best small towns in central florida

| Credit: John Starrett Photography for Visit . The park also offers trails for hiking or biking, and picnic areas too. (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). Sunshine State spots with plenty of charm America's southernmost state might be best known for bustling resorts like Miami and Orlando, but beyond the bright lights and big cities there are. This hidden gem boasts over 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and more than 100,000 sprawling acres of parks and conservation lands. Lake Placid had various names throughout the early 20th century until Dr. Melvil Dewey, of Dewey Decimal fame, likened it to his lake-filled home in New York. If that's not enough manatee love for you, see them hanging out at Three Sisters Springs, or celebrate them at the Florida Manatee Festival in January. ), 21 Things To Do In Stuart, FL For A Fun & Affordable Family Vacation [Video], 5 Amazing Family Activities Not To Miss On Marco Island, Florida, 20 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN WEST PALM BEACH, 21+ Relaxing Things To Do In Beautiful Marathon, FL, 17 THINGS TO DO IN ISLAMORADA FOR FUN IN THE SUN, 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO ADVENTURERS WILL LOVE, 41 AMAZINGLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA, FLORIDA, 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA, 29+ Things To Do In Amelia Island That The Locals Want Kept Secret, 13 Small Towns in Georgia and What To Do There, 43+ UNIQUE & AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL FLORIDA (BEYOND DISNEY), 27 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH FLORIDA ON THE ULTIMATE VACATION ROAD TRIP, 53 BEST FESTIVALS IN FLORIDA FOR YEAR-ROUND FUN, 33 SENSATIONAL WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN FLORIDA, 17 BEST FLORIDA BEACHES FOR FAMILIES TO RELAX AND UNWIND, GETAWAY HOUSE NASHVILLE: UNPLUG & REFRESH AT NASHVILLES NEWEST TINY HOMES{discount code}, FDR STATE PARK: 25 WAYS TO EXPLORE & ENJOY THIS GA TREASURE. Deland boasts the first private university in Florida, Stetson University. Two lakes are the focal points of this community. Miami. Many visitors have compared this lakefront community to a charming New England city. The homes, businesses, and other amenities within are designed to support the lifestyle of the residents. Plant Street, the heart ofWinter Garden, is a retail and restaurant strip created from what was long a worn-down citrus centers downtown. But there's magic here in the Sunshine State beyond Orlando and Miami. Micanopy, FL, USA. If you get hungry from all that mural-spotting, La Pupusa Queen is a favorite with locals for hearty, homemade Salvadoran cuisine. Grayton Beach State Park, which wraps around this beachside jewel, was named No. Equidistant from the Disney, Universal and SeaWorld theme parks, Dr. Phillips is the only Orlando neighborhood that draws equally from tourist corridors and residential neighborhoods. Hit up the restaurants and galleries at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, or explore one of the five state parks, from an ancient coral reef to a 1733 Spanish shipwreck to an undeveloped island accessible only by boat. And once youve worked up an appetite, youll find so many different dining options nearby anything from burgers to Greek cuisine, and cocktail bars to wine. 866-696-7432. The 2023 Best Small Colleges ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Named one of Travel + Leisure's Top 5 Favorite Towns in America, the biggest draw to this family-friendly destination is the sugar-white sandy beaches lined with sparkling turquoise waters. Mount Dora is a quaint and charming "Old Florida" type of city that is one of the best cities to live in Central Florida for families and retirees to settle in. Towns like Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo are decidedly quirky, but offer visitors a perfectly tropical getaway, complete with great snorkeling, diving, and boating, as well as a laid-back. Many have interesting histories and superb shopping opportunities and are not far from a beach. Where, WhereTraveler, WhereTraveler.com and "The complete guide to Go", are service marks of Morris Visitor Publications, LLC. Its main drag, Sand Lake Road, has become known as Restaurant Row for its midscale and upscale restaurants, which flank the street via high-end Mediterranean-style strip centers. Visitors drive past sprawling cattle ranches while heading to traditional airboat rides. Take a walk to the Palm Island Lighthouse or peruse antique shops, art galleries and boutiques downtown. ), MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA, Follow us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube. Jacksonville. 352-375-6653. 2. ; JaimeLobo. Orlando is an amazing place to live for many reasons. But residents here would definitely argue that Naples offers the best versions of all three. The town also has a number of beautiful parks, including Central Park and Plant Street Park. Enjoy views of the aqua blue waters from its various bridges and fresh seafood at its many waterfront restaurants. One of the most charming small beach towns in Florida, it is off the beaten path, accessible by Route 24 along the Nature Coast. A quiet agricultural community before the theme parks came to town, modern-day Kissimmee invites visitors to experience Old Florida. Carve out some time for exploring these eight personable neighborhoods and quaint small towns, each with a distinct vibe and plenty of local flavor. Whitefish, Montana / Getty Images. Let's dive in to the best small towns in Florida: Anna Maria Island Why You'll Love It: Outside Bradenton Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast awaits this laid-back and natural strip of white-sand beach. Most dining is waterfront, but the 40-year-old Euphemia Haye Restaurant serves a made-from-scratch menu (and a dessert bar of gourmet pies) in a cottage surrounded by tropical foliage. Marianna is located in Jackson County, where there is an abundance of things to do. 14 on this list and No. And one of the greatest things to do while youre in town, is to enjoy the Chipola River. 41 Great Christmas Light Displays Across the U.S. 40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies, A Classic Christmas Awaits in This Virginia Town, The 29 Best Halloween Festivals Happening in 2022, The Best Missouri River Town for a Girls Weekend, The Prettiest American Towns to Visit This Winter, Pumpkin Farms Near You to Visit This Fall. Cedar Key oozes with small-town charms and pretty seaside beauty. Sign-up and receive travel ideas directly to your inbox. Mills 50 is a hotspot for authentic, Asian cuisine (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). In addition, there are a number of charming towns in Central Florida. Part fishing village and part artists' enclave, this quirky community over the bridge from Pine Island is quintessential old Florida. This town is filled with charm, lakes, fun annual events, and even a clown school! 10 Central Florida Neighborhoods and Charming Small Towns. Yes, please! By Mariana Zapata, updated on May 2, 2022. Table of Contents Why Live in a Small Town? It is known as the "sponge capital of the world.". The location of Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art, its walkable downtown is packed with restaurants, upscale shopping, and parks that play host to various events throughout the year. Siesta Key 8. posts. If you love warm weather, day trips from Orlando, pristine beaches, world-renowned amusement parks, and tropical relaxation and the natural beauty of the Sunshine State, Florida is probably already high on your list of travel destinations.Some travelers are content to lie in the sun with a mojito or margarita in hand, while others live for the moment they . Take a walk down the boardwalk that will take you through a beautiful cypress tree swamp. There are usually more amenities, such as parks and playgrounds, and it can be easier to get around. As a bonus, we got to watch the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps marching band [one of the nations . Mount Dora is a quaint little town located in the rolling hills of Central Florida. When you think of a beautiful Florida beach town right on the Gulf, you may be thinking of high-rise hotels and flashing lights. Madison, one of the prettiest small towns in America, is one place in the country that invests in preserving its history and it shows. And theres no better place to try a brand new sport than Deerfield Beach. Oldsmar is a small town that is located just outside of Tampa and is one of the best small towns in Florida to retire in for those who also want to be close to a big city. Enjoy the bohemian charm by visiting shops, galleries, seafood markets, or hanging out at the community park. Laudergate Isles, Broward County. Alys Beach is just such a place. Some must-see aquatic attractions are the public fountain area along Indian Avenue, north of the Historic Courthouse, the rotunda area inside the Historic Volusia County Courthouse, and the Chess Park fountain and alleyway between Indiana and New York Avenues. The downtown area is preciousand there are lifeguards, a playground, and plenty of fun on the beach. Related: The Best Things To Do in Windermere, Florida. Winter Park is also home to Florida's oldest college, Rollins College, which sits on the beautiful shores of Lake Virginia. Abundant in history, Greek culture, natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and great food, this little coastal destination boasts of Greek heritage. Another quaint town is the Downtown Sanford. Just 15 minutes south of Gainesville, this Seminole-named enclave features dozens of antique vendors on oak-lined Cholokka Boulevard. Home of Floridas oldest college, Stetson University, DeLand is full of historic buildings and beautiful murals. Florida Caverns State Park features the only dry cave tour in Florida. Below, check out our list of amazing small towns in Florida that will make you feel like you're a world away from the big beats of Miami's nightclubs and the endless lines at Epcot. Whereas the average household income is $110,000 approximately. Here are 13 Small Towns in Georgia and What To Do There! We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. Farther down Citrus Avenue is the Coastal Heritage Museum, on the National Register of Historic Places, and several restaurants including the award-winning Vintage on 5th. Places to Visit in Central Florida offers the best of all worlds - close to top attractions, but far from the crowds. If you are looking for where to live in Central Florida, look no further than these all-inclusive small towns or gated communities. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Diana Robinson Photography / Getty Images. Its an all-around amazingly wonderful place! Its blue waters and white sand beaches coupled with the fact that after a day youll feel like you just belong there make it an unforgettable place. Deerfield Beach is for you! The Town of Celebration is a modern take on Americana. The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park has beautiful grounds to see, costumed interpreters in action, and, of course, the waters from the Fountain of Youth. Author Jack Kerouac spent time in one of the bungalows. Florida is home to a number of small, welcoming towns that are perfect for anyone looking to kick back, relax, and escape the fast pace of everyday life. Yes, please! While youre in town, you must visit Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands both well-known for how completely beautiful they are! 14. The charm of this beautiful Florida small town is felt throughout. With so much to do, your only problem will be figuring out what to do next! The small downtown area has boutique stores and is lined with century-old oak trees. Across the street, the majestic Greek Revival Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers modern comforts in a remodeled 1845 homestead. Cedar Key is for you! Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Weve got those too! Here, you will find plenty of options, including Downtown Historic Winter Garden, Park Avenue in Winter Park, DeLand, Sanford, Windermere, and Mount Dora. A lot of these towns are located just over the Georgia state line, making a trip to the area an easy one to make! Read More: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO ADVENTURERS WILL LOVE. Northwest Florida is home to so many great towns where youll find lots of southern charm and beautiful beaches off the beaten path but well within reach. Or enjoy one of the sandy beaches that overlooks this spring-fed river. It's a short walk to Loch Haven Cultural Park's museums and theaters. . There is also caroling and street vendors selling food and Christmas goodies. Visits to Curry Hammock State Park and Crane Point Hammock and Nature Trail are perfect ways to get back to nature. Lots to do for a small town. Whew, thats a lot to keep you busy! Turkey Creek Nature Trail - Niceville, FL. Just knowing that Marathon is located on 13 islands in the Florida Keys, should help you picture how beautiful it is! Dade City. Finding the best place to enjoy one's post retirement life can be a difficult task, but thankfully, America's lake towns offer a wonderful selection for retirees, where encounters with beautiful nature, charming small town communities, and a great sense of leisure define them. How cool is that? Explore Florida's Historic Coast, home to St. Augustine, one of the favorite and most visited Florida cities. Leave the car behind at this walkable and bike-friendly South Walton town in northwest Florida. 14. Quaint, friendly and free of pretention, the welcoming enclave with brick-paved streets and faux gas lamps is timeless yet trend-forward. Manatees move to Crystal River when the temps drop in the gulf. Kayaks, tubes, rafts, canoes, and fishing gear can be rented for a day on the water! Plus, the weather in Florida is perfect year-round, so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of year it is. A brewery and indoor locavore market, plus a weekly farmers market, offer up artisan wares and groceries. For those looking for something a bit more relaxing, take a boat ride out to the barrier reef island, Cayo Costa, and find yourself a private beach. Along with its neighbor Sanibel, to the south, Captiva Island is the perfect place to go biking, sailing, fishing, kayaking, birding, or seashell hunting! The town is full of historic homes and buildings, as well as charming shops and restaurants. Plus, its very close to Amelia Island, which is the ideal escape! Besides offering some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, West Palm Beach, located in Palm Beach County, has amazing golf courses, restaurants, bars, and many family-friendly activities. Book a room at a country inn or bed and breakfast and spend the day antiquing in the city center. Residents spend 31. . After a day in the sun, check out the local restaurants and bars that serve up fresh seafood, live music, and a whole lot of fun! Today this thoughtfully designed mini metropolis, now unaffiliated with the corporate giant, is a polished, upscale residential and commercial area with old-fashioned looking homesbig on front porchesthat have modern interiors within. Destin 6. Florida has a variety of small towns that are perfect for retirement. Funky art overflows outside the bright-hued buildings off Pine Island Road, the towns single thoroughfare. The 10 Best Small Towns To Live In Florida For 2022 Vineyards Sewall's Point Palm Beach Shores Indian River Shores Island Walk Black Diamond Punta Rassa Redington Shores Holmes Beach Highland Beach What's the best small town in Florida? These towns offer a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, while also providing all of the amenities and conveniences that you could want or need. Best U.S. Downtown Historic Winter Garden is the perfect place to live if youre looking for a small town with a lot of character. Seek out Mills 50s utility boxes, dumpsters and exterior business walls; many are painted in colorful one-of-a-kind motifs by local artists. The Town That Disney Built: Celebration, Fla. Where to Find the Best Vietnamese Food in Orlando, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Her writing has been featured in AARP, Modern Woman, Livability, and more. Just a little west of Tampa on the Gulf Coast youll find the quaint town of Dunedin. Delray 4. The average house price in this city is close to a million dollars. Enjoy fishing and swimming in the shimmering waters or sunbathing and relaxing among the dunes of this unspoiled barrier island. Best Small Towns in Florida Vero Beach Vero Beach is a picturesque community near the Indian River Country in Central Florida, approximately 34 miles south of Melbourne. Youll find plenty of hiking, water sports, and golfing here, along with annual events like the Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and Festival! Most households are sitting pretty on a $103,563 income - not bad when you consider the national average is a comparatively tiny $55,322. MONTICELLO is a pretty little town with giant oak trees forming canopy streets and a lot of old restored homes, many of them going back to before the Civil War. Leave the rat race behind. There, tourists ride paddleboats shaped like swans, locals stroll the perimeter at sunset, shoppers stock up on wholesome foodstuffs at the weekly farmers market, and groups practice yoga on the lawn en masse. More relaxed than Key Largo, its sister city to the north, the six-island village of Islamorada is known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World. Well, its a mix of surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, and fun! Turquoise water, manicured lawns, contemporary sculptures, and bright white Mediterranean-style houses deliver photo-worthy landscapes. Art and culture are also important here, with Venice being home to The Venice Theatre, the Venice Symphony, and The Venice Art Center. The smallest by population is Lake Buena Vista with 10 people, while the smallest by land area is Lazy Lake at 0.022 square miles (0.057 km2) square miles. That may not be so great for young professionals, but families have been flocking to Mount Dora recently. It has a mural society, a murals website, and a team of mural volunteers to greet tour groups. Local professor and chef Hari Pulapaka, who runs Cress Restaurant, is a four-time James Beard semi-finalist for best chef in the South. Read More: 41 AMAZINGLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA, FLORIDA. Central Florida. United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC, View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. Miramar Beach is one of South Waltons most diverse and active beach neighborhoods, and the perfect place to set down vacation roots. This never impacts how we share the destination with you opinions are always our own and we pride ourselves on that. Its all copyrighted. Youll see unique formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies! Get outside of the tourism corridor for a glimpse of how the locals live. Sister to nearby Sanibel, this captivating isle on Florida's southwest coast offers biking, sailing, birding, and a variety of water activities. Hiking, fishing, and boat tours are a great way to explore the little town. Ivanhoe Row and Mills 50 are up-and-coming Orlando neighborhoods known for their offbeat yet attractive businesses. The grand entrance to Stetson University in Deland. Liberty County happens to be mostly made up of the protected Apalachicola National Forest. An hour west of Gainesville, youll find the small town of Fanning Springs home to some of the most unique things to do! The formation and dissolution of municipalities is governed by Chapter 165 of the Florida Statutes. We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. They also hold a market and live music event every Sunday near the courthouse! Windermere is a town in Orange County, and it is known for its upscale homes and beautiful lakes. Imagine a typical Florida vacation and you might picture theme parks and crowded beaches. Located just a dozen miles north of Tallahassee near the Georgia state line, Havana is a beautiful town filled with unique shops and antique shopping. Jacksonville, the only Florida city on this list of the best small towns to retire in Florida with an NFL team, shares the second-lowest monthly grocery cost of $348 with Gainesville. DeLand. After touring the sites, cool down with a treat from Southern Craft Creamery, serving ice cream made with milk sourced from the family farm just 6 miles away. Swim with manatees at this central Florida town beloved by nature-seekers. The main draw here is definitely Fanning Springs State Park, where youll find the turquoise water is 72 degrees year-round. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Miami Parks dot the landscape, and youll also find great golfing, water sports, and trails in this beautiful town! Take a trip to Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge where the boardwalks give you amazing views of the animals. The residents of this small town have proclaimed their town the antiques capital of the sunshine state, and you will find dozens of shops in this cute city. Jupiter 3. These waterside havens are great destinations to vacation and live in in a post work life, where everything from . Make time to see a classic rodeo if the timings right. Youll find wineries, art galleries, bed and breakfasts, and so many antique shops here too! Santa Rosa Beach. Join hundreds of families who are flying free using travel rewards, saving thousands of dollars in the process. Florida's small towns offer so much charm. For those who want to explore more of the unspoiled outdoors in the area, a trip to Collier Seminole State Park or Briggs Nature Center should be on your agenda. Source: flickr. Zip-line and ropes-course operators add a bolt of thrill to the outdoor experience. In north central Florida, just 15 minutes south of Gainesville, youll find the town of Micanopy a town thats fun to say, but even more fun to visit. For one weekend each December, downtown Fernandina is turned into a classic Victorian village with decorations and Christmas lights. Micanopy,FL. 4. Explore the brick-streets lined with art galleries and businesses in buildings from the late 1800s. Contents1 Where is the best small town to live in Florida?2 What [] Miramar Beach is also close to other beautiful beach towns like Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, and Inlet Beach. A quiet day in a beautiful town, shopping, checking out art, and all with the friendliest people around? Here are a few examples of things to do in Tavernier: 9 Best Beaches Near West Palm Beach, Florida, The Top 10 East Coast Winter Destinations, Top 17 Things to Do in Tampa Bay, Florida, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, The 15 Best Things to Do in Frederick, Maryland, Guide to Fall in Florida: Festivals, Events, Things to Do, Romantic Florida for Honeymoon Couples and Other Lovers. Those who are looking for outdoor adventures will love a dip in the springs at deLeon Springs State Park, or a kayak trip down the Spring Garden Run! Its known for its antique shops and annual festivals, and its downtown area is absolutely charming. Located in northwest Florida, Niceville is far from the big cities in the less populated panhandled region of Florida. Country inns, local shops, lakes, and fun dining options make Mount Dora a nice getaway. At some point, you'll probably end up at Robbies, a one-stop-shop for eco-tours, watercraft rentals, sunset cruises, souvenirs, and dining (including an offer to cook your catch). And after a day at their relaxing beaches, you should end your day at one of Vero Beachs amazing restaurants! Best Places to Stay. Don't miss the free, bike-friendly boardwalk at the zoos entrance. Before and after downtown events, attendees gather around Church Street Station, where historic buildings with fanciful adornments mix with contemporary buildings to house food, drink and entertainment venues; the area is often open only to pedestrians. Theres something for everyone to enjoy, like Downtown Jensen Beach (known as the Pineapple Capital of the World), Port Salernos waterfront gems (overlooking the Manatee Pocket), Wild West-inspired outposts in Indiantown (complete with rodeos and good old-fashioned county fairs), and Downtown Stuart (recognized as Americas Happiest Seaside Town by Coastal Living Magazine and winner of the 2020 Great Places in Florida Award). Jackson County is also home to miles of hiking trails, and two state parks Florida Caverns State Park and Three Rivers State Park. Let's check 10 Best Places to live in Northern Florida. One of the best places to visit on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers holiday travelers more than just white sandy beaches, warm emerald waters, and swaying palms. Miramar Beach is also close to other beautiful beach towns like Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, and Inlet Beach. Maitland is located in Orange County and is considered one of Floridas greatest places to live. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. Sidewalk cafes on Park Avenue (Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida). Population 65 and older as a percentage: 13.8%. If you tire of the 12 beaches, head to Quick Point Nature Preserve and get lost in the mangroves that are home to egrets, ibises, herons, and ospreys. The town of Chipley in Washington County is one of those places that has something for everyone. If youre looking for a charming small town to call home, Central Florida is definitely worth checking out! More about us. [CDATA[ But thats not because it isnt awesome! My Shea Home; Chat Now: Status: Online. This is definitely a top pick for quaint towns in Florida. Nature blends with art throughout, from a pair of teak horses amid the underbrush at Lake Marilyn to a painted bronze woman dancing in an open courtyard. And! The communitys homes and stores are on stilts overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and the police drive golf carts. Compare small private and public colleges with less than 3,000 students. It was designed and developed by Walt Disney, and it is home to a number of beautiful homes and lush green parks. Lake Eola is a blue oasis. Distance from downtown Orlando: 13.7 miles. Several of our trips are also compensated by the respective tourism boards for the city or state we are visiting. Located on six islands about 90 minutes south of Miami, Islamorada is all about fishing and relaxing. 1. This former hardware store has been renovated and become an art center where you can check out the works by local and national artists. For those who love nature, the outdoors, and adventure Marianna is the perfect escape! Artsy with an edge, its an LGBT-friendly enclave lined with inexpensive cafes serving flavors that span the globe. Vineyards is the best small town in Florida based on the most recent Census data. Boasting the oldest library still serving the public, it's also home to a retro hotel and Victorian homes surrounding Lake DeFuniakone of only two naturally circular bodies of water in the world. Marathon has some of the best fishing around, restaurants right on the water, and every water sport you can imagine. Quiet parks dot Dr. Phillips, which was named for a citrus magnate and philanthropist. Named for its fish-abundant waters, Tarpon Springs is also the "sponge capital of the world" and has the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any U.S. city. They run daily and arrive in approximately 20-30 minute intervals. Kate Gelsthorpe is a former TV news writer, and a born and raised Georgia girl who grew up camping with her family at state parks around central and south Georgia.After 18 years in Atlanta, her family recently moved to Athens, and in their spare time you can find them exploring their new hometown.She and her husband, Kevin, are the proud parents of an 8-year-old dinosaur expert, and a 6-year-old outdoor-loving fashionista. About 25 miles from Cape Canaveral lies Viera, a fairly young town converted from pasture land to a planned community in the 1980s. St. Augustine. 45 reviews of Central Florida Fairgrounds "We went there for the weekly flea/ farmers market (Fri- Sun) this morning and bought a starfruit [carambola] tree for $18.00, a mango tree for $20.00, a bottle of Balsamic vinegar for $2.00, and a small [8oz] wheel of Camembert cheese for $1.00. Nearby, the landscaped plaza of The Avenue Viera serves as a modern town center with shopping, concerts, a splash pad, and more. Micanopy is a small town in Florida's north-central interior. Step back in time on this barrier island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed. While the area boasts 27 lakes, it's better known today for its massive caladium flower fields and collection of nearly 50 murals. Boca Grande is one of the most affluent small towns in Florida that has a lovely downtown for shopping and boasts some of the best tarpon fishing around. After dark, the streets fill with decked-out club-hoppers. 9. An artsy island community, Matlacha (pronounced "matt-la-shay") is quirky and colorful. There are over 40 public beach access points from which to enjoy the waves on Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Gainesville, Florida 32601. Eco tours introduce participants to Orlandos natural side. Its tropical topography of giant cacti and bougainvillea vines is a picturesque backdrop for the already stunning sunsets that attract visitors from far and wide. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Planned communities are rising in popularity because of their ability to provide residents with a higher quality of life. 1. In cities like Boston, Nashville, New York and San Francisco, visiting the neighborhoods is part of the itinerary. Theres a reason Readers Digest voted Lake Placid Americas Most Interesting Town and thats because it is! One of the main reasons is that there are so many charming small towns in Central Florida that are close to amazing places to visit, like Walk Disney World theme parks. One-bedroom average rent: $1,674 (up 17.4 percent since last year) Two-bedroom average rent: $2,221 (up 34.1 percent since last year) With more convenience to downtown, Ocoee at just under 14 miles is one of the closest cities on this list to Orlando. Then enjoy the small-town charm in the "main street" area of Vero Beach, where you'll find weekly gallery strolls, a vintage market, and plenty of quaint cafes. From social areas like bars and restaurants to beautiful scenic places to sightsee and enjoy. You'll find the town hall and library in an 1895 brick schoolhouse and the Micanopy Historical Society Museum in an 1886 warehouse. As you float on the water, one just might approach you for a nuzzle. The college has a public dock and a free art museum open to visitors. While in town, make sure to grab the original Cuban sandwich at Floridas oldest restaurant the Columbia Restaurant. 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