5 Safest Places in Florida

32 thoughts on “5 Safest Places in Florida”

1. We are planning on spending the winter months in Estero or Naples in a gated community in a condo. We do you think of th at idea and can you recommend a real estate person to help find the right place? We are in our late 80’s and have a single son who is an excellent indoor and outdoor painter and would spend time there with us.

   • Hello Marilyn,
     Both Estero and Naples are safer than most places in the US overall and the winter weather in those areas can be ideal. A condo for that length of time would probably work best for those accustomed to large city or condo living, but may not be for those coming from single family homes in the suburbs or more rural areas. I do not have Realtor to recommend for rentals. Enjoy your winter!
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     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.

2. What is the price range in Florida right now for a Condo on the beach? We are looking for a place dog friendly and in a non- hurricane location. That sounds like something not able to do, I know. Thank you so much

   • Hello Sherry,
     The closer a home or condo is to the beach in Florida, the more expensive it will be. “On the beach” is generally where you’ll find the highest priced real estate. Areas near the beach where there are crime and safety issues are where you may find prices that are a little less. You are right, there is no such thing as a non-hurricane area in Florida “on the beach” during its 6 month hurricane season. You can read more about that here.
     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.

   • Hello Sherry,
     The closer a home or condo is to the beach in Florida, the more expensive it will be. “On the beach” is generally where you’ll find the highest priced real estate. Areas near the beach where there are crime and safety issues are where you may find prices that are a little less (Daytona Beach for example).

     You are right, there is no such thing as a non-hurricane area in Florida “on the beach” during its 6 month hurricane season. You can read more about that here.
     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide.

3. Hi Ron, Ive been reading your articles. I just got a job transfer to stuart fl but looking to live in St Cloud. Its listed as one of your safest. How do I find a rental in that area?

   • Come on Monica, it’s the year 2020. An online search of “St Cloud FL rentals” will turn up results such Craigslist, but be careful as there are scammers out there with ads for non-existent luxury rentals with amazing pics for less than the cost of a dump, but you won’t have a chance of getting it unless you give them a deposit right now to hold it until you can see it in person…
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     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

     • Crime in Stuart is not bad at all. Like most places, you must choose your neighborhood wisely. As far as quality of life, Stuart ranks higher than St. Cloud! The Kissimmee/St.Cloud area is very touristy, and frankly, can’t compete with Stuart. I am very familiar with both, and am speaking from firsthand knowledge, not just statistics.

       • Thanks for sharing your thoughts Mama S,
         You wrote “Crime in Stuart is not bad at all. Like most places, you must choose your neighborhood wisely.”

         The article is about the safest (and best) places to live in Florida, not places that are merely “not bad at all”. The thing about safe neighborhoods in cities that aren’t the safest, is you have to leave the neighborhood at some point to go to the grocery store, gas station, etc.

         You also wrote “As far as quality of life, Stuart ranks higher than St. Cloud!“
         What did you base your opinion on? St Clouds crime rates are far lower than Stuart’s, student test scores are higher, overall cost of living is lower, etc. Sorry, but making decisions using facts derived from the FBI, National Center for Education Statistics, the Council for Community and Economic Research and other well respected sources, rather than random opinions, will likely lead to a better outcome.

         Decades ago, Kissimmee and St. Cloud were marketed together as an alternative when visiting the theme parks and Orlando. Today however, the places offer a far different quality of life and crime rates. St Clouds property and violent crime rates are 50% lower than the national average. Stuart and Kissimmee aren’t anywhere close offering that.

         Additionally, the approximate 9 mile distance that separates St Cloud from Kissimmee, is about the same distance between Stuart and the Nuclear Plant that sits right on a barrier island that can be struck by a major hurricane.

         Again, thanks for taking the time to share your opinion Mama S and have a nice day.
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         Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

         • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

   • You may want to consider finding a rental agent in the St. Cloud area. Having previously resided in Central Florida I stayed in extended stay housing (has everything one needs usually) which will give you time to look for another longer term rental. If you don’t happen to like Florida and decide to return to your original state you won’t be tied to a lease (with extended stay). By being there you’ll be able to better choose the best and safest area for you.

4. I am surprised that Windermere/Dr. Phillips are not on your list.

   • Windermere and Dr Phillips are both on other best places lists on this website. All of the cities/towns on all of my lists are safer places to live than most places in Florida because residents enjoy crime rates much lower than the national average.
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     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

5. I am considering relocating to Lighthouse Point, FL. Is that a good area?

   • Hello Carole,
     Lighthouse Point Florida is currently still a very good safe area, except from the threat of hurricanes of course. However, it is sandwiched between larger cities with higher crime rates. How long do you plan on living there and do you feel this country will get safer during that time, or less safe? I don’t want you to answer those questions here, it’s just food for thought.
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     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

6. your thoughts on “The Villages….for seniors “

   • Hello Dotty,
     You can read my thoughts about the Villages (it’s a safe place also) in this article.
     _____
     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

7. Hi Ron,
   I am trying to convince my husband to move to Florida because of my health. We don’t don’t much about too many areas in Fl but we do know that most areas if not all are affected by all kinds of dangerous weather. However I did read somewhere that a higher elvation is best to prevent flooding, so can you tell me of some areas that would have higher elevations, not close to water, low crime rate, not close to a Nuclear plant, and have good healthcare, because we are seniors, and good healthcare is essential for us, and we also don’t want to be moving again. I was researching and found Clermont, what can you tell me about it. Thank you in advance for your response.

   • Hello Carleen,
     You wrote: “I am trying to convince my husband to move to Florida” The Florida Move Guide explains why this could be a mistake based on what happened to others who had to do the same with their spouse.

     On flooding, the book also explains why the elevation of the specific home/property you live in, is what’s really important and how to go about learning that. Storm surge is different than flooding but since you don’t want to live near the coast you don’t have to worry about that.

     On safety, all of the cities and towns on all of my lists are currently safer crime-wise (usually much safer) than the average for both Florida and the US. None of my choices are located within the evacuation zones of nuclear plants. The best list for places with better healthcare for seniors is my best places to retire list because they all have better medical facilities according to Medicare.

     Finally, Clermont Florida is not on any of my lists currently because the property crime rate is pretty close to the national average. I have noticed that a rise in property crime is often followed by a rise in violent crime, but not in every case of course. Clermont’s overall crime rate decreased slightly in the last year of reporting which is good, but the “latest” reports from the FBI are usually 1-2 years old. Violent crime there is quite low and overall the town is currently better than most other places in Florida to live.
     _____
     Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”

     • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

8. Recently widowed and found out I have breast cancer. Looking to move to Florida for a next chapter if you will. Any suggestions? I am middle aged and like to be on the go but also likes to take it easy. Not moving to find someone just moving for new start and to make friends.

   • Just saying a prayer for u. my friend n I both r over 55, divorced, widowed etc,… but upbeat dog loving ladies. At same time early 2020, she reloed near Prescott AZ n I reloed near Charlotte NC,.. there is great healthcare in NC! … but it seems there are much more friendlier people in AZ,.. now we both pay 1100 yr in property taxes, compared to the 8,000yr for our smaller townouses in North Jersey. Pros n Cons to both places,.. AZ has limited access to medical, n culture,.. unless ur in a gated pricey bubble near urban sketchy areas. NC is chaos near city areas. I don’t like Charlotte suburbs due to the car racing influence throughout (it’s like a mad max movie!!). Drivers seriously are out of control n have no regard for moms driving their kids, or the elderly,.. It’s such an issue. The zoning is mishmosh,..so there’s a lot of industry near residential areas. Meaning, more 18 wheelers dump trucks etc, speeding n hogging the roads too… There’s a weird southern rat race!!,… the whole southern hospitality thing is a farce, esp to “outsiders”… So I’m looking again, even after only a year.. It’s a No to Florida after much research,.. so now maybe a different area of NC(which is vast), AZ, or VA. ps I almost did SC,.. but there’s widespread crime n a “sketchy scene” thru out state, even when just running errands, too prevalent,… plus the heat n bugs n yes gators. Best wishes. Kay

     • If you don’t want heat or bugs, you should probably avoid AZ.

9. This is a great article thank you. I need to move to a rural area with more than 4 acres and I am having a hard time finding an area with low crime. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks!

10. Hello Have you heard of a 55+ community in Palm Beach Gardens called Avenir. It’s fairly new I believe. Any thoughts on this area and this community?

    • Hello Maryann,
      Palm Beach Gardens Florida does not qualify as a best place for any of our lists because it’s property crime rate is higher than the national average according to the most recent FBI report. The only places that qualify for any of our lists must offer residents better than average safety with crime rates that have been low for many years. I don’t want people to move to a town in Florida because they saw it on one of my lists, then have to move again in a year because crime increases and they feel unsafe.
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      Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

      • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

11. My husband and I just read your book, the Florida move guide. It was fantastic, I’ve recommended it to friends as a must read. We liked the Tampa area but didn’t like the commute back to the north east states. We like St Augustine but the taxes in St John are much too high. What are your thoughts on Palm Coast? A sleepy town not far from nightlife in St Augustine or parks in Orlando and several quaint beaches to chose from. Our kids are all adults on their own but we thoroughly enjoy when they stay for a visit with us. Plus, we have no grandkids as of yet. I am hopeful we will within a few years.
    Pleas share the good / bad / ugly / nice about Palm Coast. Thank you

    • Hello Janet,
      Palm Coast Florida isn’t on any of our best places lists. The estimated crime rate (the FBI does not report data for this area, like it does for the vast majority of US cities and towns) for property and violent crime are both higher than the national average. At a minimum, to be considered for coverage on this site, rates must be lower than the average with preference given to places with rates that are much lower. The poverty rate is also higher in Palm Coast than the US as a whole according to the US Census Bureau. As places become more safe, home prices tend to rise. The opposite is also true, and homes in places with crime issues can be tough to sell. What will the rates be in 5 years from now? The current “irrational exuberance” in Florida’s real estate market won’t last forever.
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      Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

      • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

12. As a local this list is accurate.

    Unfortunately a huge unlisted con is price of housing. It would be impossible for a single-person to afford rent without working double shifts, having no debt at all or having a roommate. You’ll have to settle for going elsewhere.

    • Personal safety is one of the first things people consider when looking for a new place to live. People move to safe places, and away from places with increasing crime, if they can afford to do so. When there’s more people trying to move to a safer city than the number of available places to rent or buy, prices increase. This is true not only in Florida, it happens everywhere.

      Florida isn’t even in the top 10 of states with the highest rents, but it’s not far away. However, there are still lots of places where rents are low and the crimes rates are as well, in the US today (7/18/21).

      Below you’ll find a link to a list of the safest states.
      _____
      Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

      • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

      https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/crime-and-corrections/public-safety

13. Hello Ron,
    I am looking to move to Tampa, Florida soon and in need of help as to what area is a good area to live. Just want your inside info. I also, was thinking of Clearwater or New Port Richey. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

    • Hello Blanca,
      You won’t find Clearwater or New Port Richey on our Safest Places, or any of our best places lists, because both have high crime rates and it’s been that way for for years. You can find much safer places with a high quality of life in the Tampa area on this list.
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      Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

      • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

      _____

14. Hello Mr. Ron Stack Can you tell me where would be a quiet nice less expensive place to live in Florida

    • Hello Esperanza,
      I don’t want to discourage anyone from moving somewhere new because they want to improve their life, but lets take a look at what you are seeking…

      Quiet? Florida is now the 3rd most populated state in the US. In addition, FL is also the most traveled to vacation destination with well over 100 million tourist arriving each year.

      Inexpensive? The number of prospective home buyers or renters in Florida, still far exceeds the number of homes for sale, so prices are (currently) astronomical. If you find a town, or section of a city where the prices seem low, check the crime rate. I don’t mean ask a salesman (who will make a bunch of dollars if you buy/rent, and $0 if you don’t) if a place is “safe” or not, because you will likely just get their opinion, not the facts such as what the FBI crime stat reporting shows.

      Where you are moving from, also determines what inexpensive means to you. If you are moving from California, most places in Florida including the safer quiet ones on my lists will be inexpensive to you. If you’re from the Midwest, most places in FL will might seem expensive.

      That said, here are some lists that may help you find what you’re looking for. Just a note, all of the places on all of my best places list are safer with crime rates lower, or far lower than the national average.

      The best small towns in Florida

      The cheapest places in Florida
      SOFL
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      Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy” of Zeus Press Inc

      • Want to be certain if moving to Florida is right for you or your family? You’ll know after reading the Florida Move Guide. Avoid expensive mistakes.

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