Rank |
City |
1. |
Population: 985,843
|
Located in Duval County, the seaport city of Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by overall population and land area (874 square miles). With its 22 miles of Atlantic beaches, Jacksonville is the principal city in the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area which is home to approximately 1.7 million people in 2023. Full-time residents of Jacksonville enjoy an average year-round temperature of 70' allowing for a plethora of popular outdoor activities. This fast-growing city is a top destination for Millennials with its expanding IT sector and top-rated housing market. Jacksonville is also a popular destination for retirees with its designation as an underrated beach town, a Best City to eat in America, as well as its overall high quality of life.
|
2. |
Population: 455,924
|
Located in Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami is the cultural, economic and financial center of South Florida. The greater Miami metropolitan area is the largest in Florida with a population of 6.2 million people. Averaging 77' degrees year round and 248 sunny days per year, Miami is home to professional sports teams, the busiest cruise ship port in the world, top-rated beaches and is commonly recognized as a "Top Place to Live" and a "Best City to Retire" by national raking publications. The City of Miami offers a strong employment market and has been additionally recognized by WalletHub as a the "3rd Best City in the Country to Start a Business" in recent years.
|
3. |
Population: 413,704
|
Located in Hillsborough County, Tampa is the largest city in the greater Tampa Bay area which includes Tampa, St Petersburg and Clearwater and is home to over 3.3 million people. Recently ranked as a “Best City to Retire” by US News & World Report, Tampa offers residents a strong business climate, professional sports teams, theme parks and top-rated Clearwater Beach. With an average temperature of 73 degrees year-round, residents enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities including boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, golf, bicycling, roller-blading and more.
|
4. |
Population: 320,742
|
Located in Orange County, Orlando is the third largest metropolitan area in Florida with a total population of roughly 2.8 million people (US Census Data). Averaging 233 sunny days per year, this city is home to more than a dozen popular theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and LEGOLand. Full-time residents of America's most beautiful city enjoy an average year-round temperature of 73’ degrees which is perfect for a wide variety popular outdoor activities including fitness, exploring theme parks or popular music and craft festivals. This expanding city is commonly ranked as a "Best Place to Retire" and a "Top Place to Live" in the entire county with its master-planned residential communities, top-rated hospitals, popular dining scene and overall high quality of life.
|
5. |
Population: 263,353
|
Located in Pinellas County, St Petersburg is the 2nd largest city in the Tampa Bay area and is situated along the Gulf of Mexico. The City of St Petersburg, nicknamed “The Sunshine City,” is a popular vacation destination for many with its top-rated St Pete Beach and popular attractions including The Dali Museum, The Mahaffey Theater, The Florida Orchestra and the newly opened St Petersburg Pier.
|
6. |
Port St. Lucie, FLPopulation: 245,021
|
Located in St. Lucie County along Florida’s Treasure Coast, the City of Port St. Lucie offers residents “old Florida charm” with its scenic rivers, protected Florida preserves and natural beaches. The St. Lucie River, enjoyed by locals, is a popular spot for boating, kayaking and watersport activities on a hot summer’s day. Port St. Lucie is also the spring training home of the New York Mets and the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance.
|
7. |
Population: 224,455
|
Located in Lee County, Cape Coral is the largest city in SW Florida. Founded in 1957, Cape Coral is best known for its 400+ miles of navigable waterways and canals which line the backyards of many residents’ homes and offer quick access to the Gulf of Mexico for boating, fishing and kayaking activities year-round. Residents of Cape Coral enjoy close proximity to Fort Myers and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva which offer gorgeous white-sand beaches.
|
8. |
Hialeah, FLPopulation: 221,300
|
Located in Miami-Dade county, the city of Hialeah is located in northwest Miami and has one of the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the country. Originally incorporated in 1925, Hialeah is known for its rich heritage of Cuban and Cuban-Americans residents. Hialeah offers residents a blend of nationalities and cultures and has many family-oriented neighborhoods. Hialeah is served by the Miami Metrorail offering a quick commute to downtown Miami.
|
9. |
Tallahassee, FLPopulation: 202,221
|
Located in Leon county, Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and well-known as a college town as it’s home to Florida State University, Florida A & M University and Tallahassee Community College. According to 2023 Census Data, Tallahassee’s population was 202,221 making it the 9th largest city in the state. As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to nearly 30 state agency headquarters and also has a large number of law firms, lobbying organizations, trade and professional associations. Tallahassee is recognized as a regional center for scientific research and has been awarded the All American City Award in recent years.
|
10. |
Population: 184,599
|
Located in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale is known for its extensive network of waterfront canals, miles of white sand Atlantic beaches and famous Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with upscale shoppes, elegant eateries and art galleries. With a population of 184,599 (2023), Fort Lauderdale offers residents a high-quality of life with an average temperature of 75.5' degrees year-round and 246 sunny days each year, perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a strong employment market and has recently been recognized by Lend EDU as a "Best Place to Retire" and by TripAdvisor as a "Best Beach in Florida."
|