This Florida city ranks No. 1 in the nation for retirement. What makes it special?
A Florida city boasts a range of activities in a laid-back setting — making it an ideal place to retire, a new report finds.
Naples ranks No. 1 on a list of the nation’s best places for retirees to live, according to U.S. News & World Report.
But Naples wasn’t the only city in the Sunshine State to earn a high spot in the rankings. Sarasota landed at No. 4 and Jacksonville was No. 7.
“Florida has long been known as a top destination,” U.S. News wrote in its Nov. 18 report. “Many people approaching retirement are on the hunt for an area where they can enjoy a higher quality of life, preferably with a warm climate, an endless amount of activities, plenty of shopping and dining options, low taxes and access to quality health care.”
To determine the best places to retire, U.S. News said it studied 150 of the most populous cities across the country. Using data from the federal government and other sources, it scored each place across six categories: happiness, affordability, health care, taxes, desirability and the job market.
What makes Naples a special place to retire?
Naples, located on the Gulf Coast, is a roughly 165-mile drive south from Tampa. The city made its mark as a retirement destination when it was found to have lower crime, sunny weather and about one-third of residents ages 65 and older.
“Naples ranks No. 3 for desirability, which accounts for U.S. residents’ interest in retiring there, based on a SurveyMonkey survey of more than 3,500 people, as well as entertainment and attraction establishments relative to the population size,” U.S. News wrote. “With a value ranking of 95, it isn’t the most affordable place to live — the median home price tops $577,000, more than twice the national average home value of $281,000.”
Naples, which also boasted a higher median household income than most cities, is no stranger to being recognized. Earlier this year, U.S. News named it the nation’s best place to live, mainly due to its desirability and job market, results show.
This time around, the city was praised for offering shopping centers, sports complexes and other entertainment options in a coastal setting.
“What distinguishes Naples from other parts of Florida is its blend of luxury and a relaxed lifestyle,” Patty Campbell, president of the Florida West Coast Division at GL Homes in Naples, told U.S. News. “Retirees can enjoy a vibrant community while experiencing the comfort and amenities of resort-style living.”
Joining Naples on the list were Sarasota and Jacksonville, making Florida the only state to have three cities in the top 10.
Here are the other places that ranked among the best for retirees to call home:
- Virginia Beach, Virginia, at No. 2
- New York City at No. 3
- Boise, Idaho, at No. 5
- Raleigh, North Carolina, at No. 6
- Huntsville, Alabama, at No. 8
- Charlotte, North Carolina, at No. 9
- Fort Wayne, Indiana, at No. 10
This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 10:11 AM with the headline "This Florida city ranks No. 1 in the nation for retirement. What makes it special?."
