These Are the Top 12 Safest Cities in Florida

Whether it’s for school, a new job opportunity, retirement, or you’re just looking for a change in scenery, a move to Florida may be the perfect move for you! The Sunshine State is best known for its sunshine (bet you couldn’t guess that one), beautiful weather, recreation, and stunning beaches. And with booming industries of tourism, homeland security (one of the largest in the nation), real estate, and more, Florida’s economy is ranked as one of the best in the country. Even better? The safest cities in Florida have something to offer everyone.

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But is Florida safe overall? The state may not have the perfect reputation when it comes to crime and safety rates; however, other neighboring states and national averages are much higher compared to the Sunshine State. On average, crime takes place at a rate of 1,825 per 100,000 people in Florida, versus 2,324 per 100,000 people nationally. And when looking at other neighboring states like Georgia and South Carolina, crime rates are even higher. Georgia has a crime rate of 2,058 per 100,000 people, and South Carolina has a crime rate of 2,800 per 100,000 people.

12 Safest Cities in Florida

Safety should always be a priority when you’re looking for a new place to move to, followed by all of the fun amenities and recreation, of course. But we realize it can be overwhelming looking for the right city in the Sunshine State, as the options seem endless. So to give you a better idea about some areas you might like most, check out our picks for the safest cities to live in Florida.

1. St. Augustine Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $606,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, interesting history, beaches, music events
• Violent crimes/100K: 28

The historic downtown of St. Augustine is largely unchanged from when the Spanish first built the city in the 1500s. But if you are in the market to buy a new home, there are always new planned communities and lots for sale along the waterfront.

From the northeastern tip of the county to the southern tip of Matanzas Beach, there are over 40 miles of beaches. While most of these are state parks, some of these are managed by St Johns County. Its various beaches offer guided tours and public access all year.

Love live music? There are plenty of fun music events happening in St. Augustine, including the Sing Out Loud Festival and the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival. And with a violent crime rate of just 28 per 100,000 people, St. Augustine Beach is by far one of the safest cities in Florida!

Q: What city in Florida has the lowest crime? A: According to AreaVibes, St. Augustine Beach has the lowest violent crime rate in Florida. Overall, though, Tavares takes the crown for lowest total crime rate.

2. Port Orange, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $361,600
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, dining, history
• Violent crimes/100K: 45

The Port Orange community is situated near Daytona Beach, and it’s only an hour away from all of Orlando's attractions. The city supports various job industries — some of the most popular ones include healthcare, construction, retail, food service, and accommodation.

Those who want to experience Florida's unique environment can visit the area's parks and preserves, such as Spruce Creek Park and Cracker Creek. You can also take advantage of nearby Daytona Beach and its miles of coastline (plus all the NASCAR you can handle). And for weekend thrifting adventures, check out the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market.

There are many places to eat and drink in Port Orange, and one of the best dining places in town is Aunt Catfish’s On The River, which serves up a variety of seafood and southern dishes. This establishment is located on the Halifax River, and it offers live entertainment and waterfront dining.

3. Davenport, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
• Average home value: $369,300
• Great for: Families, retirees, golfing, beautiful views, tight-knit community
• Violent crimes/100K: 48

Davenport is an urban center located in Polk County between Winter Haven and Lakeland. The state of Florida overall has over 1,100 public and private golf courses, and Davenport is in close proximity to several of these top-rated facilities.

One of the most popular courses in the area is Highlands Reserve — an 18-hole facility located just 10 minutes from Disney World featuring challenging conditions for any skill level. Another popular choice? The ChampionsGate Country Club. 

Davenport’s central location between the Gulf and Atlantic coasts makes it easy to catch a sunset or a sunrise on either side of the state.

4. Longboat Key, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,900
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Families, retirees, interesting history, outdoor recreation, beaches
• Violent crimes/100K: 52

The city of Longboat Key is situated in Sarasota County, and if you love beautiful beach scenery, you will love living here. People from all around the country come to this area looking to experience true freedom and escape from their daily grind.

Situated between Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, Longboat Key has a long history. It was founded in the 1900s by Scottish immigrants, and its tranquil environment attracted wealthy individuals.

The beaches of Longboat Key are renowned for their crystal clear waters and white sand, making them ideal for both swimming and basking in the sun. And those who love nature can explore nearby parks such as the Longboat Key Bike Trail and Robinson Preserve. Don’t forget about the kayak and paddleboard rentals along the beach, too!

5. Bay Harbor Islands, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,175
• Average home value: $652,800
• Great for: Families, seclusion, privacy, schools, shopping
• Violent crimes/100K: 53

Located off the waters of Biscayne Bay, the Bay Harbor Islands community is a tranquil area that's situated East of Bal Harbour and South of Indian Creek Island. It’s known for offering its residents privacy and a laid-back atmosphere.

This community is separated from the mainland by the Broad Causeway, which offers a secure environment and a variety of both public and private schools, making it the ideal place for families. The fact that it’s ranked No. 7 on Niche’s list for “Best Places to Raise a Family in Miami-Dade County” doesn’t hurt, either.

And even though it's steps away from the Bal Harbour shops, Bay Harbor Islands still has its own retail narrative. There are several small jewelry stores known for their unique and high-quality products, for example. Some of these include Jackie Abraham Jewelry and Praschnik Fine Jewelers.

6. Flagler Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $505,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, shopping, proximity to other cities
• Violent crimes/100K: 56

Located in Flagler County, Flagler Beach is part of the Deltona-Ormond Beach-Daytona Beach area. It’s situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, near the cities of St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, and surrounded by six miles of gorgeous sandy beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. 

The Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is a major highlight for residents in the area, which has a lot to offer for everyone including a variety of activities and attractions. The former sugar mill was a bustling community during the 1800s, as well, and it has 150 acres of land that guests can explore. And those looking for something a bit different should head to Downtown Flagler Beach, where there are many independent shops that sell unique gifts, jewelry, and artwork. Don't forget to stop by the Farmers Market on Saturdays, as well!

7. Tavares, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $320,300
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, entertainment, community engagement
• Violent crimes/100K: 59

The town of Tavares is located in Central Florida and is surrounded by various parks and lakes. It has been a prominent area in the region since it tried to become the state capital over a hundred years ago.

Wooton Park is a huge hangout that overlooks the lake and is located near Main Street. It features a playground and a splash pad, as well as other water-based activities like swimming. It’s also right next to the Tavares Seaport, making it a great place to sit and watch planes take off.

The town also has lots of other attractions, including the popular Tavares Theater, which provides a wide range of programs and performances. Open auditions for teenagers are also held at the theater.

Q: What's the cheapest and safest place to live in Florida? A: Along with low violent crime rates, Tavares has cheaper rent and home prices than most other top communities of the state.

8. Sebastian, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $361,100
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, entertainment, interesting history
• Violent crimes/100K: 65

Situated between Vero Beach and Melbourne, Sebastian is an ideal location for those looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation. The area's waterfront location is a major draw for locals, and those who love to surf, fish, and boat are likely to find Sebastian Inlet State Park a favorite spot.

Various charitable events are held each year at the park, as well, such as the River Days Festival and the Sebastian Clambake. The local Chamber of Commerce also organizes the Concerts in the Park event.

The town's history is also highlighted by the treasure museum in Sebastian, which showcases the Spanish treasure fleet that was found in 1715 and is a living testament to Mel Fisher's legacy. Who is Mel Fisher, you ask? He is often thought of as the world’s greatest treasure hunter, as he was the one to find the lost Spanish galleon of Atocha.

Q: Where is the safest place to raise a family in Florida? A: As a safe community with lots of fun amenities for the whole family, Sebastian is one of the safest and best places to raise a family in Florida.

9. Marco Island, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,225
• Average home value: $891,500
• Great for: Families, beaches, beautiful atmosphere, recreation, unique homes
• Violent crimes/100K: 87

The largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island, is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and activities such as water sports and fishing. It also offers unique real estate options and is a great place to reside for families.

Despite the number of people moving to Florida, Marco Island still maintains a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere throughout the year. The island is near Fort Myers and Naples, and it offers many interesting places to visit and explore.

The beautiful homes on Marco Island are a popular choice for both seasonal and full-time residents. And due to the increasing number of construction projects in the area, the inventory of homes for sale in the region is continuing to grow.

10. Sunny Isles Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,650
• Average home value: $698,100
• Great for: Families, retirees, beaches, outdoor recreation, entertainment
• Violent crimes/100K: 87

Sunny Isles Beach is a beautiful seaside community surrounded by towering condominium resorts and miles of white-sand beaches. Located northeast of Miami-Dade in South Florida, it spans 2.5 miles of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Sunny Isles Beach community has several parks to choose from, and one of the most popular is the Samson Oceanfront Park, which features a playground, picnic area, volleyball court, restrooms, and a lifeguard stand. Throughout the year, the area is also filled with entertainment and refreshments. Gateway Park, another beloved part of the community, features a butterfly garden, a performing arts stage, and an interactive water feature.

11. Indian Harbour Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $484,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, beaches, dining, outdoor recreation
• Violent crimes/100K: 89

Those looking for an upscale beach community with amazing ocean views — and close proximity to Orlando and Melbourne — can happily choose Indian Harbour Beach, which is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Simply stroll through the town and discover its coastal charm — and don’t be surprised if it ignites a thirst for adventure and appreciation for the wonders of the world around you.

Indian Harbour Beach's vibrant atmosphere is centered around its various dining options, including Happy Healthy Human, which serves a variety of healthy and delicious food. This cafe is known for its use of organic ingredients and is certain to provide a memorable dining experience.

And when you’re in the mood for some outdoor recreation, head to Gleason Park, which provides a refreshing place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors located near Indian Harbour Beach's botanical garden at Florida Tech. 

12. The Villages, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $409,300
• Great for: Retirees, golfing, outdoor recreation, shopping
• Violent crimes/100K: 153

The Villages is a popular retirement community in Florida that's about 58 miles northwest of Orlando. It was founded in the 1960s, and it was originally a middle-class community. It's since expanded into one of the best retirement communities in the entire state.

Over 50 public and private golf courses are located in The Villages, and some of the best courses in the area include two championship courses designed by renowned golfers Arnold Palmer and Nancy Lopez — Palmer Legends and Lopez Legacy.

The Villages has plenty of activities and facilities for people to enjoy, including a large family pool and several areas to stay physically active and enjoy the outdoors. One of the most popular places in this safe city is the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve, which features a beautiful wildlife sanctuary.

Shopping is quite convenient in The Villages, as well, and Spanish Springs Town Square is the main hotspot that features several restaurants, stores, and even a movie theater. 

Q: What part of Florida is safest from hurricanes? A: Leesburg, Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, and Palatka are communities in Florida that are even safer from hurricanes than The Villages, but their crime rates were too high to make this list.

Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Safest Cities in Florida

Once you’ve made the decision to move to one of the safest cities to live in Florida, it’s time to figure out how you’ll actually get there. That’s where PODS comes in. They can deliver a portable storage container right to your driveway, where you can pack and load everything you need at your own pace. And the best part is that you can take your time getting ready for your move — PODS includes one month of storage with every rental. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.