Florida doesn't exactly have a reputation for being the safest state in the country, and last year it was reported that more of our cities than any other state's were on the list of the 100 most dangerous ones in the U.S.
Always curious, we used the website www.areavibes.com to find the 10 cities with the lowest crime rates in Florida.
This being Florida, it probably won't surprise you that most of these cities are pretty wealthy. Don't worry, though, we'll have a list of the best affordable places to live in the future as well (feel free to tell us about your favorites below).
10. Punta Rassa
Punta Rassa is located in Lee County in southwest Florida and has a population around 1,750. Originally named "Punta Rasca," meaning smooth or flat point by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century, it later became a successful cattle town and port.
9. Shalimar
Shalimar is a tiny town (around 700 people) in Okalossa County. Shalimar was created in the '40s as a town for military officers. The sheriff's offices and county administration building for Okaloosa County are located in Shalimar.
8. Highland Beach
Highland Beach was founded in 1949 and named for its relatively high elevation. The town has an area of about one square mile, about half of which is water, and a population of around 4,000. It's located in southeast Florida in Palm Beach County. With only two businesses, a resort and a realty company, this town is almost completely residential.
7. Hillsboro Beach
The Town of Hillsboro Beach is a small town (under 2,000 permanent residents) in South Florida. Most people call the main road that runs through the tiny town "Millionaires' Mile," which should give you an idea of how wealthy the people are who live there.
6. Sewall's Point
Sewall's Point is another affluent town of around 2,000, but in Martin County. This is also an exclusive residential community. Singer-songwriter Tori Amos lives here at least part of the year.
5. South Palm Beach
This small town of around 1,500 calls itself "The Best Town on the East Coast," and the town council has worked hard over the years to keep it from being overtaken by large businesses and condos.
4. Jupiter Inlet Colony
You probably know this town of around 400 people in Palm Beach County for its iconic red lighthouse. The tiny town has boasted a very unique list of famous residents such as singer Perry Como, country star Alan Jackson, and actress Olivia Newton-John. About 75% of the town is over the age of 45.
3. Lawtey
Among all these wealthy South Florida towns, Lawtey in northeast Florida kind of seems out of place. Maybe being a well-known speed trap (so there is probably always a policeman nearby) has kept the crime low? We can only speculate.
2. Indian River Shores
Indian River Shores is a town on Orchid Island in southeast Florida with a population of around 3,500.
1. Indian Creek
Indian Creek is an itty-bitty town of fewer than 100 people. It also has the 8th highest income in the country. Tons of rich and famous people have owned homes in Indian Creek, from Enrique Iglesias to Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.
How safe to do you feel in your city? How important to you is safety when choosing where to live? What are your favorite towns in Florida? Please leave your comments below.
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