Florida city on the Gulf of Mexico. Naples offers the best of both worlds when it comes to shopping malls and sandy white beaches for miles. This is a great place for active adults and people who love playing on tennis courts.

Many people move to Naples due to its close proximity to entertainment and beaches. When living or visiting Naples, make sure to visit the Naples Pier, 5th Avenue South, the Naples Botanical Garden, and 3rd Street South.

9. Siesta Key

A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Key is the perfect place to settle down off the coast of Sarasota for both families and couples.

Living in Siesta allows residents to relax and have fun with beautiful turquoise beaches and outdoor activities. However, Siesta Key is more expensive than cities like Naples but it is still affordable compared to places like The Florida Keys.

10. Tallahassee

The state capitol of Florida, Tallahassee features plenty of historical buildings and museums covering famous wars and European colonization.

One of the best places to live in Florida, most people move here for the urban and suburban housing options as well as the parks. The best part about Tallahassee is the median household income and the fairly low cost of living than the state average.

11. Cape Coral

Known for its canals, Cape Coral introduces visitors and locals to waterfront living with a decent housing market and median home prices.

If you decide to relocate to Cape Coral, be prepared to immerse yourself in nature and the local culture with ecological preserves and the Cape Coral Farmers Market.

12. Sarasota

A city south of Tampa, Sarasota is the perfect place for beach bums and boat lovers. The best part about living in Sarasota is the warm weather; however, the area can become super hot in the summer.

Sarasota is still on the pricey side when it comes to renting with the city still being cheaper than Seattle.

Some of the best attractions for residents and visitors are the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and Lido Key Beach. In recent years, Sarasota has become one of the top places to visit for white-sand beaches.

13. Ocala

In central Florida, Ocala introduces locals and visitors alike with endless opportunities for entertainment and natural scenery. This family-friendly small town has an affordable cost of living, no state income taxes, good access to healthcare, and is home to plenty of horse farms.

Ocala is also considered to be one of the best locations for retirees with easy access to other cities nearby like Orlando and the largest city, Jacksonville.

14. New Port Richey

Located in Pasco County, New Port Richey is a suburban community near St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater. This location is ideal for families due to the low crime rate, well-maintained public schools, and relaxing atmosphere.

Just like many other places in Florida, New Port Richey boasts plenty of things to do involving nature and beaches. You won’t be pressed to find a nature trail to explore here. For visitors and locals alike, stop by the James Grey Preserve and the Wet Pasco Historical Society.

15. Tampa

Tampa is a metropolitan with a low unemployment rate due to the number of businesses that reside in this cultural nightlife city.

In this city, there is a plethora of activities for people to explore including Busch Gardens and the Ybor City Historic District.

Even though Tampa is one of the best cities filled with businesses for young professionals, it can be difficult to drive to places due to how spread out the bay area is in square miles. But you can drive a little over two hours to the popular attraction, Kennedy Space Center.

16. St. Cloud

A small city in Osceola County, St. Cloud is a quiet location in central Florida but is near Orlando. One of the best places to live in Florida on the Gulf Coast, St. Cloud is a family-oriented community with world-famous attractions.

Even though this city is an hour away from the nearest beach, St. Cloud offers plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

17. Palm Coast

In Flagler County, Palm Coast is an area in Florida that habitats more than 200 species of birds. For visitors and locals, Palm Coast provides endless activities including golf, shops, and beaches.

With a significantly lower cost of living than the rest of the country, Palm Coast is the perfect place to retire or start a family and is great for active adults. Only 18 minutes away, Flagler Beach features a large number of fishing spots.

18. Palm Beach

Located in South Florida, Palm Beach is a town that boasts upscale estates and beautiful beaches. By visiting Worth Avenue, locals, and travelers have a glimpse of upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Palm Beach is also one of the safest places in Florida and is home to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons and The Breakers Palm Beach.

If you decide to move to Palm Beach, be prepared to pay a higher cost of living than in other places in Florida but also have access to some of the best private schools in the state.

19. Anna Maria Island

One of the best places to live in Florida, Anna Maria Island is a tropical paradise just a short drive from Bradenton. The condos and rentals provide direct access to the beautiful beaches.

Although real estate is only beginning to pick up with a demand for moving to this tranquil island, it still provides the old Florida atmosphere that many people love.

This picturesque location is home to turquoise waters and stunning beaches while offering the ideal beach town for people looking to relocate.

The best things to do on this island are to visit the Rod and Reel Pier and Bean Point Beach!

20. The Florida Keys

One of the most expensive places to live in Florida, this string of tropical islands tends to draw in more people every year due to the location being known for scuba diving, fishing, boating, and snorkeling.

After spending a day exploring the underwater world and taking part in water sports, visitors and locals take advantage of the shopping and dining options. The best part about The Florida Keys is wherever you move to, you will be near a beach.

21. Indian Rocks Beach

Part of the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg area, Indian Rocks Beach is the perfect place to slow down and soak in the beautiful beaches.

With a nice mixture of restaurants, beaches, and parks, there is always something to do. Learn about the local history by visiting the Indian Rocks Historical Museum and Heritage Village.

22. Venice

Establish a forever home in this beachside city known for its offshore coral reef and shark teeth. Venice is located in Sarasota County and offers the perfect blend of urban and suburban homes.

With world-class beaches and natural beauty, Venice tends to draw in retirees every year. Make sure to explore Venice Beach, Historic Downtown, and the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot.

23. Clearwater

In Florida’s Tampa Bay area, Clearwater is a city thriving on tourism with a plethora of activities for vacationers including a downtown area.

Known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches, Clearwater Beach has a reputation for being one of the best places to go in Florida.

Even though this gulf coast city is one of the central locations for travelers in the peak season, it is a place that allows visitors and locals the opportunity to connect with nature and animals.

24. Winter Garden

Only 14 miles from Orlando, this city in Orange County is often overlooked when it comes to tourists. Winter Garden is a pleasant small town with plenty of diverse people and a family-oriented atmosphere with picnic areas.

This town is the perfect place to retire as the town is home to historic architecture, ecotourism, and cultural venues.

25. Panama City

Home to high-rise hotels and gorgeous beaches, Panama City sets between Tallahassee and Pensacola. In terms of retirement, this large city may not be ideal as it serves as a vacation spot for college students.

However, if you can overlook the bustling nightlife, Panama is a great place and has ample employment opportunities with plenty of attractions to explore on the Florida Panhandle.

26. Pensacola

Nestled in the northwest corner of Florida near the Georgia state line, Pensacola boasts pristine beaches, historic charm, and the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration.

Ideal for families, Pensacola offers carefree living with a nice blend of natural and historical attractions.

27. Port Charlotte

Even though the cost of living is not ideal compared to other Florida cities, Port Charlotte has plenty of sunny days for people looking to bask in warm weather. This area in Florida is also where the Rays train for baseball. Besides the friendly people and weather, the tight-knit community makes Port Charlotte one of the best places to live for retirees.

28. The Nature Coast

Discover the history of Florida’s Nature Coast which begins at Ochlockonee Bay and stretches along the Gulf Coast. For travelers looking to relocate somewhere on the Nature Coast, keep in mind that it’s quite the journey to the nearest beach.

However, the Nature Coast offers endless outdoor activities like bird watching and hiking. The perfect place to raise a family, the counties that make up the Nature Coast are a mecca for dense forests and rivers.

29. Redington Beach

A beachside town in Pinellas County, Redington Beach is located on a barrier island. Home to historical attractions and beautiful beaches, this location is a retiree’s paradise. Visitors and locals can also find a number of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

30. Marco Island

South of the city of Naples, Marco Island is an ideal place for retirement with breathtaking beaches, marinas, and golf courses. Even though it may not be as affordable as other places on the Gulf Coast, Marco Island provides the perfect getaway for nature and art lovers.

Final Thoughts

Many other Florida locations ideal for retiring and relocating happen to be on the Atlantic Coast including West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and Port St. Lucie.

Another popular place along the Atlantic Ocean is Melbourne, home to the Indian River Lagoon. You can also visit Vero Beach, 34 miles south of Melbourne.

Most of these cities and towns on the Gulf Coast of Florida offer the best of both worlds with pristine beaches and entertainment options.

While some places may give off a small-town feel, others have skyscrapers and shopping malls with easy access to popular destinations like Orlando, Disney World, and the Daytona International Speedway.

But the main reasons that people decide to relocate to the sunshine state is due to the world-famous beaches and the endless activities geared towards the whole family.

That’s the scoop on the best places to live in Florida on the Gulf Coast!

For more travel content, visit these:

• 34 Best Drive-Thru Holiday Light Displays in Florida
• 25+ Best Tulum Beach Resorts in Mexico
• 30 Best Weekend Road Trips from Nashville

This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for the support!