Naples, Florida, has been declared the best city to live in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. The city topped the "2024-2025 Best Places to Live" report.
It outshined 149 other cities, thanks to high scores in job market and quality of life. Naples previously ranked sixth in last year’s list.
The ranking methodology has changed this year. U.S. News has shifted from using metropolitan to city-based data, placing more weight on value and job market categories.
Boise, Idaho, secured the second spot. Its strong performance in value, job market, and quality of life helped its rise.
Other top cities include Colorado Springs, Colorado; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Raleigh, North Carolina landed in sixth place.
Huntsville, Alabama, was ranked seventh. It was noted for its affordability, being the second-most economical city examined.
Eighth and ninth places went to Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Austin, Texas, respectively. Austin was praised for its desirability and strong job market. It held the top rank from 2017 to 2019.
Colorado also saw Boulder make the top 10, marking a double entry for the state.
"Rising concerns about career prospects, housing affordability and increased cost of goods and services are reflected in this year’s rankings. While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans, a city’s value and job market are becoming increasingly important for those looking for a place to live," said Erika Giovanetti, a loans expert and reporter at U.S. News.
The U.S. unemployment rate was reported at 3.9% in April by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median monthly housing payments in the U.S. reached an all-time high of $2,894 for the four weeks ending May 5, Redfin reported.