Moving to Homestead, FL: your local city guide
A growing Miami-Dade city wedged between two national parks — affordable, nature-rich, and A-rated for weather and outdoor living.
At Good Greek Moving & Storage, we understand how daunting the moving process can be. As a full-service Homestead moving company, our relocation team arrives prepared with all the equipment needed to pack your items and make sure the journey to your new home is safe and secure. Whenever you decide to move to a new city, we’re here to take some of the stress off your shoulders. Below is everything you need to know about living in Homestead.
Key Takeaways
- Homestead sits in Miami-Dade County between Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, with nearly 65,000 residents and an A rating for weather and outdoor activities.
- It’s one of South Florida’s more affordable gateways, with home values and rent below national averages and a renter-majority market (61% rent, 39% own).
- The city offers access to nationally ranked magnet schools (five A+ public schools serve the area) and is minutes from Miami, Kendall, and Doral — but safety scores lower, so research neighborhoods carefully.
Moving to Homestead
A nature-forward city between Biscayne and the Everglades.
Homestead is a city within Miami-Dade County, set between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west. Today it’s home to almost 65,000 residents and growing. A welcoming town center, with family-owned shops and restaurants, serves as an inviting introduction to the natural beauty that makes Homestead special. Just ten miles west lies Everglades National Park — a subtropical wilderness of vast mangrove forests and watery sawgrass plains that shelters alligators, ibis, eagles, manatees, and panthers. For anyone who values the outdoors, few Florida cities put two national parks so close to home.
Population and nearby areas
A mid-sized city with major metros nearby.
Homestead has a population of about 64,676 and continues to grow as people look for more affordable footholds in the Miami area. Its location gives residents a quieter, more spread-out base while keeping the amenities of Greater Miami within easy reach. Nearby cities include:
- Miami
- Kendall
- Doral
This proximity means residents can commute to South Florida’s job centers and entertainment while enjoying lower housing costs at home.
Real estate and cost of living
An affordable, renter-heavy South Florida market.
Homestead has a suburban area feel and remains relatively affordable for the region. The median home value is reported around $116,400 — below the national figure of roughly $178,600 — with median rent near $1,078 versus a national $928. The market leans toward renters, with about 61% renting and 39% owning. The median household income sits around $40,959, and cost of living scores a B-, reflecting Homestead’s role as a more budget-friendly entry point into the Miami-Dade area.
Schools and education
Access to nationally recognized magnet schools.
While local education levels are modest — roughly 5% of residents hold a master’s degree or higher, 12% a bachelor’s, and 27% some college or an associate’s degree — families in the area have access to a remarkable set of top-rated public magnet schools, including:
- School for Advanced Studies – South (A+)
- MAST Academy (A+)
- Coral Reef Senior High School (A+)
- New World School of the Arts (A+)
- Design & Architecture Senior High School (A+)
These Miami-Dade magnet programs are among the highest rated in the state, which can be a major draw for families willing to pursue them.
Things to do and outdoor living
Two national parks and a lively local calendar.
With Biscayne and Everglades National Parks bracketing the city, Homestead is built for outdoor recreation — boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the subtropical landscape. The city earns A ratings for both weather and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a longtime local, new in town, or just passing through, you can explore plenty of local events throughout the year.
Utilities and getting settled
Set up your essentials before moving day.
To make your transition smooth, arrange your core utilities ahead of your move. The main providers serving Homestead are:
- Electric: FPL
- Cable / Internet: Xfinity
- Water: City of Homestead Utilities (HPS)
For those evaluating the local job market, you can view top employers in the area to get a sense of regional industry.
Living conditions at a glance
Strong on weather and outdoors, with trade-offs to weigh.
Homestead earns a B for overall living conditions. Its standout strengths are an A for weather, an A for outdoor activities, and an A- for commute, along with a B+ for nightlife and an A rating for residents based on ethnic and economic diversity. The areas to weigh carefully are schools (C+), housing (C), and safety and crime (C-) — making neighborhood research especially worthwhile before you choose where to settle.
How Good Greek handles your Homestead move
Full-service local and long-distance moving to and from Homestead.
At Good Greek Moving & Storage, we deliver a full-service moving experience covering planning, packing, transportation, storage, and more. To discuss a relocation to or from Homestead, contact our team today. Call (866) 691-4317 or request a free moving quote now.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Homestead, FL a good place to live? Homestead earns a B overall, with top marks for weather, outdoor activities, and commute, plus affordable housing — though safety and schools score lower, so neighborhood research matters.
- What is the population of Homestead, FL? Homestead has about 64,676 residents and is steadily growing.
- What cities are near Homestead? Homestead is close to Miami, Kendall, and Doral, with quick access to Greater Miami’s job and entertainment centers.
- What makes Homestead unique? It’s one of the only U.S. cities set directly between two national parks — Biscayne to the east and the Everglades to the west — offering exceptional access to nature and outdoor recreation.