Considered by many out of state as a popular vacation and tourist destination, residents and tourists appreciate the tropical climate, that there are no state obligations to pay taxes on income and its proximity to the ocean. Florida is one of the most popular states in America and South Florida has three small cities ranked among the top 100 places to live in 2010 by Money magazine. South Florida also includes many large residential populations and a major city.
Coral Springs
Located in Broward County, Coral Springs is ranked the 44th best small city to live in in 2010 by Money magazine. It is a planned community located 30 minutes northwest of Fort Lauderdale. Among its popular amenities is a 182-acre (73.65 ha) complex with a broad spectrum of activities. The median income was $85,406, and the median home price was $175,000. Crime is very low compared to other cities, with only two individual crimes reported per 1000 residents in 2010.
Coconut Creek
Also located in Broward County, Coconut Creek is another popular residential area on Money magazine’s list of best small towns. Although the city experienced unemployment and real estate challenges during 2010, it offers cultural, environmental and aesthetic characteristics. Coconut Creek is known as the “Butterfly Capital of the World” based on its more than 150 butterfly gardens. The median income for a family in 2009 was $70,035 and crime rates are low.
Key West
Located in Monroe County, Key West has the distinction of being the southernmost city in the United States. It is a popular destination for vacationers, because it offers beaches and sun. Known for its many canals and waterways that move through the city, Key West also has significantly higher property values compared to the rest of Florida. After doubling since 2000, the median value of a place in 2009 was $488,410, according to City-Data.com. The median household income in 2009 was $47,059.
Wellington
Located in Palm Beach County, Wellington is among the wealthiest small towns in South Florida. It is a suburb of Palm Beach and is renowned for its world-class horsemanship. It also offers strong credentials for families based on its large schools and low crime rate, according to Money magazine’s 2010 report. The median income for a household in 2009 was $74,348.
Key Biscayne
Located in Miami-Dade County, Key Biscayne is a relatively new city that was incorporated in 1991. It is listed on the Neighborhood Scout website among “the top ten cities in Florida for family children” and has a low crime rate. Key Biscayne is also very wealthy, with a median home price in 2009 of $702,766 and a median income in 2009 of $99,796, according to City-Data.com.
