You are reading this blog post, which means you are probably a newcomer planning or considering moving to Tallahassee, Florida. Keep reading to learn detailed information about the city.
Incorporated in 1824, Tallahassee was primarily an Apalachee Indian Village established by Hernando De Soto, a Spanish explorer; later, the city was considered a University City for having two large universities- Florida State University and A&M University, Florida, for over 150 years.
Tallahassee, the City of Oaks, is known for its green spaces with oak-lined lanes, forests, and beautiful parks. The Hilliest Spot of Florida has rich arts, history, and cultural scenes, is home to the state’s political buildings, and is near the Gulf of Mexico, beaches, and water recreation.
Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, Tallahassee attracts expats for its laid-back way of life, quieter localities, and less touristy scenes.
Keep reading to learn more about Moving to Tallahassee, FL, before deciding to relocate there.
Quick facts before moving to Tallahassee, Florida
Where is Tallahassee, FL, located?
Tallahassee, FL, is the capital and one of the biggest cities of Florida, located in the central part of the state’s northern panhandle.
It is the only incorporated municipality in Leon County. It is situated 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Population in Tallahassee, FL
The population of Tallahassee, Florida, was estimated to be 198,631 in 2023, with a 0.39% annual growth rate from 2020’s 196,342
Diversity in Tallahassee, FL
The city has a high diversity score of 93 out of 100, signifying greater diversity than other U.S. cities. Tallahassee, FL, is a diverse city with various ethnic and racial groups:
- White alone: 52.9%
- Hispanic: 7.0%
- Black or African American: 32.9%
- Asian: 3.5%
- Native American: 0.1%
- Other: 3.6%.
Cost of living in Tallahassee, FL
The Cost of Living Index for Tallahassee, FL, signifies that living costs are 8.8% lower than the U.S. average and 11.5% lower than the Florida average.
- The median household income in Tallahassee, FL is $56,304.
- To live a comfortable life in Tallahassee, FL, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $100,000 for a family and $43,600 for a single person.
- The average cost of living in Tallahassee, FL, is $1587 per month.
- The average monthly net salary after tax is $4,377.39.
The table below indicates the cost of living index of Tallahassee for different categories in comparison with the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
| Cost of Living Categories | Tallahassee, FL | National Average | Difference |
| Overall Cost of Living | 91.2 | 100 | -8.8% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12% |
| Utilities | 86 | 100 | -14% |
| Food & Grocery | 105 | 100 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 112 | 100 | +12% |
Housing market in Tallahassee, FL
- The average cost of buying a home in Tallahassee, FL, as of 2023, is $264K.
- The median listing home price of Tallahassee, FL, as of 2023, was $300K.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate in Tallahassee, FL, was 58%, with approximately 42% of the population in Tallahassee renters living in their homes.
- The median list price per square foot in Tallahassee, FL, averages $199.
Average rental price in Tallahassee, FL
- In Tallahassee, FL, the average rent for an apartment is $1,626.
- The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Tallahassee is $1,375.
- One-bedroom apartments in Tallahassee typically have an average monthly rent of $1,028.
- If you’re looking for a three-bedroom house in Tallahassee, the average monthly rent is $1,958.
- The average monthly rent for a four-bedroom house in Tallahassee is $2,135.
Job market in Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, FL, has a robust job market compared to similar metro areas, with an economic forecast for Leon County indicating a need for over 15,000 jobs by 2030, with alone the Amazon project generating 1000 new jobs in the upcoming year to maintain competitiveness.
- The reported average annual salary in Tallahassee is $62,516.
- The median income in Tallahassee is $50,000.
- The unemployment rate in Tallahassee, FL, is currently at 3.20%, lower than the long-term average of 4.67%.
What are the top employers in Tallahassee, FL
- State of Florida (non-university)
- Florida State University
- Leon County Schools
- Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc.
- City of Tallahassee
- Publix Supermarkets Inc.
- Tallahassee Community College
- Florida A&M University
- Leon County
- Capital Regional Medical Center
Most typical job titles in Tallahassee, FL
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Administrative Assistant
- Server
- Research Assistant
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
- Assistant Manager
Highest paying jobs in Tallahassee, FL
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Anesthesiologist | $298,822 |
| President | $162,450 |
| Driver/Owner Operator | $160,160 |
| Professor | $157,872 |
| Owner/Operator | $151,699 |
| Vice President | $139,634 |
| Economics Teacher | $139,464 |
| Client Executive | $139,030 |
Is it safe to live in Tallahassee, FL?
Tallahassee, FL, has a higher crime rate than many U.S. communities.
- Violent crimes, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, contribute to one of the nation’s highest violent crime rates.
- The city also faces elevated property crime rates involving offenses like burglary, larceny over $50, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- The likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Tallahassee is 1 in 27. Specifically, there’s a 1 in 126 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 34 chance of facing property crime.
- Tallahassee witnesses a predominant property crime rate of 29 per 1,000 residents, ranking among the nation’s highest in motor vehicle theft.
- The estimated violent crime rate IN Tallahassee is 355 per 100,000 people, while the property crime rate is 2,149 per 100,000 people.
Safest neighborhoods in Tallahassee, FL
- Midway
- Levy Park
- Southwood
- Betton Hills
- Woodville
- Killearn Estates
- Killearn Lakes
- Chaires
- Florida State University North
- Meridian
How fast can you commute in Tallahassee, FL?
- The average commute time in Tallahassee, FL, varies from 18.5 minutes to 22.8 minutes for a one-way commute, depending on the source.
- Most people in Tallahassee drive alone to work, with 8.5% carpooling and a small percentage using public transportation or working from home.
List available public transportation in Tallahassee, FL
- StarMetro Buses is a city-owned bus service operating on 30 fixed routes throughout the city. It works on weekdays, weekends, and nights, each with different schedules.
- The specific routes, from Route 1 to Route 30, cover various locations within Tallahassee.
- In addition to fixed routes, Tallahassee has a free trolley running on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday nights from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- The free trolley service benefits students from Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College.
How is the weather in Tallahassee, FL?
- Tallahassee experiences two main seasons: a hot season lasting about 4.4 months, from May 13 to September 26, and a winter season lasting about 2.8 months, from December 1 to February 24.
- The city has a humid subtropical climate, featuring long, tropical summers, short, mild winters, and warm to hot, drier springs and autumns. Hurricanes or tropical storms can impact the area, particularly from late summer to early autumn.
- Tallahassee receives an average yearly precipitation of around 58.9 inches, with the wettest months being June and August.
- Snowfall is rare in Tallahassee, with the most significant recorded snowfall being 2.8 inches and the most recent snowfall at 0.1 inches.
- The hottest month is July, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 72°F.
- The coldest month is January, with an average low of 41°F and a high of 64°F.
- The best time to visit Florida, Tallahassee, is January to May.
Education system in Tallahassee, FL
- Tallahassee, Florida, is served by the Leon County Schools district, containing 56 schools with 32,562 students. The district’s minority enrollment is 70%, and 34.1% of students face economic challenges. The student-teacher ratio is 17:1.
- Tallahassee public schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% and a reading proficiency score of 54%, ranking them in the top 50% of Florida public schools.
- The cost of education in Tallahassee varies. For instance, at Tallahassee Community College (TCC), Florida residents pay $100.83 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $387.27 for associate degree programs. Bachelor’s degree programs cost $3,342 for residents and $12,654 for non-residents annually.
- On average, tuition & fees for colleges in Tallahassee are $4,766 for in-state and $13,102 for out-of-state students.
- Tallahassee has 258 schools, including 196 preschools, 53 high schools, and 200 private schools.
- Florida State University School maintains a student-teacher ratio 16:1, equal to the Florida state level.
- In the Leon County Schools district, the student-teacher ratio is 17:1.
Best middle schools in Tallahassee, FL
- Deerlake Middle School
- The School of Arts and Sciences in Thomasville
- William J Montford III Middle School
- Swift Creek Middle School
- Raa Middle School
Best elementary schools in Tallahassee, FL
- Hawks Rise Elementary School
- Desoto Trail Elementary School
- Gilchrist Elementary School
- Buck Lake Elementary School
- Killearn Lakes Elementary School
Best High Schools in Tallahassee, FL
- Lawton Chiles High School
- Leon High School
- Florida State University School
- Lincoln High School
- James Rickards High School
Best universities and colleges in Tallahassee, FL
- Florida State University
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
- Tallahassee Community College
What are the best things to do in Tallahassee, FL
The famous attractions and things to see in Tallahassee, FL, are as follows:
- Immerse yourself in automotive history at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, featuring an impressive collection of classic cars.
- Connect with nature at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, offering wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
- Explore the vibrant campus of Florida State University, a hub for cultural and sporting events.
- Step into history at Mission San Luis de Apalachee, a recreated 17th-century Spanish mission.
- Experience the outdoors at the Tallahassee Museum, featuring nature trails, wildlife exhibits, historical buildings, and a zip line adventure course.
- Discover the beauty of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, known for its natural springs and diverse wildlife.
- Enjoy the scenic charm of Maclay Gardens State Park, which is particularly vibrant during the spring.
- Dive into creativity at the Railroad Square Art District, where local art and galleries thrive.
- Uncover Florida’s history through captivating exhibits and artifacts at the Museum of Florida History.
- Tour the historic Goodwood Museum and Gardens, exploring its plantation house and lush gardens.
Best neighborhoods in Tallahassee, FL
The best places to live in Tallahassee, FL, are mentioned below:
- Betton Hills
- College Town
- Killearn Lakes & Killearn Estates
- Levy Park
- Midtown
- Summerbrook
- Myers Park and Indianhead Acres
- Los Robles
- Golden Eagle
- Frenchtown
Pros and cons of living in Tallahassee, FL
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of residing in Tallahassee, Florida, provides a fuller picture of the city and can assist you in determining whether or not it is a good fit for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rich cultural heritage and diverse arts scene | Limited public transportation options |
| The abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities | Occasional impact from hurricanes and tropical storms |
| Plenty of sunshine throughout the year | Hot and humid summers |
| Numerous festivals, events, and entertainment options | Small airport |
| Affordable cost of living | High annual precipitation can impact outdoor activities |
| Mild winter, beautiful spring & fall | People, in general, are pretty friendly |
| Magnificent craft beer scene & solid dining options | High crime rate in some areas |
| Proximity to other cities | The city is still well known as a college town, which may not be the best place for families |
| Low property taxes | Risk of flooding in low-lying areas |
| Less traffic congestion compared to larger cities | It can be crowded during the tourist season |
Conclusion
Tallahassee is a great place to live, with attractions, beaches, cuisines, and, most importantly, an affordable cost of living compared to other cities in Florida. Tallahassee offers a lively, safe, and quiet life if you’re considering moving to Florida. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its warm sand and crystal clear blue waters make it a perfect day trip destination. If the city suits your needs, please review the packing list for Florida, after which you will proceed to Tallahassee.