Best South Florida Areas for Families

Perhaps you’ve lived in New York or New Jersey all your life and you can’t get enough of their hustle and bustle. Or maybe you're relocating from the West Coast looking for lower taxes and great beaches. If you feel like you want more sunny days, warm temperatures, and abundant activities with your growing family, however, it might be time to move south. Let’s explore South Florida and the five best neighborhoods for your family!

An Overview of Florida

Florida is a state that offers a little of everything, from the urban delights of Miami to the widely-visited theme parks in Orlando. Its 2022 population was over 22 million and has over 1,000 people moving to the state every single day. 

Is Florida a good place to raise a family? It depends on where you choose to live and your family’s lifestyle and needs. 

The best Florida communities for families have excellent educational systems, plenty of outdoor activities, safe neighborhoods, and nearby amenities. And if you’re still wondering where to live in Florida with family, head south and get to know even more cities you can call home!

South Florida In a Nutshell

South Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and it’s easy to see why. The weather is always warm, people have many places to visit, and the beach is always nearby! It’s a favorite retirement destination, seeing more tourists than any other area in the state.

It has some of the best family communities in Florida. We’ve listed five family-friendly choices to help you decide which place is best for you: Parkland, Boca Raton, Weston, Wellington, and Coral Springs.

Parkland

Parkland, a suburban city of Fort Lauderdale, has a population of over 33,000. It provides residents with a rural feel, having a grade of A+ for a family-friendly environment. Most families in Parkland own their homes, making it an excellent choice for raising children.

Regarding crime and safety, Parkland has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities in Florida. The cost of living is slightly higher than average, but most families can afford to live comfortably in the city. Parkland is the best place to raise a family in Broward County and the 14th best in Florida. Overall, it has a Niche grade of A+!

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Education in Parkland

Parkland has hundreds of excellent public and private schools, meaning your children will get the best education possible. Some of the top schools include the following:

• Heron Heights Elementary School
• Riverglades Elementary School
• Park Trails Elementary School
• Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

For private schools, Primary Learning Preschool Parkland, Mary Help of Christians Catholic School, and Phylis J Green Early Childhood Center are three of the best-performing.

Top Family Activities

If you’re a family of health and fitness enthusiasts, the landscape offers options for biking, hiking, jogging, or walking. Parkland is known as the city of green, with at least nine parks for recreation and relaxation. Your family can enjoy the beautiful scenery, picnic tables and benches, swings, slides, play areas, pavilions, and more!

Being a city of green, Parkland is also quite close to the beach! Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale are some of the best places your family can drive to for pristine beaches.

Boca Raton

Another of the best suburbs in Florida for families is Boca Raton. The Palm Beach County town has a population of over 95,000, offering an urban feel with many amenities and activities for its residents. Generally, Boca Raton is a good place for families and has an A- grade for diversity.

Crime and safety in Boca Raton could be better, but it’s still relatively safe compared to other cities in the country. The cost of living is slightly above average, but most families can afford to live comfortably. Boca Raton is the second-best place to live in Palm Beach County and one of the state’s best suburbs for young professionals, with an overall Niche grade of A!

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Education in Boca Raton

Boca Raton is one of the top suburbs with the best public schools in Florida. The town’s top public schools are the following:

• A.d. Henderson University School & Fau High School
• Waters Edge Elementary School
• Calusa Elementary School
• Don Estridge High Technical Middle School
• Sunrise Park Elementary School

Besides public schools, Boca Raton has some outstanding private schools, including the following:

• French American International School of Boca Raton
• Saint Andrew’s School
• Fusion Academy Boca Raton
• Boca Prep International School
• Boca Raton Christian School

Top Family Activities

Your family will never run out of fun things to do in Boca Raton! You have plenty of options for shopping and dining, health and fitness, and entertainment. Boca Raton has many top-rated beaches, including South Beach Park, Red Reef Park, and Spanish River Park.

If you’re looking for a cultural experience, the town has some of the best museums in Florida, like the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Children’s Science Explorium, and Sanborn Square. Boca Raton also has several family-friendly parks and playgrounds, so your kids can have unlimited fun!

Weston

Third on our list is Weston, a Fort Lauderdale suburb with over 68,000 residents. With an overall Niche grade of A+, Weston is an exceptional place for education and employment. It’s generally a good community for families and one of the most diverse cities in Florida.

Overall, Weston has a low crime rate and cost of living that is slightly above average. It’s the best place to live in Broward County and the 13th-best suburb in Florida. Regarding raising a family, Weston is also one of the top suburbs in the state.

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Education in Weston

Weston is home to some of the best public schools in Florida. Here’s a list of the top elementary, middle, and high schools in the city:

• Eagle Point Elementary School
• Indian Trace Elementary School
• Everglades Elementary School
• Gator Run Elementary School
• Imagine Charter School At Weston
• Falcon Cove Middle School
• Tequesta Trace Middle School
• Cypress Bay High School

Three of the best private schools in Weston are St. Paul Child Enrichment Center, A Children’s Carousel, and Three Village Montessori.

Top Family Activities

Some of the best beaches near Weston are Haulover Park, Hollywood Beach, and Lauderdale-By-the-Sea. Other ways to explore nature are to try the Ride the Wind private airboat charters and Blackwater Airboat Tours. You can also visit Emerald Estates Park and Peace Mound Park for recreation!

Little Java’s Family Fun Center and Gecko ParX are the perfect places if your kids want some playtime. All in all, Weston has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids active, happy, and entertained.

Wellington

Another top-rated city in Palm Beach County is Wellington. It has a population of over 61,000 and an overall Niche grade of A. Wellington is great for schooling and working, and crime and safety in the city are relatively low. It’s also one of the most diverse cities in the state. Is it suitable for families? Absolutely!

The median household income in Wellington is $98,163, higher than the national average. The city is the fifth best place to raise a family in Palm Beach County and one of the top 100 suburbs in the whole state.

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Education in Wellington

Out of the 380 suburbs with the best public schools in Florida, Wellington is the 33rd-best. The city has around 38 schools, with the following as the top public and private elementary, middle, and high schools:

• Binks Forest Elementary School
• Equestrian Trails Elementary School
• Elbridge Gale Elementary School
• New Horizons Elementary School
• Wellington Elementary School
• Wellington Landings Middle School
• Polo Park Middle School
• Emerald Cove Middle School
• Somerset Academy of the Arts
• Renaissance Charter School At Wellington
• Wellington High School
• Palm Beach Central High School
• Score Academy
• The Children’s House of Wellington
• Palm Beach International Academy
• St David’s Episcopal School

Top Family Activities

Wellington is also all about its residents’ health, fitness, and wellness. It’s the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, also known for its International Gay Polo Tournament and the Palm Beach International Polo Season. Yes, you and your family can watch professional polo matches here!

For outdoor fun, the city has some of the best parks in Florida, including Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Village Park, and Wellington Environmental Preserve. Whenever you’re in the mood for beach time, you can always visit nearby beaches like the Lake Worth Municipal Beach, Palm Beach Municipal Beach, and John D.

Coral Springs

Of course, no list of South Florida cities would be complete without Coral Springs. With a population of over 133,000, Coral Springs is one of the best places to raise a family in Broward County. Diversity thrives here. In fact, Coral Springs is the second most diverse suburb in the state!

The residents here enjoy good and consistent weather. Its overall Niche grade is A- and the median household income is $81,944. Residents in Coral Springs have a great deal of outdoor activities, which support the health and fitness of the whole family. The city’s urban-suburban mix makes families and young professionals feel at home.

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Education in Coral Springs

Coral Springs has a Niche grade of B+ for Public Schools. It has over 80 schools, with some of the top-rated public and private elementary, middle, and high schools as the following:

• Riverside Elementary School
• Panacea Prep Charter School
• Park Springs Elementary School
• Eagle Ridge Elementary School
• Renaissance Charter School at Coral Springs
• Westglades Middle School
• Renaissance Charter School at Coral Springs
• Somerset Academy Hollywood Middle School
• City Of Coral Springs Charter School
• Imagine Middle School At Broward
• Coral Springs High School
• J. P. Taravella High School
• Coral Glades High School
• Coral Springs Montessori School
• Xceed Preparatory Academy (Coral Springs)
• Saint Andrew Catholic School

Top Family Activities

Coral Springs is only a few minutes away from some of Florida’s best beaches. Besides fun under the sun and in the sand, the city has many natural areas like the Tall Cypress Natural Area, Sawgrass Nature Center, and Wildlife Hospital.

Coral Springs has countless golf course options and parks for outdoor recreation. Mullins Park has 62 acres of land with a playground, sports courts and fields, and picnic areas. Locals and tourists also love visiting the Butterfly World, which has around 20,000 live butterflies!

Relocation Tips for Families

The world is your oyster. Any city can be your home if you make it your own! When moving to a new place with your family, here are some tips to make the transition smooth:

1. Do Your Research. Learn as much as possible about your new city first. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to adjust.
2. Check Out Schools. Education is a priority. Visit the top schools in your new neighborhood and choose the one that fits your family best.
3. Find Family-Friendly Activities. Get to know the city and its attractions by searching online or asking around. You and your family can explore the town together until it feels like home!
4. Meet Your Neighbors. Create a sense of community and make friends with your neighbors. It’s one way to get more information about the city and be part of its culture.

If you’re eyeing the best place for families to live in Florida, consider cities in the south like Parkland, Boca Raton, Weston, Wellington, and Coral Springs. These cities offer a blend of private and public schools, family-friendly activities, access to beaches, and a diverse community. Choose the town that checks all your boxes for a great family life.

Welcome Home to South Florida!

Unsurprisingly, many families love South Florida. The sunny state has something for everyone, no matter which city you choose! Florida has top-rated schools for your children, job opportunities for adults, and fun activities for all ages. Sunny weather, breathtaking beaches, and a diverse community? The Sunshine State has it all and more!

With so many options available, it’s up to you to decide which one will be yours. Take your time and research the perfect city for you and your family. List your priorities and long-term goals, then start the journey of relocating to South Florida. We wish you luck with your move. Welcome home!