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Realtors Predict House Prices Will Skyrocket In These 16 Popular Florida Towns

Some of the cities may not be on your radar yet.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Feb. 16, 2025

If you ask many people why they want to move to Florida, you’re likely to hear something about the nice weather.

If you’re looking to make a move to The Sunshine State so you can enjoy all that weather it’s famous for, it can help you lower your financial stress to know where house prices are about to rise so you can get in a new home before the cost to purchase goes up.

We talked to real estate experts about popular Florida towns where house prices may skyrocket, including some areas where the cost of living may be lower than you expect.

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Miami

Many of the realtors and agents we talked to mentioned Miami as a top town where housing prices are expected to skyrocket. According to Russell Diehl, a REALTOR® and broker with Arizona Network Realty, the Miami area is projected to see a 24% increase in existing home sales and a 9% increase in prices. Diehl says the median home price is approximately $410,700, slightly below the national median.

“Miami’s appeal stems from a robust economy, cultural diversity, and coastal amenities,” Diehl continued.

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Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking at Miami, you might want to consider Fort Lauderdale. Diehl predicted similar increases in sales and prices for Fort Lauderdale as in Miami.

“Florida's absence of state income tax makes it financially appealing, though homeowners should be mindful of rising insurance premiums due to climate-related risks,” according to Diehl.

Orlando

Along with Miami, Orlando is another Florida town frequently mentioned by the agents and brokers we spoke with. According to Diehl, the median home price is around $442,500, with a moderate cost of living.

“Ranked sixth among top housing markets, this region is expected to see a 15.2% increase in sales and a 12.1% rise in median sale price,” says Diehl. “The presence of major theme parks and a growing entertainment sector enhance its attractiveness.”

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Jacksonville

Here’s another place of projected growth, according to Diehl, who says Jacksonville residents can expect to see a 23.3% increase. That likely has a lot to do with all that Jacksonville has to offer, which includes a strong job market, affordable housing options, and a growing population.

“With a median home price of about $401,400, Jacksonville offers relatively affordable housing,” Diehl says. “The cost of living is lower compared to other major Florida cities, and the absence of state income tax adds to its financial appeal.”

Cape Coral

According to Keith McCoy, owner and founder of Midtown Homebuyers in Milton, Florida, Cape Coral is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida.

“I believe home prices are going to rise quickly,” says McCoy. “More people are moving there for jobs, lower cost of living, and waterfront properties.”

While McCoy says the city is still more affordable than places like Miami or Tampa, demand is pushing prices up fast.

Not only that, but with a cost of living that is lower than in larger cities, and Florida's lack of state income tax, homestead exemptions, and local business incentives, McCoy says this region is a smart place to invest.

Tampa

“Tampa is another city to watch,” according to Judi Kutner, a licensed real estate associate and a senior contributor at Virtual Staging. “It’s growing quickly, with strong job markets in healthcare and tech driving people to move there.”

Kutner says it’s a city that balances urban amenities with affordability, especially compared to Miami. According to Kutner, families especially are drawn to Tampa because the cost of living is more manageable, and it offers a great quality of life with waterfront views and a lot of redevelopment happening downtown.

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Port Charlotte

Wesley Kang, founder of Realtor 1099 Cafe, has his eyes on Port Charlotte.

“Tech companies are quietly buying land there for data centers because of the fiber optic infrastructure,” he says. “Median prices still hover at $350,000 but I'm watching property values jump 15% just in early 2025. The smart money's moving in before the tech announcements go public.”

Winter Garden

Kang says Winter Garden is another place that’s attracting attention, but not for the obvious reasons.

“My clients are snapping up properties there because it's one of the few Florida markets with both strong short-term rental returns and no new rental restrictions,” he says. “I just helped an investor buy at $425,000 and they're already clearing $4,000 monthly on short-term rentals. Plus their property tax rate's locked at 0.8%.”

Stuart

“There’s something big happening in Stuart that nobody's talking about,” Kang says. “They just approved massive tax incentives for biotech companies. I've got three corporate clients moving operations there because operating costs are 40% lower than Miami.”

While he notes that home prices still sit at $400,000, he says that he’s watching inventory disappear as company relocations ramp up.

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Sarasota

When it comes to Florida towns poised for significant growth, Jonathan Faccone, founder of Halo Homebuyers, says Sarasota is a prime example of what’s to come.

“It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and world-class beaches, making it increasingly popular among retirees and remote workers,” Faccone says. “The current median home price in Sarasota stands at around $380,000, with a steady annual appreciation, hinting at a promising investment opportunity.

Doral

Doral has an economic and lifestyle appeal that makes it poised to see house prices skyrocket, according to Faccone.

“Another city on the rise is Doral, renowned for its strong job market and proximity to Miami's bustling business districts,” Faccone says. “This area attracts a young, professional demographic, driving demand for residential properties.

Doral's strategic location and robust local economy, according to Faccone. That, coupled with a median home price of approximately $360,000, make it a compelling choice for both investors and homebuyers.

St. Petersburg

When it comes to tax advantages and growth potential, Faccone says St. Petersburg is a place to look.

“Cities like St. Petersburg offer unique tax benefits, such as no state income tax, which, when combined with an affordable cost of living and growing tech industry, make it an attractive option for newcomers,” Facone says. “St. Petersburg’s focus on sustainable living and green spaces also enhances its allure, reflecting a broader trend towards eco-conscious living spaces.”

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Palm Beach

According to Aleks Grigoriev, a real estate expert and co-founder of Sell My House Fast LV, Palm Beach is set to see higher prices as it’s an area that attracts affluent buyers seeking upscale amenities, pristine beaches, and a higher standard of living.

“The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the area's exclusivity and luxury offerings,” according to Grigoriev. “While benefiting from no state income tax, property taxes are considerable due to high property values.”

Palm Bay

Grigoriev says affordability, along with a proximity to Florida’s Space Coast, makes the Palm Bay area an attractive option for both aerospace professionals and retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle.

“The area is expected to see a combined increase of 10.4% in existing home sales and median sales prices in 2025,” he says. “As of late 2024, the median sales price was approximately $300,000.

North Port

“Known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, cultural amenities, and a growing arts scene, this area appeals to both retirees and young professionals,” according to Grigoriev.

The North Port part of Florida is expected to see a 9.5% increase in existing home sales and median sales prices in 2025, according to Grigoriev.

Clearwater

Clearwater is another area with a lot going for it, according to Grigoriev. “This region boasts a robust job market, diverse cultural attractions, and a favorable climate, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike.”

Grigoriev says that there’s a 9.6% increase in existing home sales and median sales prices forecasted for 2025.

Bottom line

Owning a home in a sunny state like Florida is a dream for many people, whether they’re buying a place for themselves or looking to earn extra income with an investment property. Some popular Florida towns are expected to see house prices skyrocket in 2025.

You can maximize your retirement savings, and still enjoy all Florida has to offer, by looking now before those prices go up.

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