Great Neighborhoods for Families in Florida
You’re not just buying a home, you’re buying into a neighborhood - so the real estate maxim goes. The lifestyle and feel of the neighborhood should fit your needs. This is why so many families opt to move into communities with other families so their children can be around other children, parents can relate to each other over some wine, and commute times are reasonable.
Florida has some spectacular neighborhoods that are perfectly suited for families. Here we’ve listed some of the best the state has to offer. We looked at neighborhoods in the state’s best school districts that have common outdoor space for the kids to run around in – all the while keeping commute times reasonable. Of course, all people are welcome to buy real estate in these neighborhoods, but they happen to be well-suited for families' needs.
Durbin Crossing – St. Johns, FL
Durbin Crossing is a single-family and attached home community providing several options for families of all shapes and sizes. Spacious lots (from a quarter to a half acre) provide kids – and pet kids – plenty of space to run around. The starter family can choose a two-bedroom home while faster-growing ones can claim up to seven bedrooms. The community clubhouse is stacked with amenities that could appeal to any homebuyer, but the little ones are sure to love the waterslide and playgrounds. Most of these homes back up to lush, open green spaces or ponds.
Parents will love knowing that their children are a part of the St. John’s County School District. In 2008, Newsweek Magazine named three of the high schools within the district the best in the country. St. Johns sits between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, bringing both cities to within 30 miles from the neighborhood for an easy commute.
Live Oak Reserve – Oviedo, FL
Live Oak Reserve provides family-friendly living just outside of Orlando. Most of the backyards in this neighborhood open up to the homes behind them, creating a natural meeting space for friends and the neighborhood kids to meet and play, but a few fenced-in yards are available for dog-owning residents or those looking for privacy. The variety of home styles here are also appealing to first-time buyers who want either a modest home or more room to grow. A few of the homes here have covered indoor pools, a popular feature in homes in this part of Florida.
The Seminole County Public Schools enjoy a near-perfect score from GreatSchools.com. Orlando is a quick 25-mile drive away and Oviedo is also perfect for family outings, hosting Black Hammock Adventures and Wilderness Area, a farmers market, and Boing Jump Center.
Turtle Rock – Sarasota, FL
The gated community of Turtle Rock is one of the most picturesque in the area, featuring several ponds scattered throughout and extensive walking paths to encourage exploration of the neighborhood’s 800 acres of wetlands. The homes here range from modest two bedrooms to more luxurious five bedrooms and were primarily built in the 1990’s. Aside from the abundant outdoor common areas, Turtle Rock’s recreation center includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, and a playground for the kids. So even if you don't have kids, the amenities are still an attractive draw.
Turtle Rock is served by Ashton Elementary School, Sarasota Middle School, and Riverview High School - all recipients of a perfect score from GreatSchools.com. It’s only ten miles from downtown Sarasota and is just a short drive from Port Charlotte and Bradenton. Sarasota also has plentiful things for kids including the Big Cat Habitat, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and Children’s Garden.