Best college towns in South Florida
South Florida attracts students who want strong schools, cultural variety, and year-round sun. The region offers respected universities, internship opportunities, and a lifestyle that balances study with recreation. Hence, families and students often compare Florida university locations and Florida college locations before moving. Choosing the right town matters because it affects housing, cost of living, and daily convenience. Let our team at Pro Movers Miami look at the best college towns in South Florida for students who search for both quality education and good living conditions before relocating.
Why South Florida draws students
South Florida offers strong academic institutions alongside access to real-world experience. Major schools in the region include:
- The University of Miami,
- Florida International University,
- Florida Atlantic University,
- Nova Southeastern University, and
- Broward College.
These schools support programs in law, business, engineering, and health sciences. Students also benefit from UMiami study abroad locations, which connect them to programs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The area’s global links make it attractive for international students who want both a high-quality education and cultural exchange. Parents often search for the best places to go to college that balance affordability, career opportunities, and lifestyle.
Compared to other states, South Florida offers more internship access in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and finance. With universities spread across major cities and suburban hubs, the region fits the description of colleges in the best locations, combining education with community life.
Miami – A center for major universities
Miami is one of the most popular Florida university locations. It hosts the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables and Florida International University (FIU) in the western part of the city. UM is widely recognized for programs in medicine, law, and international relations, while FIU is known for engineering, business, and hospitality management.
Both schools give students direct access to internships, part-time work, and career connections across Latin America and the United States. The city itself offers more than academics. Students enjoy beaches, professional sports, nightlife, and international food. Housing is in high demand, and rental prices run higher than in nearby towns, so early planning is essential.
Families moving students to Miami often use professional interstate moving companies in Miami to secure dorm or apartment placement before classes begin. The city represents one of the best college locations for students who want education combined with global opportunity and a busy lifestyle.
Fort Lauderdale – Academic growth by the coast
Located north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers a coastal city experience with strong academic institutions. The area is home to Nova Southeastern University, known for advanced health sciences, law, and business programs, and Broward College, which provides affordable community-based education. Students appreciate Fort Lauderdale’s blend of academic options and relaxed coastal living.
The city’s proximity to Miami expands career opportunities while keeping housing costs slightly lower. Internship access in healthcare, tourism, and marine industries adds extra appeal. Families researching Florida universities locations or general university places often choose Fort Lauderdale for its balance of cost, education, and student life. Apartment rentals are popular among upper-level students, while dorm housing serves incoming freshmen.
Local movers in Fort Lauderdale remain in high demand during semester changes, especially in neighborhoods close to campus. Fort Lauderdale has grown into a practical and appealing option for students who want coastal living without the price tag of Miami.
Boca Raton – Suburban comfort with strong academics
Boca Raton provides a suburban setting with easy access to South Florida’s metropolitan areas. The city hosts Florida Atlantic University (FAU), which enrolls tens of thousands of students each year. FAU specializes in business, science, and technology programs and maintains partnerships with local industries. Students here often enjoy a quieter lifestyle than in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Boca Raton also offers safer neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities, and more affordable housing than Miami. These qualities make it attractive to families comparing Florida college locations and evaluating cost of living. Parents often describe FAU as one of the colleges in the best locations because students can access academic resources while living in a more manageable environment.
Shared apartments, off-campus rentals, and dorms are all common housing choices. Professional local movers in Florida assist students who relocate to Boca Raton each fall, especially those bringing furniture or moving into multi-bedroom rentals with roommates.
Coral Gables – Small city linked to Miami
Coral Gables stands out as one of the most desirable Florida college locations because of its connection to the University of Miami. The city offers a safe, well-planned community with historic architecture and tree-lined streets. Students attending UM in Coral Gables enjoy suburban comfort while staying minutes away from downtown Miami’s job market and cultural attractions.
Coral Gables provides easy access to restaurants, green spaces, and student housing options. Parents often call it one of the best places to go to college because of its mix of security and academic prestige. Housing is competitive, with demand increasing at the start of each academic year.
Students moving into Coral Gables benefit from reserving moving companies in Coral Gables early to avoid limited availability. For families who want both suburban calm and urban access, Coral Gables remains a top choice among the best college locations in South Florida.
Moving advice for South Florida students
Relocating for college requires careful planning. Students must balance tight budgets with quick timelines during semester start and end dates. To manage these challenges, consider several strategies:
- Book movers early to secure dates around the semester calendar.
- Use storage units for seasonal items not needed year-round.
- Share moving expenses with roommates to reduce overall costs.
- Hire movers familiar with South Florida campuses and housing.
Students frequently move between dorms, shared apartments, and rental homes. Professional movers handle furniture, electronics, and heavy boxes that parents may struggle to move on their own. Families searching for Florida universities locations often face the same deadlines as thousands of other students.
Thus, making both trustworthy moving quotes in Miami and relocation support valuable. Relocation services designed for students simplify the process so families can focus on academics instead of logistics.
Making your move to South Florida’s best college towns
South Florida offers more than sun and beaches. The region’s universities give students strong programs, career connections, and access to international opportunities such as UMiami study abroad locations. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Coral Gables each provide different lifestyles for students and families comparing Florida college locations.
Some of the best college towns in South Florida deliver urban energy, while others give suburban calm with lower student housing costs. For students moving into these areas, working with reliable movers makes the process easier and keeps focus on education instead of logistics.