Oh, Florida! The state of everlasting sunshine, beautiful weather, and magnificent beaches. Moving to this amazing metro area remains a dream for many Americans. However, even here, there are corners where life promises to be the most serene and prosperous. U.S. News has compiled its rating of the best places to live in Florida in 2023. Let’s look, take note, and make some epic plans!

How It Ranks – Key Indexes

U.S. News applies a methodology based on data that is especially important for readers when choosing a place to live and move. The U.S. Department of Labor, the FBI, and the U.S. Census Bureau have become the primary data sources and U.S. News’ own internal resources. This information is necessary to measure five indexes that show the preferences of American respondents.

We have provided a list of these indexes below. Pay attention to the percentages that show the importance of one or another aspect for choosing a place of residence and moving from the point of view of respondents polled in March 2022.

Job Market Index (20%)

This index measures the opportunities for finding a steady job in a particular metro area. From this point of view, two key factors are essential:

• Average Salary. This indicator shows the approximate level of earnings in the place you are interested in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the data.
• Unemployment Rate. This factor helps to assess the strength of the labor market and the possibility of finding a job in the chosen place to live.

Value Index (25%)

Some experts call it the Housing Affordability Index. We use it to estimate the ratio of expenses and income in a particular metro area. To do this, two dimensions are taken:

• Blended Annual Housing Cost. U.S. News turns to the data from the U.S. Census, which collects mortgage data in metro areas of the United States and compiles statistics on annual household expenses, including taxes and utilities.
• Blended Median Household Income. It shows the percentage of homeowners and renters, as well as the approximate level of funds before deducting all these payments.

By sharing the blended annual housing cost by blended media housing income, you can get a Value Index that shows your options for buying a home in the selected location.

Quality of Life Index (32,5%)

This index measures the level of well-being of metro area residents and their satisfaction with living here. Judging by the percentage, it is essential to assess the feasibility of moving. The index considers:

• Crime Rates. This indicator is based on FBI Uniform Crime Reports on the number of property and violent crimes per 100,000 people in the metro area.
• Well-Being. It is a summary indicator of Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index, which shows the satisfaction of the residents with their financial and social situation, as well as with the environment and their day-to-day life.
• Quality of Education. The U.S. Best High School Ranking is applied here to measure average college readiness. That means you can define a student’s opportunities to get a prestigious and high-quality education after school.
• Commuter Index. It shows the average travel time from door to door (usually from home to work) the locals typically spend. The lower the index is, the better the facilities are.
• Quality and Availability of Health Care. U.S. News accesses data from the Best Hospitals ranking and data on the number of hospitals within 50, 100, and 250 miles of each metro area. The index shows how quickly its residents can receive qualified medical care.
• Air Quality. This is a new parameter for assessing environmental well-being in the state, based on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Desirability Index (17,5%)

These data show how many people find this or that place attractive for moving. The rating is based on the SurveyMonkey poll, which 3,500 people in March 2022 attended. Respondents told where they would like to live the most, and then the experts ranked the answers.

Net Migration (5%)

Unlike the previous index, which is closer to dreams and intentions, Net Migration helps to get accurate facts about how many people left or moved to the metro area. Experts consider these figures to be the most illustrative for assessing the attractiveness of a place to live.

Where to Live in Florida? 14 Best Places

So, now we know how to evaluate a place to live according to the crucial data. It’s time to get down to specifics and find out where you can feel best in sunny Florida. Let’s consider the U.S. News rating of 2023.

14. Miami

• Metro Population: 6,129,858
• Median Home Price: $247,112
• Average Annual Salary: $52,970
• Job Market Score: 5.7
• Value: 3.1
• Quality of Life: 7
• Desirability: 6.2
• Net Migration: 5.1
• Total Score: 5.5

Americans and foreigners call Miami The Magic city for a reason. Life is really vibrant here, and we mean not only the beach parties that Miami Beach is famous for. Today, experts consider it one of the most promising business centers in the world, as young specialists in banking and trade careers strive here.

On the other hand, the suburbs of Miami, including Doral and Coral Gables, are still the quiet corners for calm and prosperous family life. Beautiful nature, amazing beaches, and always beautiful weather open up opportunities for sports and outdoor activities, as well as inspiration for art and creativity.

However, you should consider some drawbacks when discussing Miami as a place to move. Let’s start with housing prices, which are pretty high and growing. Aggressive driving and an increased risk of hurricanes can cause concern as well.

13. Orlando

• Metro Population: 2,560,620
• Median Home Price: $399,846
• Average Annual Salary: $48,530
• Job Market Score: 4.8
• Value: 4.9
• Quality of Life: 6.8
• Desirability: 6.8
• Net Migration: 6.6
• Total Score: 5.9

Orlando is notable because of its versatility and grandeur. It offers tremendous opportunities for tourists from all over the world, and everyone discovers their own Orlando, being fascinated by its nature and the famous theme parks (Walt Disney World, remember?) or the intriguing and vibrant nightlife areas as well.

For those who prefer relocation to a tourist trip, Orlando can also become a piece of cake. It has everything you need for life, business, rest, and even more. Incredible natural routes and an abundance of sports and cultural events attract more and more new residents, despite the active growth of housing in recent years.

12. Lakeland

• Metro Population: 705,735
• Median Home Price: $304,374
• Average Annual Salary: $45,430
• Job Market Score: 4.9
• Value: 6.4
• Quality of Life: 6.2
• Desirability: 5.4
• Net Migration: 8.7
• Total Score: 6

This admirable metro area brags about its stunning 38 lakes and picturesque views that inspire dreamers and lovers of serenity worldwide. The location between noisy and larger Orlando and Tampa often leads to an underestimation of Lakeland. However, those who find the time for a visit will stay fascinated by the atmosphere of a beautiful neighborhood and the feeling that the city’s residents are one big family.

Life in Lakeland seems like a holiday resort thanks to many nature reserves and parks, public golf courses, wonderful shops and restaurants, as well as museums with fascinating expositions.

The cost of housing is slightly lower than in neighboring cities here, but the level of earnings is appropriate. Furthermore, when moving to Lakeland, ensure that the hot and humid climate is okay for you and get ready for some problems with public transport.

11. Tallahassee

• Metro Population: 384,783
• Median Home Price: $190,500
• Average Annual Salary: $48,290
• Job Market Score: 6
• Value: 5.6
• Quality of Life: 6.8
• Desirability: 5
• Net Migration: 5.5
• Total Score: 6

We used to associate Florida with a place of sunny beaches and infinite holidays and parties. However, Tallahassee, bordering Georgia, will open a new Florida for you. Perhaps there is no other city of this kind in the entire state, making it unique. Three institutions of higher learning (Tallahassee Community College, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University), an active social and cultural life, and charming architecture attract families with kids, specialists in economics, and even retirees. However, this city is one of the youngest in the state since the average age of its residents is about 33 years old.

The special atmosphere and affordable housing make this city tempting to move to, although hot and humid summers and a lot of precipitation may not appeal to everyone.

10. Fort Myers

• Metro Population: 756,870
• Median Home Price: $405,336
• Average Annual Salary: $47,340
• Job Market Score: 5.5
• Value: 5.7
• Quality of Life: 6.5
• Desirability: 5.7
• Net Migration: 8.2
• Total Score: 6

The metro area on the Gulf Coast between Miami and Tampa attracts new residents with an abundance of flowers and trees, white sand beaches, and just an abnormally massive amount of entertainment and activities, beginning with golf, cycling, and tennis and ending with gastronomic fests. The versatility of Fort Myers has made it a city of retirees for a long time, but today the number of arriving families and professionals is constantly growing.

Fort Myers can be overwhelming with its high housing prices and impressive real estate tax rate. Those who can afford it and are eager to move here should also be ready for unpredictable weather, as the metro is in the area of thunderstorms, monsoons, and seasonal hurricanes.

9. Ocala

• Metro Population: 360,210
• Median Home Price: $168,850
• Average Annual Salary: $42,050
• Job Market Score: 5.1
• Value: 6.6
• Quality of Life: 6.4
• Desirability: 5.4
• Net Migration: 8
• Total Score: 6.1

It is impossible to talk about the best places to live in Florida and ignore Ocala, known as the “Horse Capital of the World”. Green hills, extensive pastures, well-groomed horse farms, and the Kentucky Derby proving ground are adjacent here with an active nightlife, a tempting gastronomic scene, and fascinating architecture, including Victorian elements so that everyone will find something to its liking.

Those moving to Ocala are also inspired by affordable housing and warm and calm weather with a low storm risk and a fairly noticeable winter.

8. Port St. Lucie

• Metro Population: 481,334
• Median Home Price: $233,133
• Average Annual Salary: $46,670
• Job Market Score: 5.6
• Value: 5.9
• Quality of Life: 6.4
• Desirability: 6.2
• Net Migration: 7.9
• Total Score: 6.2

This southeastern coastal city between Orlando and Miami offers quiet and friendly neighborhoods with cozy green spaces, fantastic street cleanliness, and… world-class amenities! The St. Lucie River also contributes to the life and leisure of the locals. At the same time, outdoor walks and water sports, along with a variety of outdoor jazz programs, are especially popular here.

The Port of Saint Lucie, with its excellent schools, low crime rate, and relatively inexpensive housing, is especially attractive for retirees and families. The weather is warm and comfortable here, although the hurricane season can see the lights from June to November.

7. Daytona Beach

• Metro Population: 658,961
• Median Home Price: $339,137
• Average Annual Salary: $43,100
• Job Market Score: 5.1
• Value: 5.6
• Quality of Life: 6.5
• Desirability: 7.3
• Net Migration: 7.9
• Total Score: 6.2

You may call Daytona Beach a resort town, considering the number of tourists flooding its beaches in winter and disappearing somewhere in summer. It may seem like a paradise haven for you if you are fond of fishing, playing golf, and wandering through lively areas with museums, theaters, antique markets, and restaurants.

The average earnings are far from staggering here. However, housing prices and living expenses are also very comforting and inspiring. Daytona Beach attracts more and more retirees, though five higher institutions in the metro area are becoming the focus of active student life.

6. Pensacola

• Metro Population: 496,278
• Median Home Price: $200,800
• Average Annual Salary: $45,170
• Job Market Score: 5.7
• Value: 6.5
• Quality of Life: 6.6
• Desirability: 6.4
• Net Migration: 6.6
• Total Score: 6.4

Pensacola metro area stretching along Pensacola and Escambia Bays captivates everyone thanks to a mix of natural and historical vibes, which is so inspiring here. Americans also call it the «City of Five Flags» since the Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American governments were present at different times. The official holiday allows everyone to celebrate this feature.

And yet it is nature that becomes Pensacola’s trump card as a place to move. White sand, inviting sea waves, and a warm climate draw more Americans. Military families, specialists in education, healthcare, and tourism are welcome guests here. The low cost of living and no income tax are good reasons for moving as well.

5. Tampa

• Metro Population: 3,152,928
• Median Home Price: $369,299
• Average Annual Salary: $51,770
• Job Market Score: 5.9
• Value: 5.9
• Quality of Life: 6.9
• Desirability: 6.6
• Net Migration: 6.9
• Total Score: 6.4

Do you want to enjoy a lazy and serene beach holiday? Consider moving to Tampa. Do you dream of living in a bustling metro area and making a successful career? Welcome to Tampa! One of the most extensive and diverse places in Florida offers ample opportunities for the new settlers of any profession, social status, and lifestyle.

With its tourist and historical areas, Tampa makes everyone feel like a man of the world and discover something new daily. Moderate housing prices relative to income also play a role. Be ready to pack your bags if you are not afraid of a hot, humid, rainy, and hurricane-risky summer.

4. Jacksonville

• Metro Population: 1,533,796
• Median Home Price: $348,852
• Average Annual Salary: $49,940
• Job Market Score: 6.1
• Value: 6.1
• Quality of Life: 6.6
• Desirability: 7
• Net Migration: 7
• Total Score: 6.5

This city entered the top 25 best places to live in the USA and ranked 24. A mixture of a reasonably low housing cost with an involving and boosting day and night coastal life, including the famous coastlines of Ponte Vedra and Amelia Island, seems tempting to many Americans from other regions.

Jacksonville offers various options for recreation, sports, entertainment, and business, together with its diverse history, seasoned with a comfortable climate. However, you may also experience periodic showers and thunderstorms there.

3. Melbourne

• Metro Population: 594,001
• Median Home Price: $217,400
• Average Annual Salary: $51,740
• Job Market Score: 6.2
• Value: 6.6
• Quality of Life: 7
• Desirability: 5.8
• Net Migration: 7.3
• Total Score: 6.5

Melbourne is one of the most populous and bustling metro areas on the Space Coast, and satellite launches and cargo spacecrafts departing from Cape Canaveral have become part of everyday life here. However, these are not the only attractions and benefits of Melbourne. Water sports, art galleries, and extensive career opportunities in the fields of art, economics, and science draw people from all parts of the country and contribute to the development of an energetic community.

The low cost of housing and no income tax are other good reasons for moving. However, the proximity to the central coast may cause concern because of the presence of the hurricane season.

2. Naples

• Metro Population: 379,345
• Median Home Price: $345,000
• Average Annual Salary: $50,040
• Job Market Score: 5.8
• Value: 5.2
• Quality of Life: 7.4
• Desirability: 7.9
• Net Migration: 7.6
• Total Score: 6.6

Naples, along with the nearby Marco Island, is a gemstone of Collier County, and its 12th position out of 150 in the ranking of the best places to live in the United States for 2023 is the best confirmation. It is here that wealthy people preferring fine restaurants and premium amenities and looking for rest, entertainment, and privacy. That is why the strong presence of a farming community nearby seems more surprising. However, the lush, sunny climate and fascinating beaches do not play into the hands of those settling here. Housing prices are rising at an alarming rate, and the shortage of affordable houses and apartments is increasingly urgent.

Still, the hurricane season, storms, and heat can disappoint beach holidays fans and nightlife fans. However, these little things are often minor to those who dream of living in perpetual summer and are ready to pay for it!

1. Sarasota

• Metro Population: 821,613
• Median Home Price: $387,630
• Average Annual Salary: $48,180
• Job Market Score: 5.7
• Value: 6.2
• Quality of Life: 7
• Desirability: 7.3
• Net Migration: 8.4
• Total Score: 6.7

The unique vibe of Sarasota, with its unforgettable beaches, impressive art scene, and developing gastronomic art, has led it to the deserved 9th place in the overall ranking of the best places to live in the USA, and the win of Florida ranks in 2023. The metro area offers a fantastic mix of culture, chic, and laid-back seaside life, attractive to both retirees and young educated Americans.

The desire of newcomers to enjoy white sand beaches, opera, and classical live music plays a cruel joke on the housing prices. They show steady growth here and today exceed those in the neighboring Tampa and St. Petersburg metro areas. However, the high quality of life and the opportunity to enjoy hot and sunny weather all year round are still the things that make a lot of Americans pay their price.

Conclusion

U.S. News ranks show impartial social and economic data that matters when choosing a place to move to Florida. However, the heart wants what it wants, and any area may seem the best for you thanks to nature, your favorite lake, the university of your dreams, etc. Consider both your cravings and official data so that choosing a better place to move becomes a hit.