Ive been trying to fig out a trip for a month in everglade area but have ques

I would like to do the everglades with my fam wife 18 and 16 y/o boys. I want to stay somewhere safe where other vacationers will be as well. I want good bang for buck. I dont want tourist money grab stuff but slso dont want to be in a ghetto. Im looking for a great place to access the glades safely and is within a modest drive to a nice ocean beach too. I plan on booking a few tours and prob renting a car. Any recommendations on town to look at and any other info will be great.