The Most Popular Cities in Florida, Ranked

Choose the cities you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:15
Florida, known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, attracts visitors and new residents every year. People often look for the best cities to visit or move to, but with so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go. That's where rankings come in handy, helping to highlight the top cities based on public opinion. Such rankings enable both tourists and potential new residents to make informed decisions. By participating in voting, individuals contribute to a clearer, community-driven picture of what each city has to offer. This insight proves invaluable for planning visits or making a big move.

What Are the Most Popular Cities in Florida?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture, Miami is one of Florida's most popular cities. It is also a major center for finance, commerce, and international trade.
    Miami is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in the southeastern part of Florida. It is known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. The city offers a unique blend of tropical climate, beautiful architecture, and a bustling cityscape that attracts millions of visitors every year.
    • Population: Approximately 470,000
    • Location: Southeastern Florida, USA
    • Climate: Tropical monsoon climate
    • Beaches: Renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, such as South Beach and Miami Beach
    • Art Deco Historic District: Features the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    Home to some of the world's most famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Orlando is a top tourist destination. It also has a thriving downtown area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
    Orlando is a vibrant city located in the central region of Florida, known for its world-famous theme parks, entertainment options, and year-round sunny weather. It is a popular tourist destination and often referred to as the 'Theme Park Capital of the World'.
    • Location: Central Florida
    • Population: Approximately 289,000
    • Area: 113.87 square miles
    • Climate: Subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers
    • Theme Parks: Home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and more
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and rich history. It is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Aquarium.
    Tampa is a vibrant city located on the west coast of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, thriving arts and cultural scene, and diverse population. The city offers a mix of modern amenities and historic charm.
    • Population: Approximately 399,700 residents
    • Climate: Subtropical climate with warm winters and hot summers
    • Top Attractions: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and Lowry Park Zoo
    • Sports Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
    • Cultural Landmarks: Tampa Theatre, Henry B. Plant Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    As the largest city in Florida by population, Jacksonville is a major center for business and industry. It is also home to many beautiful parks, museums, and cultural attractions, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.
    Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida and the most populous city in the southeastern United States. It is located on the northeastern coast of Florida along the St. Johns River. Jacksonville is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and beautiful beaches. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with numerous parks and waterways to explore. The city has a rich history and is home to many cultural institutions and landmarks.
    • Population: Population of over 900,000 people
    • Area: Approximately 840 square miles (2,185 square kilometers)
    • Location: Located on the northeastern coast of Florida
    • River: Situated along the St. Johns River
    • Beaches: Renowned for its beautiful beaches
  5. 5
    21
    votes

    St. Petersburg

    John C. Williams
    Located on the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and lively arts scene. It is home to the Salvador Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and many other cultural institutions.
    St. Petersburg is a popular city located on the Florida peninsula. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. The city offers a plethora of recreational activities, museums, and cultural events for residents and tourists alike. St. Petersburg has been developed as a hub for arts, with numerous galleries, creative spaces, and public art installations. The city also boasts a lively downtown area with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With its pleasant climate and coastal location, St. Petersburg attracts visitors from around the world.
    • Location: Florida, USA
    • Population: 265,098 (2020 estimate)
    • Area: 137.6 square miles
    • County: Pinellas County
    • Founded: 1888
    St. Petersburg in other rankings
  6. 6
    16
    votes

    Fort Lauderdale

    Frank Stranahan
    This city is known for its beautiful beaches, waterways, and yachting culture. It is also a popular destination for spring breakers and boaters.
    Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city located in Broward County on the southeastern coast of Florida. Known for its stunning beaches, boating canals, and vibrant nightlife, Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The city offers a mix of natural beauty, modern entertainment options, and a rich cultural scene.
    • Population: 182,595
    • Area: 38.6 square miles
    • Location: Southeastern coast of Florida
    • Beaches: 7 miles of pristine coastline
    • Waterways: More than 165 miles of navigable waterways
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Located on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant arts scene. It is home to the Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Opera, and many other cultural institutions.
    Sarasota is a city located on the southwestern coast of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and abundant outdoor recreational activities.
    • Population: approx. 58,285
    • Area: 25.9 square miles
    • County: Sarasota County
    • Climate: Subtropical
    • Beaches: Top-rated Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," Pensacola is home to the Naval Air Station and the National Museum of Naval Aviation. It is also a popular destination for beachgoers and history buffs.
    Pensacola is a city located in the westernmost part of the Florida Panhandle. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, vibrant downtown area, and rich history. Pensacola is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Naval Aviation' due to its long-standing association with the U.S. Navy and its aviation training programs. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a lively dining and entertainment scene.
    • Population: Approximately 52,000
    • Geographic location: On the Gulf Coast of Florida, bordering Alabama
    • Historical significance: Founded in 1559 by Spanish explorers, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the United States
    • Beaches: Famous for its pristine white sand beaches, including Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key
    • Naval presence: Home to the Naval Air Station Pensacola and the National Naval Aviation Museum
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Key West
    Tore Sætre · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Key West

    Flagler and Cox
    Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and laid-back atmosphere. It is also a popular destination for scuba diving and fishing.
    Key West is a popular city located at the westernmost point of the Florida Keys. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque beaches, colorful architecture, and stunning sunsets, Key West is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
    • Population: approximately 25,000
    • Geography: island city
    • Climate: tropical savanna
    • Historical Significance: former home of famous writer Ernest Hemingway
    • Famous Attraction: Southernmost Point Buoy
    Key West in other rankings
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to many important governmental institutions, including the Florida State Capitol and the Supreme Court of Florida. It is also home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
    Tallahassee is the capital city of the state of Florida, located in the panhandle region. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. The city offers a blend of southern charm and urban sophistication, making it a popular destination for residents and tourists alike.
    • Population: Approximately 193,551
    • Area: 98.2 square miles
    • Nickname: The Capital City
    • Major Industries: Government, Education, Healthcare
    • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters

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Ranking factors for popular cities

  1. Tourism
    The number of annual visitors and popular tourist attractions play a significant role in a city's popularity. Locations like Miami Beach, Orlando (due to Disney World and Universal Studios), Key West, and St. Augustine are popular tourist destinations.
  2. Economy
    Cities with strong economies and job markets can be more popular as they attract more residents and businesses. This can be assessed by looking at job opportunities, industries, and average income.
  3. Cultural Attractions
    Cities that offer a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals are considered more popular. Cities like Miami and St. Petersburg are known for their arts scenes and cultural events.
  4. Outdoor Recreation
    Access to beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational activities can make a city more popular. Florida cities with great outdoor offerings include Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.
  5. Sports
    Cities with professional sports teams and sports venues can contribute to a city's popularity. Orlando, Miami, and Tampa are home to various professional sports teams and venues.
  6. Education
    Cities with quality schools, colleges, and universities can attract more people, making them more popular. Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Tampa are examples of cities with strong educational institutions.
  7. Transportation Infrastructure
    Cities with well-developed transportation systems, including airports, highways, and public transit options, can be more popular due to their accessibility. Major cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have international airports and extensive road networks.
  8. Safety and Crime Rates
    Cities with lower crime rates and a reputation for being safe are generally more popular among residents and tourists.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cities in Florida. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or City is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2853 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each City once every 24 hours. The rank of each City is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular cities in florida

Florida is known for its sunny beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. The state is also home to several bustling cities that offer diverse experiences to both residents and visitors. From the vibrant nightlife of Miami to the theme parks of Orlando, Florida's cities have something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the most popular cities in Florida, based on the opinions of thousands of StrawPoll users. Whether you are planning a vacation or looking to relocate, this guide will help you discover the best cities to visit or live in the Sunshine State.

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