Best Places to Live in South Florida - 2025 Guide

There is much more to South Florida than just Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Up and down the Floridian coast are cities with unforgettable beaches, unique shops and cafes, and a wealth of housing options, making it home to some of the best South Florida neighborhoods.

So if you have a hard time deciding where in South Florida to live, it won’t be for lack of a selection.

South Florida homebuyers should have a good grasp on where to start looking, which cities are most desirable, and how to pinpoint the one that best serves their needs. Our guide is designed to do just that; to turn an otherwise tedious Google search binge into a leisurely tour of some of the best cities in the Sunshine State.

Newcomers will discover South Florida’s most coveted real estate, while veterans might find things they never knew about before. Below, the team from Prevu Real Estate breaks down a few of the best places to live in South Florida.

The northernmost city of Palm Beach County, Jupiter routinely makes lists such as "Best Beach Towns in the United States" and "Best Southern Beach Towns to Live In." Located on the Atlantic coast, Jupiter never comes as a surprise, though, because it has almost everything you could want from a coastal city with an unparalleled quality of life.

Long stretches of world-class beaches and satisfying piers are packed with waterfront activities. There are immaculate golf courses like the Loxahatchee Club spread throughout the entire city; some are so well-designed you may enjoy the scenery more than your final score. There are curious nature reserves to explore, parks to lounge in, and a vast array of dining, bars, and shops. The list can continue, but it still wouldn’t paint the full picture.

The Loxahatchee River is a centerpiece of Jupiter’s beauty, winding its way throughout the city and creating pockets of residential areas surrounded by water and greenery. The river is essential to Jupiter’s identity, as some of the city’s most impressive housing stock is found on its banks.

The legendary estates that trace the River are some of the most coveted homes in Florida. But Jupiter’s diverse housing stock stretches far beyond waterfront mansions. Flawless single-family homes with ample outdoor space surrounded some of Jupiter’s most popular golf courses, while Jupiter Farms, a short drive away, offers an exquisite selection of homes with sizable lots.

The magic in West Palm Beach likely comes from the perfect blend of city life and hidden, small-town charm. Add a touch of beach and waterfront, and you’ve got one of the best cities in South Florida.

The waterfront views from Downtown West Palm Beach are actually that of Lake Worth Lagoon, which separates the city from Palm Beach. But access to sandy shores is easy; an 8-minute drive via the Royal Park Bridge, and that’s with heavy traffic.

You can spend months enjoying the glamorous skyline of West Palm Beach and still be enraptured by the wealth of activities and views. But whenever you’re ready, head into the city’s heart, and you’ll discover that magic we hinted at earlier.

The job market in West Palm Beach is thriving, offering a variety of employment opportunities across numerous businesses, startups, and remote work options, making it an excellent place for professional growth and development.

Historic landmarks, like the El Cid neighborhood and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, pop out unexpectedly, and street-side cafes with Parisian airs will undoubtedly draw you in for a freshly-roasted brew. But take that coffee to go and explore the intricate fountains spread throughout the town. You’ll soon realize living in West Palm Beach is a never-ending vacation.

Don’t worry about getting bored here, though. There are vibrant shopping and dining centers, various outdoor activities, and plenty of museums to visit.

When you’re ready to shop for homes here, the experience will be as luxurious as West Palm Beach’s unparalleled lifestyle. Spanish-Revival and Mediterranean-style masterpieces help define some of the exquisite estates and mansions available for sale. Modern and updated condo buildings, meanwhile, offer the latest in world-class amenities.

We placed Boca Raton in the middle of our list for a reason: it’s located smack in the middle of all the other cities, which, incidentally, is one of its greatest perks.

Boca Raton is a 45-minute drive from Jupiter, while Miami is also around 45 minutes away. In ideal traffic, Boca Raton is unbeatable when accessing the best of South Florida.

But there’s a lot more to this city than location.

Boca Raton’s beaches rival any of its neighbors, providing white sands and a wealth of activities and unique parks and nature centers, such as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and its butterfly garden. The city exudes Florida charm with its blend of natural beauty, friendly communities, and a relaxed lifestyle.

The city is also split into distinct sections, each catering to different tastes. For example, downtown Boca Raton’s sleek streets are packed with cafes and restaurants (and exotic cars) and are home to the Boca Raton Museum of Art and Mizner Park.

Meanwhile, the historic district is home to some of the most delectable Spanish-Mediterranean architecture in South Florida, a highlight of the late Addison Mizner’s influential work. Central and West Boca, on the other hand, give interested buyers access to some of the most desirable gated communities in the state.

Pompano Beach follows a similar formula to the cities that grace Florida’s Gold Coast: pristine beaches, a luxurious waterfront housing market, and an extensive selection of parks and golf courses.

But there is a unique perk to Pompano Beach: tranquility.

Of all the most desirable coastal cities, Pompano Beach is the one that leans into the laid-back lifestyle the most. Its beaches are known to be less crowded than those of its neighbors, and the streets and shops that populate the city generate a similar vibe.

In addition to its serene environment, Pompano Beach offers top-rated public and private schools, making it an excellent choice for families seeking quality education options.

This is the city to explore if you dream of finding your private slice of the beach. The vast sandy stretch of Pompano’s coast is filled with secluded beaches and areas less frequented by the usual crowds. Yet plenty of water activities are available whenever you want them.

The Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier is the local fishing spot, ideal for sunset views and abundant seafood. Pompano Beach Park may become your favorite R&R spot, filled with the city’s iconic Pompano fish statues, quiet benches, and easy access to the beach.

But tranquility doesn’t mean boring. Pompano Beach is no stranger to lively entertainment. Regular events such as Music Under the Stars, JazzFest, and the famous Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, routinely create an exciting itinerary.

Easily one of the most recognizable cities in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale continues to reign as one of the best beach cities in the area.

Fort Lauderdale’s charm lies in its assortment of unique neighborhoods. There are over 50 to explore, from beachfront hotspots that host impressive high-rises with some of the most desired condos in South Florida to slender isles where parked yachts outnumber cars.

Young professionals seeking luxury apartments and vibrant cultural experiences will find Fort Lauderdale particularly appealing.

Yet as luxurious and happening as Fort Lauderdale can be, it’s a popular choice for almost every kind of homebuyer. You can find plenty of neighborhoods in the eastern part of town that boast affordable home options as easily as you can stumble across lavish mansions closer to the beach.

The dining and entertainment scene is just as diverse as the housing stock.

Head to the waterfront to savor top-level steakhouse cuisine with stunning views, or head to the heart of Fort Lauderdale to discover your favorite food truck or ramen shop. The city’s culinary scene is an iconic melting pot of flavors, showcasing everything from Mexican to Argentine to Mediterranean cuisine.

Lounges and nightclubs are plentiful, but there’s plenty of tame entertainment as well. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a go-to for concerts and musical theater, while local museums such as the Museum of Discovery and Science and the International Swimming Hall of Fame help color any itinerary.

Yes, there is a Hollywood in Florida, and no, it isn’t related to the Los Angeles one.

But it doesn’t need any relation to stand out for its glamor and luxury, albeit without celebrity gossip. Founded in 1925 as real estate developer Joseph Young’s "Dream City in Florida," Hollywood lived up to that aspiration in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

That decade of rapid development cemented it as one of the most coveted cities in South Florida. Human-made lakes separate the flawless Hollywood Beach from the rest of the city, creating a unique ambiance of waterfront charm. Hollywood Boardwalk, meanwhile, completes the dreamy beach-town atmosphere that many look forward to when moving to South Florida.

The strong south Florida community in Hollywood offers a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, making it easy to find the perfect neighborhood that suits your needs and dreams.

Life here is all about the outdoors, and the consistent balmy temperatures that rarely drop below 75 or exceed 85 keep that culture alive. So rent a paddleboard or a kayak, grab your fishing pole and go angling, or head to the boardwalk for a stroll by the beach. These are just a few of the activities available to you year-round.

And if you haven’t guessed already, Hollywood’s dining and entertainment scene is befitting of its legendary name. A stunning array of multicultural cuisine is available throughout the city, while cocktail bars and beachfront cafes guarantee you’ll find a favorite haunt.

If you go shopping for a home here, get ready to peruse many beachfront condos and a healthy selection of single-family homes with spacious yards and built-in BBQ grills.

One of the crown jewels of Florida’s Gold Coast and Miami-Dade County, Miami is a city unlike any other.

Few beaches are as famous as South Beach, and fewer still command the same popularity. It’s safe to say Miami has perfected the blend of city life and beachfront tranquility. Miami Beach, in particular, stands out as a day trip option and an international haven for the migratory rich.

As maddening as its rush can be, everyone knows that a vacation is right around the corner whenever they desire it. That can mean taking in the white sands of Miami’s unparalleled beaches or kicking it back in one of Coconut Grove’s sumptuous cafes in the shade of a palm tree.

Miami’s neighborhoods are as impressive as the city itself. Everyone may be familiar with the iconic skyline of Downtown Miami, but there is a wealth of areas that redefine what you may know about the "Magic City."

Key Biscayne is an island paradise with some of the most exclusive condos available in Miami. Coconut Grove envelops its quaint streets with lush greenery and private comfort. And the lavish manors of Coral Gables continue to draw aspiring homebuyers seeking to secure the best real estate Miami has on offer.

It’s a welcome prospect, knowing that wherever you may settle in Miami, you’ll likely not be disappointed. Virtually any activity and dining experience is available to you, whether you want to sample exotic seafood or enjoy a hotdog at a Miami Heat game.

Home prices reflect Miami’s superstar status, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a lot of housing stock to choose from that can cater to most needs.