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Exploring AARP’s Livability Index: FL’s Top “Small” Communities of 2026

AARP

Published October 07, 2026

Floridians of all ages deserve to thrive in their communities. This is why AARP developed the AARP Livability Index™ platform, an online tool that helps you understand your community’s assets and challenges, thus encouraging change that will enhance your quality of life.

Through research and data from 50 independent sources and AARP’s Domains of Livability, the Livability Index tool compares and ranks communities across the nation to highlight how well a community serves its current population. The goal? To encourage change – to create a truly livable community that will serve your needs regardless of age or ability.

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According to the AARP AARP Livability Index™ platform, a “small” community has a population of under 25,000 residents. Take a look at Florida’s top performing “small” communities (cities, counties, towns, etc.) that prioritize meeting the current and future needs of all residents:

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            "address": " 208 N Partin Drive. Niceville, FL 32578",
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            "description": "Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Housing, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation",
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            "description": "Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation",
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1. Fernandina Beach
Community Challenge Grant Winner (2026)
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

2. Key Biscayne
AARP Age-Friendly Network Member
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Neighborhood, and Transportation

3. Destin
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Neighborhood, and Transportation

4. Wilton Manors
AARP Age-Friendly Network Member
Community Challenge Grant Winner (2022)
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Health, Housing, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

5. New Port Richey
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Housing, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

6. Fort Walton Beach
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Housing, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

7. Stuart
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Health, Housing, Neighborhood, and Transportation

8. Niceville
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Housing, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

9. Neptune Beach
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Environment, Health, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation

10. Longwood
AARP Age-Friendly Network Member
Community Challenge Grant Winner (2026)
Above Average Ratings In: Civic and Social Engagement, Health, Neighborhood, Opportunity, and Transportation