Naples leads US News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Places to Retire list.
On Thursday, U.S. News & World Report revealed that Naples, Florida, holds the top spot as the best place to retire in the United States.
Naples ranked first among 149 cities evaluated in the 2024-25 report, a remarkable achievement given its previous position at No. 28 in the 2023-24 report.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the 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.
Attractiveness
Naples ranks third in terms of retirement desirability, according to a SurveyMonkey poll of over 3,500 people. The ranking showcases the interest of U.S. residents in the city, along with its wealth of entertainment and attractions in relation to its population size.
Naples boasts a value ranking of 95; however, it is not considered affordable, as the median home price exceeds $577,000, which is more than twice the national average of $281,000. It features a robust job market for retirees who are still employed, along with a median household income of $98,120, which is notably above the national median of $75,149.
With 36% of its residents aged 65 or older, Naples offers retirees a welcoming community, according to a recent article by Zach Scott of NBC2.
Health care availability
U.S. News & World Reports has recognized NCH Baker Hospital and Physicians Regional-Pine Ridge Hospital as among the top hospitals in Florida.
Given the significant number of retirees in Florida, the Sunshine State offers outstanding health care options for various treatment needs.
Beneficial for taxes
Florida stands out as a highly favorable state for retirees in terms of taxes. The Sunshine State boasts the absence of income tax, taxes on Social Security, inheritance tax, estate tax, and taxes on retirement income such as pensions, IRAs, or 401Ks.
Beautiful weather
In 2024, the average temperature in Naples was recorded at 78.04 degrees Fahrenheit. In March, April, and May, spring average highs range from 70 to 80 degrees, while lows settle in the 60s.
During the summer months, temperatures rise, typically ranging from 83 to 90 degrees between July and August. Winter typically ranges from 70 to 80 degrees.
Naples ranks No. 32 out of 150 top U.S. cities for weather.
Naples is located along the Gulf Coast, featuring a coastline that spans almost 9 miles and provides access to 40 beaches.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, celebrated for its pristine white-sand beach, has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 8 on Dr. Beach’s 2024 Top 10 Beaches List. Dr. Beach, a coastal scientist and expert, annually identifies the finest beaches.
Minimal incidence of crime
Naples features a crime rate that is lower than that of comparable cities. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reports that Naples and Collier County boast the lowest crime rates among metropolitan counties in Florida.
In the coastal city, the likelihood of experiencing property crime is 1 in 64, whereas violent crime occurs much less frequently, with a probability of only 1 in 934.
Housing market
According to the Naples Area Board of Realtors, the local housing supply saw a 40% increase from August 2023 to August 2024, with 1,035 new listings added in September.
Whether you seek breathtaking waterfront vistas or easy access to dining and shopping, there are remarkable choices available across a broad spectrum of prices, from below $500,000 to $300 million.
Recent data indicates that Naples is among the leading housing markets in the state for 2024.
This article originally appeared on NBC2