Florida may be derided by many across the country for its many issues, but the Sunshine State remains among the most desirable places in the country.
Fourteen Florida cities made the new 2023-24 list of 150 “Best Places to Live in the US” released by US News & World Report on Tuesday.
Other highlights:
- Florida is home to four of the top five “Fastest Growing Places” and four of the top five “Safest Places.”
- Sarasota is ranked No. 5, once again leading the state as the highest place to live. Naples is the only other Florida city to make the top 10, at No. 6.
5. Sarasota offers a ‘distinct vibe’
The magazine said this Gulf-side city was No. 2 also for “fastest growing places” on the new list, behind Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at No. 1. Last year, US News ranked Sarasota in No. 9 for reasons including its “unique vibe … vibrant art scene, seaside atmosphere and burgeoning food culture.”
Who lives here?Most famous celebrities have homes in the Sarasota and Bradenton area
6. Naples is a ‘retirement spot for the rich, powerful’
The long-sleepy fishing town jumped to No. 6 this year from No. 12. Naples also ranked as No. 1 safest place. Last year, the magazine described Naples as “a preferred retirement destination for the rich, powerful and cool,” with “pristine beaches, expansive golf courses, and fine dining and shopping. Naples, the 2023-24 list said, jumping into the Top 10 because of its “high desirability score,” meaning the city scores well as a place where people want to live, based on a SurveyMonkey survey in March. Received of Naples in March was the No. 1 ranking for places to live in the US by Scholaroo, a nonprofit educational research company and scholarship website engine.
Made it into the Top 10:Naples is the 6th best place to live, according to US News & World Report
15. Melbourne also has down-to-earth attractions
This Atlantic coast city known as part of the Space Coast for the nearby Kennedy Space Center jumped to No. 15 from No. 20 last year. Other attractions include the Eau Gallie Arts District featuring museums and galleries, and a robust historic downtown with a variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Melbourne also ranks high on the Scholaroo list, at 21st.
16. Jacksonville a revived city
This city ― known for the resurgent Jaguars NFL team and vibrant neighborhoods connected by bridges that cross the serpentine St. Johns River ― continues to rise in various national rankings. In the latest US News list, Jacksonville jump to 16th from 24th. The main city on the so-called First Coast, Jacksonville was recently listed as the only Florida city to make Forbes’ annual list of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire. Factors include the city’s affordable home prices, plentiful parks and some of the top hospitals in the state.
Moving on up:Jacksonville jumped eight spots on the national list of Best Places to Live
24. Tampa is more than sports
It was only a few years ago that this city by the bay proclaimed itself “Champa Bay,” with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning winning back-to-back Stanley Cups and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming the second Super Bowl title in its history. But Tampa ― part of the region that also includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater ― moved from last year’s 39th ranking to 24th on the latest US News “Best Places to Live” list for many other town attributes, notably the growing music scene dining room See Channelside or Channel District next time you’re in Tampa. You will not be disappointed.
28. Pensacola rises from the west
Pensacola too often is ignored. St. claims something. Augustine as the oldest city in the US, founded in 1565, but the Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna who in 1559 established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the US Nearly half a century later, Pensacola continues to deserve in great respect and recognized by US News, which moved the western Panhandle city to 28th on this year’s list, up from 44th last year. Head to this waterside city for its stunning beaches but rich history, diverse festivals, a thriving arts scene and fine dining.
Big movers:Pensacola jumped 16 spots on US News’ Best Places to Live 2023-2024 list. Where it ranks:
49. Daytona Beach has a lot of cool bars
Another city rising up the charts, Daytona Beach goes 49th from 68th because it’s more than auto racing. The region which also includes Port Orange, South Daytona, Ponce Inlet, Ormond Beach and Holly Hill offers restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities and more. And any visit should include a stop at the various bars, including the rooftop with spectacular views.
New US News rankings:‘Best Places to Live’ list is out: see where Daytona, other Florida cities rank
52. Orlando jumped 66 spots
The world knows Orlando for its theme park attractions, but get away from Interstate 4 traffic to experience this city’s nightlife that includes clubs, restaurants, and concerts. Orlando jumped 66 spots, from 118th last year to No. 52 on the US News list.
60. Tallahassee scores for music, outdoors
Take the time to savor all that this capital city has to offer. Tallahassee is home to Florida State University and museums, parks, historic sites and more. Hear music at a variety of venues, from the Blue Tavern to the iconic Bradfordville Blues Club just outside of town. The diverse lifestyle is one reason Tallahassee jumped to 60th from 110th last year.
63. Port St. loves. Lucie’s golf
Not big and rude, Port St. Lucie offers a more convenient Florida alternative. And US News upgraded the city’s ranking to 63 from 78 last year, perhaps because of the many links options. There are 13 golf courses in Port Saint Lucie with one municipal course. And within 20 miles of PSL (as some call it), there are another 42 golf courses within 20 miles of the city. And after Naples, Port St. Lucie is ranked No. 2 “Safest Places” to live in the US
Latest US News rankings:List of ‘Best Places’; see where Port St. ranks. Lucie
67. Ocala has horses but also beautiful parks
![Hip #520, a filly by Twirling Candy out of I'm So Fancy, excited her ears as spectators, buyers and sellers took part in the second day of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds In Training Wednesday April 26, 2023. Over 1200 horses have been cataloged for sale during the sale which will run from April 25th to the 28th at OBS in Ocala, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2023/04/26/NOSB/d5f92c5a-cf4f-4f61-b7a6-d3062619daa5-OCA_OBS_12.JPG?width=660&height=646&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Most Florida towns jump up the rankings but Ocala held only in No. 67. The region is purebred country, home to more than 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers. It is even officially known as the Horse Capital of the World. For another experience, enjoy the great outdoors at Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park and other sites.
91. Fort Myers has outdoor, indoor activities
Like Ocala, Fort Myers‘ rating remained the same. The City of Palms has a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities like fishing and boating to indoor fun like shopping, restaurants and bars. Fort Myers was also rated No. 3 “Safest Place” to live in the US, after No. 1 Naples to its south and Port St. Lucie at No. 2, on the east coast. And Fort Myers is rated the third fastest growing city. And despite Hurricane Ian ravaging the area on September 28, 2022, the resilient region continues to bounce back and thrive. The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater last year began hosting concerts with the Caloosahatchee River as the backdrop.
New US News rankings:Fort Myers ranks in the Top 100 best places to live
105. The name Lakeland is very accurate
This Central Florida city is truly the land of lakes – 38 of them. So it makes sense that fishing would be a popular activity. Location especially does Lakeland a popular place to live, about halfway between Tampa and Orlando, with easy access to Interstate 4. Its ranking remained the same at 105. Lakeland was also rated the fifth “Safest Place” and the fourth fastest growing in the US
138. Miami is never boring
Beaches, night life, boating, and sports are just a few of the many things to do Miami, the unofficial capital of South Florida. Its ranking has remained the same since last year.
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn.
