11 Charming Small Towns in Florida You’ll Want to Call Home
If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, bustling cities like Miami or Jacksonville might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Florida’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 11 charming small towns in Florida, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
1. Apalachicola, FL
Median sale price: $377,000
Homes for sale in Apalachicola | Apartments for rent in Apalachicola
Apalachicola is a charming beach town in the Florida Panhandle. The town’s historic downtown is filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings that now house art galleries, boutiques, and seafood restaurants. A popular spot is the The Owl Café, where locals and visitors gather for fresh Gulf Coast cuisine. Each fall, Apalachicola hosts the Florida Seafood Festival, a celebration of the town’s fishing heritage with live music, oyster shucking contests, and boat parades. Locals enjoy weekends exploring nearby St. George Island, a serene beach destination known for its uncrowded shores and scenic lighthouse.
2. Islamorada, FL
Median sale price: $862,500
Homes for sale in Islamorada | Apartments for rent in Islamorada
Often called the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is a small town in the Florida Keys that attracts anglers from around the globe. Located between the Everglades National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, the town offers some of the best deep-sea and backcountry fishing in the world. Because of this, fisherman have opportunities to catch everything from sailfish to tarpon. Beyond fishing, town also hosts the annual Islamorada Seafood Festival & Art Show, where locals enjoy fresh seafood and browse handmade crafts.
3. Crystal River, FL
Median sale price: $330,000
Homes for sale in Crystal River | Apartments for rent in Crystal River
Crystal River is known for its crystal-clear springs and abundant wildlife, especially its famous manatee population. Each winter, tourists come to the town to snorkel or kayak with manatees in Kings Bay, one of the only places in the U.S. where you can swim with these gentle giants. Additionally, the area’s pristine waters have some of the best fishing and scalloping opportunities in the region. With its combination of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and history, Crystal River is a great place to settle down for nature enthusiasts.
4. Dade City, FL
Median sale price: $351,000
Homes for sale in Dade City | Apartments for rent in Dade City
Dade City is a town in central Florida full of antique shops, Southern hospitality, and rolling hills. The town draws visitors year-round, especially during the annual Kumquat Festival. This unique event celebrates the tangy citrus fruit with everything from kumquat pie to kumquat-flavored jams. History buffs will enjoy the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, which showcases the area’s rich heritage with exhibits on early Florida life. You can find locals spending their weekends strolling through downtown, visiting antique stores like Antiques on the Main Street or grabbing a bite at local favorites such as Kafé Kokopelli.
5. Brooksville, FL
Median sale price: $420,000
Homes for sale in Brooksville | Apartments for rent in Brooksville
Known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, Brooksville is home to the annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment, one of Florida’s largest Civil War reenactments that draws history enthusiasts from across the state. Nature lovers can explore the Withlacoochee State Forest, which surrounds the town and has miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Brooksville’s downtown is a hub for local culture, with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes like The Tilted Teacup Tea Room.
6. Davenport, FL
Median sale price: $350,000
Homes for sale in Davenport | Apartments for rent in Davenport
Davenport is a peaceful retreat just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the major attractions in Orlando. The town is also known for its proximity to world-class golf courses, including the prestigious ChampionsGate Golf Club. The town’s nearby Lake Davenport is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Locals enjoy spending time at the Posner Park Shopping Mall, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. With its convenient location and relaxed atmosphere, Davenport is an ideal home base for exploring Central Florida.
7. Matlacha, FL
Median sale price: $500,000
Homes for sale in Matlacha | Apartments for rent in Matlacha
Matlacha is a quirky fishing village in Southwest Florida with an artsy vibe and laid-back island lifestyle. The town’s brightly painted cottages house art galleries, local boutiques, and seafood shacks. This gives Matlacha a distinct charm that feels worlds away from typical beach destinations. Locals and visitors enjoy kayaking through the mangroves or casting a line off the Matlacha Pass Bridge, known as “The Fishingest Bridge in the World.” Additionally, art lovers will find plenty to explore at the Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, owned by local artist Leoma Lovegrove. With its vibrant art scene and Old Florida charm, Matlacha is a must-visit for those seeking a unique coastal experience.
8. Cedar Key, FL
Median sale price: $370,000
Homes for sale in Cedar Key | Apartments for rent in Cedar Key
Cedar Key, perched on the Gulf Coast, has a big reputation for fresh seafood, especially clams. This quiet fishing village feels like a step back in time, with its relaxed pace and old-world charm. Visitors can explore the Cedar Key Historical Museum to learn about the town’s roots in the 19th-century pencil industry and its role as a shipping hub. Each fall, the Cedar Key Seafood Festival draws foodies from all over, with local seafood and arts and crafts filling the downtown streets. The nearby Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views and birdwatching opportunities, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers.
9. Micanopy, FL
Median sale price: $625,000
Homes for sale in Micanopy | Apartments for rent in Micanopy
Micanopy, often called the “Town That Time Forgot,” is a small, historic town located just south of Gainesville. Its tree-lined streets and 19th-century buildings give the town a charming, old-world feel that has made it a popular location for films, including Doc Hollywood. Micanopy also has thriving antique shops, such as the well-loved Delectable Collectibles, and its quaint cafes, where people can enjoy a peaceful afternoon. The annual Micanopy Fall Festival is a crowd favorite for its local arts, crafts, and food vendors, as well as live music that fills the streets.
10. Madison, FL
Median sale price: $180,000
Homes for sale in Madison | Apartments for rent in Madison
Madison is known for its beautiful Victorian homes and historic buildings. Notable buildings including the Four Freedoms Park, which honors the town’s connection to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech. Each spring, Madison comes alive during the Down Home Days Festival, where locals enjoy a parade, arts and crafts, and traditional Southern cooking. Outdoor enthusiasts love nearby Cherry Lake, where fishing, boating, and camping are popular weekend activities. Madison’s close-knit community and rich historical roots make it a welcoming stop for anyone traveling through Florida’s Panhandle.
11. Graceville, FL
Median sale price: $65,000
Homes for sale in Graceville | Apartments for rent in Graceville
Graceville is located near the Alabama border and has a strong agricultural heritage. Graceville is home to the annual Graceville Harvest Festival, a celebration of local farming with parades, food vendors, and plenty of exciting activities. The town’s proximity to Florida Caverns State Park makes it a great base for exploring the park’s unique limestone caves, hiking trails, and crystal-clear springs. To learn more about the town’s farming beginnings to its development over the years, be sure to visit the Graceville Historical Society Museum.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
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