Whether it’s the culture or the climate, there are many reasons why people across the United States move to the south.
Earlier this year, US News has published its ranking One of the best places to live in the US South – with Florida taking several top spots. These Florida locations are as follows:
#25. Daytona Beach
With the Daytona International Speedway and the Atlantic beaches, Daytona Beach is a hotspot for tourism.
According to the US Census Bureau, this city is the eighth fastest growing metro area among the 150 most populous metro areas in the US due to domestic migration.
#13. Pensacola
This small town offers tourists and residents alike the opportunity to enjoy the warm beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
The city also has several nearby military bases, aerospace engineering companies, and manufacturing companies that provide ample employment opportunities for long-term residents.
According to US News, Pensacola ranks 28th among the 150 most populous metropolitan areas in the United States in terms of attractiveness
#11. tampa
Just one point from Pensacola is Tampa, another major hub on the Gulf of Mexico. And like Pensacola, Tampa ranks quite high among the most populous metropolitan areas in the United States in terms of attractiveness, ranking 14th.
USCB figures also indicate that the Tampa metro area grew 1.43% between 2020 and 2021 thanks to the high rate of migration into the state. In 2023, the Tampa metro area reached over 3 million people.
#8th. Jacksonville
The Jacksonville metro area is home to more than 1.5 million people and has a climate and culture similar to Georgia or South Carolina.
The city has also seen population growth in recent years as Florida is a migration destination.
Jacksonville is home to numerous healthcare, financial, and tourism businesses that help the city prosper — even if the city attracts fewer visitors than other hotspots like Tampa and Miami.
#7. Melbourne
At number 7 is Melbourne, a major city on Florida’s Space Coast.
Melbourne is home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center which attracts many space-loving tourists. But the city is also gaining a reputation for being a great place to retire, according to US News.
The website puts the median age in Melbourne at 47 and ranked it 12th best place to retire in 2022-2023.
#4. Naples
Going much further south, Naples ranks 4th on this list. In addition, the city scores with its air quality and low crime rate.
The population of the Naples metropolitan area is just under 400,000, making it a lovely travel destination for those looking to live in a less crowded area.
However, residents typically spend around 27.45% of median household income on their living expenses, meaning it’s not the cheapest area to relocate to. Nevertheless, Naples also ranks fifth nationally as the most desirable place to live.
#3. Sarasota
Topping the list (at least for Florida cities) is Sarasota at #3.
The city is also the 11th best place to retire in 2023-2024, and given that the median age is over 53, that’s not a big surprise.
Like Naples, Sarasota has a higher cost of living than many other parts of the South, but many seem willing to live with it in exchange for the local beaches and warmer weather.
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