Florida, the sunshine state, has attracted many foreigners, be it a lone snowbird, family, working professional, or retiree.

The beautiful beaches, coasts, farmlands, and numerous tourist centers have made thousands of people relocate every month. The affordable basic amenities and the reasonably average cost of living makes this place a paradise for people of all ages.

Additionally, the city exempts tax because of which Florida real estate is flourishing. People are buying houses because of the low cost of living. 

If you are considering moving to Florida but cannot decide on the city which will suit you the most, here is an overview of the top 7 cities that prove themselves to be great, whether in terms of employment or affordability. 

1. Sarasota

Sarasota is among the vibrant cities of Florida. The popular beaches, metro area with an opera house, rooftop bars, and downtown Sarasota boasts resorts, fine dining, and whatnot. It has various popular outposts, which include Lido Key beach, Siesta Key beach, which are popular for their soft white sand.

Although with the popularity of the city, the prices of houses are growing, the price fully justifies the opportunities in jobs people get. With high popularity comes various renowned companies, which increases the demand for skills.

It’s essential to search for available job postings in the area where you see your future. According to Lensa’s America’s Happiest Workforces research, you can learn more about not only Florida’s position on the list but also of the other US states.

2. Pensacola

Bordering Escambia bay and Pensacola bay, this city is one of the most lively ones of all. It is a great place when you love living outdoors.

One of the oldest metros areas, Pensacola provides an affordable cost of living to the migrants. An average American pays more than the cost.

The median home value is generally lower than most of the nation’s figures. The fact that there are no taxes to be paid for the residents adds to the charm. Hence, buying a house in Pensacola is the best decision one can make. 

3. Melbourne 

Melbourne is a small town in Brevard county. This bustling city is one of the great places to live in Florida.

We know it for its historic charm, artsy culture, and great surf. Apart from a homely feel, the city provides various job opportunities, and rather skill is scarce. Hence the demand is high.

As the city is still growing, there are plenty of job openings throughout Melbourne. Currently, as the city is recovering from the effects of the 2020 and COVID pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of job vacancies. 

4. Jacksonville

The city is in northeast Florida. Yet again one of the cheapest places to live.

The highlight of the city is its connectivity with Savannah, Georgia, and the airport connected to various major lines. Jacksonville is also home to various naval air stations, hospitals, banking systems, and healthcare facilities. These are some of the top employers in the city. 

As of May 2021, the city's unemployment rate was 4.1%, which is lower than the US being, 5.8%, and the Florida rate of 4.9. Other than that, the city is one of the tourist attractions. Some are the Jacksonville gardens, Crummer museum, and The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. This shows the growth of the city and further upcoming job opportunities. 

5. Cape Coral

Cape Coral is located in the southwest of Florida. It has a home P/E ratio of 3.72 on a median home price of $455,000. This means that the city provides affordable options for buying a house. 

The city is home to many large companies, including Viking constructions, century 21 sunbelt realty, and sell state priority realty. 

The city is on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, with various beaches and waterways as an attraction. 

6. Tampa

Tampa Bay is largely known for its laid-back beach lifestyle, but there is much more. The amenities of a large metropolitan area, professional sports teams, museums, and a wide range of entertainment and dining options.

The cost of living in Tampa is at par with the nation’s average, and the city's housing market has become very competitive over the years. This means that the customers get to select a wide range of houses at affordable rates. 

7. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL offers a diverse range of job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, education, and manufacturing. The city has a strong tourism industry, which provides numerous job openings in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Additionally, the healthcare industry is rapidly growing, offering various positions in hospitals and clinics. Despite the wide range of job opportunities, housing prices in Daytona Beach can be higher than the national average. However, compared to other major cities in Florida, Daytona Beach's housing prices are relatively affordable.

The city offers a variety of options, from beachfront condos to suburban homes, making it an attractive destination for those seeking employment opportunities and affordable housing.

Daytona is also known as the art city of Florida. The Peabody Auditorium is the hub for live music and theater production.

The population of the city swells and wanes like an ocean as the winter creates a pool of tourists, while summer experiences a comparatively less rush.

One of the advantages of living here is the adjoining towns and communities like port orange, south Daytona, Ormond beach, and Holly Hill. 

Final Thoughts

While Miami was recently ranked one of the least affordable places to live in the US, some cities provide a low cost of living while fulfilling the dream of living in the state.

With its no state income tax, it is an unusually cost-effective place to live.