Tallahassee, Florida

What's the cost of living in Tallahassee, FL?

Local real estate remains affordable, despite rising property values. In Leon County, where Tallahassee is located, the property tax rate falls near or below the national average. There is no state income tax and no property tax on vehicles. Business owners and landlords do pay a personal property tax.

What's the best way to get around Tallahassee, FL?

Driving is the most common way to get around in Tallahassee. With an average commute time below the national average and a well-connected road system, the city is easy to travel through. 

Interstate 10 facilitates east-west travel. The Capital Circle beltway connects the west, east and south sides of town. Though locally loved, nine designated tree canopy roads experience rush-hour congestion. Downtown, College Town and midtown are the most pedestrian-friendly areas of Tallahassee. Downtown parking is adequate but harder to find during college football season and homecoming weekends.

Tallahassee isn’t serviced by Amtrak trains. However, Greyhound buses connect travelers to cities throughout Florida and the United States. A commercial shuttle service also transports passengers to several major Florida cities and airports. 

Public transit includes bus routes on the StarMetro system and a low-cost shuttle van. Between certain hours, a free trolley transports patrons to dining and entertainment venues. 

Tallahassee International Airport, about seven miles from downtown, offers daily flights serviced by three airlines. Despite recent airport expansions, routes from Tallahassee remain limited and costlier than from other Florida metropolitan airports.

Who lives in Tallahassee, FL?

Tallahassee is economically and racially diverse. Nearly half of Tallahassee’s residents have a bachelor’s degree, and most work white-collar jobs. 

Sixty-thousand or so college students aside, the population is relatively stable, with seasonal variations. For 60 days each year, Capitol Hill buzzes with business suits as lawmakers and lobbyists engage in the legislative session. In colorful contrast, an eclectic concentration of visual artists, musicians and writers live here year-round. 

In a state popular among retirees, Tallahassee is one of Florida’s youngest cities. Gen Z residents gravitate toward dormitories and apartments in College Town and midtown. A mix of professionals, families, retirees, lawmakers and lobbyists reside downtown and in midtown, in condominiums, townhomes and historic single-family homes. Middle-class neighborhoods are prevalent in outlying areas. Affluent gated communities northeast of town attract retirees, professionals and families.

What is there to do in Tallahassee, FL?

With three higher education institutions, locals can take advantage of cultural activities, sporting events and nightlife. The two universities’ music schools host student concerts and attract professional performers. Florida State University’s art, dance and writing programs also offer events. 

Both Florida State and Florida A&M host lectures and public forums. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida State attracts the 55+ crowd with classes taught by university professors. The universities’ intellectual and creative influence resonates throughout town, as several community arts, theater and music organizations thrive here. 

Tallahassee also has several museums, historic sites and parks. One stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail, the iconic Bradfordville Blues Club, is just outside town. Springtime brings the Chain of Parks Art Festival and Word of South, a literary and musical celebration. During the school year, Florida State University holds its Opening Nights performing arts series.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Tallahassee’s proximity to forests, lakes, rivers, springs and a 700-mile trail system. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park are within a 30-minute drive from the state capital. Fishermen and boaters access the Gulf of Mexico about 40 minutes from town; sun worshippers drive another hour to bask on white sand beaches.