Safest Cities in Florida: Discover the Top 12 Places to Live (Nearly) Worry-Free

Thinking about heading to the Sunshine State for a new job, retirement, or just a change of scenery? You’re not alone. Living in Florida means endlessly sunny days, stunning beaches, a strong economy, and a guaranteed stream of northern visitors looking for warmth in the winter. But big moves come with big questions, including: Is Florida safe? Our look at the safest cities in Florida shows that many parts of the state offer peace of mind and that bright, active lifestyle newcomers are seeking.

Is Florida Safe Overall?

The state may not have the perfect reputation when it comes to crime and safety rates, but compared to the national average and crime rates in neighboring states, Florida’s actually a relatively safe place to live.

How Florida’s Crime Rate Compares 

Total Crime Rate (per 100,000 people)

• Florida: 1,688
• National: 2,119
• Georgia: 2,001
• Alabama: 1,925
• South Carolina: 2,403

Crime rates are sourced from areavibes.com and are based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

12 Safest Cities in Florida

To help you zero in on a community that feels right to you, here are our picks for the safest cities to live in Florida. We based our choices on data from AreaVibes, Niche, NeighborhoodScout, and law enforcement sources. And we’ve added quick details on each destination so you can balance safety with all the lifestyle pros and perks you want in your new Florida home.

As a note, crime rates indicate the number of crimes committed in the city per 100,000 people, allowing us to honestly compare a variety of cities with different populations.

Gorgeous homes line the miles of oceanfront in St. Augustine Beach, one of the safest places to live in Florida.

1. St. Augustine Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $580,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, interesting history, beaches, music events
• Total crime rate: 549
• Violent crime rate: 87
• Property crime rate: 462

The historic downtown of St. Augustine is largely unchanged from when the Spanish built the city in the 1500s. But if you’re looking for seaside living and an active family vibe, don’t worry: There are plenty of neighborhoods built in this century, and home prices are reasonable compared with other beach communities around the state. It’s also one of the safest cities in Florida. From beach cottages to contemporary condos, home styles vary — but there’s a size and price for everyone.

Forty miles of beaches stretch from the northeastern tip of the county to the southern tip of Matanzas Beach. While most of the coastline comprises state parks, some spaces are managed by St. Johns County, which offers guided tours and public access year-round.

Love live music? There are dozens of artsy events happening in St. Augustine annually, including the Sing Out Loud Festival and the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival. Local seafood dominates the local foodie scene — of course! Check out Salt Life Fish Shack for delish waterfront dining.

2. North Port, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $305,300
• Great for: Public schools, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, nightlife, diversity
• Total crime rate: 875
• Violent crime rate: 94
• Property crime rate: 781

North Port is part of bustling Sarasota County, but don’t let that scare you off. This fast-growing burg is one of the safest cities in Florida, still offering a calm, almost rural atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and carefully planned communities that incorporate natural spaces. At Wellen Park, for instance, a central retail and dining hub is the gathering spot for residents of 30,000 homes (still in the works!). Locals enjoy Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park’s 140 acres of woods and trails, perfect for birdwatching and picnics. Nearby Myakka State Forest attracts outdoor-loving visitors from all over — but watch out for the gators along the river.

Sports fans have another reason to love North Port: CoolToday Park is the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. And for music lovers, concerts and other community events take place there throughout the year. Check out the Grilled Cheese Festival in November and live music just about every week. And of course, pitchers and catchers come to town every February.  

3. Davenport, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $345,900
• Great for: Families, retirees, golfing, beautiful views, tight-knit community
• Total crime rate: 418
• Violent crime rate: 74
• Property crime rate: 344

In the heart of Polk County, between Winter Haven and Lakeland, the growing city of Davenport is just a quick drive from Walt Disney World Resort and the other massive amusement parks that draw millions of visitors every year. But the pace here is much more relaxed — and it’s considerably less populated than Orlando and other tourist-attracting cities, which are not among the safest cities in Florida. Planned golf-focused communities include ChampionsGate, a luxury resort-style destination with all the perks, and Highlands Reserve, where the course was named one of the top 25 “most improved” in the country.

Northeast Regional Park is just one of the many parks-and-rec spaces in Davenport, with nearly a dozen sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, and — best of all — a dog park. Wilson Park is another popular local spot, situated in the downtown area with a fun splashpad as its centerpiece.

For seaside pursuits, 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. And despite being relatively landlocked, there’s delicious seafood here — particularly at the Hungry Crab, where Cajun-style boils are loaded with crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and corn, along with generous platters you can mix-and-match.

Longboat Key is one of the most upscale coastal communities and safest cities in Florida, with beautiful beaches and lots of greenspace.

4. Longboat Key, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,900
• Average home value: $961,600
• Great for: Families, retirees, interesting history, outdoor recreation, beaches
• Total crime rate: 414
• Violent crime rate: 0
• Property crime rate: 414

This serene island retreat has grown from its early-1900s Scottish-settler roots into one of Florida’s most elegant coastal communities. You’ll find beautiful beaches with sugar-soft sand, gentle waves in the crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico, and lots of quiet in the summer months when the snowbirds go back north. And you likely won’t find a safer community in the Sunshine State: The violent crime rate here is a perfect zero.

Situated between Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, Longboat Key has attracted wealthy individuals for decades, evidenced by the many impressive boats docked alongside the canal-front estates. Nature lovers are happy here, with island parks including the Longboat Key Bike Trail and Robinson Preserve, where mangrove boardwalks are perfect for wildlife viewing. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are another popular pastime.

As for dining, Centre Shops has some great restaurants, plus delish ice cream and sundries shops. But for a unique experience, locals head to Euphemia Haye, a romantic destination that’s been a favorite since the 1970s. The chef creates seasonal dishes (try the Shrimp Taj Mahal), and upstairs in the Hayes Loft, there’s a gorgeous dessert room and a luxe lounge.

5. Safety Harbor, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,400
• Average home value: $490,000
• Great for: Families, shopping, outdoors, dining, boating
• Total crime rate: 821
• Violent crime rate: 130
• Property crime rate: 691

Safety Harbor is one of the most charming areas you’ll find in Florida, and just a half-hour in either direction from the downtown districts of St. Petersburg and Tampa, where crime rates are notably higher. Gorgeous old oaks shade the brick streets, and picture-perfect restored bungalows stretch through the neighborhood. At Philippe Park, the centerpiece of the community, residents enjoy 122 acres of waterfront beauty with scenic trails and one of the oldest Native American temple mounds in the region.

Main Street is alive with boutiques, cafes, and local favorites like Water Oak Grill, for seafood and steaks, and The Nona Slice House, where you’ll find the best pizza in town and live local music on the weekends. The Safety Harbor Art and Music Center is another hot spot, with live local and touring bands, art shows, and art shows and workshops — all in a vibrant destination that’s been welcoming guests since 2015.

6. Flagler Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Average home value: $448,900
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, shopping, proximity to other cities
• Total crime rate: 549
• Violent crime rate: 87
• Property crime rate: 462

Flagler Beach is part of the Deltona-Ormond Beach-Daytona Beach region of Florida’s East Coast, along six miles of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Homes here run the gamut from waterfront condos to fun beach cottages and inland estates. And while there are lots of vacationers on any given day, plenty of locals live in the area year-round, looking for the safety and affordability of a smaller city compared with metro areas around the state. But it’s not too far: Orlando International Airport and all the attractions of Central Florida are about 90 minutes away.

The Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is one of Flagler Beach’s standout attractions, with 150 acres of trails and the remains of an 1800s-era sugar mill that once anchored the community. Visitors can kayak, hike, or just wander around the quiet wetlands that surround the site.

If you’re looking for something a little livelier, head to Downtown Flagler Beach to check out the indie shops selling handmade jewelry, coastal artwork, and quirky gifts you won’t find anywhere else. And on Saturdays, check out the Flagler Beach Farmers Market.

Tavares boasts the No. 1 spot among the safest cities in Florida.

7. Tavares, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $311,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, entertainment, community engagement
• Total crime rate: 307
• Violent crime rate: 64
• Property crime rate: 243

The Central Florida town of Tavares has a long history, dating back to a (failed, obviously) attempt to take the title of state capital from Tallahassee more than a century ago. And even though it may not be the Sunshine State’s seat of power, Tavares has a lot to offer. For starters, it’s not just one of the safest cities in Florida — it’s the safest city in Florida. Surrounded by lush parks and lakes, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor lovers. Wooton Park is the town’s central green space, overlooking Lake Dora near Main Street. Visitors enjoy a playground and splash pad, along with boating and swimming.

Food lovers will enjoy Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill, known for tasty seafood baskets served with great views of the Tavares Seaplane Base right next door. Grab a bite and watch the planes glide across the water (or take off on a journey of your own!). Fish Camp on Lake Eustis is another waterfront fave, dishing up farm-to-table cuisine with a Southern accent.

For culture and community involvement, the Tavares Theater features budding actors — including teenagers — in a full lineup of programs and performances. Downtown Tavares has become a lively waterfront destination, with boutique shops and walkable lakefront paths. Don’t miss the Tavares Market Days, the first Saturday of every month along Lake Dora, with local artisans, food vendors, and music.

8. Sebastian, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $341,400
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, entertainment, interesting history
• Total crime rate: 1,053
• Violent crime rate: 153
• Property crime rate: 900

Situated between Vero Beach and Melbourne along the Indian River Lagoon, Sebastian offers a charming small-town Florida vibe with a touch of surfer-cool. Just two miles from the ocean, the city welcomes visitors to the Riverwalk and Sebastian Inlet State Park, the perfect launching spot for boaters and other water lovers. The park also hosts fundraisers and fests every year, including the River Days Festival, the Sebastian Clambake (enter your chowder in the best-of contest), and the Concerts in the Park series beginning in January.

Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum is a favorite destination, showcasing the bounty salvaged from multiple shipwrecks off the Florida east coast (it’s not called the Treasure Coast for nothing!). Other local pastimes include strolling the District Sebastian, a collection of shops, restaurants, and businesses in the downtown area.

9. Marco Island, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,500
• Average home value: $837,700
• Great for: Families, beaches, beautiful atmosphere, recreation, unique homes
• Total crime rate: 471
• Violent crime rate: 61
• Property crime rate: 409

The largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is known for its beautiful white beaches and a luxurious lifestyle in a tranquil atmosphere. Many homes are owned by snowbirds (seasonal residents who flee to Florida when the cold weather hits up north), but there are plenty of locals who live here full-time. Housing options are diverse, from luxury high-rise condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico to canal-front estates with private docks and gated communities popular among families.

Wherever you are on Marco Island, life can feel like a year-round vacation, and the feeling of security knowing you’re in one of the safest cities in Florida can’t be beat. Waterfront dining includes local icons like Snook Inn, where you can pull up dockside in your boat for deliciously fresh seafood, inventive craft cocktails, and live music. What could be better?

Sunny Isles Beach, one of the safest places to live in Florida, stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

10. Sunny Isles Beach, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,400
• Average home value: $647,800
• Great for: Families, retirees, beaches, outdoor recreation, entertainment
• Total crime rate: 1,328
• Violent crime rate: 133
• Property crime rate: 1,195

Sunny Isles Beach is a seaside Florida community surrounded by condo resorts and miles of white-sand beaches. Located northeast of Miami-Dade in South Florida — but a world away in terms of crime and safety — Sunny Isles Beach stretches along 2.5 miles of the Atlantic Ocean with the Intracoastal Waterway as its western border. This gorgeous slice of coastline is dotted with swanky beach clubs and piers, but there are also dozens of parks and pristine green spaces that are the centerpiece of the Sunny Isles lifestyle.

Almost two dozen parks welcome guests for a variety of recreation and entertainment. One of the most popular is Samson Oceanfront Park, a scenic 2.1 acres with a playground, picnic area, volleyball court, and direct beach access. At Gateway Park, another favorite greenspace, you’ll find a butterfly garden, a performing arts stage, and an interactive water feature.

11. Indian Harbour Beach, FL

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,775
• Average home value: $449,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, beaches, dining, outdoor recreation
• Total crime rate: 665
• Violent crime rate: 144
• Property crime rate: 521

Quiet, walkable streets and charming neighborhoods are the hallmarks of this upscale beach community — still within easy reach of Orlando and Melbourne, but a safer bet as far as crime and security go. Housing options in Indian Harbour Beach range from the Florida standard waterfront condos to quaint beach cottages, with retirees, students, and seasonal residents all represented.  

Restaurants here reflect the casual, outdoor-loving spirit. Happy Health Human is a fave for organic bowls and smoothies, and the Hula Moon Tiki Grill (on Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, no less) and Long Doggers are local hotspots for casual beachy fare and tropical cocktails.

Outdoor recreation is centered around the beach, naturally, with Gleason Park serving as a gateway to the ocean with a community center, walking trails, and picnic spots. The nearby Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden at Florida Tech University is a lush 15-acre retreat with stunning Florida flora, home to dozens of species of butterflies.

12. The Villages, FL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $396,600
• Great for: Retirees, golfing, outdoor recreation, shopping
• Total crime rate: 776
• Violent crime rate: 123
• Property crime rate: 653

The Villages is a popular retirement community in Florida, about 58 miles northwest of Orlando. Founded in the 1960s, it has grown into one of the most famous 55+ destinations in the state — and even the nation. The Villages has consistently earned the title of No. 1 master planned community in the U.S., and it’s also near the top of the list when retirees ask what city in Florida has the lowest crime rate.

Active doesn’t begin to describe the lifestyle here. Classes, workshops, lectures, group excursions, clubs — the list is endless, including a large community pool and rec facilities. Over 50 public and private golf courses are located in The Villages, including two championship sites, Palmer Legends and Lopez Legacy, designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Nancy Lopez.

One of the most popular spots for an outing is the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve, which features a wildlife sanctuary with walking paths and a lakefront boardwalk. Shopping is quite convenient in The Villages, as well. Residents frequent Spanish Springs Town Square, the area's hotspot for dining, boutiques, and going to the movies.  

Safest Cities in Florida — FAQs

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.

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. Any of the beach communities on our list would make the cut as well —- what’s not to love about island living?

Q: What is the cheapest but safest place to live in Florida?
A: Tavares is the No. 1 safest place to live in Florida, and its moderate home costs make it the cheapest-but-safest spot. Close on its heels: Sebastian (low rent costs) and The Villages (retiree paradise).

Q: What city in Florida has the lowest crime rate?
A: According to AreaVibes, Tavares has the lowest crime rate in Florida — 78 percent lower than the Florida average.

A Side-by-Side Look at the Safest Cities in Florida

The table below offers a quick look at each of the cities on our list with cost of living and crime rate numbers. For easy comparison, here’s a look at those same stats for the State of Florida and the U.S. overall.

U.S. Cost of Living and Crime Rates

• Cost of living: 100
• Total crime rate: 2,119
• Violent crime rate: 359
• Property crime rate: 1,760

Florida Cost of Living and Crime Rates

• Cost of living: 103.1
• Total crime rate: 1,688
• Violent crime rate: 267
• Property crime rate: 1,420

Safest Cities in Florida: Cost of Living and Crime Rates

Saint Augustine Beach, FL

• Cost of Living: 110.9
• Total Crime Rate: 549
• Violent Crime Rate: 87
• Property Crime Rate: 462

North Port, FL 

• Cost of Living: 105.3
• Total Crime Rate: 875
• Violent Crime Rate: 94
• Property Crime Rate: 781

Davenport, FL

• Cost of Living: 91.6
• Total Crime Rate: 418
• Violent Crime Rate: 74
• Property Crime Rate: 344

Longboat Key, FL

• Cost of Living: 105.3
• Total Crime Rate: 414
• Violent Crime Rate: 0
• Property Crime Rate: 414

Safety Harbor, FL

• Cost of Living: 102.8
• Total Crime Rate: 821
• Violent Crime Rate: 130
• Property Crime Rate: 691

Flagler Beach, FL

• Cost of Living: 98.7
• Total Crime Rate: 549
• Violent Crime Rate: 87
• Property Crime Rate: 462

Tavares, FL

• Cost of Living: 100.7
• Total Crime Rate: 307
• Violent Crime Rate: 64
• Property Crime Rate: 243

Sebastian, FL

• Cost of Living: 96.8
• Total Crime Rate: 1,053
• Violent Crime Rate: 153
• Property Crime Rate: 900

Marco Island, FL

• Cost of Living: 113
• Total Crime Rate: 471
• Violent Crime Rate: 61
• Property Crime Rate: 409

Sunny Isles Beach, FL

• Cost of Living: 118.9
• Total Crime Rate: 1,328
• Violent Crime Rate: 133
• Property Crime Rate: 1,195

Indian Harbour Beach, FL

• Cost of Living: 95.6
• Total Crime Rate: 665
• Violent Crime Rate: 114
• Property Crime Rate: 521

The Villages, FL

• Cost of Living: 97.9
• Total Crime Rate: 776
• Violent Crime Rate: 123
• Property Crime Rate: 653

Cost of living numbers are sourced from bestplaces.net and are based on a national average of 100. Crime rates are sourced from areavibes.com and are based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

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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 get there. Make your move to Florida flexible with PODS portable moving containers. PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting. You’ll get a portable storage container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load everything you need at your own pace. And the best news? One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000. Crime rates are sourced from areavibes.com and are based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}