Top 10 Neighborhoods to Live in Tallahassee for Families

Whether you're a young family just starting out or an established one looking for a place to raise your children, you will find Tallahassee a welcoming and family-friendly environment that's sure to meet your needs.

From great schools, parks, and an excellent recreation department, Tallahassee offers families a strong sense of community.

I have selected ten neighborhoods of various price ranges with homes and yards large enough for families to enjoy.

To assist you with your search, I have provided information on average home prices and home values and a list of all homes currently for sale and recently sold in ten exceptional neighborhoods.

These neighborhoods are ideal for families and are typically ranked based on the number of annual sales of homes with four or more bedrooms. Additionally, I have begun by providing a list of homes currently available for purchase in these fantastic communities.

So, without further ado, let's dive into the top ten neighborhoods for families in Tallahassee.

Homes For Sale In The Top Ten Neighborhoods For Families In Tallahassee

At number ten on our list is Town 'N Country Park. I will confess to bias on this great neighborhood, as it is where I was raised for seventeen years before moving to West Point for college.

Town N Country Park consists of approximately 270 homes in the northwest area of Tallahassee, ranging from three to five bedrooms. The homes were built as early as the 1960s and offer a variety of sizes and styles.

This neighborhood is in a prime location, just northwest of Tharpe Street and Old Bainbridge Road. It provides easy access to the new Centre of Tallahassee and various dining and retail shopping options.

Town N Country Park Home Prices

The average home price in Town N Country Park has increased by nearly 60% over the past two years, a sure sign that not enough homes are available in Tallahassee.

Town N Country Park averages about fifteen home sales per year (six of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values have reached about $180 per square foot. Competition for these homes is fierce, as many buyers have realized that its central location is a wonderful place to raise a family.

Growing up, my brothers and I would walk or ride our bikes to Levy Park, Godby HS to run on the track, Lake Ella to fish, and then the Northwood Mall and Tallahassee Malls to get into trouble, all of which were roughly a mile away from our home.

Town N Country Park is a superb option to explore when searching for a wonderful neighborhood for your family.

Located in the northwest region of Tallahassee, number 9 on our list of the top neighborhoods for families is Holly Hills.

Holly Hills is a highly sought-after neighborhood featuring approximately 340 single-family detached homes with three to four bedrooms. The lots in this neighborhood are spacious, with some measuring up to half an acre.

The community is situated in a central location, south of Old Bainbridge Road and north of Tharpe Street, which offers easy access to various dining and shopping options in the midtown area.

Holly Hills Home Prices

The average home price in Holly Hills rose by nearly 40% over the past two years, well above the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Holly Hills averages about 21 home sales per year (eight of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $149 per square foot in 2022, which is about 17% lower than nearby Town N Country Park. I would contend that this makes Holly Hills homes undervalued and a better buy right now.

When you consider the value a buyer receives in Holly Hills (a three or four-bedroom home on one-third to one-half an acre, in-town), spending $300K in Holly Hills might make a lot more sense than spending $100K+ more for a similar-sized newer home (on a smaller parcel of land) north of town. For the typical buyer, the lower price equates to a monthly payment savings of about $800.

Coming in at number 8, San Luis Ridge is a sought-after neighborhood in northwest Tallahassee. It comprises over 180 single-family detached homes with three to five bedrooms, all on generously sized lots.

The neighborhood is conveniently located just south of Tharpe Street and east of Ocala Road. This central location offers residents quick and easy access to downtown and the colleges.

San Luis Ridge Home Prices

The average home price in San Luis Ridge rose by 33% over the past two years, well above the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

In perhaps the most undervalued neighborhood in Tallahassee, San Luis Ridge averages about fourteen home sales per year (seven of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $123 per square foot in 2022. In 2023, we've seen the average push 16% higher in just the first quarter, and now the one listing for sale is asking for more than $155 per square foot.

While sticker shock is rocking the market, the reality is that inventory levels are near all-time lows, builder activity remains near an all-time low, rental home availability is near an all-time low,  and Tallahassee is growing.

We need more houses in Tallahassee, and we should not hold our breath to hope that values come down. The cost of new construction is at or near an all-time high, and projections only show costs moving higher. If building the homes we need costs more than $200 per square foot today, what do you think the 2,154 square-foot home in San Luis Ridge will be worth next year?

Pine Tip Hills is ranked number 7 on our list. It is located at the far eastern edge of Northwest Tallahassee and boasts over 200 magnificent homes.

The houses range from three to five bedrooms, and each sits on a generously-sized, well-manicured lot that covers more than half an acre. Pine Tip Hills is an ideal location, providing easy access to downtown Tallahassee, Midtown, and Maclay School, a top-rated private school.

Pine Tip Hills Home Prices

The average home price in Pine Tip Hills rose by nearly 30% over the past two years, higher than the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Pine Tip Hills averages about eight home sales per year (six of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $227 per square foot in 2022, a 7.59% annualized gain since 2015. If this appreciation rate continues, the average Pine Tip Hills home would be worth $1M before 2030!

Ox Bottom Manor, coming in at number six on our list, is a highly coveted residential community in Northeast Tallahassee, featuring approximately 600 gorgeous homes. The neighborhood is comprised of homes with three to five bedrooms, each sitting on a spacious lot that spans over half an acre.

Located in the 32312 zip code, Ox Bottom Manor is situated on the east side of Meridian Road, north of Ox Bottom Road. The neighborhood's prime location has made it a preferred destination for buyers seeking luxurious and executive-style homes.

Ox Bottom Manor is one of the most sought-after communities in Tallahassee, offering its residents a tranquil and serene environment.

Ox Bottom Manor Home Prices

The average home price in Ox Bottom Manor rose by slightly more than 30% over the past two years, slightly above the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Ox Bottom Manor averages about 31 home sales per year (with 25 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $202 per square foot in 2022, an annualized gain of roughly 7.5% since 2015. Considering many buyers leveraged their homes at 5 to 1, that's roughly a 37% gain on their investment each year. Not too shabby!

Nestled in the highly sought-after 32312 zip code of northeast Tallahassee, the number 5 neighborhood in today's report, Killearn Lakes, is a premier community that spans Bannerman Road, Thomasville Road, and Bull Headly Road.

The neighborhood boasts some of Tallahassee's most sought-after amenities, including A-rated elementary, middle, and high schools, tranquil walking trails, scenic lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. Killearn Lakes Plantation offers homes across a wide range of prices, making it an attractive option for buyers with varying budgets.

With its stunning location and numerous amenities, Killearn Lakes is one of the most prominent communities in Tallahassee.

Killearn Lakes Plantation Home Prices

The average home price in Killearn Lakes Plantation rose by nearly 28% over the past two years, marginally above the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Killearn Lakes Plantation averages about 172 home sales per year (51 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $192 per square foot in 2022, and many families would argue that Killearn Lakes should have been #1 on our list. They would tell you that Killearn Lakes is home to three A-rated schools, has fast access to plenty of shopping, and has embraced the great outdoors.

Killearn Lakes is a community that provides a plethora of outdoor activities. These include various walking and biking trails, parks, and activity fields. For a one-time fee, residents can also gain access to five private lakes to unwind and engage in some peaceful fishing after a busy day.

Additionally, the community's homeowners association hosts various events throughout the year, including a Kids Fishing Tournament in the spring and "Movies in the Park" at Takesta - which happens to be the largest community area within the neighborhood.

At number four, Summerbrooke is a luxurious community in the northeast of Tallahassee, comprising approximately 600 executive-sized homes built around the scenic Summerbrooke Golf Course.

Located in the heart of the popular 32312 zip code, the neighborhood is situated south of Bannerman Road on the east side of North Meridian Road. The Summerbrooke community offers an exceptional quality of life, complete with beautiful surroundings, recreational activities, and easy access to the amenities of Tallahassee.

Summerbrooke Home Prices

The average home price in Summerbrooke rose by roughly 30% over the past two years, slightly above the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Summerbrooke averages about 36 home sales per year (33 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $206 per square foot by the end of 2022 and remain the same today.

One thing I really like about Summerbrooke that you won't find being discussed in most sales materials is that there are five (5) lakes you can fish in this wonderful neighborhood. I grew up in Tallahassee and often rode my bike many miles in multiple directions to go fishing for largemouth bass, so kids growing up in Summerbrooke have it made in that regard.

Summerbrooke is the best-located golf course community for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a nice mix of casual and high-end dining (I recommend Z Bardhi's Italian Restaurant a few miles north on Kinhega Drive).

Our number 3 neighborhood for families is Golden Eagle Plantation, a prestigious community in the heart of Killearn Lakes Plantation, featuring approximately 1,000 grand homes that are well-secured within a gated community.

This sought-after neighborhood is situated in Northeast Tallahassee and is renowned for its luxurious country club lifestyle. The community is built around the esteemed Tom Fazio-designed Golden Eagle golf course, which is widely considered the premier golf course community in Central North Florida.

Golden Eagle Plantation offers a serene environment with top-notch amenities, including a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and more. With its breathtaking setting, exclusive lifestyle, and golf course with great potential, Golden Eagle Plantation is desirable for those seeking upscale living in Tallahassee.

Golden Eagle Plantation Home Prices

The average home price in Golden Eagle Plantation rose by 25% over the past two years, slightly below the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Golden Eagle Plantation averages about 41 home sales per year (39 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $222 per square foot last year, slightly higher than the $213 per square foot average of the four homes currently offered for sale.

It's premature to assume that home values in Golden Eagle are dropping, but as more homes are sold, we'll know for certain. The various ages of homes, combined with the different lot features (interior vs. golf frontage vs. lake frontage), require more data to form a conclusion.

Rest assured, we usually see 20 to 25 homes for sale in Golden Eagle Plantation, so today's low inventory of four homes suggests that home values will push higher in 2023.

The second-rated neighborhood on our list is Killearn Estates, a highly coveted community in the popular 32309 zip code between Thomasville Road and Centerville Road.

This desirable location offers residents quick and easy access to A-rated schools and all of Tallahassee's amenities. Killearn Estates is the largest neighborhood in Tallahassee, featuring over 3,800 generously sized homes with five, four, and three bedrooms, making it an excellent investment opportunity.

The community is well-known for its exceptional golf course and country club, which are being rebuilt now, with the new owner having committed over $20 million to renovate the facilities. These upgrades will further enhance the community and add value to the homes surrounding the course.

With its abundant green spaces, beautiful homes, and proximity to all the conveniences of the city, Killearn Estates is a highly desirable place to call home.

Killearn Estates Home Prices

The average home price in Killearn Estates rose by nearly 25% over the past two years, slightly below the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively. I suspect Killearn Estates is trailing the market due to the golf course renovations, so it’s logical to assume that post-renovation home price growth will beat the market.

Killearn Estates averages about 198 home sales per year (85 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values reached $179 per square foot in 2022. It's important to note that the oldest homes in Killearn Estates were constructed 60 years ago, and many are more than 30 years old.

While many homes are vintage, the huge investment into the country club presents a profitable opportunity for buyers willing to buy and update older homes.

Our top neighborhood for families is SE Tallahassee's Southwood, a planned unit development that boasts several well-known establishments, such as the Florida State High School, John Paul II Catholic School, the Southwood Golf Club, and the State of Florida Capital Circle Office Complex.

Southwood offers a diverse selection of attached and detached single-family homes, with prices ranging from $280K to well over $1M. Unsurprisingly, Southwood remains a top destination for families seeking to settle on Tallahassee's south side. Families who regularly enjoy saltwater fishing at the coast can save more than 30 minutes of drive time compared to those that live north of town.

Southwood Home Prices

The average home price in Southwood rose by 27% over the past two years, in line with the 27% average recorded in all Tallahassee neighborhoods collectively.

Southwood averages about 173 home sales per year (72 of those being four or more bedrooms), and home values have reached $227 per square foot; though, with new construction still ongoing, it's important to have a solid understanding of new versus used home values if you plan on selling or buying a home.

Southwood had significantly more home sales over the past two years than all but Killearn Estates on our top-10 list, and we expect to see home sales flourish here in the months and years ahead.

Abundance Of Neighborhoods

It is important to note that there are over 1,700 recognized neighborhoods in Tallahassee, many of which could have easily made it onto today's top-ten list. However, to ensure that all neighborhoods on the list had numerous homes sold and to cater to a wide range of family budgets, we made our selections accordingly.

If you would like more information on any of the neighborhoods in Tallahassee, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have worked tirelessly to gather information and data on all neighborhoods, and our agents are well-equipped to assist buyers and sellers in the Tallahassee real estate market.

Recent Home Sales In Tallahassee's Top Ten Neighborhoods For Families