The 10 Best Budget Friendly Neighborhoods in Tallahassee, FL

I’m Allaire, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Tallahassee, Florida. I’ve been living here for the past 5 years and it seems to change by the month. It’s expanding so much that you can’t consider it a small and compact town anymore, but rather an uncovered jewel that has way more value than you initially see. Although there aren’t that many major restaurant chains, it’s the capital of the state and we have boutique shops, eateries, and larger entities making their mark. Amazon and WaWa anyone?

Even though it’s a little slice of Florida where things are known to be relatively cheaper, Tallahassee’s cost of living has increased. If you’re looking for a real community feel and areas where you can walk and enjoy green spaces, you’ll find it all here. Whether you’re a student, new to town, or trying to stretch your dollars without sacrificing lifestyle, you can still get that done.

In this guide, I’m sharing my top 10 neighborhoods where you may find the best bang for your buck while enjoying intentional living.

Myers Park

Nature is one of the best elements in this neighborhood. It’s walkable, peaceful, and makes you feel like you’re in a town within a town because of its proximity to everything. Located southeast of downtown, you’ll find a laid-back energy filled with majestic oak trees, rolling hills, historic homes, smaller complexes, and tons of character. I love this neighborhood, because it has Cascades Park, where people are out walking and jogging in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There are a ton of trails here, and they also have a huge amphitheater where a lot of community events and concerts take place. It’s underrated, but one that deserves to be on the list.

Franklin-Call Street

This neighborhood is north of downtown and is right next to Florida State University. You’ll mostly find students in this area because of the student vibe, but there’s a mix. Students can walk or bike to FSU, but there are restaurants and other social venues. In this neighborhood, the rentals are affordable, with mostly apartments and duplexes available. One of the great things about the neighborhood is the variety and activity. On game weekends, there’s always something going on. If you’re looking for excitement, this could be the place for you.

All Saints

If you’re artsy, this is the neighborhood for you. I love this area because it’s full of personality like me! I’d call this a quirky area that’s fully walkable. There’s the Railroad Square Art District where a lot of the studios, galleries, food trucks, and vintage shops in town are located. If you’re looking for an artist, you’ll find one here. One of the great things about this neighborhood is that it's literally minutes from downtown, Florida A&M University, and FSU. Living options are plentiful, with creatives, younger professionals, and students living in these spaces. There are unique rentals, apartment buildings of all sizes, and also converted warehouses that were turned into lofts. If you’re looking for an artsy connection and vibe at affordable prices, you’ll find it here.

Southwest Tallahassee

If you’re looking for convenience while watching your budget, this area has something for everyone. This neighborhood has students, first-time renters, and locals of all ages and professions. It’s a pretty cool, diverse area because it’s 15 minutes from downtown, close to the Tallahassee Museum, Innovation Park, and Cascades Park. One of the things most newbies in town don’t know – this area is close to Capital Circle, which goes around the entire city. If you’re ever lost, find Capital Circle, and you’re sure to get to your destination.

Outer Northeast Tallahassee

This neighborhood is suburbia with southern charm. You’ll find families, retirees, and the beauty of nature. This area is perfect for families, retirees, or anyone who wants to be close to nature without feeling disconnected. One of the highlights of this area is Maclay Gardens, which is a picturesque, historical park where you can also swim, fish, canoe, and kayak. There are also great schools in this neighborhood. It’s a little further out from downtown (about 20-25 minutes) and is more spread out, with single-family homes and townhomes. There are affordable rentals in this area, but it takes a little more research, and enough green space to make you forget you're near a capital city.

Villa Mitchell

Villa Mitchell has an old-school Tallahassee charm with a neighborhood feel. Located close to the South City area, it’s another gem that’s often overlooked but comes in handy if you’re looking for affordable rent in a convenient location. There are duplexes, small houses, and a few apartment communities that have a homey feel. You won’t find anything corporate here.

The neighborhood has easy access to the Capital City Amphitheater, Cascades Park, and plenty of green space. It’s only 10 minutes to downtown with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers.

Providence

Affordable and underrated? That’s Providence in a nutshell. It’s a westside neighborhood that flies under the radar, but it offers some serious savings if you’re looking to keep your rent low without compromising on space. You’ll find mostly mid-century single-family homes and apartments—some recently renovated, some with potential and personality.

Providence is only about 10–15 minutes from downtown, and it’s close to local grocery stores, small parks, and community centers. It’s not flashy, but it’s steady, simple, and full of potential. A great choice if you're looking to plant roots or just live comfortably without the downtown price tag.

South Bronough Street

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s close to Florida State or the Civic Center, South Bronough Street makes living in the city affordable. Walkable, close to public transit, and convenient for folks makes city living affordable. It’s walkable, close to public transportation, and super convenient if you work or study downtown. This area has a mix of students, young professionals, and folks who just love being close to the action.

Rental options are plentiful, from modern apartment buildings to charming older units (I know a few people living in some). You’ll get a good balance of price and location as well. There’s nothing better than being able to grab a smoothie or make a quick pit-stop at the grocery store on your way to class, or make it to a show downtown in about 10 minutes.

Woodland Drives

Now, when it comes to Tallahassee charm, Woodland Drives has it. I love driving in this neighborhood because you see all the things that make living in Tallahassee a treat. Canopy roads, vintage homes, and an area where people are friendly – they actually wave whether they know you or not. It’s peaceful, beautifully shaded, and located just east of downtown.

This is about 10 minutes from the city center and even closer to Lafayette Park and the Governor’s Mansion. The rental scene is diverse, with vintage homes turned into duplexes or spacious apartments with character. If you enjoy quiet nights, weekend strolls, and an old Tallahassee feel, welcome to Woodland Drives.

South City

South City is a true mix of community roots and new development. It's one of the more affordable areas near the heart of the city. It’s going through a lot of changes, which most people would consider an opportunity. There’s a strong sense of community because there are residents who’ve been born and raised here, along with newcomers to the area or Tallahassee in general.

Just a few minutes from downtown, South City has access to transit, parks, and quick routes to anywhere in the city. You’ll find apartments and a healthy mix of single-family homes. Right now, prices are fairly low in comparison to other areas, but that may not last much longer. As a neighborhood that’s on the rise, South City is one where you can grow.

These neighborhoods are a quick snapshot into areas of Tallahassee where affordability doesn't mean you have to sacrifice nature, charm, convenience, or community. While the capital city is expanding and continuously changing, there are plenty of spaces where you'll find a perfect fit. Tallahassee is a place where you can be intentional about where you want to live - you just need to know where to look.