Looking for the smallest cities in Florida? When people think about Florida, they often picture Miami nightlife, Orlando theme parks, or Tampa’s beaches. But not all of Florida is crowded or busy. Some of Florida’s smallest cities are tiny, quiet places with just a few hundred people. These towns may be small, but they each have a story, a history, and even some unique real estate opportunities. Let’s look at the five smallest cities in Florida and what makes them worth knowing about.
Weeki Wachee: Famous for Mermaids but Tiny in Size
Weeki Wachee is one of Florida’s smallest cities, with fewer than 20 residents. It is best known for its live mermaid shows, which have been a tourist attraction since the 1940s. Even though the city itself is tiny, the surrounding area near Spring Hill and Hernando County is growing fast.
For real estate, this means that while you won’t find houses inside Weeki Wachee itself, nearby neighborhoods are attracting buyers who want to be close to natural springs, kayaking, and the Gulf of Mexico. Families and retirees like this area because it combines small-town charm with outdoor fun.
Marineland: Oceanfront Living with Few Neighbors
Marineland is another one of the smallest cities in Florida, with only around 15 residents. It was originally built as a marine attraction in the 1930s, and today it is more of a research and conservation center.
Real estate in Marineland is very limited, but that makes it unique. Homes near Marineland or in surrounding Flagler and St. Johns counties often sell for a premium because of their direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Buyers here are usually looking for second homes, vacation rentals, or luxury coastal property.
St. Marks: Historic and Quiet
St. Marks is one of the oldest towns in Florida, with a population of about 300. It sits where the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers meet, and it was once a busy port town. Now, it’s one of Florida’s smallest cities where life moves at a much slower pace.
Housing in St. Marks is affordable compared to most of Florida, and the area is popular with people who love fishing, boating, and kayaking. Buyers here are often looking for vacation cottages, riverfront homes, or quiet retirement spots.
Sopchoppy: Small but Full of Character
With fewer than 500 residents, Sopchoppy is well known for its quirky annual “Worm Grunting Festival,” which celebrates an old tradition of coaxing earthworms out of the ground. This makes Sopchoppy one of the most interesting among the smallest cities in Florida.
Real estate in Sopchoppy is some of the most affordable in the state. Many homes are surrounded by national forests and rivers, giving buyers a true “back to nature” lifestyle. People looking for cabins, land, or simple single-family homes often find Sopchoppy appealing.
Penney Farms: Built for Retirement
Penney Farms was founded by J.C. Penney in the 1920s as a place for retired ministers. Today, it has about 700 residents, making it larger than the other towns on this list but still one of Florida’s smallest cities.
The housing market here is steady, mostly geared toward retirees and seniors. Properties are simple, affordable, and designed for community living. People who move to Penney Farms are usually looking for a slower lifestyle with friendly neighbors and a strong sense of history.
Why Florida’s Smallest Cities Matter
Even though these places are small, they show a side of Florida that many people never see. Instead of big resorts and traffic, the smallest cities in Florida offer peace, history, and natural beauty. For real estate buyers, they provide chances to find affordable homes, vacation properties, or quiet places to retire.
Whether you’re looking for oceanfront views in Marineland, riverside cottages in St. Marks, or affordable housing in Sopchoppy, exploring Florida’s smallest cities can open up new opportunities beyond the state’s big urban centers.
