Top 5 Safest cities in Florida with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
United States
Florida

Safety is just one of the many things to consider when you plan to move to Florida. Despite its reputation for not being the safest state, it still provides some secluded safe cities to live in the US. Known for its sandy beaches and abundant golf courses, it offers residents an active outdoor lifestyle. 

Florida offers a variety of options, from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast, and from South to Central Florida. Each area presents a unique blend of amenities and community, making it ideal for families and retirees alike.

Are you looking for a small city in Florida where you can feel comfortable and safe, surrounded by convenient amenities? We’ve got you covered! Below are the five safest cities in Florida with the best quality of life in 2024.

map of safest places to live in florida

Methodology

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Miami-Dade Official Website from June to November 2023. This map shows the data for crimes such as arson, assault, burglary, disturbing the peace, drugs/alcohol violations, driving under the influence, fraud, homicide, motor vehicle theft, robbery, sex crimes, theft/larceny, vandalism, vehicle break-in/theft, and weapons. CrimeMapping.com provides an overview of designated crimes within law enforcement agencies.

The content is not exhaustive, as agencies can customize the displayed crime types and codes. Incidents must be reported before appearing on the website, leading to potential delays. Unreported or non-subscribed agency incidents may not be included. Technical issues can also affect data updates on the site. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

The “best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Safest cities in Florida

Featured in this article

Ad

1. Marco Island

  • Population: 16,172
  • Crime Rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people

Marco Island, situated in southwest Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, luxury condominiums, and elegant homes. With a primarily couples-based household composition and a population typically in their 60s to mid-80s, residents enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, engaging in activities like kayaking and fishing at Tigertail and South Marco Beach.

The island is renowned for its excellent shopping, and convenient access to groceries. However, it is a car-dependent neighborhood. It has reported a crime rate of 0 crimes per 1,000 people, indicating a strong sense of safety within the community.

Walk Score (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Census.gov (Dec 2022) & Crime Mapping (Dec 2016)

Marco Island, Florida

2. Lynn Haven

  • Population: 20,044
  • Crime Rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people

Lynn Haven, in Bay County just north of Panama City, stands out as one of the safest cities to live in Florida, with a reported crime rate of 0 crimes per 1,000 people. Characterized by single-detached houses along the water, providing incredible coastal views. Perfect for water enthusiasts and to raise a family, it offers outdoor activities, sunny weather, and top-rated public schools.

Lynn Haven is home to six public schools and two charter schools, with the Rising Leaders Academy ranking as the number 1 public high school in Florida. The city offers easy access to freeways, with just a 20-minute drive to Panama City Beach. Additionally, there are multiple trails suitable for biking or jogging.

Niche (Dec 2023), City of Flynn Haven (Dec 2023), Census.gov (Dec 2022) & Crime Mapping (Dec 2016)

Lynn Haven, Florida

3. Naples

  • Population: 19,618
  • Crime Rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people

Naples, a serene city on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, is renowned for its calm white sandy beaches and Naples Pier, ideal for fishing and dolphin watching. With nearly 90 golf courses, it holds the title of the golf capital. Residents here enjoy a high-quality lifestyle, with access to top-rated restaurants, over 100 art galleries, and shopping centers in areas such as Third Street South and The Avenues.

In Naples, residents in their 60s to mid-70s enjoy spacious apartments and detached houses. The city offers over 30-miles of pedestrian and bicycle-friendly pathways. It is easily reachable via Interstate 75 for a 49-min drive to Fort Myers. Emphasizing safety, it maintains a low crime rate of 0 crimes per 1,000 people.

City of Naples (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Census.gov (Dec 2022) & Crime Mapping (Dec 2016)

Naples, Florida

4. Key Biscayne

  • Population: 14,487
  • Crime Rate: 0 crimes per 1,000 people

Key Biscayne is conveniently situated between two major parks, Crandon Park to the north and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south, surrounded by beautiful beaches. It is an ideal city for families to enjoy nature, boating, and water sports in Biscayne Bay, and just a 15-minute drive to Downtown Miami.

Residents describe it as a safe community, ideal for raising kids, and offering the highest quality of life in South Florida. It provides a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle and South Beach’s party vibe. This luxury area primarily features large apartments and houses. It has a reported crime rate of 0 crimes per 1,000 people.

Key Biscayne Gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), City Data (Dec 2022) & Crime Mapping (Dec 2016)

Key Biscayne, Florida

5. Sebastian

  • Population: 26,364
  • Crime Rate: 0.15 crimes per 1,000 people

Sebastian, a coastal city in Indian River County, stands out as one of the most populous cities on the list. Located along the Atlantic coast, it offers natural beauty and a rich history. Recognized for fishing, skydiving, and surfing on the East Coast, it is ideal for eco-lovers, home to Pelican Island for birding and wildlife viewing.

With easy access to bustling cities like Melbourne (29-minute drive) and Vero Beach (23-minute drive) via Dixie Hwy, where residents find opportunities for dining and entertainment. They describe it as quiet, safe, with a small-town vibe. It has a reported crime rate of 0.15 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest places to live in Florida.

City of Sebastian (Dec 2023), & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Sebastian, Florida

Featured in this article

Conclusion

Safety is a priority no matter where you live, and these cities in Florida are the top picks for your safety. Offering beautiful beaches and a rich history, this list provides an ideal environment for you. Whether you want to start a family and raise children or are looking to retire in the tranquility of the Sunshine State, these are some of the safest cities in Florida with the best quality of life.

Choosing the right coastal city requires patience, so be sure to carefully review this list before making your final decision. Planning a move to Florida soon? Discover the best moving companies in Miami!

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Parkland
  2. Sebastian
  3. Marco Island
  4. North Palm Beach
  5. Groveland
  6. Lynn Haven
  7. Key Biscayne
  8. Oviedo
  9. Naples
  10. Satellite Beach

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering affordability and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places were excluded from last year’s lists due to insufficient rental data. Moreover, entries with higher average housing prices in the previous year were excluded from the current rankings. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Share this article on social media

Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
How much is your move?

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

What is MovingWaldo?

We guide millions of families through each step of their moving process, helping them save time and money, and making sure nothing gets left behind.

Trouver un déménageur

Comparez plusieurs devis

Organisez votre déménagement

Guidé à travers une checklist

Changement d’adresse

Mettez à jour votre adresse en quelques clics

Forfaits internet

Soyez au courant des nouvelles offres internet à domicile

Rejoignez le réseau

Devenez un fournisseur de confiance pour desservir votre région

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Prolongez la relation avec vos clients grâce à votre propre plateforme de déménagement personnalisé

Qu'est-ce que MovingWaldo ?

MovingWaldo est un guichet unique qui simplifie la planification du déménagement

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox