Small towns in Florida are abundant! Visiting them is a favorite pastime for many locals. Often not sought out by international visitors who choose the big cities or theme parks which is a loss for tourists.
These small towns offer unique opportunities to explore natural Florida in historical settings.
There are 267 cities, 123 towns, and 21 villages in the U.S. state of Florida, a total of 411 incorporated municipalities. In addition to 66 county governments, they are spread across 67 counties.
Cities, towns, and villages may be incorporated municipalities in Florida, but there is no legal distinction between them.
In 2010, more than 10 million Floridians lived in incorporated municipalities, 55% of the state’s total population of 18,801,310. Unincorporated areas accounted for the remainder.
Metropolitan areas, however, account for 94% of the population. The remaining 6% live in smaller cities and towns.
Several characteristics of small towns define them rather than their population counts, including a slower pace, family-oriented events, walkability, nature proximity, and authenticity that larger communities lack.
When people talk about “small-town character,” what exactly do they mean? Broadly speaking, it means that people don’t perceive that there are “big city” issues, and there is a strong sense of community.
Florida’s small towns not only dot the east and west coasts, but they are found inland as well.
There are several Danvilles in America, but there’s only one Danville, Florida. And Danville, Florida, is a no ordinary town. Instead, it’s one man’s creation of nirvana. A city within a town, an escape from reality, and an experience-loaded eclectic resort. We all know unforgettable stays in weird and beautiful accommodations are a trend. However,…
Bayport, Florida, is a tiny little coastal town in western Hernando County. It is parallel to the Gulf of Mexico and at the estuary of the Weeki Wachee River. The city served as a supplier of cotton for Hernando County. It provided a port for transportation in the early 1850s until railroad service was added…
Aripeka Florida might not be an obvious choice for an afternoon out. Heck, you’ve probably never heard of this tiny coastal town. I can tell you I never had until we started to lay down roots in Hernando Beach. Aripeka is a 120-acre town that is surrounded by gulf water, marshes, a sandhill preserve, and…
A few minutes north of Orlando, Florida, is Historic Downtown Sanford. This popular and well-known destination features many award-winning bars and restaurants, craft breweries, and gastropubs. And it hosts world-class concerts and major events. Additionally, it is home to many antique shops, historic buildings, and residences. Downtown Sanford is one of Central Florida’s most active…
Hernando Beach, Florida, is likely a beach town that you’ve never heard of. Off the beaten path, hidden out of sight – yet this oasis holds some of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Located on the west coast of Florida and right next door to Weeki Wachee River and Springs, this shrimping town offers much more than…
Every once in a while, your travels take you to places you never knew existed. Often, this includes a variety of experiences, and food is one we all cherish. After my first visit to Bartow, the locals gave me several recommendations of things we should do on our next visit. Sweet Magnolias Cafe Bartow, Florida,…
Located in Polk County, referred to as the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” Bartow, Florida, is unheard of by most. Like many small towns, the first appearance is the same: the classical main street, a four-way stop, the local courthouse, and the silence of empty storefronts. As you arrive on a Saturday, finding parking on…
A private island in Titusville, Florida? This can’t be right. If you head out onto the Indian River Lagoon – an estuary, you will find a few! And they are like a scene from Robinson Crusoe. I’m willing to bet most boaters don’t think about sandbars or having a private island when you mention Titusville….