As the boating capital of the world, visiting Florida is quite possibly at the top of every avid boater’s bucket list. For some boaters though, just visiting isn’t enough. So, when you’re considering making the move to Florida from out of state – or even if you are a native Floridian that is looking to relocate to the ultimate boating city – where do you start? Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 cities in Florida in terms of living, working and boating to help you narrow down your search.
The criteria for determining what makes a city one of the “best” for boaters includes livability, quality and availability of waterfront homes, convenience and proximity to public access, among others. Many of these cities have relatively low crime rates, as well as plenty of places to shop, dine and entertain.
First up on our list is the obvious Miami Metropolitan area (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach). Not only is there direct access to the Atlantic, there are also no shortages of lakes, rivers, canals and inlets to take advantage of. The offshore and inshore fishing are both absolutely incredible and this area is great for regularly spotting wildlife, like manatees and dolphins while enjoying leisurely activities such as motorboating, paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking.
The amount of waterfront property in this area is staggering, with a large portion of it located within Highland Beach, Hillsboro Beach and Bal Harbour. The skyline, downtown areas and nightlife are world-famous; not to mention, Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Boating Capital of the World”. With its proximity to the Florida Keys and its attractions such as Biscayne Bay and Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk, it’s easy to see why the Miami Metropolitan area is #1 on this list.
Next up is the equally popular Tampa Metropolitan area (Tampa/St. Petersburg). The amount of waterfront property is not equal to that of the Miami area because the number of inlets, canals, rivers and lakes is smaller, but the property that is available is jaw-dropping. If you’re in the market, start your search in neighborhoods like North Redington Beach, Indian Shores and Redington Shores.
Despite having less water bodies to choose from, you really can’t beat the options available; specifically, Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Caladesi Island, which is a local favorite. The Skyway Bridge is known around the world for being the gateway to Tampa Bay. Boasting 2 large fishing piers off either side of the bridge. Day cruising to Downtown Tampa or Downtown St. Pete is a wonderful Sunday Funday option, as well as visiting any number of small islands and sandbars in the area. Not to mention, Tampa is home to the well-known Gasparilla Weekend celebration and has a colorful and energetic culture year-round.
Destin is situation within the northwestern side of Florida’s panhandle, surrounded by beautiful beaches and gorgeous emerald waters. It is uniquely known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and has a famous sandbar called “Crab Island” that both make this a boater’s dream. The inshore and offshore fishing is spectacular, as are the options for recreational activities. Locals and tourists alike love to snorkel, parasail, deep-sea fish scuba dive, visit nearby islands and dine at boat-friendly restaurants. On land, there are a ton of incredible shopping, dining and golfing options.
Destin has an exceptional mix of old and new, making it a picturesque example of modernity, authenticity and nostalgia.
Of course, there cannot be a list like this that doesn’t include the Florida Keys. Like Destin, the Florida Keys can sometimes feel like taking a step back into the past. There are so many buildings and locally-owned restaurants, marinas, dive shops and places to shop that have been almost untouched by time. The islands that make up the keys stretch 100 miles and offer world-renowned fishing, snorkeling among the shipwrecks and reefs, and diving to your hearts content. For avid boaters, living in the Keys is the closest you will get to paradise here in the U.S.
While the tourism industry is the main thing that keeps these islands going, there are places to settle down away from all the craziness. Key Colony Beach is a small boating community about an hour from Key West will a low crime rate and easy access via boat or car.
The Charlotte Harbor/Punta Gorda area is seriously underrated by people that are not familiar with it. It is located in Southwest Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The beaches are pristine and often uncrowded, the fishing is so astonishing that several fishing shows have been filmed there. Boaters can take their families and friends out to any of the numerous islands nearby or visit Boca Grande, North Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa.
Because it is nestled inland at the convergence of two rivers that empty into Charlotte Harbor, the options for waterfront property are stunning. There are actually even a lot of affordable condos and small homes along the water that attract many boaters and beach-lovers. Punta Gorda even has a waterfront park with a wharf known as Fisherman’s Village. There are a ton of dining and shopping selections along the wharf, which also hosts many events throughout the year.
Another overlooked city that many boaters and anglers consider to be a hidden gem is Cypress Gardens. It is truly a phenomenal place to live, especially for boating families. Because it is located just southwest of Orlando, it is within an hour of all the family fun that Orlando has to offer. Cypress Gardens is bordered by 4 beautiful lakes, with over 500 lakes within the region, providing approximately 130 square miles of water. There are numerous boat ramps and public access points, making this town extremely convenient for enthusiast.
This town often goes unnoticed because it is relatively small, quiet and doesn’t boast as a tourist destination. This makes it perfect for individuals or families looking to relocate to a boating town with a smalltown feel, while also remaining close to all the adventure you could hope for. As an added bonus, the schools in this area have higher ratings than most of Florida, including a higher high school graduation rate.
The great thing about living in Florida is that no matter what city you choose, even if it is not on this list, you are most likely within an hour of a body of water. Inshore and offshore boating and fishing are abundant, leaving you with so many options to choose from. Whether you have a small boat that you like to take out on the canal, or a center console you take out to sea with your family, Florida has everything you could ever need.
