FROM BIG CITIES TO RURAL AMERICA

Almost everyone has been on vacation somewhere in Florida; the state has over 125 million visitors each year from around the globe. The Sunshine State is known for great weather year-round, big cities, like the glitzy metropolis of Miami/ Fort Lauderdale and the bustling Disney attractions in Orlando, and beaches and beach communities that span across the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf on Mexico.

But it’s also home to unique and special communities in all regions, North to South and East to West out into the Panhandle. After decades of rapid population increases, Florida now is the nation’s fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Florida was the fastest-growing state in 2022, with an annual population increase of 1.9%, resulting in a total resident population of 22,244,823. The state added nearly 500,000 new full -time residents in the last year. Where are all these new Floridians moving to in the state? The real information may

If you live here, it is easy to escape to one of these destinations for a mid-week or weekend getaway, where you can relax, but also try new activities, dine on delicious food, and shop until you drop. Think: New England and European charm—but with some of the most pristine beaches at your fingertips. What are the fastest growing cities in Florida? If you guessed Miami or Orlando, you might be surprised to learn that small communities like Freeport, Davenport, Lake Buena, Wildwood, Groveland, St Cloud, and St Leo are just a few of the great small-town communities with the top growth in the state.

While the Pandemic drove many families to Florida, ultimately livability, cost, taxes, cultural diversity, and vast community choices have kept them coming back. Once driven by retirement and seasonal second homes, Florida homebuyers are now much more focused on the bigger picture. Whether they are buying the second home/ retirement home early, or just relocating permanently for a better quality of life, the pace will not be slowing much, any time soon.

Freeport, Florida www.freeportflorida.gov

Freeport is on the bayfront, just north of Miramar Beach in the Panhandle. Freeport is a small town in Florida with a population of 5,478. It is in Walton County. Living in Freeport offers residents a suburban rural mix feel, and most residents own their homes.

Wildwood, Florida www.wildwood-fl.gov

Wildwood is a small community of just over 15,000 residents close to The Villages of Central Florida. There are lots of outdoor activities, parks in the area, and easy access to shopping in nearby larger communities.

Green Cove Springs, Florida www.greencovesprings.com

Green Cove Springs is located south of Jacksonville along the St Johns River, west of St Augustine. Residents here enjoy open access to boating and waterfront activities while being close to East Coast Historic cities and towns.

Mount Dora, Florida

Mount Dora is a city in central Florida. It’s known for its antique shops and annual festivals. And Home to the Museum of Speed, northwest, bass-filled Lake Eustis has waterside restaurants and eclectic waterside inns. www.mountdora.com

Deland, Florida www.deland.org

Deland is just 25 miles west of Daytona Beach and is home to Florida’s oldest undergraduate campus, Stetson University. It’s cool downtown restaurants and shops are a fun place to visit.

Ocala, Florida www.ocalamarion.com

Ocala is one of Central Florida’s best places to live. Known as “The Horse Capital of the World” because of all the equestrian activity and horse farms. It’s a very fast-growing region surrounded by state parks and lots to do.

Daytona Beach Shores, Florida https://dbshores.org

“The Shores,” as locals know it, is a small community of just over 5000 residents right on the beach, just south of Daytona Beach. This tight knit seaside community offers less hotels and mostly condos and single-family homes.