Flipping the script on Florida’s demographics
Mention Florida, and many people still envision retirees enjoying warm weather, golf carts as a primary source of transportation, pet alligators, strangely outdated regional laws, and beachfront living. While the Sunshine State has indeed long been a popular destination for older adults entering their spring break retirement era, that image is a common misconception that tells only part of the story.
Today, Florida is attracting people in every stage of life, including young professionals, growing families, and first-time homebuyers. Rapid population growth, thriving metro areas, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented communities have helped reshape what life in Florida looks like. For families looking to put down their roots and buy a home to begin their next chapter, the state’s appeal extends well beyond its beaches. From master-planned communities filled with parks and trails to vibrant suburban towns near major employment centers, Florida has become an increasingly appealing place to raise children.
Florida’s population growth tells a bigger story
One reason Florida continues to attract attention from homebuyers is simple: people keep moving there. Driven largely by strong population gains across several of its metro areas, the Sunshine State continues to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida was home to four of the five fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country from 2022 to 2023, underscoring the state’s ongoing appeal to retirees, families, and professionals alike.
The state’s largest metro areas are expanding rapidly as well. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach collectively welcomed nearly 150,000 new residents between 2022 and 2023, placing them among the nation’s top metro areas for numeric population growth. Much of this growth has been fueled by migration, with people moving to Florida from other parts of the U.S. and around the world in search of opportunity, lifestyle amenities, and year-round sunshine. Overall, Florida’s population gains reflect a broader trend of continued growth across the South, the fastest-growing region in the country.
For prospective homeowners, these trends suggest something important: people aren’t simply vacationing in Florida. They’re choosing to build lives there. For many families, the decision comes down to more than weather. Remote work flexibility, access to recreation, new housing opportunities, and a desire for a more active lifestyle are increasingly influencing where people choose to live.
Demographics of diversity
Florida’s diversity extends beyond cultures and backgrounds to include a remarkably broad mix of age groups. While the state is well known as a retirement destination, nearly one in five residents (18.9%) is under age 18, creating vibrant communities for families with children. At the same time, adults aged 65 and older make up 22.8% of the population, giving Florida one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and active older adults.
This unique blend of young families, working professionals, and seniors contributes to dynamic communities where generations often live, work, and play side by side. Combined with Florida’s strong population growth and appeal to people from across the country and around the world, the state’s age diversity helps shape a lifestyle that caters to residents at every stage of life.
A great place to grow your family, career, and self
Florida continues to attract families and professionals thanks to its strong population growth, expanding job markets, and year-round outdoor lifestyle. Two of Florida’s biggest advantages go hand in hand: an emphasis on a lifestyle built around family time, and the ability to spend time outdoors throughout much of the year.
Whether it’s a visit to a local park, a bike ride through a trail system, a weekend farmers’ market, or an afternoon at the beach, many Florida communities make it easy for families to stay active and connected. The numbers support this lifestyle appeal. Florida’s state parks and trails welcomed 28.7 million visitors during fiscal year 2022–2023.
The state park system includes 175 parks and trails spanning nearly 800,000 acres. Beyond recreation, those resources play a significant role in residents’ quality of life. Florida State Parks generated more than $3.6 billion in direct economic impact and supported more than 50,000 jobs during the same fiscal year. Meanwhile, Florida’s outdoor recreation economy generates approximately $33.2 billion in annual consumer spending.
For parents, these statistics translate into something simple and meaningful: abundant opportunities to create memories together. Instead of saving outdoor activities for a few months each year, many Florida families are enjoying parks, trails, waterways, and community events year-round. That can mean impromptu trips to a neighborhood playground after school, Saturday mornings exploring nearby nature preserves, or walks through community trail systems. The lifestyle shift is often as impactful as the move itself.
Family-friendly areas in Florida to consider
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf Coast, Florida offers an incredibly diverse landscape of vibrant cities, scenic beaches, freshwater lakes, and nature preserves, all connected by a warm climate and year-round outdoor lifestyle. For homebuyers considering a move to the Sunshine State, three regions consistently rise to the top: Jacksonville in Northeast Florida, Orlando in the heart of Central Florida, and Tampa along the Gulf Coast, each offering its own distinct mix of communities, amenities, career opportunities, and lifestyle advantages that make them some of the best places to live in Florida with kids.
Jacksonville
The Greater Jacksonville region offers a particularly appealing balance of opportunity and affordability, with a growing economy, diverse industries, and access to natural treasures like the St. Johns River and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve. This National Park Service site encompasses thousands of acres of coastal wetlands, hiking trails, waterways, and historic landmarks, giving residents countless opportunities to kayak, fish, hike, and explore Florida’s natural beauty close to home.
Richmond American Homes offers several communities that make it easy to enjoy this lifestyle, such as Seasons at Marietta Cove. This charming community combines a peaceful setting with convenient access to downtown Jacksonville, shopping, dining, parks, and trails. Families can choose from thoughtfully designed floor plans such as the Fraser, Palm, and Lynwood, featuring open-concept living areas, flexible spaces, loft options, covered patios, and spacious primary suites. Residents also enjoy community amenities including a clubhouse and green spaces that encourage outdoor play and neighborly connections.
Beyond Marietta Cove, Woodbridge in nearby Fernandina Beach and Aspen Trail in North Jacksonville offer even more ways for families to embrace the Florida lifestyle. Woodbridge showcases homes such as the Ruby, Agate, and Larimar, with open layouts, designer finishes, and easy access to Amelia Island beaches, historic Fernandina Beach, parks, and highly regarded schools. Meanwhile, Aspen Trail is designed with active families in mind, featuring floor plans like the Beech, Fraser, Larimar, and Lynwood on oversized homesites, all alongside amenities that include a resort-style pool, playground, pickleball courts, dog park, and trails. Whether spending weekends at the beach, enjoying community events, or exploring Jacksonville’s family-friendly attractions, these Richmond American communities provide the space, convenience, and welcoming atmosphere that help families thrive.
Orlando
Orlando is more than its theme parks, and there are certainly some notable ones. The area has evolved into far more than a tourism destination, becoming one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions and a hub for technology, healthcare, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. Families benefit from a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle amenities, from world-famous theme parks to vibrant shopping and dining districts. Disney Springs alone features more than 150 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, offering everything from chef-driven dining and live performances to family-friendly attractions and specialty retail. Combined with abundant parks, lakes, and recreational opportunities, the Orlando region provides a unique blend of career potential and everyday fun that appeals to residents of all ages.
Richmond American Homes’ Waterstone community in Tavares delivers a family-friendly lifestyle with a charming small-town feel just outside Orlando. Surrounded by scenic lakes and close to shopping, dining, and recreation, Waterstone features parks, playgrounds, trails, and easy access to boating and fishing. Families can choose from spacious floor plans such as the Tarragon, Slate, Tourmaline, and Moonstone, with open-concept layouts, flexible living spaces, designer-curated finishes, and select three-car garage options. The community’s balance of outdoor adventure and everyday convenience makes it a natural fit for growing families.
Equally appealing are Seasons at Bella Vista in Dundee and Annabelle Estates in the Winter Haven/Lake Wales area. Seasons at Bella Vista offers thoughtfully designed homes such as the Ruby, Slate, Tourmaline, and Ammolite, along with picturesque surroundings featuring rolling hills, lakes, and orange groves. Families appreciate the community’s open floor plans, professionally selected finishes, and unique options including RV-friendly garages. Meanwhile, Annabelle Estates is built around an active, connected lifestyle, offering amenities such as a resort-style pool, playgrounds, parks, sports courts, and a relaxing hammock lounge. Homebuyers can explore popular models including the Azure, Ruby, and Tarragon, all designed with versatile living spaces that accommodate evolving family needs. Together, these Richmond American communities provide the space, recreation, and sense of belonging that help make the Orlando area such a desirable place to call home.
Tampa
Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Tampa Bay region continues to draw new residents seeking a dynamic mix of economic opportunity, excellent schools, waterfront recreation, and cultural attractions. The Tampa Riverwalk connects downtown parks, museums, restaurants, entertainment venues, and family-friendly attractions along the Hillsborough River, creating a vibrant gathering place for residents throughout the year. Nearby destinations such as Clearwater Beach offer beautiful shoreline access, popular seafood restaurants, and outdoor activities that make weekend adventures easy and accessible.
Richmond American Homes’ Glen Lakes community in Spring Hill delivers a resort-inspired lifestyle within a gated, 24-hour manned neighborhood known for its championship golf course and country club atmosphere. Families can choose from thoughtfully designed floor plans such as the Ruby, Agate, and Slate, featuring open-concept layouts, designer finishes, and flexible living spaces. Residents enjoy an impressive lineup of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, trails, and golf facilities, creating opportunities for both active recreation and everyday relaxation.
Further south, Rye Manor in Parrish and Waterset in Apollo Beach showcase two distinct approaches to family-focused living. Set within the Rye Ranch masterplan, Rye Manor offers floor plans such as the Agate, Ashwood, Ammolite, and Pinecrest, complemented by scenic parks and trails, a clubhouse, fitness center, community pool, and highly regarded nearby schools. Meanwhile, Waterset places families at the center of one of the Tampa Bay area’s most amenity-rich communities. Homebuyers can explore models including the Beech, Fraser, Lynwood, and Palm while enjoying access to clubhouses, multiple pools, playgrounds, dog parks, sports courts, trails, and expansive green spaces. Whether it’s golf and country club living at Glen Lakes, connected master-planned living at Rye Manor, or the resort-style atmosphere of Waterset, these Richmond American communities offer the space, amenities, and sense of community that make the Tampa area one of the best places to live in Florida with kids.
Why young homebuyers should reconsider
Florida will likely always be associated with retirement living, and for good reason. But today’s Florida is also attracting families looking for a different kind of future. Together, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa showcase why Florida has become an increasingly attractive place to build both a career and a family life, combining growing economies with exceptional recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. In addition, a wide range of communities where you can build your dream home from the ground up, or find the perfectly designed home that fits your lifestyle, is helping redefine what it means to call the Sunshine State home.
For prospective homeowners, especially those with young children, Florida may not simply be a place to retire someday. It may be a place to plant your roots, explore the tropical environment, and watch your family flourish.
For tips on beginning your next chapter in the Sunshine State, check out our guides on preparing for a cross-country move and how to talk to your child about relocating.
