It happens every year, usually multiple Florida cities rank in the top 10 for best places to live in the U.S.. U.S. News and World Report just dropped the rankings for 2024-2025 and only 1 Florida city not only made the top 10 but was ranked #1 for the best place to live in the U.S.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings have been popular for many years. It’s a very trusted source because of all the research they do to come up with these rankings. Their mission is to help their readers make informed decisions on where they want to settle down.
The cities in the rankings are evaluated based on data from U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. News’ own internal resources. The data was then categorized into 4 different factors based on American’s preferences. Those factors are: quality of life, desirability, job market, and value. Now, I won’t bore you with the mathematics of it all, but if you want to learn more about how U.S. News and World Report calculated these cities scores, click here for the full methodology.
Which Florida City Ranked #1 For Best Places To Live In The U.S.
It’s not the first time this Florida city has made this list. But it is the first time Naples was named #1 for best places to live in the U.S.. Naples is known to be more of a retirement community, and even with threats from hurricanes, it’s still not stopping people from moving here in droves. U.S. News and World Report says “the greater Naples area supplies pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping.”
Naples wasn’t the only Florida city to make the rankings. But it WAS the only Florida city to crack the top 10.
Florida Cities That Made The List For Best Places To Live In The U.S.
#1. Naples
We already told you that Naples was the named the #1 city to live in the U.S., even if most of its residents only live there during the winter months.
#11. Sarasota
Sarasota has a unique charm compared to its other coastal cities. It has a very vibrant art scene, beautiful beaches, great food and restaurants. Sarasota was also considered a “retirement community” but that is changing as more young professionals make it their own up-and-coming city.
#31. Pensacola
White sand beaches is the main reason why Pensacola is so desirable. U.S. News and World Report says “Year round, the city’s vibrant nightlife is balanced by an abundance of family-friendly activities and a community atmosphere.”
#35. Tampa
Finally Tampa made the list! We’re used to seeing Tampa higher up in these rankings, and definitely thought it would be higher based on all the people moving here just in the past year alone. The cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than the national average, and the housing market has become so competitive in recent years. But out of all the cities in Florida, we’re happy to call Tampa home.
Photo: Tampa Hillsborough EDC
#37. Fort Myers
Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves humidity, Fort Myers is the place for you. The have miles of freshwater and saltwater channels for boating and fishing; trails for biking, hiking and paddling; and golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shuffleboard courts.
#56. Jacksonville
Did you know Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S? Jacksonville has also been listed in affordable Florida cities and one of the best places to start a career.
#68. Orlando
Orlando is so massive that it’s broken up into 3 different areas: Downtown Orlando, Residential “City Beautiful” Orlando, and of course, theme park capital Orlando. The cost of housing in Orlando is close to the national median sale price, although like with many markets, home prices have soared here in recent years.
