U.S. News has released its 2023-2024 ranking of the best places to live in Florida, ranging from the panhandle to the southern edge.
According to U.S. News, the ranking examines factors like crime rates, education quality, affordable housing and weather — among many others — to determine which areas of the state are the most desirable.
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Topping the list is Sarasota, thanks in part to its multitude of beaches and thriving arts scene.
“Downtown Sarasota’s bayfront is a popular spot to walk and admire the extensive view without spending a day on the sand,” U.S. News reports. “The region also has a number of tiki bars and seaside restaurants for those looking to kick back and enjoy the Old Florida lifestyle — O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill and New Pass Grill and Bait Shop are local favorites.”
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However, the list says that Sarasota’s cost of living didn’t help it, with average rental prices for apartments rivaling even nearby cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Meanwhile, some Central Florida locations also managed to make the list. Melbourne ranked No. 3, Daytona Beach was No. 7, and the City Beautiful came in at No. 8.
“Every facet of Orlando combines to create one of Florida’s most appealing areas for business, living and recreation,” the ranking reads. “For many residents, the theme parks are a point of pride. When you tell someone you’re from Orlando, chances are you’ll hear all about that person’s vacation to the area – even if it was 40 years ago.”
The full ranking is as follows:
| Rank | City | Quality of Life Score | Value Score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarasota | 7.0 | 6.1 | 6.8 |
| 2 | Naples | 7.1 | 5.5 | 6.8 |
| 3 | Melbourne | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 4 | Jacksonville | 6.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| 5 | Tampa | 6.8 | 5.8 | 6.5 |
| 6 | Pensacola | 6.5 | 6.9 | 6.5 |
| 7 | Daytona Beach | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| 8 | Orlando | 6.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 |
| 9 | Tallahassee | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| 10 | Port St. Lucie | 6.1 | 6.0 | 6.3 |
| 11 | Ocala | 6.3 | 7.2 | 6.3 |
| 12 | Fort Myers | 6.0 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| 13 | Lakeland | 6.1 | 6.7 | 6.1 |
| 14 | Miami | 6.2 | 3.6 | 5.6 |
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