The national magazine confirmed what Neapolitans already knew: Naples is the best place to live in the United States.
Naples was ranked No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 ranking of 150 major cities as the Best Places to Live. Fort Myers ranked in the top 40.
Why Naples was named America’s top city
U.S. News, considered the world’s leading authority on rankings and consumer advice, says that in order to make it to the top of the list, a location must be “valuable, a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high-quality workforce.” is necessary.” life. “
Naples has continued to rank highly in recent years, coming in sixth place on the 2023-24 list of 150 Best Places to Live.
“Located between the edge of the Everglades and the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Collier County is home to Naples, Immokalee, Marco Island and many other distinctly Florida flavors,” the magazine said in its latest rankings.
“Long known as a favorite retreat for the rich, powerful and those who hate the cold, the greater Naples area is home to pristine beaches, expansive golf courses, fine dining and shopping. ”
Didn’t Napoli make another list in recent US news?
When U.S. News & World Report released its list of the best places to retire in 2024-25 in early November, Naples was No. 1.
According to U.S. News, the rankings are based on how well cities meet the expectations of American retirees using measures such as happiness, affordability, health care, desirability, retiree taxes, and the job market. It is said that there is
U.S. News says Naples is a top spot for retirees, saying, “A tropical playground for the powerful and wealthy, Naples primarily caters to an older demographic of retirees and snowbirds.” It was reported.
“However, there is a growing number of craft breweries in the area, as well as several dive bars, clubs and waterfront establishments.”
Describe Naples in one word
US News shared some demographic information about Naples in the article. Approximately 36% of residents are over the age of 65, followed by those between 45 and 64 (25%), and the lowest at 4% between the ages of 20 and 25.
About 58% of Neapolitans are married.
In addition to its high ranking on national lists, Naples has become even better known over the past decade for nationally televised games as the world capital of pickleball. The area again hosted the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship in April. The first championship was held in Naples in 2016.
What about other cities in Florida?
Thirteen other Florida cities made the list. Sarasota ranked 11th, followed by Pensacola (31st), Tampa (35th), and Fort Myers (37th), with U.S. News reporting its “year-round warmth, lush vegetation, waterways, and proximity to white sand beaches.” It has been attracting vacationers for many years.”
“These attributes have helped attract notable seasonal tourists such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone, and have also helped attract new residents to the area,” the report said. said.
Other state cities in the top 150: Melbourne (49), Jacksonville (56), Orlando (68), Tallahassee (75), Ocala (78), Lakeland (80), Port St. Lucie (83), and Daytona Beach. (96) and Miami (123).
What else does US News say about Naples?
The magazine talked about “snowbirds” and how these “seasonal residents leave their Naples villas as the sweltering summer approaches.”
“But the proximity to the beach, plenty of sun and no state income tax have their downsides,” U.S. News reported.
This periodical also touched on city issues.
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“Continued growth and development has exacerbated the shortage of affordable housing in Naples,” the newspaper said.
“Also, urban roads tend to become congested during the winter, although nowhere near the levels seen in Florida’s metropolitan areas.”
Dave Osborn is regional features editor for the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
