Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What is the nicest town in Florida?” The truth of the matter is, Florida is filled with tons of delightful small towns from coast to coast, from the panhandle to the Keys. Finding a quintessential town, whether on the water or inland, can be a great way to spend a weekend exploring someplace new. We have one particular town that many residents and visitors have dubbed one of the friendliest cities in Florida. What makes a town one of the friendliest, you ask? Let’s dive right in on what Gulfport is all about – and why it just might be the best place to live in Florida.

Gulfport, Florida has been called a lot of things over the years - eclectic, artsy, progressive, welcoming, and even weird.
Flickr Michel Curi
But the word that might be the best to describe this waterfront town is "friendly."
Facebook City of Gulfport, Florida
Gulfport, Florida is a small town with a huge heart - people visit from all over and immediately can see themselves living here and calling it home.
Facebook City of Gulfport, Florida
All of the businesses are independently owned and operated, which means that without the big box or chain stores, without parking meters, and without that type of scene, the positive feelings are free-flowing.
Facebook City of Gulfport, Florida

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There is a lot of “Old Florida” charm that you’ll find here in Gulfport, whether it’s the small, colorful cottages throughout or the streets paved with bricks.
Flickr Judy Anghelescu
The historic downtown area is worth perusing during your visit, as you’ll see a lot of locals over by the scenic Boca Ciega Bay.
Facebook City of Gulfport, Florida
What really adds to the community spirit here is the fact that independent shops and stores, or mom-and-pop restaurants are in abundance. You’ll have that feeling like you’ve become part of the community with one visit.
Flickr Visit Gulfport FL
So the next time you need a pick-me-up and you want to check out a new waterfront community in Florida, head on over to Gulfport.
Flickr Visit Gulfport, FL
Click here to find out where Gulfport is in Florida.
Google Maps

Have you ever visited Gulfport, Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this friendly town, including what else there is to do, make sure to check out the City of Gulfport webpage!

Do you know of any other friendliest towns in Florida that are worthy of a visit? Nominate them for a chance to see them featured in an upcoming article!

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Friendliest Cities In Florida & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | January 20, 2023

What is the best place to live in Florida?

While it's impossible to single out just one best place to live in Florida, these cities and towns have some of the highest quality of life in the state:

This coastal city boasts stunning beaches and a thriving art scene, making it an ideal place to live.

With world-class entertainment and nightlife as well as economic opportunities thanks to its growing metropolitan area, Tampa is among the best places to live in Florida.

Orlando is one of the top tourism destinations in the country, so it offers plenty of jobs and entertainment.

Close to several beautiful beaches, Jacksonville is a waterfront city with good jobs and lots of nearby activities such as historic St. Augustine and Amelia Island.

Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, Melbourne offers outdoor activities and a rich past to delve into.

Please note: The above cities were ranked some of the best to live in Florida back in 2017, but statistics aside, they'll always be great places to put down roots.

Are there any small towns in Florida worth visiting?

There are many small towns in Florida worth visiting. Some of the most charming include:

This Gainesville-area small town offers several popular attractions, including the Devil's Den and Blue Grotto.

  • Carrabelle

A quirky town in the Panhandle, Carrabelle was once home to the world's smallest police station - it was located in a phone booth!

Also in the Panhandle, Apalachicola is known for both Southern hospitality and incredible seafood.

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Gulfport, FL, USA