14 Florida cities made list of best places to live in US

Many nationwide may mock Florida for its many issues, but the Sunshine State remains among the most desirable places in the country.

Fourteen Florida cities made the new 2023-24 list of the 150 "Best Places to Live in the U.S." that U.S. News & World Report released Tuesday.

Other highlights:

• Florida is home to four of the top five "Fastest Growing Places" and four of the top five "Safest Places."

• Sarasota was ranked No. 5, again leading the state as the top place to live. Naples was the only other Florida city to make the top 10, at No. 6.

5. Sarasota offers 'distinct vibe'

The magazine said this Gulf-side city also is No. 2 for "fastest-growing places" on the new list, behind Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at No. 1. Last year, U.S. News ranked Sarasota at No. 9 for reasons including its "distinct vibe ... vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture."

Who lives here?Most famous celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Bradenton area

6. Naples is 'retirement spot for the rich, powerful'

This long-ago sleepy fishing town jumped to No. 6 this year from No. 12. Naples also ranked as the No. 1 safest place. Last year, the magazine referred to Naples as "a preferred retirement spot for the rich, powerful and cold-averse," with "pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and fine dining and shopping. Naples, the 2023-24 list said, jumped into the Top 10 because of its because of its "high desirability score," meaning the city scored well as a place where people want to live, based on SurveyMonkey polling in March. Naples in March received the No. 1 ranking for places to live in the U.S. by Scholaroo, a nonprofit educational research company and scholarship website engine.

Made the Top 10:Naples is 6th best place to live, according to U.S. News & World Report

This has never happened here:Could this be the year Naples finally hits triple digits?

15. Melbourne has down-to-earth attractions too

This Atlantic coast city known as part of the Space Coast for nearby Kennedy Space Center jumped to No. 15 from No. 20 last year. Other attractions include the Eau Gallie Arts District featuring museums and galleries, and a robust historic downtown with a variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Melbourne also ranked high on the Scholaroo list, at 21st.

16. Jacksonville a resurgent city

This city ― known for its resurgent Jaguars NFL team and vibrant neighborhoods connected by bridges crossing the serpentine St. Johns River ― continues to rise in various national rankings. In the latest U.S. News list, Jacksonville jumped to 16th from 24th. The main city in what's known as the First Coast, Jacksonville recently was listed as the ony Florida city to make Forbes' annual list of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire. Factors included the city's affordable home prices, abundant parks and some of the top hospitals in the state.

Moving on up:Jacksonville jumps eight spots on national Best Places to Live list

24. Tampa more than just sports

It was only a couple years ago that this city by the bay proclaimed itself "Champa Bay," with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning winning back-to-back Stanley Cups and the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming its second Super Bowl title in its history. But Tampa ― part of the region that also includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater ― moved from last year's 39th ranking to 24th on the latest U.S. News "Best Places to Live" list for the town's many other attributes, especially its growing dining scene. Check out Channelside or Channel District the next time you're in Tampa. You won't be disappointed.

28. Pensacola rising from the west

Pensacola too often has been overlooked. There's St. Augustine claim as the oldest U.S. city, founded in 1565, but it was Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna who in 1559 established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the U.S. Nearly a half-century later, Pensacola continues to deserve great respect and U.S. News has recognized this, moving the western Panhandle city to 28th on this year's list, up from 44th a year ago. Head to this waterside city for awesome beaches but also rich history, diverse festivals, a thriving fine arts scene and superior dining.

Big mover:Pensacola jumps 16 spots on U.S. News' Best Places to Live 2023-2024 list. Where it ranked:

49. Daytona Beach has many cool bars

Another city moving up the charts, Daytona Beach goes to 49th from 68th because it's more than just auto racing. The region that also includes Port Orange, South Daytona, Ponce Inlet, Ormond Beach and Holly Hill offers restaurants, shopping, outdoor actvities and more. And any visit should include a stop at various bars, including rooftop one with spectacular views.

U.S. News new rankings:'Best Places to Live' list is out: see where Daytona, other Florida cities rank

52. Orlando jumps 66 spots

The world knows Orlando for its theme park attractions, but head away from the Interstate 4 traffic to savor this city's night life that includes clubs, restaurants and concerts. Orlando jumped 66 spots, from 118th last year to No. 52 on the U.S. News list.

60. Tallahassee scores for music, outdoors

Take time to sample all that this capital city offers. Tallahassee is home to Florida State University and also museums, parks, historic sites and more. Listen to music at a variety of spots, from Blue Tavern to the iconic Bradfordville Blues Club just outside town. The diverse way of life is one reason why Tallahassee jumped to 60th from 110 last year.

63. Port St. Lucie loves its golf

Not big and brash, Port St. Lucie offers a more laid back Florida alernative. And U.S. News upgraded the city's ranking to 63 from 78 last year, perhaps because of its many options on the links. There are 13 golf courses in Port Saint Lucie with one municipal course. And within 20 miles of PSL (as some call it), there's another 42 golf courses within 20 miles of the city. And after Naples, Port St. Lucie was ranked No. 2 "Safest Place" to live in the U.S.

U.S. News lastest rankings:'Best Places' list; see where Port St. Lucie ranked

67. Ocala has horses but great parks too

Most Florida towns jumped in the rankings but Ocala held just fine at No. 67. The region is pure country, home to more than 400 thoroughbred farms and training centers. It's even officially known as the Horse Capital of the World. For another experience, enjoy the great outdoors at Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park and other sites.

91. Fort Myers has outdoor, indoor activities

Like Ocala, Fort Myers' rating remained the same. The City of Palms has a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities like fishing and boating to indoor fun like shopping, restaurants and bars. Fort Myers also was rated the No. 3 "Safest Place" to live in the U.S., after No. 1 Naples just to its south and Port St. Lucie at No. 2, on the east coast. And Fort Myers was rated the third fastest-growing city. And despite Hurricane Ian ravaging the area Sept. 28, 2022, the resilient region continues to come back and thrive. The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater last year began hosting concerts with the Caloosahatchee River as the backdrop.

U.S. News new ranking:Fort Myers ranks in Top 100 of best places to live

105. Lakeland's name truly accurate

This Central Florida city truly is the land of lakes ― 38 of them. So it makes sense that fishing would be popular activity. Location especially makes Lakeland a popular place to live, about halfway between Tampa and Orlando, along with easy access to Interstate 4. Its ranking remained the same at 105. Lakeland also was rated the fifth "Safest Place" and the fourth fastest-growing in the U.S.

138. Miami is never boring

Beaches, night life, boating and sports are among just a few of the many things to do in Miami, the unofficial capital of South Florida. Its ranking also remained the same from last year.

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn.