Fortunately, there\u2019s plenty of middle ground in the Sunshine State. Its mid-sized cities are suitable for all categories of newcomers, from young families searching for jobs, affordable housing and good education, to retirees interested in a relaxed lifestyle while still benefiting from the perks of urban living. Here are some Floridian destinations you should definitely check out if you\u2019re planning to move to the area.<\/p>\n
1. Gainesville<\/strong><\/h2>\nLocated in North Central Florida, Gainesville has a population of about 134,000 people. The city, home to the University of Florida, combines the vitality of a college town with a relaxed, close-to-nature lifestyle. The average monthly price for an apartment in the city is around $1,302, according to RentCafe, while renting a self-storage unit in Gainesville<\/a> starts as low as $20.<\/p>\nThe city benefits from easy access to 30 miles of hiking and biking trails through seven areas of the Florida State Parks, where you can spot local wildlife such as birds, wild horses and, of course, alligators. The area surrounding Gainesville is scattered with charming little towns where you can go antiquing and savor the farm-to-table food culture. All in all, Gainesville hits just the right spot with newcomers, combining the advantages of an active, vibrant college town, suitable for young people and families, with the dolce far niente<\/em> atmosphere that retirees are looking for.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2019\/12\/gainesville1.jpg\")
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2. Ocala<\/strong><\/h2>\nLocated in Marion County, in what\u2019s known as the \u201chorse county\u201d of North Central Florida, Ocala has a population of almost 60,000 people. A charming, middle-sized city with a great history, Ocala is one of only five cities worldwide permitted to use the title \u201cHorse Capital of the World\u201d under Chamber of Commerce rules.<\/p>\n
Living in Ocala is relatively inexpensive \u2013 an apartment costs, on average, about $1,067 per month. Renting a self-storage unit in Ocala<\/a> is also a walk in the park, as there are almost 40 self-storage facilities in the city, which makes moving to the area a lot easier.<\/p>\nNational landmark Silver Springs, a nature theme park sprawling over 350 acres, is located near to Ocala. However, Ocala is not only about nature and raising horses. The city\u2019s historic district features charming Victorian houses surrounded by oak trees adorned by Spanish moss, giving it some of that unmistakable Old Southern charm.<\/p>\n
3. Tallahassee <\/strong><\/h2>\nTallahassee is the state\u2019s capital and home to Florida State University, but, with a population of around 200,000 people, it is only the 7th<\/sup>-largest city in the Sunshine State. The place is well-known for its many law and lobbying firms and for trade and professional organizations, which translates into many high-paying jobs.<\/p>\nThe living costs are affordable: The average rent for an apartment in Tallahassee is $1,240 per month, while renting a self-storage unit in Tallahassee<\/a> starts as low as $20. The city\u2019s historic district consists of 10 blocks of imposing old houses and delightful inns, pubs and restaurants, drawing visitors from around the state and the country and providing many entertainment opportunities.<\/p>\nWhether you\u2019re looking for a good place to raise your family, with job opportunities and a good education system, or you want a peaceful and charming city to retire in, Tallahassee certainly deserves looking into.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2019\/12\/tallahassee2.jpg\")
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4. Daytona Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\nDaytona Beach<\/a> is the preferred destination of motorsports aficionados \u2013 the tradition started many decades ago, when the hard-packed sand on the city\u2019s beaches proved to be the ideal place for motorized vehicle races. Nowadays, the races take place on the Daytona International Speedway track, but Daytona Beach remains the headquarters for auto-racing company NASCAR.<\/p>\nHowever, Daytona Beach offers much more than spectacular motorsports. This city of 60,000 people has access to 23 miles of white-sand beaches, lined with parks and restaurants, and all while the cost of living remains affordable. The average apartment in Daytona Beach rents for around $1,102. If you need storage in the area, that\u2019s pretty accessible too, as renting a self-storage unit in Daytona Beach<\/a> starts at $15-$20 for a small 2X2 locker and will cost you around $100 for a standard 10X10 unit.<\/p>\nThe population of Daytona Beach grew by more than 10% by migration alone during the last six years, according to US Census Bureau data, and most of the newcomers are retirees\u2014this could be why the median age in the city is over 47. So, if you\u2019re an adventurer retiree who wants to combine a peaceful and inexpensive life with the thrill of a motorsport-obsessed culture, Daytona Beach is the place for you.<\/p>\n
5. Sarasota<\/strong><\/h2>\nSarasota is another city with less than 60,000 residents, but one that punches well above its weight when it comes to culture, education, and entertainment opportunities. The city hosts the famous Sarasota School of Architecture and the Ringling campus, which contains several museums, including the Ringling Circus Museum, 21 galleries worth of artworks, a Center for Asian Art, and several exquisite gardens and buildings. Sarasota is also just a stone\u2019s throw away from the islands in Sarasota Bay, such as Lido Key and Siesta Key, famous worldwide for their amazing beaches.<\/p>\n
The city benefits from easy access to 30 miles of hiking and biking trails through seven areas of the Florida State Parks, where you can spot local wildlife such as birds, wild horses and, of course, alligators. The area surrounding Gainesville is scattered with charming little towns where you can go antiquing and savor the farm-to-table food culture. All in all, Gainesville hits just the right spot with newcomers, combining the advantages of an active, vibrant college town, suitable for young people and families, with the dolce far niente<\/em> atmosphere that retirees are looking for.<\/p>\n Located in Marion County, in what\u2019s known as the \u201chorse county\u201d of North Central Florida, Ocala has a population of almost 60,000 people. A charming, middle-sized city with a great history, Ocala is one of only five cities worldwide permitted to use the title \u201cHorse Capital of the World\u201d under Chamber of Commerce rules.<\/p>\n Living in Ocala is relatively inexpensive \u2013 an apartment costs, on average, about $1,067 per month. Renting a self-storage unit in Ocala<\/a> is also a walk in the park, as there are almost 40 self-storage facilities in the city, which makes moving to the area a lot easier.<\/p>\n National landmark Silver Springs, a nature theme park sprawling over 350 acres, is located near to Ocala. However, Ocala is not only about nature and raising horses. The city\u2019s historic district features charming Victorian houses surrounded by oak trees adorned by Spanish moss, giving it some of that unmistakable Old Southern charm.<\/p>\n Tallahassee is the state\u2019s capital and home to Florida State University, but, with a population of around 200,000 people, it is only the 7th<\/sup>-largest city in the Sunshine State. The place is well-known for its many law and lobbying firms and for trade and professional organizations, which translates into many high-paying jobs.<\/p>\n The living costs are affordable: The average rent for an apartment in Tallahassee is $1,240 per month, while renting a self-storage unit in Tallahassee<\/a> starts as low as $20. The city\u2019s historic district consists of 10 blocks of imposing old houses and delightful inns, pubs and restaurants, drawing visitors from around the state and the country and providing many entertainment opportunities.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re looking for a good place to raise your family, with job opportunities and a good education system, or you want a peaceful and charming city to retire in, Tallahassee certainly deserves looking into.<\/p>\n Daytona Beach<\/a> is the preferred destination of motorsports aficionados \u2013 the tradition started many decades ago, when the hard-packed sand on the city\u2019s beaches proved to be the ideal place for motorized vehicle races. Nowadays, the races take place on the Daytona International Speedway track, but Daytona Beach remains the headquarters for auto-racing company NASCAR.<\/p>\n However, Daytona Beach offers much more than spectacular motorsports. This city of 60,000 people has access to 23 miles of white-sand beaches, lined with parks and restaurants, and all while the cost of living remains affordable. The average apartment in Daytona Beach rents for around $1,102. If you need storage in the area, that\u2019s pretty accessible too, as renting a self-storage unit in Daytona Beach<\/a> starts at $15-$20 for a small 2X2 locker and will cost you around $100 for a standard 10X10 unit.<\/p>\n The population of Daytona Beach grew by more than 10% by migration alone during the last six years, according to US Census Bureau data, and most of the newcomers are retirees\u2014this could be why the median age in the city is over 47. So, if you\u2019re an adventurer retiree who wants to combine a peaceful and inexpensive life with the thrill of a motorsport-obsessed culture, Daytona Beach is the place for you.<\/p>\n Sarasota is another city with less than 60,000 residents, but one that punches well above its weight when it comes to culture, education, and entertainment opportunities. The city hosts the famous Sarasota School of Architecture and the Ringling campus, which contains several museums, including the Ringling Circus Museum, 21 galleries worth of artworks, a Center for Asian Art, and several exquisite gardens and buildings. Sarasota is also just a stone\u2019s throw away from the islands in Sarasota Bay, such as Lido Key and Siesta Key, famous worldwide for their amazing beaches.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n2. Ocala<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3. Tallahassee <\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n4. Daytona Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Sarasota<\/strong><\/h2>\n