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A national magazine has confirmed what Neapolitans already know: Naples is the best place to live in the United States.
Naples ranked No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings of 150 major cities. Fort Myers was ranked in the top 40.
U.S. News ― considered a global authority in rankings and consumer advice ― says that, to make the top of the list, "a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life."
Naples in recent years ranked high as well, coming in at No. 6 on the 2023-24 list of the 150 list of Best Places to Live.
"Nestled between the edges of the Everglades and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico sits Collier County, home to Naples, Immokalee and Marco Island, as well as a range of distinctly Florida flavors," the magazine said in its latest ranking.
"Long known as a preferred retirement spot for the rich, powerful and cold-averse, the greater Naples area supplies pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping."
Beachgoers mill about in the afterglow of the sunset at the Naples Pier in Naples on Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024. Jonan Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida
Didn't Naples rank on another recent U.S. News list?
Naples was No. 1 when U.S. News and World Report earlier in November released its 2024-25 list for Best Places to Retire.
U.S. News said its rankings were based on how well cities meet American retirees’ expectations, with measures including happiness, affordability, health care, desirability, retiree taxes and job market.
"A tropical playground for the powerful and wealthy, Naples primarily caters to an older demographic of retirees and snowbirds," U.S. News said Naples as the top spot for retirees.
"But the area is also home to a growing craft brewery scene and pockets of dive bars, clubs and waterside establishments."
Thousands of people gather for the 46th annual tree lighting celebration on Third Street South in Naples on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023.
How other Florida cities fared
Thirteen other Florida cities made the list. Sarasota was 11th, followed by Pensacola (31), Tampa (35) and Fort Myers (37), which U.S. News said "has long lured vacationers with its year-round warmth, lush flora, waterways and proximity to white sand beaches.
"These qualities have attracted such notable seasonal visitors as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, and help lure new residents to the area, as well," it said.
Other state cities to make the top 150: Melbourne (49), Jacksonville (56), Orlando (68), Tallahassee (75), Ocala (78), Lakeland (80), Port St. Lucie (83), Daytona Beach (96) and Miami (123).
Parris Todd hits the ball while competing during the seventh annual Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships at East Naples Community Park in Naples on Monday, April 17, 2023.
What else did U.S. News say about Naples
The magazine mentioned "snowbirds" and how these "seasonal residents leave their second homes in Naples as the sweltering summer months approach."
"But proximity to the beach, loads of sunshine and no state income tax come with drawbacks," U.S. News said.
The periodical also touched on the city's problems.
Top spot: Naples downtown restaurant named among OpenTable's 'Top 100' in U.S.
"Continued growth and development are exacerbating a lack of affordable homes in Naples," it said.
"And traffic, although nowhere near the levels seen in larger Florida metro areas, tends to choke roadways in the urban area during the winter months."
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.