Study Says THIS Is the Best Place to Raise a Family in Florida — And Sorry, Miami, It’s Not You 😬

June 7, 2025

f you’ve ever tried to raise a family in Miami and thought, “Is it just me, or is this actually chaos?” — it’s not just you. A new study from WalletHub just dropped, ranking the best (and worst) places in the U.S. to raise a family — and Florida cities didn’t exactly get a gold star. In fact, Miami ranked near the bottom. Like… yikes.

🏆 So, what’s the best place in Florida to raise a fam?

Orlando took the crown for the Sunshine State, landing at No. 50 nationwide. Why? Family fun. Think endless theme parks, sunny weather, and kid-friendly vibes. Basically, it’s Disney adults’ dream and a toddler’s paradise.

Other Florida cities that fared okay-ish:
– St. Pete (53rd): Surprisingly wallet-friendly 🤑
– Tampa (57th): Also scoring high in the fun zone
– Pembroke Pines (60th): Safety squad ✅

😬 And Miami?

Dead last in Florida (except for Hialeah, which ranked even lower). Miami came in at #164 out of 182 U.S. cities.

Despite the glam, beaches, and nightlife, the 305 flopped hard when it came to education, child care, and overall livability for families. Affordability? Basically nonexistent. Walkability? Only if you’re dodging traffic on Biscayne. Safety? Depends on the block.

🔍 What did WalletHub actually look at?

They judged cities on five main categories:

Family Fun (think: rec centers, parks, sports, mini golf)
Health & Safety (crime rates, air/water quality, food access)
Education & Child Care (school quality, child care costs, summer programs)
Affordability (cost of living, housing, overall wallet pain)
Socio-Economics (two-parent households, divorce, poverty, employment)

Spoiler: Miami scored low across the board, especially in child care and education. And as rent skyrockets and living costs surge, it’s just not looking like the most nurturing spot to build your little family empire.

💭 Why does this matter?

Florida’s population boom over the last few years has brought jobs, hype, and new vibes — but it’s also jacked up the cost of living and made it harder for families to thrive. As the study puts it:

“During this period of significant inflation, many families might consider moving to a place with a relatively low cost of living.”

TL;DR:

If you’re raising kiddos in Miami, we see you. But if you’re looking for a slightly easier (and cheaper) ride, Orlando might just be your ticket. Sorry, South Beach — this one’s not your moment.

Written by: DJ