Naples, a city located on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, has been named the best place to live in the United States according to US News & World Report.
The American magazine detailed in its "2024-2025 Best Places to Live" report that this achievement is due to Naples' outstanding scores in the categories of job market and quality of life, surpassing 149 other major cities in the country.
US News & World Report introduced changes to its methodology this year, focusing on specific city data rather than metropolitan areas. Additionally, the categories of value and job market were given more weight in the analysis, contributing to Naples' rise from sixth place in 2023 to the top spot in 2024.
Top-Ranked Cities in the U.S.
In the rankings, Boise, the capital of Idaho, secured second place thanks to its high scores in value, job market, and quality of life. Following Boise are Colorado Springs, Colorado; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina, completing the top five.
Other notable cities include Raleigh, North Carolina, in sixth place, and Huntsville, Alabama, in seventh, the latter being the second most affordable city according to the report. Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Austin, Texas, occupy the eighth and ninth spots respectively, with Boulder, Colorado, closing out the top ten.
Erika Giovanetti, reporter and loan expert at US News & World Report, emphasized that "growing concerns about job prospects, housing affordability, and the rising cost of goods and services are reflected in this year's rankings."
Despite being an expensive place to live, Naples offers a strong job market, ranking third in that category, and has a low crime rate, positioning it 12th in that metric.
Naples has proven to be a city that combines sunshine, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a robust economy, attracting residents who seek a high quality of life in a beautiful, prosperous, and safe environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naples' Ranking
Below are some common questions and answers regarding Naples' new ranking as the best place to live in the United States.
Why was Naples ranked the best place to live in the U.S.?
Naples was ranked the best place to live due to its high scores in job market and quality of life, as well as its low crime rate and strong economy.
What changes did US News & World Report make to their ranking methodology?
US News & World Report focused on specific city data rather than metropolitan areas and gave more weight to the categories of value and job market in their analysis.
Which other cities are in the top five best places to live?
The top five cities, besides Naples, include Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.