Astor, FL

Set right along the St. Johns River at the edge of the Ocala National Forest, Astor is a quiet river town where daily routines move at a relaxed pace. State Road 40 runs right through town and across the river bridge, connecting the community to the Atlantic coast while keeping it well away from big-city traffic. With fewer than 2,000 residents, it has an easygoing, neighborly feel where golf carts are a normal way to get around and you are rarely more than a couple minutes from a boat launch.

The area dates back to the late 1800s as a riverboat landing, and it still holds onto that unhurried Old Florida charm. Local marinas, tackle shops, and casual waterfront spots cover the day-to-day basics, while major grocery stores and hospitals are an easy 30-minute drive down the road in DeLand. For new residents, the big appeal is the easy outdoor access, whether you spend weekends bass fishing on Lake George, exploring the nearby freshwater springs, or simply watching the river traffic from the dock.