10 Best Towns & Cities near Tallahassee Florida – 2024 Update
The cities near Tallahassee Florida are known for their charm, robust communities, and fascinating points of interest.
Whether you’re searching for cities near Tallahassee FL that offer bustling urban environments or prefer the slower pace of small towns near Tallahassee FL, there’s a bit of something for everyone.
Let’s explore the best towns and cities close to Tallahassee Florida in descending order, along with some surprises hidden within driving distance.
Table of Contents
Methodology
The towns and cities near Tallahassee FL on this list were selected based on a mix of criteria that keep things engaging yet precise.
First, we looked at towns with populations of no more than 10,000 and cities with a minimum of 10,000 people. Both must be within an hour’s drive from Tallahassee, ensuring accessibility while still embracing distinct communities.
Livability was assessed based on amenities, things to do, and the overall character that makes each place unique. From sprawling cities with robust offerings to tucked-away towns, this list represents the closest cities to Tallahassee FL and towns with a unique charm that’s hard to resist.
The Top 5 Cities Near Tallahassee Florida
#5. Panama City, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 60 minutes
Population: 36,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Panama City is one of the larger cities near Tallahassee Florida, offering a healthy mix of coastal vibes and city life. Known for its nearby beaches, like St. Andrews State Park, this city offers a blend of bustling downtown action and seaside tranquility.
Not to mention, its arts scene surprises many visitors with its breadth and variety, making it one of the best cities close to Tallahassee FL that is actually still in Florida.
#4. Thomasville, Georgia
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 35 minutes
Population: 19,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Just across the Georgia border, Thomasville is brimming with Southern charm. The grand oak-lined streets and Victorian architecture give it a distinctive feel.
Known for its rose gardens and vibrant downtown, this city is a cultural hub for anyone looking to explore art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries.
#3. Valdosta, Georgia
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 55 minutes
Population: 56,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Valdosta is one of those cities close to Tallahassee Florida that defies expectations. With its college town vibe, thanks to Valdosta State University, there’s a lively energy about this place.
Add to that the Wild Adventures Theme Park and its historic downtown, and you’ve got a perfect mix of excitement and history.
#2. Bainbridge, Georgia
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 50 minutes
Population: 12,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Bainbridge is another Georgian escape, offering a quieter pace of life just outside the city limits of Tallahassee. Known for its access to the Flint River and numerous outdoor activities, Bainbridge is perfect for those who love fishing, boating, and outdoor leisure.
Plus, its quaint downtown offers delightful surprises in the form of boutique shops and local dining.
#1. Dothan, Alabama
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 60 minutes
Population: 68,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Just skirting the Alabama-Florida border, Dothan is the largest city on this list. Known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” this city has more than just legumes to offer.
From the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens to the Wiregrass Museum of Art, there’s a variety of things to do that might catch you off guard. It’s a blend of history, culture, and that small-city vibe, all wrapped into one.
The Top 5 Small Towns Near Tallahassee Florida
#5. Marianna, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 60 minutes
Population: 7,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Marianna might just sneak up on you. This small town near Tallahassee FL feels like an unexpected detour down a road not marked on any typical map.
The Florida Caverns State Park pulls in both tourists and locals alike, offering a strange mix of calm and adventure. Its history seeps through in every corner. Perfect for wandering souls looking for small-town peace with a side of exploration.
#4. Crawfordville, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 30 minutes
Population: 4,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Crawfordville’s a sleepy hamlet, tucked just close enough to feel near but far enough to offer a different vibe altogether.
The town’s charming Old Courthouse and the nearby Wakulla Springs make it a hidden gem for anyone craving the strange allure of untouched nature.
#3. Quincy, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 25 minutes
Population: 7,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Quincy is one of those small towns near Tallahassee FL that holds history in every brick and street. From its historic downtown to its tobacco past, this place offers a slice of Old Florida, making it one of the best towns near Tallahassee Florida to explore or to relocate to.
Take a wander through the Gadsden Arts Center for a cultural touch or enjoy a quiet moment in one of its parks. Quincy is all about slowing down.
#2. Monticello, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 30 minutes
Population: 2,500
Location: Check on Google Maps
Monticello, with its sleepy streets and antebellum homes, is a step back in time. But this isn’t just a town frozen in the past—Monticello has a thriving small-town arts scene and hosts events throughout the year that give it a lively charm.
If you’re looking for an escape with a mix of history and community spirit, Monticello might be your place.
#1. Havana, Florida
Minutes from Tallahassee, Florida: 25 minutes
Population: 1,700
Location: Check on Google Maps
Havana, with its name conjuring up images of far-off lands, is a small town just north of Tallahassee that feels a world apart. Known for its antique shops and quirky downtown, Havana has an artsy feel, perfect for wandering in and out of shops or catching a local art show.
It’s a small town that refuses to be ordinary, making it the best small town near Tallahassee FL.
Cities and Towns Just Beyond an Hour’s Drive
If you’ve got the time and a bit of wanderlust in your soul, there are a few cities and towns beyond the one-hour mark from Tallahassee that are worth a visit.
- Apalachicola – Known for its seafood and quaint coastal charm, this town offers a slice of Old Florida.
- Pensacola – With its white sandy beaches and lively downtown, Pensacola is a great weekend getaway.
- Tifton, Georgia – A charming Southern town with a rich agricultural history and a welcoming small-town vibe.
Whether you’re staying local or venturing a bit further out, these towns and cities near Tallahassee Florida, along with those just beyond, offer a variety of experiences worth exploring.
