Southern Living Ranks Top Small Towns, Florida Claims 5 Places
Southern Living’s readers picked St. Augustine as the top small town in the American South. The city sits on Florida’s First Coast and promotes itself as the Nation’s Oldest City.
The feature Southern Living Ranks Top Small Towns, Florida Claims 5 Places appeared in the magazine. It credited St. Augustine’s historic sites and coastal access.
Survey and methodology
The magazine contracted Proof Insights to run an online survey from July to September 2025. More than 17,000 readers completed the survey.
Why St. Augustine topped the list
Writers pointed to Castillo de San Marcos as a major historic draw. They also cited a growing craft brewery scene and easy access to St. Augustine Beach via the Bridge of Lions.
Florida’s presence on the list
Florida placed five towns on the list, more than any other state. Georgia followed with three towns.
Other Florida towns ranked
Destin on the Emerald Coast placed seventh in the rankings. The profile noted 343 sunny days a year and white-quartz sand beaches.
- Anna Maria Island — ranked 16th.
- Sanibel Island — ranked 19th.
- Fernandina Beach — ranked 20th.
The magazine also highlighted outdoor activities in Destin, like diving on shipwrecks and visiting HarborWalk Village. Museums and coastal nature trails earned mentions across the Florida entries.
The magazine’s full list is available from Southern Living. Filmogaz.com will follow future developments and coverage.
