Naples was named the best place to live in America this year, according to a U.S. News & World Report analysis.
The news outlet ranked Naples No. 1 primarily because of its senior amenities and welcoming atmosphere, but the analysis found that Naples offers much more than just retirement living considerations.
“The Naples metropolitan area has long been known as a retirement destination for the rich and powerful who don't want to risk the cold, with beautiful beaches, expansive golf courses and fine dining and shopping. But closer to the countryside, cows graze and seasonal workers pick tomatoes in the fields around Immokalee, a rural town about an hour's drive from Naples,” the U.S. News & World Report ranking states.
The report further noted that while Naples is somewhat remote in Southwest Florida, it is a popular spot for tourists from larger metropolitan areas: Naples is less than a three-hour drive from Tampa to the north and the same distance from Miami to the east.
Naples may be the most liveable city in the country, according to the rankings, but the report acknowledges that the city's growing popularity is starting to raise some concerns.
“However, proximity to the beach, sunshine and no state income taxes come with downsides: continued growth and development has exacerbated Naples' affordable housing shortage, and the city's roads tend to be congested during the winter, although traffic congestion remains nowhere near the levels seen in Florida's major metropolitan areas,” the analysis said.
No other Florida cities made the top 10 list, with Boise, Idaho, coming in second and Colorado Springs, Colorado, coming in third.
Sarasota is the other Florida city to make it into the top 20. Sarasota came in at number 11.
“Sarasota has a unique vibe that sets it apart from Florida's coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beach vibe and growing food culture. People who choose Sarasota as their home are generally drawn to its unique charm,” the report states.
A total of six Florida cities made the top 50. Fort Myers, Tampa and Pensacola all fell outside the top 30, while Melbourne came in at 49th.
U.S. News & World Report used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Labor to compile the list of the top 150 most livable cities in America for 2024-25. It also took into account factors such as quality of life, housing affordability, crime rate, and quality of education in coming up with the list.
The magazine also publishes a ranking of the best places to live in each state. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top 10 cities in Florida for liveability include the six already mentioned, as well as Jacksonville (7th), Orlando (8th), Tallahassee (9th), and Ocala (10th).
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