Best counties to raise a family in Florida
Written by:
March 5, 2021
realtor.com
Best counties to raise a family in Florida
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Florida using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
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#25. Union County
- Population: 15,303
- Median home value: $118,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $657 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $44,270
- Top public schools: Lake Butler Elementary School (B+), Lake Butler Middle School (B+), Union County High School (B)
- Top private schools: Lake Butler Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Lake Butler (B), Raiford (B-), Worthington Springs (C)
- Pictured: 6432 Deacon Cir, Windermere ($8.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $118,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $657 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $44,270
- Top public schools: Lake Butler Elementary School (B+), Lake Butler Middle School (B+), Union County High School (B)
- Top private schools: Lake Butler Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Lake Butler (B), Raiford (B-), Worthington Springs (C)
- Pictured: 6432 Deacon Cir, Windermere ($8.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. Walton County
- Population: 68,262
- Median home value: $229,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $979 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $58,093
- Top public schools: Seaside Neighborhood School (A), Van R. Butler Elementary School (A-), Freeport Senior High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Ohana Institute (B+), Gateway Academy (unavailable), First Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Miramar Beach (B+), DeFuniak Springs (B), Freeport (B)
- Pictured: 1955 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach ($8.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $979 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $58,093
- Top public schools: Seaside Neighborhood School (A), Van R. Butler Elementary School (A-), Freeport Senior High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Ohana Institute (B+), Gateway Academy (unavailable), First Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Miramar Beach (B+), DeFuniak Springs (B), Freeport (B)
- Pictured: 1955 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach ($8.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#23. Collier County
- Population: 371,453
- Median home value: $360,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,317 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $69,653
- Top public schools: Gulf Coast High School (A), Naples High School (A), Tommie Barfield Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Community School of Naples (A+), Seacrest Country Day School (A), St. John Neumann Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Naples (A), Pelican Bay (A), Orangetree (A)
- Pictured: 4444 Gordon Dr, Naples ($34.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $360,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,317 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $69,653
- Top public schools: Gulf Coast High School (A), Naples High School (A), Tommie Barfield Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Community School of Naples (A+), Seacrest Country Day School (A), St. John Neumann Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Naples (A), Pelican Bay (A), Orangetree (A)
- Pictured: 4444 Gordon Dr, Naples ($34.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Lafayette County
- Population: 8,637
- Median home value: $104,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $532 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $50,165
- Top public schools: Lafayette Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Lighthouse Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mayo (B-)
- Pictured: 515 SW Dimaggio Rd, Mayo ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $104,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $532 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $50,165
- Top public schools: Lafayette Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Lighthouse Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mayo (B-)
- Pictured: 515 SW Dimaggio Rd, Mayo ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#21. Martin County
- Population: 159,065
- Median home value: $273,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,111 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $61,133
- Top public schools: Clark Advanced Learning Center (A), Jensen Beach High School (A), Hidden Oaks Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Pine School (A+), Hobe Sound Christian Academy (A-), Community Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: North River Shores (A+), Sewall's Point (A), Jensen Beach (A)
- Pictured: 1890 NW River Trl, Stuart ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $273,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,111 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $61,133
- Top public schools: Clark Advanced Learning Center (A), Jensen Beach High School (A), Hidden Oaks Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Pine School (A+), Hobe Sound Christian Academy (A-), Community Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: North River Shores (A+), Sewall's Point (A), Jensen Beach (A)
- Pictured: 1890 NW River Trl, Stuart ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Wakulla County
- Population: 32,321
- Median home value: $144,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $896 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $61,410
- Top public schools: Wakulla Middle School (A-), Riversprings Middle School (B+), Shadeville Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Wakulla Christian School (B-)
- Top places to live: Crawfordville (B+), Sopchoppy (A), St. Marks (B)
- Pictured: 99 Royster Dr, Crawfordville ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $144,000 (82% own)
- Median rent: $896 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $61,410
- Top public schools: Wakulla Middle School (A-), Riversprings Middle School (B+), Shadeville Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Wakulla Christian School (B-)
- Top places to live: Crawfordville (B+), Sopchoppy (A), St. Marks (B)
- Pictured: 99 Royster Dr, Crawfordville ($1.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Pinellas County
- Population: 964,666
- Median home value: $201,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,112 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $54,090
- Top public schools: St. Petersburg Collegiate High School (A+), Palm Harbor University High School (A), St. Petersburg High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shorecrest Preparatory School (A+), The Canterbury School of Florida (A+), Clearwater Central Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: North Shore (A+), Old Southeast (A+), Crescent Heights (A+)
- Pictured: 120 25th Ave N, Saint Petersburg ($525,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,112 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $54,090
- Top public schools: St. Petersburg Collegiate High School (A+), Palm Harbor University High School (A), St. Petersburg High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shorecrest Preparatory School (A+), The Canterbury School of Florida (A+), Clearwater Central Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: North Shore (A+), Old Southeast (A+), Crescent Heights (A+)
- Pictured: 120 25th Ave N, Saint Petersburg ($525,000, 2 bedrooms)
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#18. Lee County
- Population: 737,468
- Median home value: $224,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,154 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $57,832
- Top public schools: Fort Myers High School (A+), Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School - Lee Campus (A+), North Fort Myers High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Canterbury School (A+), Bishop Verot Catholic High School (A), Southwest Florida Christian Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Whiskey Creek (A), Villas (A), Gateway (A)
- Pictured: 1315 Chalon Ln, Fort Myers ($479,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $224,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,154 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $57,832
- Top public schools: Fort Myers High School (A+), Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School - Lee Campus (A+), North Fort Myers High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Canterbury School (A+), Bishop Verot Catholic High School (A), Southwest Florida Christian Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Whiskey Creek (A), Villas (A), Gateway (A)
- Pictured: 1315 Chalon Ln, Fort Myers ($479,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#17. Osceola County
- Population: 351,955
- Median home value: $201,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,228 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,279
- Top public schools: Osceola County School for the Arts (A), Celebration High School (A-), Professional & Technical High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian School (B+), Southland Christian School (B), City of Life Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: Celebration (A), St. Cloud (B+), Buenaventura Lakes (B-)
- Pictured: 717 Eastlawn Dr, Celebration ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $201,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,228 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,279
- Top public schools: Osceola County School for the Arts (A), Celebration High School (A-), Professional & Technical High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Heritage Christian School (B+), Southland Christian School (B), City of Life Christian Academy (B-)
- Top places to live: Celebration (A), St. Cloud (B+), Buenaventura Lakes (B-)
- Pictured: 717 Eastlawn Dr, Celebration ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Miami-Dade County
- Population: 2,699,428
- Median home value: $289,600 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $51,347
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Ransom Everglades School (A+), Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Gulliver Prep - Upper School Campus (A+)
- Top places to live: Brickell (A+), Pinecrest (A+), Coral Gables (A+)
- Pictured: 45 SW 9th St Apt 2309, Miami ($379,000, 1 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $289,600 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,328 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $51,347
- Top public schools: School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson (A+), School for Advanced Studies - South (A+), School for Advanced Studies - North (A+)
- Top private schools: Ransom Everglades School (A+), Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Gulliver Prep - Upper School Campus (A+)
- Top places to live: Brickell (A+), Pinecrest (A+), Coral Gables (A+)
- Pictured: 45 SW 9th St Apt 2309, Miami ($379,000, 1 bedrooms)
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#15. Palm Beach County
- Population: 1,465,027
- Median home value: $283,600 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,398 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $63,299
- Top public schools: A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (A+), Suncoast Community High School (A+), Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus (A+), Saint Andrew's School (A+), The Benjamin School (A+)
- Top places to live: Boca Raton (A+), Highland Beach (A), Jupiter (A)
- Pictured: 819 Orchid Dr, Boca Raton ($25.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $283,600 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,398 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $63,299
- Top public schools: A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (A+), Suncoast Community High School (A+), Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts (A+)
- Top private schools: American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus (A+), Saint Andrew's School (A+), The Benjamin School (A+)
- Top places to live: Boca Raton (A+), Highland Beach (A), Jupiter (A)
- Pictured: 819 Orchid Dr, Boca Raton ($25.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#14. Nassau County
- Population: 83,098
- Median home value: $230,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $69,943
- Top public schools: Callahan Intermediate School (A), Hilliard Elementary School (A-), Emma Love Hardee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Michael Academy (unavailable), Sonshine Christian Academy (unavailable), Amelia Island Montessori School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Fernandina Beach (A-), Yulee (B+), Callahan (B)
- Pictured: 27 Ocean Club Dr, Fernandina Beach ($12.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $230,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $69,943
- Top public schools: Callahan Intermediate School (A), Hilliard Elementary School (A-), Emma Love Hardee Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: St. Michael Academy (unavailable), Sonshine Christian Academy (unavailable), Amelia Island Montessori School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Fernandina Beach (A-), Yulee (B+), Callahan (B)
- Pictured: 27 Ocean Club Dr, Fernandina Beach ($12.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#13. Santa Rosa County
- Population: 174,755
- Median home value: $199,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,129 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $67,949
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (B+), Santa Rosa Christian School (B-), West Florida Baptist Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Gulf Breeze (A+), Tiger Point (A), Pace (A-)
- Pictured: 67 Shoreline Dr, Gulf Breeze ($6.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $199,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,129 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $67,949
- Top public schools: Gulf Breeze High School (A), Oriole Beach Elementary School (A-), Gulf Breeze Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (B+), Santa Rosa Christian School (B-), West Florida Baptist Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Gulf Breeze (A+), Tiger Point (A), Pace (A-)
- Pictured: 67 Shoreline Dr, Gulf Breeze ($6.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#12. Broward County
- Population: 1,926,205
- Median home value: $265,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,392 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $59,547
- Top public schools: Cypress Bay High School (A+), College Academy at Broward College (A+), Pompano Beach Institute of International Studies (A+)
- Top private schools: Pine Crest School - Fort Lauderdale Campus (A+), American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus (A+), NSU University School (A+)
- Top places to live: Sunrise Intracoastal (A+), Weston (A+), Cooper City (A)
- Pictured: 3428 Spring Bluff Pl Unit 35, Lauderhill ($235,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $265,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,392 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $59,547
- Top public schools: Cypress Bay High School (A+), College Academy at Broward College (A+), Pompano Beach Institute of International Studies (A+)
- Top private schools: Pine Crest School - Fort Lauderdale Campus (A+), American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus (A+), NSU University School (A+)
- Top places to live: Sunrise Intracoastal (A+), Weston (A+), Cooper City (A)
- Pictured: 3428 Spring Bluff Pl Unit 35, Lauderhill ($235,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#11. Clay County
- Population: 211,405
- Median home value: $185,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,740
- Top public schools: Fleming Island High School (A), Orange Park Elementary School (A), Thunderbolt Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Johns Country Day School (A+), Christian Home Academy (A), HighPoint Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Fleming Island (A+), Oakleaf Plantation (A), Green Cove Springs (A)
- Pictured: 2853 Grande Oaks Way, Fleming Island ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,400 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,148 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,740
- Top public schools: Fleming Island High School (A), Orange Park Elementary School (A), Thunderbolt Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Johns Country Day School (A+), Christian Home Academy (A), HighPoint Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Fleming Island (A+), Oakleaf Plantation (A), Green Cove Springs (A)
- Pictured: 2853 Grande Oaks Way, Fleming Island ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. Duval County
- Population: 936,186
- Median home value: $180,700 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $55,807
- Top public schools: Stanton College Preparatory (A+), Paxon School for Advanced Studies (A+), Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (A)
- Top private schools: Episcopal School of Jacksonville (A+), The Bolles School (A+), Bishop John J. Snyder High School (A)
- Top places to live: Secret Cove (A+), Deerwood (A+), Greenland (A+)
- Pictured: 3236 Cathedral Ln, Jacksonville ($165,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $180,700 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,074 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $55,807
- Top public schools: Stanton College Preparatory (A+), Paxon School for Advanced Studies (A+), Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (A)
- Top private schools: Episcopal School of Jacksonville (A+), The Bolles School (A+), Bishop John J. Snyder High School (A)
- Top places to live: Secret Cove (A+), Deerwood (A+), Greenland (A+)
- Pictured: 3236 Cathedral Ln, Jacksonville ($165,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#9. Okaloosa County
- Population: 203,794
- Median home value: $219,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,127 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $63,412
- Top public schools: Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College (A+), Niceville Senior High School (A), Fort Walton Beach High School (A)
- Top private schools: Rocky Bayou Christian School - Niceville Campus (A-), Calvary Christian Academy & Preschool (B), St. Mary Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mary Esther (A), Niceville (A), Wright (A)
- Pictured: 541 E Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther ($4.8 million, 13 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $219,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,127 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $63,412
- Top public schools: Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College (A+), Niceville Senior High School (A), Fort Walton Beach High School (A)
- Top private schools: Rocky Bayou Christian School - Niceville Campus (A-), Calvary Christian Academy & Preschool (B), St. Mary Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mary Esther (A), Niceville (A), Wright (A)
- Pictured: 541 E Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther ($4.8 million, 13 bedrooms)
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#8. Alachua County
- Population: 265,443
- Median home value: $186,700 (55% own)
- Median rent: $983 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $49,689
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), F.W. Buchholz High School (A), P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School (A)
- Top private schools: Oak Hall School (A+), Saint Francis Catholic Academy (A), Cornerstone Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Gainesville (A), Alachua (A), High Springs (A-)
- Pictured: 2008 NW 3rd Ave, Gainesville ($2.1 million, 11 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,700 (55% own)
- Median rent: $983 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $49,689
- Top public schools: Eastside High School (A), F.W. Buchholz High School (A), P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School (A)
- Top private schools: Oak Hall School (A+), Saint Francis Catholic Academy (A), Cornerstone Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Gainesville (A), Alachua (A), High Springs (A-)
- Pictured: 2008 NW 3rd Ave, Gainesville ($2.1 million, 11 bedrooms)
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#7. Brevard County
- Population: 585,507
- Median home value: $196,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,068 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $56,775
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (A+), Melbourne Central Catholic High School (A), Florida Prep (A-)
- Top places to live: South Patrick Shores (A+), Satellite Beach (A+), Indialantic (A+)
- Pictured: 466 Lanternback Island Dr, Satellite Beach ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $196,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,068 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $56,775
- Top public schools: West Shore Junior/Senior High School (A+), Edgewood Junior/Senior High School (A+), Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (A+), Melbourne Central Catholic High School (A), Florida Prep (A-)
- Top places to live: South Patrick Shores (A+), Satellite Beach (A+), Indialantic (A+)
- Pictured: 466 Lanternback Island Dr, Satellite Beach ($2.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Orange County
- Population: 1,349,746
- Median home value: $235,800 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,215 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,254
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Winter Park High School (A+), Timber Creek High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Highland Preparatory School (A+), Windermere Preparatory School (A+), The First Academy (A+)
- Top places to live: Baldwin Park (A+), Colonialtown North (A+), Delaney Park (A+)
- Pictured: 14813 Sussex Dr, Orlando ($210,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $235,800 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,215 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $58,254
- Top public schools: Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (A+), Winter Park High School (A+), Timber Creek High School (A)
- Top private schools: Lake Highland Preparatory School (A+), Windermere Preparatory School (A+), The First Academy (A+)
- Top places to live: Baldwin Park (A+), Colonialtown North (A+), Delaney Park (A+)
- Pictured: 14813 Sussex Dr, Orlando ($210,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#5. Leon County
- Population: 289,770
- Median home value: $203,100 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,024 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $53,106
- Top public schools: Florida State University School (A+), Leon High School (A), Lawton Chiles High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maclay School (A+), John Paul II Catholic High School (A), North Florida Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Tallahassee (A)
- Pictured: 1819 Tuscan Hill Dr, Tallahassee ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $203,100 (53% own)
- Median rent: $1,024 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $53,106
- Top public schools: Florida State University School (A+), Leon High School (A), Lawton Chiles High School (A)
- Top private schools: Maclay School (A+), John Paul II Catholic High School (A), North Florida Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Tallahassee (A)
- Pictured: 1819 Tuscan Hill Dr, Tallahassee ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#4. Hillsborough County
- Population: 1,422,278
- Median home value: $216,300 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $58,884
- Top public schools: Strawberry Crest High School (A+), Plant High School (A+), Steinbrenner High School (A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (A+), Tampa Preparatory School (A+), Jesuit High School (A+)
- Top places to live: Harbour Island (A+), Spanishtown (A+), Carver City/Lincoln Gardens (A+)
- Pictured: 15417 Otto Rd, Tampa ($515,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $216,300 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,142 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $58,884
- Top public schools: Strawberry Crest High School (A+), Plant High School (A+), Steinbrenner High School (A)
- Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (A+), Tampa Preparatory School (A+), Jesuit High School (A+)
- Top places to live: Harbour Island (A+), Spanishtown (A+), Carver City/Lincoln Gardens (A+)
- Pictured: 15417 Otto Rd, Tampa ($515,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#3. Sarasota County
- Population: 419,496
- Median home value: $251,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,277 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $62,236
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Riverview High School (A), Ashton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Out-of-Door Academy (A+), NewGate School (A+), Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (A-)
- Top places to live: South Sarasota (A+), Osprey (A+), Ridge Wood Heights (A+)
- Pictured: 1400 Ladue Ln, Sarasota ($7.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $251,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,277 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $62,236
- Top public schools: Pine View School (A+), Riverview High School (A), Ashton Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Out-of-Door Academy (A+), NewGate School (A+), Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (A-)
- Top places to live: South Sarasota (A+), Osprey (A+), Ridge Wood Heights (A+)
- Pictured: 1400 Ladue Ln, Sarasota ($7.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#2. St. Johns County
- Population: 244,674
- Median home value: $304,700 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,312 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $82,252
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Bartram Trail High School (A), Patriot Oaks Academy (A)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Academy (A-), St. Gerard Campus (A-), St. John's Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Nocatee (A+), Palm Valley (A+), Fruit Cove (A+)
- Pictured: 329 N Shipwreck Ave, Ponte Vedra ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $304,700 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,312 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $82,252
- Top public schools: Ponte Vedra High School (A+), Bartram Trail High School (A), Patriot Oaks Academy (A)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Academy (A-), St. Gerard Campus (A-), St. John's Academy (A-)
- Top places to live: Nocatee (A+), Palm Valley (A+), Fruit Cove (A+)
- Pictured: 329 N Shipwreck Ave, Ponte Vedra ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
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realtor.com
#1. Seminole County
- Population: 461,402
- Median home value: $242,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $66,768
- Top public schools: Oviedo High School (A), Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Hagerty High School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School (A+), Lake Mary Preparatory School (A+), The Geneva School (A+)
- Top places to live: Oviedo (A+), Lake Mary (A+), Heathrow (A+)
- Pictured: 5750 Oak Hollow Ln, Oviedo ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $242,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $66,768
- Top public schools: Oviedo High School (A), Choices in Learning Charter School (A), Hagerty High School (A)
- Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School (A+), Lake Mary Preparatory School (A+), The Geneva School (A+)
- Top places to live: Oviedo (A+), Lake Mary (A+), Heathrow (A+)
- Pictured: 5750 Oak Hollow Ln, Oviedo ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
