Just about two and a half years ago, my husband and I sold nearly everything we owned in Western Colorado and started fresh in Havana, Florida. It was a leap of faith, the kind of move people talk about but rarely do. Looking back, we couldn’t be more grateful. We have grown to love this little town—its people, its charm, and the way it seems to offer the best of small-town living with big-city convenience just down the road.
The first thing we noticed about Havana is that southern hospitality is real. People here look you in the eye, smile, shake your hand, and genuinely want to know your name. That kind of welcome warms you right away.
Everyday Life in Havana
Life here is easy to enjoy. We have a wonderful grocery store—Harvey’s, which operates as an Aldi—with great prices. Dollar General and Family Dollar are handy for quick shopping trips, and Stone’s Home Center, our local hardware store, seems to carry just about anything a homeowner might need. For what you can’t find in town, Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, is only 15 minutes away. At most, it’s a 45-minute to an hour drive to the far northeast side.
But Havana isn’t just about essentials—it’s about experiences. Gift shopping here is delightful. Downtown is lined with antique shops, knick-knack stores, and galleries full of art, new gifts, and home décor treasures. We even have an art studio where you can gather with friends to create your own masterpieces. Used furniture shops make furnishing a home both fun and affordable, and for thrifty shoppers, Community Cares thrift store is the crown jewel. Their weekly food bank is a lifeline for many, and inside the store, you’ll find $5 clothing bag sales and $10 box sales where you can stuff a cardboard box full of anything from housewares to décor. It’s community helping community in the most practical way.
Pride in Our Town
Havana runs on dedication. Our volunteer fire department is well-trained, our police department is respected, and our city staff works hard to keep things safe and well-maintained. Landscapers and maintenance crews make sure public spaces look cared for. And then there’s the Havana Garden Club—a group of neighbors who bring beauty to every corner of town. From downtown flowerpots to a meditation garden at Woodland Cemetery to the butterfly garden at the library, their 12 public gardens are living proof of what love for a town can look like.
Markets, Festivals, and Fun
On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Havana Market fills downtown with vendors, crafts, and fresh finds. But the real highlights of the year are the “TriFESTa” of festivals: Woodfest in September, PumpkinFest in October, and WinterFest in December. Each one draws visitors from across the state and fills downtown with life, laughter, and music. Throughout the year, sidewalk sales, art shows, quilt shows, plant sales, and outdoor dining add to the rhythm of Havana life.
A Community That Cares
Havana takes pride in its schools too. Havana Magnet School partners with community groups like the Garden Club’s Sprouts Academy and Florida State University’s science and engineering program to give students hands-on opportunities. Local business leaders give back generously as well—one resident, the owner of Direct Auto Exchange, sponsors food drives and hosts an annual Senior Night Out that draws hundreds, complete with bingo, prizes, and a Cracker Barrel-catered dinner.
The Comforts of Home
Practical needs are easily met here. We have several gas stations (often cheaper than Tallahassee’s), three auto parts stores—AutoZone, NAPA, and a brand-new O’Reilly’s—and excellent internet service, including reliable fiber optic options like Mediacom. Even our mail carriers become friends—ours once shared plants from her own garden.
Neighborhoods host yard sales and block parties, coffee shops invite you to linger, and local yoga studios encourage you to breathe a little deeper. Life here feels less rushed. More intentional.
Living the Havana Way
Of course, small-town living has quirks. Many businesses choose to open only Wednesday through Saturday, with a few open Sundays. At first, that surprised us—but now we see it as part of the balance people here strive for: running a business and having time with family. In the end, that’s what Havana, Florida, is all about—balance. Small-town friendliness with big-town convenience nearby. A slower pace, but never a boring one. Community that welcomes you in, remembers your name, and offers a hand when you need it.
For us, Havana isn’t just where we live. It’s home.