U.S. News ranks Southwest Florida as the best location to live.
A national magazine has validated what those from Naples have long understood: Naples is the premier place to reside in the United States.
Naples has achieved the top position in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings among 150 major cities. Fort Myers achieved a position in the top 40, according to a recent article by Dave Osborn of Naples Daily News.
What factors led to the selection of Naples as America’s premier city?
According to U.S. News, recognized as a leading source in rankings and consumer guidance, a location must possess excellent value, be an appealing place to reside, feature a robust job market, and offer a high quality of life to reach the top of the list.
In recent years, Naples has also achieved a notable ranking, securing the No. 6 spot on the 2023-24 list of the 150 Best Places to Live.
“Situated between the boundaries of the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico lies Collier County, which includes Naples, Immokalee, and Marco Island, along with a variety of uniquely Floridian experiences,” the magazine stated in its most recent ranking.
“Renowned as a favored retirement destination for the affluent, influential, and those averse to cold weather, the greater Naples area offers immaculate beaches, extensive golf courses, and exquisite dining and shopping options.”
Did Naples appear on another recent U.S. News list?
Naples secured the top spot when U.S. News and World Report unveiled its 2024-25 list for Best Places to Retire earlier in November.
According to U.S. News, its rankings reflect how effectively cities fulfill the expectations of American retirees, utilizing criteria such as happiness, affordability, health care, desirability, retiree taxes, and the job market.
“A tropical playground for the powerful and wealthy, Naples primarily caters to an older demographic of retirees and snowbirds,” noted U.S. News, highlighting Naples as the premier destination for retirees.
Naples summarized
U.S. News provided some demographic insights regarding Naples in its article. Approximately 36% of residents are aged 65 and older, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 25%. The smallest group consists of 20 to 25-year-olds, accounting for just 4%.
Approximately 58% of individuals in Naples are married.
Alongside its impressive standings on national lists, Naples has gained recognition throughout the U.S. over the past decade as the Pickleball Capital of the World, featuring nationally televised matches. The region in April once again hosted the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. The inaugural championships took place in Naples in 2016.
How other cities in Florida performed
The list also included thirteen other cities in Florida. Sarasota ranked 11th, with Pensacola at 31, Tampa at 35, and Fort Myers at 37. U.S. News noted that Fort Myers “has long lured vacationers with its year-round warmth, lush flora, waterways and proximity to white sand beaches.”
“These attributes have drawn distinguished seasonal guests like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone, and also assist in enticing new residents to the region,” it stated.
Additional cities from the state that rank in the top 150 include Melbourne (49), Jacksonville (56), Orlando (68), Tallahassee (75), Ocala (78), Lakeland (80), Port St. Lucie (83), Daytona Beach (96), and Miami (123).
“However, the area is also home to an expanding craft brewery scene, along with a variety of dive bars, clubs, and waterside establishments.”
What additional information did U.S. News provide regarding Naples?
The magazine discussed “snowbirds” and how these “seasonal residents depart from their second homes in Naples as the hot summer months draw near.”
“However, being close to the beach, enjoying abundant sunshine, and having no state income tax has its downsides,” reported U.S. News.
The publication also addressed the issues facing the city.
Naples downtown restaurant recognized as one of OpenTable’s ‘Top 100’ in the U.S.
“The ongoing growth and development are intensifying the shortage of affordable housing in Naples,” it stated.
“Traffic, while not approaching the levels observed in larger Florida metropolitan areas, often congests roadways in the urban area during the winter months.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News