Are you considering a move to Florida? First, this peninsula is 447 miles long from top to bottom, taking about 13 hours to drive from the northern border to the southern tip. Throughout that drive, you’ll experience a range of ecosystems and climates, so you must understand the regions that make up the Sunshine State before choosing your next home.
The whole state is a popular tourist destination, and in places like Davenport, new homes are in high demand as people move to the area. This short guide will break down the nine regions of Florida to summarize what you can expect to find in each place.
Florida By the Regions
The ever-popular Sunshine State is a massive peninsula bordering Georgia and Alabama at the northern tip and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico on the sides and southern end. Inside this area are nine regions: the Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Central West, Central, Central East, Southwest, Southeast, and Keys. Each of these regions is known for certain factors, and we’ll explain those next.
1. Northwest: Also called the Panhandle, the northwest region stretches alongside the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its white, sandy beaches and temperate climate. Here, you’ll find state parks, preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Panhandle is conveniently located near the Alabama and western Georgia border. It includes the counties of Bay, Gulf, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla, Franklin, Liberty, Escambia, Gadsden, Jackson, Calhoun, Washington, Holmes, Walton, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa.
2. North: Those looking for a rural, laid-back part of the state may enjoy North Florida, otherwise called “Old Florida.” This historic region is famous for its Deep South culture, a hilly landscape dotted with freshwater springs, and forests full of oaks and magnolias. Instead of beaches, North Florida boasts cypress swamps, the Suwannee River, springs, and marshes. Counties here include Dixie, Gilchrist, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, Hamilton, Levy, and Madison.
3. Northeast: Northeast Florida is located along the lower St. Johns River and has 140 miles of coastline full of diverse natural habitats. Five barrier islands showcase some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. The Northeast region includes Duval, Flagler, Putnam, Baker, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties.
4. Central West: Comprised of Charlotte, Manatee, Desoto, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, Central West Florida includes some of your stereotypical tourist areas. Here, you’ll find various environments ideal for boating, fishing, and beach fun. Major tourist destinations like Clearwater, Tampa (including Busch Gardens), and St. Petersburg are located in this area.
5. Central: Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and part of Polk County, complete with dozens of lakes and acres of orange groves, make up much of the Central region. However, this vast agricultural land is offset by the mega attractions in Polk, Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties, including Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Other counties here are Lake and Sumter.
6. Central East: St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia Counties are found in Central East Florida. Not far from massive cities like Orlando, Central East stands on its own for attractions like Daytona Beach, Kennedy Space Center, and Cape Canaveral beaches, as well as many wetlands and gardens.
7. Southwest: Collier, Hendry, Glades, and Lee Counties are located in the Southwest part of the state. Here, you’ll find much of stereotypical Florida, including alligators, flamingos, manatees, pelicans, and the Everglades.
8. Southeast: Much of Southeast Florida is encompassed by the Miami metropolitan area and part of the Everglades. Beaches, city life, and luxury living are included alongside rural swampland and the Gulf Coast. Here, we find Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.
9. Florida Keys: Monroe County, which makes up all of the Florida Keys, is nestled at the foot of Florida. This region is comprised of a chain of islands stretching from nearby Miami to the southernmost tip of the continental US, Key West. These islands are similar to the Caribbean environment, where the warm climate and unique ecosystem are tropical and beachy.
With nine regions and hundreds of square miles of land to choose from, you’re sure to find the geography and climate you’re searching for in sunny Florida. Use this guide to pinpoint the type of land that meets your preferences, and then search for your next home within the counties in that region. Happy house hunting!
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