U.S. News released its list of the best places to live in the U.S. in 2023-2024, featuring 150 of the most desirable places in the nation.
The list looked at value, job markets and quality of life to determine which metro areas should top the rankings.
Sitting at No. 1 is Green Bay in Wisconsin, though Huntsville, Alabama, came in at No. 2, and Raleigh, North Carolina, placed at No. 3.
Two of the top 10 picks were actually found in Florida: Sarasota at No. 5 and Naples at No. 6.
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In Central Florida, the highest-ranking city was Melbourne, which came in at No. 15. According to U.S. News, Melbourne has an especially low sales tax and median home sales price.
“Melbourne is an easygoing metropolitan area with serious small-town appeal,” U.S. News’ website reads. “Residents don’t hesitate to take advantage of the area’s beaches. There are also plenty of outdoor recreation areas that offer hiking opportunities, such as the Viera Wetlands and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.”
The full ranking of Florida cities is as follows:
| Rank (Florida) | Rank (U.S.) | City | County | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Sarasota | Sarasota | 6.8 |
| 2 | 6 | Naples | Collier | 6.8 |
| 3 | 15 | Melbourne | Brevard | 6.6 |
| 4 | 16 | Jacksonville | Duval | 6.6 |
| 5 | 24 | Tampa | Hillsborough | 6.5 |
| 6 | 28 | Pensacola | Escambia | 6.5 |
| 7 | 49 | Daytona Beach | Volusia | 6.4 |
| 8 | 52 | Orlando | Orange | 6.4 |
| 9 | 60 | Tallahassee | Leon | 6.3 |
| 10 | 63 | Port St. Lucie | St. Lucie | 6.3 |
| 11 | 67 | Ocala | Marion | 6.3 |
| 12 | 91 | Fort Myers | Lee | 6.2 |
| 13 | 105 | Lakeland | Polk | 6.1 |
| 14 | 138 | Miami | Miami-Dade | 5.6 |
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