4 Cheapest and Safest Cities To Live in Florida, According to Real Estate Agents
When searching for a new Florida hometown, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re like many people, home price and safety rankings might be two factors that top your list.
So far in 2026, the median list price of Florida homes is $417,883, according to Zillow. However, 75.5% of homes are currently selling below list price.
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As for safety, Florida isn’t the least safe state in the U.S., but it also isn’t the safest. As of 2024 – the most recent available data – the state ranked 35th in the U.S. for property crime rates and 31st for violent crime rates, according to USAFacts.
Keep reading to find out which four Florida towns offer both affordability and safety, according to Florida real estate agents.
Vero Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxed hometown vibe, along with affordability and low crime rates, Vero Beach could be ideal, said Omer Reiner, a licensed rRealtor and owner of Florida Cash Home Buyers. Located on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, he noted that the city has a lot of retirees.
“The atmosphere is laid-back and slower-paced than the large, glamorous cities along the state’s coastline,” he said. “A lack of a bustling nightlife and the overall vibe of Vero Beach are two reasons the city is usually at the top of the list of Florida’s safest places to live.”
Unlike many areas, Reiner noted that the local economy depends heavily on retail outlets and other service businesses, instead of one large employer.
“Having a lower demand for jobs helps keep Vero Beach’s home market more affordable for those who choose to call it home," according to the realtor.
Estero
Located between Naples and Fort Myers, Estero is a significantly more affordable spot to purchase a Southwest Florida home than Naples, said Matt Brown, a Naples, Florida real estate agent and broker associate at William Raveis Luxury Properties.
He said the area has some newer planned communities that may help buyers avoid potential insurance issues.
“Newer roofs and new building code compliance reduces premiums, and in Florida it is that line item that makes premiums affordable, not the purchase price,” he said.
Bonita Springs
“Bonita offers you the benefit of being by the Gulf, without the cost of Naples,” Brown said. “It attracts families and year-round residents – not just seasonal buyers, which keeps the community stable.”
As a seasoned local real estate agent, he also knows what to look out for in the area.
“Portions of Bonita are in the flood zone, so take the time to ask for the elevation certificate and a flood insurance quote during due diligence, and not when you sign a contract,” he said. “This is the most common closing surprise in this price range that is avoided by that one step.”
Marco Island
Admittedly, it’s not the cheapest, but if you can afford it, Brown said Marco Island deserves consideration.
“Marco is on the Florida safety lists year after year due to its island layout and low crime rate,” he said. “It is not the lowest priced on a sticker after all, but for those who place a high value on safety and long-term reliability, the value is there.”
The area is ideal for both retirees and owners who leave their home for extended periods while they’re away, he said. Before making a purchase, he advised making a realistic estimate of the cost of island insurance and checking to see if the property is located in a high-hazard zone.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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