Clewiston, FL

Clewiston sits right on the southwestern edge of Lake Okeechobee, about eighty miles inland from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Known locally as America's Sweetest Town because of its deep roots in the sugarcane harvest, this quiet community of around 7,500 residents offers a classic, old-school Florida feel that is increasingly rare along the bustling coastline. Life here moves at an unhurried pace, centered around open skies, friendly neighbors, and vast expanses of water and farmland.

ATTREbyabe / CC BY-SA 3.0

For newcomers, the biggest draw is the outdoor lifestyle, particularly the world-class bass fishing and boating on the lake. Residents often walk or bike along the scenic trail atop the Herbert Hoover Dike for expansive sunset views, and local spots like the historic Clewiston Inn add a touch of heritage to daily errands. With U.S. Route 27 running straight through town, it is easy to head toward the Atlantic or Gulf beaches for the day while enjoying the affordability and calm of a close-knit lakeside town.