NAPLES, Fla. — Whether you're considering a move or not, it's nice to know what experts deem the best place to live in the United States.
U.S. News & World Report publishes a ranking of the Top 150 U.S. cities every year. The list and rankings are ever-changing, but the outlet says its methodology has several parameters.
"To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and high quality of life," U.S. News said in its report.
This year, the No. 1 ranked city in the U.S. is right here in Florida — Naples.
According to U.S. News, Naples has beautiful, sandy white beaches, huge golf courses, plenty of fine dining and shopping, and a prime location not too far from big cities such as Tampa and Miami.
"A tropical playground for the powerful and wealthy, Naples primarily caters to an older demographic of retirees and snowbirds," the report said. "But the area is also home to a growing craft brewery scene and pockets of dive bars, clubs and waterside establishments."
But Naples wasn't the only Florida city to make the 150-city list. Fourteen cities in the Sunshine State were mentioned.
Sarasota was kept just out of the Top 10 at No. 11. On a separate list, the Best Places to Live in Florida, Naples and Sarasota ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively. Tampa wasn't too far behind at No. 5 on Florida's list.
Four Florida cities are included in the Top 50 cities:
- Pensacola — No. 31
- Tampa — No. 35
- Fort Myers — No. 37
- Melbourne — No. 49
While Naples and Florida overall have many benefits, such as the lack of a state income tax, mild winters, and the aforementioned beaches, U.S. News and World did mention a few drawbacks. Sweltering summers, increasingly dangerous hurricane seasons, traffic, and a lack of affordable homes are all pitfalls for Naples and Florida.
Still, its benefits outweigh those drawbacks, according to the report.