In a recent study by the financial company WalletHub, which compared all 50 states in the United States based on key livability indicators, Florida secured the second position. The rating, placing Florida just behind Massachusetts in the rankings provided by WalletHub, evaluated crucial indicators such as housing costs, income growth, and education rate, among others.
"Florida is the second-best state to live in, boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at just 2.9%, along with the sixth-highest number of job opportunities. It also has the seventh-lowest tax rate and the sixth-highest growth in median household income, making it an excellent place to generate and grow wealth," the report states.
Additionally, "the Sunshine State offers a multitude of ways to spend leisure time, with a particularly large number of restaurants, beaches, gyms, and theaters per capita," the study adds.
Finally, the report mentions that "Florida is a fairly safe state. It ranks ninth in terms of the number of security officers per capita, contributing to its 13th place in violent crime rates and 15th in property crime rates."
Following the top two states, New Jersey, Utah, and New Hampshire rounded out the top five.
Florida Cities Shine in Regional Rankings
This year, the portal Livability revealed its annual list of the 25 best places to live in the Southeastern United States for 2024, highlighting three Florida cities among the top destinations. The study, based on nearly 100 data points, featured St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando in its top 25.
Additionally, according to US News & World Report, Naples, a city located on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, was chosen as the best place to live in the United States.
In another study conducted this year by WalletHub, five Florida cities stood out as the best options for first-time homebuyers in the United States. These cities are Palm Bay, Cape Coral, Port St. Lucie, Tampa, and Orlando, with Lakeland and Sunrise also appearing slightly lower on the list.
The research compared 300 different cities, using 22 key indicators of market attractiveness, affordability, and quality of life. Among these indicators are the cost of living, real estate taxes, and crime rates.
Why is Florida a Top Choice for Living in 2024?
To provide more insights into why Florida ranks so highly as a place to live, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the key factors that make Florida a top state to live in?
Florida's ranking is influenced by its low unemployment rate, high job opportunities, low tax rates, and significant growth in median household income. Additionally, it offers a high quality of life with abundant leisure activities and a relatively safe environment.
Which Florida cities are considered the best for first-time homebuyers?
According to WalletHub, Palm Bay, Cape Coral, Port St. Lucie, Tampa, and Orlando are the best Florida cities for first-time homebuyers. Lakeland and Sunrise also rank highly, though slightly lower on the list.
How does Florida compare to other states in terms of safety?
Florida is relatively safe, ranking ninth in the number of security officers per capita. This contributes to its 13th place in violent crime rates and 15th in property crime rates, making it a secure place to live.