The Five Best Small Towns In Florida
Florida is best known for its year-round sunny weather and sandybeaches. It’s no wonder that 126.1 million out-of-statevisitors traveled to the Sunshine State in 2018, setting a tourismrecord for the eighth consecutive year.
For the lucky ones, Florida is a place to call“home.” We get to live where others vacation. Residentsalso have greater accessibility to some of the small towns inFlorida that make it so great. These pockets of Florida are betterknown for their pristine beaches, lakes, and nature preserves thanfor their amusement parks. In these parts, it’s common tofind people fishing, meandering in and out of the downtownboutiques, or strolling along the beach, with no particular placeto be or time to be there.
Here are five small towns in Florida that will make you want tovisit — and stay for good.
- Mount Dora – Just 30 minutes north ofOrlando, Mount Dora is located withinLake County — perfectly named for its 1,400lakes. Among them is the prestigious Lake Dora, which was namedafter Dora Ann Drawdy in 1846. Visitors and residents alike enjoyfishing its tranquil waters for largemouth bass. Sitting 184 feetabove sea level, Mount Dora is an official “mount”— a departure from Florida’s typically flat landscape.The city is also known for its collection of artsy boutiques, cityparks, and restaurants. Real estate in Mount Dora, Fla.,offers a wide variety of homes, from historic vintage homes andcharming cottages to lakefront estates, condominiums, and newcommunities.
- Harmony – If you prefer small-town living withbig-town activities, Harmony is the place to be. Residents shop,eat, and meet in Harmony’s Town Square. It's lined withshops, restaurants, a doctor’s office, and a market, whereyou can pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, or a nice wine to pairwith a homemade dinner. There’s also an amphitheater, openspace, and park benches, inviting you to sit and be present in themoment. Golf is another popular pastime, especially at the HarmonyGolf Preserve — a Johnny Miller signature designed course.Those with an active lifestyle will also love the roughly 12.5miles of walking, hiking, or biking trails — free from streettraffic. There’s a healthy mix of housing options, includingsingle-family homes and multigenerational homes.
- Winter Park – Old-world charm runs deepalong the brick-lined streets of Winter Park. Downtown,you’ll find upscale shopping, restaurants, and wine rooms,offering a taste of the good life. It’s a popular place onthe weekends, especially during the farmers market on Saturdaysfrom 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The only weekend it doesn’t run is onthe third Saturday of March each year, which is when Winter Parkhosts its annual sidewalk art festival. You can find condos,townhouses, and homes in just about any setting, whetheryou’re looking for a lakefront property — where you mayencounter bald eagles, red foxes, and osprey — or a spacioushome nestled among the old oaks, just walking distance from therenowned Park Ave.
- Anna Maria Island – Long ago, the islandwas used for hunting and fishing by Indian tribes — and theonly way on or off the island was by boat. Today, the city is stillwell-preserved and loved, with strict regulations governing thetypes of buildings and businesses allowed. Anna Maria Island isknown for its turquoise waters, freshly-caught seafood, antiqueshopping, and art galleries. You can even ride a free trolley,which runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. One thing youwon’t find? A plethora of high rises and fast-foodrestaurants. Instead, you might invest in a quaint cottage by thesea, deluxe suite or million-dollar villa, depending on your pricerange.
- Captiva Island – Water activities aboundon Captiva Island. There, you can spend the day boating on thewater or go below sea level on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip.The island also offers numerous family activities — fromsailing school and mermaid- and pirate-play sessions toon-the-beach day camps and a popular catch-and-release fishingprogram. Their property types are as varied as their outdooractivities, from golf-view condos to bay-front homes withdocks.
Whether you decide to visit or stay, you’ll treasure allthe memories made in these five small towns in Florida.