The national magazine confirmed what Neapolitans already know: Naples is the best place to live in the United States.
Naples is ranked No. 1 in US News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Places to Live list of 150 major cities. Fort Myers ranked among the top 40.
Why Naples was chosen as the best city in America
US News ― considered the world’s authority in ratings and consumer advice – states that, to act on the article, “the place had to have a good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.”
Naples in recent years has risen to the top again, coming in at No. 6 on the 2023-24 list of 150 Best Places to Live.
“Located between the borders of the Everglades and the coast of the Gulf of Mexico lies Collier County, home to Naples, Immokalee and Marco Island, along with a variety of Florida flavors,” the magazine said in its latest issue.
“Long known as the destination of choice for the rich, the powerful and the adventurous, the great Naples area offers beaches, extensive golf courses, and fine dining and shopping.”
Beachgoers pose in the glow of sunset at Naples Pier in Naples on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
Did Naples not rank on the latest US News list?
Naples was No.
US News said its rankings are based on how well cities meet the expectations of retired Americans, with measures including happiness, affordability, health care, demand, retiree taxes and the job market.
“A hot playground for the powerful and wealthy, Naples is especially popular with an aging population of retirees and winter birds,” US News said of Naples as a top destination for retirees.
“But the area is also a growing area for breweries and dive pockets, clubs and water sports.”
Thousands of people gather for the 46th annual tree lighting ceremony on Third Street South in Naples on Monday, November 20, 2023.
Naples in a nutshell
US News shared information about Naples in its story. About 36% of the population is over 65 years old, followed by 45-64-year-olds (25%), with the lowest number ― 4% ― being 20-to-25-years-old.
And about 58% of Neapolitans are married.
In addition to its top spots on national titles, Naples over the past decade has become familiar throughout the US as the Pickleball Capital of the Nation with nationally televised games. This district in April hosted another US Open Pickleball Championships. The first tournament was played in Naples in 2016.
How did other Florida cities do?
Thirteen other Florida cities made the list. Sarasota was 11th, followed by Pensacola (31), Tampa (35) and Fort Myers (37), which US News said has “always drawn visitors with its year-round warmth, lush greenery, waterways and proximity to white sand beaches.”
“These qualities have attracted seasonal visitors like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, and they help attract new residents to the area,” he said.
Other cities in the state 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 a ball while competing during the seventh annual Minto US Open Pickleball Championship at East Naples Community Park in Naples on Monday, April 17, 2023.
What else did US News say about Naples?
The magazine talked about the “winter birds” and how these “seasonal residents leave their second homes in Naples as the hot summer months approach.”
“But near the coast, plenty of sunshine and no government taxes come with drawbacks,” US News said.
The newspaper also covered the city’s problems.
Top location: Naples’ downtown restaurant was named among OpenTable’s ‘Top 100’ in the US
“Continued growth and development is increasing the lack of affordable housing in Naples,” it said.
“And traffic, while nowhere near the levels seen in large Florida metro areas, can clog downtown streets during the winter months.”
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor for the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on the Naples Daily News: Is Naples the best place to live in America? According to the US News ranking