Dreaming of moving to Florida ? You’re not the only one. And in a state with a wide socioeconomic spectrum, diverse geographical pockets, and 1,350 miles of coastline, it can be hard to decide where to start your search.

To determine the best places to move in Florida , we tapped Zillow for stats and sourced expert insight from realtors who know the Sunshine State well.

“Overall, it’s a great time to be a buyer in Florida,” according to Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. “They have the upper hand this spring, which means they’re more likely to land the right home for the long term and to get a good deal.”

Below, find some of the best places to move in Florida and a peek into the amenities these places offer newcomers to Florida.

Cape Coral

“ Cape Coral has bounced back from Hurricane Ian,” according to Jeff Lichtenstein, president of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who moved to Florida from Chicago 25 years ago. After the storm, his team made and donated 25,000 PB&J sandwiches to victims. “Cape Coral is a beachy town filled with restaurants and shops on a lively strip. It has lots of food and music festivals and is a quick drive over the Fort Myers Bridge.”

Lichtenstein points out that Cape Coral is also a huge hospitality town because of its proximity to Fort Myers and other islands like Captiva, Sanibel, Venice, and Pine Island.

“While there are lots of luxurious homes off of the Caloosahatchee River, the inland housing is more affordable than Fort Myers, but still with some having access to canals and amenities of living in a waterfront town ,” Lichtenstein says.

Deltona

Tucked between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Deltona is a bit of a hidden gem. This small city offers the best of both worlds when it comes to Florida living: easy access to big-city attractions and the beach (Magic Kingdom is an easy hour drive away and New Smyrna Beach is less than 45 minutes) plus a peaceful suburban pace at home. Charming Winter Park, home to one of the best farmers’ markets in the South , is also just a half-hour drive away from Deltona.

With its relatively affordable home prices, abundant parks (there’s 23 developed parks encompassing more than 300 acres in Deltona, plus another under construction), and proximity to some of Florida’s most stunning springs , Deltona is ideal for families, retirees, and nature lovers looking for a quiet but connected community.

Miami

“There’s nothing typical about Miami,” according to Lichtenstein. “If you want to go people-watching, there’s South Beach; feeling artsy, try Wynwood; go to Edgewater in downtown Miami if you want condos and nightlife. If you have tens of millions to spare, one of the islands like Star Island will make you feel like, well, a star.”

Lichtenstein says that the types of homes for sale in Miami include a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family estates in every price point and style conceivable. Plus, there’s four sports teams, endless job opportunities, art, festivals, and a multitude of cultures mixed.

“The water, though, is the key thread that all Miamians have in common,” says Lichtenstein. “Anthony Bourdain once did a segment on Miami; he was interviewing a restaurant owner in Little Haiti, which was off the water, and asked her how often she goes to the beach. She replied, ‘Not in the last year, but I like to know that it’s there.’”

North Port

One of Florida’s fastest-growing cities—in fact, in recent years, North Port was ranked as the second-fastest growing city in the entire country—North Port still maintains its Old Florida charm and comfortable pace of life even as it grows.

Set just inland from the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Fort Myers (one of the best Florida towns to visit at Christmastime , by the way!), residents love North Port for its laid-back lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty, including Myakka State Forest and Warm Mineral Springs, the only naturally warm spring in Florida (the others are brisk at best).

Approachable real estate, a strong sense of community, and quick access to beaches and boating make it a safe pick for new and hopeful Floridians.

Jacksonville

As Florida’s largest city by area, Jacksonville has room for every kind of lifestyle, from historic riverfront neighborhoods to beachy enclaves and sprawling suburban communities. Plus, with its highly rated school district, it’s one of the best cities in Florida to raise a family.

Best of all, Jacksonville’s job market is booming: it was recently named the second hottest job market in the country by The Wall Street Journal and was a top major U.S. city for corporate relocations in recent years, too.

With a robust job market, lively arts and dining scene , and 22 miles of uncrowded Atlantic coastline, it’s a dynamic (yet still surprisingly affordable) place to put down roots, and your neighborhood can be as bustling or as sleepy as you prefer.

Palm Bay

“Palm Bay is a great place to buy,” says Ryan Poole, real estate agent and founder and CEO of real estate marketplace RealTrade. Poole moved to South Florida from Minnesota 27 years ago. “It offers a serene, family-friendly lifestyle with access to Florida’s natural beauty, including the Indian River Lagoon, nearby beaches, and parks like Turkey Creek Sanctuary.”

Palm Bay is located on the east coast of Florida, about halfway between Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach, and thanks to its warm climate and sea breezes, residents can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and trail hiking year-round.

“Neighborhoods like Bayside Lakes and Palm Bay Colony cater to diverse preferences, from affordable single-family homes to active adult communities, appealing to first-time buyers, retirees, and families alike,” says Poole.

Tampa

“ Tampa ’s diversified economy, driven by industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and tourism, ensures stability and job growth and is a great place to move,” according to Poole.

“The unemployment rate is below the national average, supporting a strong tenant base for investors and job security for residents,” he adds. “Major employers like BayCare Health System, JPMorgan Chase, and the University of South Florida fuel economic vitality, attracting young professionals and families.” Poole points out that the city’s emergence as a tech hub further enhances its appeal for career-driven buyers.