Naples, Florida has been ranked as the best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, thanks to its job prospects and overall quality of life for residents. The city scored high for the value residents get for their money and the ample job opportunities available. With an ultra-low unemployment rate of just 2.9%, well below the national average of 3.9%, Naples offers high salaries and a strong job market, particularly in tourism and healthcare.
The rankings are based on criteria such as the health of the local job market, affordability of housing, quality of life, and overall desirability. Quality of life was weighted most heavily, reflecting rising consumer concerns about career opportunities and affordability. Boise, Idaho and Colorado Springs, Colorado ranked second and third, respectively, with Greenville, South Carolina, Charlotte, and Raleigh in North Carolina rounding out the top six.
Major cities like New York City and Los Angeles struggled in the value category due to their high costs of living. New York ranked 124th and Los Angeles 130th on the list. U.S. News’ top 10 best cities to live in the U.S. include Naples, Boise, Colorado Springs, Greenville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Huntsville, Virginia Beach, Austin, and Boulder.
Overall, the rankings aim to help Americans make informed decisions about where to reside based on their priorities, with a focus on quality of life, value, job market, and desirability. Naples’ top ranking reflects its balance of affordability, job opportunities, and overall quality of life.