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.
Heading to Florida for the weekend? Be sure to visit Palatka then! The city is situated on the western bank of the picturesque St. John’s River. With a population of approximately 10,500, Palatka, Florida, is located between Jacksonville on the northeast and Orlando on the south. This small town has a super interesting history and…
Cassadaga in Florida is one of America’s most exciting and mysterious towns. It’s rarely in the spotlight, making it one of the best-kept secrets for tourism. Cassadaga has everything you’re looking for, from spooky tours to some of Florida’s best fishing and hunting. You can get your fortune read by a medium one day and…
Planning a new getaway vacation starts with researching destinations; big cities and major tourist attractions usually pop up first. Those destinations are typically crowded, expensive, and exploited; therefore, small towns would be an excellent choice for those looking for new, relaxing, memorable experiences. Geneva, Florida, is one of them. Geneva, Florida, is one of the…
Manasota Key is a small island south of Sarasota and Venice. Often confused with Sarasota, it is a unique paradise. Those who know the island flock here for the winters from up north. Manasota Key is an 11-mile-long beautiful barrier island less than ten minutes from downtown Englewood. It offers tucked-away sections of beach and…
The town of Pierson, Florida is located in Volusia County, Florida. The town is heavily dependent on agriculture, mostly fern growing. So much so that Pierson bills itself as the “Fern Capital of the World.” Near and dear to my heart, I am lucky enough to have several friends that live in Pierson. As such,…
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…
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….