Thousands of people move to Florida each year to take advantage of the Sunshine State’s high quality of life, beautiful white sand beaches, and balmy weather.
Florida is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, and it consistently ranks as a top state for retirees, thanks to its extremely friendly tax policy. Florida has no Social Security tax, no taxes on pensions or retirement plans, and no inheritance or estate taxes.
Whether you’re thinking about a log cabin for a property you recently purchased or you have a piece of land that’s been in your family for generations, there’s never been a better time to build a log home in Florida.
Keep reading to see our top picks for the best places to live in Florida (sorted by region) and learn why it makes sense to use a Florida log cabin kit.
North Central Florida
Known for its abundance of natural springs, North Central Florida is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It’s home to the University of Florida, which draws engineering students from across the country.
If you love fishing, boating, and lazy days on the water, put North Central Florida on your list. Here are some of our top picks for where to build a log cabin in this popular region.
Alachua/High Springs
The neighboring communities of Alachua and High Springs are surrounded by natural beauty, offering loads of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Both towns have charming downtown areas and host many annual festivals and events, including the Alachua County Fair and Pioneer Days.
Spend your weekends hiking and biking in nearby San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park or browsing the shops, restaurants, and galleries in High Springs’ popular downtown area. Vacant lots in the area start around $50K-$100K per acre.
Why we love it: Alachua County is home to eight state parks, freshwater springs, world-class museums, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.
Population: 10,700 (Alachua); 6,400 (High Springs)
Williston
Known for its small-town charm and horse farms, Williston is an idyllic town in North Central Florida. Living here gives you access to the Nature Coast State Trail, a 32-mile stretch of trail that runs through several towns in the area, plus a variety of annual festivals and events, including the Williston Crabfest. Wooded lots are very affordable in the area, starting at around $8,000 per acre.
Why we love it: Williston is an equestrian’s paradise. The area is home to dozens of horse farms and hosts many equestrian events throughout the year, including the Williston Horse Trials.
Population: 3,065
Salt Springs/Fort McCoy
One of Florida’s recreational gems, the Salt Springs/Fort McCoy area is home to spectacular mineral springs that attract thousands of visitors every year. Living in this area puts you right in the heart of the Ocala National Forest, an expansive wilderness area featuring more than 600 lakes and rivers. If you love boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling, you can’t do better than Salt Springs or Fort McCoy.
Why we love it: This area is like Florida’s Shangri-La. Swim with playful manatees, explore some of the world’s rarest plants, and snorkel in freshwater springs in some of Florida’s last remaining wild places.
Population: 4,140 (Salt Springs); 7,150 (Fort McCoy)
Lake Weir
This unincorporated area is a fisherman’s dream. Lake Weir is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and other popular species. If your goal is to spend lots of time on the water or have a lakeside property, Lake Weir is a great choice. It’s ideal for a family home or small fishing cabin. Half-acre lots go for as little as $15,000 in the area.
Why we love it: Lake Weir is a fantastic spot for boating, birdwatching, jet skiing, and everything water based. Ocala National Forest is just a 30-minute drive northeast of the lake.
Floral City
Full of small-town charm, Floral City is quintessential “Old Florida.” Stroll down the town’s charming tree-lined streets, hike the Withlacoochee State Trail without leaving town, or visit one of the area’s many historical sites. One-acre wooded lots start at around $40,000 in the area, perfect for your vacation cabin or homestead.
Why we love it: Floral City is surrounded by wildlife refuges in virtually every direction and is just a 30-minute drive to Crystal River, a year-round home for manatees.
Population: 5,200
Withlacoochee State Forest
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Withlacoochee State Forest boasts many miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. It’s not hard to see why the World Wildlife Fund called it one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America.” If you want to live where the wild things roam, this is a prime area. For easy access to the Withlacoochee State Forest, search for properties in Floral City, Webster, or Brooksville.
Why we love it: Although Withlacoochee State Forest is surrounded by towns in every direction, you truly feel at one with nature in the area’s dense woodlands.
Mayo
The tiny village of Mayo embodies the spirit of small-town America. Living in Mayo gives you easy access to the Suwannee River, one of Florida’s most beautiful waterways. If you love kayaking and canoeing, this is your place. Properties in and around Mayo are affordable, starting at less than $10,000 per acre.
Why we love it: It’s impossible not to feel at home in this charming old town. With just a handful of restaurants, a single grocery store, and a few boutique shops, you’ll get to know everyone on a first-name basis in no time.
Population: 1,235
Panhandle
Known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, here are some of our top picks for where to build a home in the Florida Panhandle—the northernmost region of the state.
Walton County
Home to about 75,000 people, Walton County is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Living in Walton County gives you access to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling in the Lafayette Creek Wildlife Area to sport fishing on the Gulf Coast.
Why we love it: Living in Walton County gives you lots of options for travel and recreation. Tallahassee, Montgomery, and Mobile are all about a 2.5-hour drive away.
Milton
This historic Civil War site founded in the 1800s is home to Blackwater River State Park and the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Milton has a strong economy and is home to several important military installations, including Whiting Field Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base. Real estate is affordable in the area, so you can carve out a private retreat for your home or vacation cabin on a budget.
Why we love it: Living in Milton gives you easy access to the Gulf Coast to the south and prime wildlife areas to the north.
Population: 10,500
Tallahassee
Florida’s vibrant state capital offers the best of both worlds: all the amenities you’d expect in a major city with easy access to wildlands. The city is surrounded by wildlife refuges and parks, including the Apalachicola National Forest, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and Flint Rock National Wildlife Management Area. Wooded half-acre lots start at $10,000.
Why we love it: If you want access to great schools, job opportunities, and wild nature, Tallahassee is a great choice.
Population: 197,000
Crawfordville
This small town 20 miles south of Tallahassee is a gateway to Wakulla Springs State Park, one of Florida’s most beautiful natural areas. The park features a crystal-clear natural spring and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and many species of birds. It’s also a short drive from the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for sport fishing and lazy days at the beach.
Why we love it: Living in Crawfordville gives you easy access to the city and all its amenities but puts you right in the heart of manatee country. It’s the perfect compromise.
Population: 4,100
Everglades
This 1.5 million-acre wetlands preserve in southern Florida is truly a magical place. Everglades National Park is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere and is teeming with wildlife. It’s no wonder the park attracts an estimated one million visitors each year. Only in the Everglades can you spot manatees, alligators, and crocodiles coexisting in the wild.
For easy access to Everglades National Park, search for properties in the suburbs of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Boca Raton.
Partner with eLoghomes for Your Florida Log Home Build
Whether you’re building your dream home for retirement or a classic log cabin for family vacations, eLoghomes is here to help.
As the nation’s leading log home manufacturer and builder, we are experts in the log home kit space. We offer hundreds of models and floor plans, from small fishing cabins to multi-story family homes. We’re also top log cabin builders in Florida, offering optional construction services for your eLoghomes shell package.
Take a virtual tour of some of our most popular log home models, then explore our catalog to find your perfect Florida log home. Get in touch to learn more and for pricing.