FL's Best Place To Live Earns National Recognition

The best place to live in Florida is in the top 20 nationally, with reviewers raving about the city's safety, picturesque beauty and quiet life.

Ten towns in the Sunshine State are among the 250 best places to live, according to a new ranking from U.S. News and World Report that looks at value, desirability, job markets and the quality of life in U.S. cities.

The cities were determined based on a methodology that takes into account the city’s job market, value, quality of life and desirability.

"As prices of everyday goods continue to rise, consumers are considering affordability as a top priority when choosing a place to live," said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News and World Report in a news release.

"While U.S. News' consumer survey indicated that quality of life and affordability were close in importance, cost-of-living concerns resulted in many Americans putting what they can afford above their aspirations."

Experts evaluated indexes that concerned the cost of living, housing affordability, the economy, education, air quality, the job market and crime rates.

In the end, they found Parkland is the best place to live in Florida and the 14th-best place to live in the U.S. The Broward County town was also named the 19th-best suburb in Florida by Niche.

Of Parkland, some of the Niche reviewers said:

"The real estate market is good. Good job opportunities for a suburb. Commute time is fast, although some places are outside the city."

"As a resident of Parkland, Florida, I can truly say it’s one of the most peaceful and family-friendly places to live. The city is beautifully maintained, with tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re walking your dog through one of the many nature trails or enjoying a weekend event at Pine Trails Park, there’s a calm and charm here that’s hard to find elsewhere. It feels safe, welcoming, and perfectly balanced between nature and convenience—a hidden gem in South Florida."

"Parkland is a place for people who enjoy the quiet suburban life. It is one of the safest places and anyone would love to be here."

Facts about Parkland as described by U.S. News and World Report:

• Estimated population: 36,938 people
• Median age: 39.9
• Median household income: $223,200
• Average commute: 30.2 minutes
• Unemployment rate: 2.53 percent
• Median home value: $896,250
• Median rent: $2,795

U.S. News said measures were weighted in part based on a public survey of which people throughout the country voted on the qualities they consider important in a place to live. The news outlet also used its own internal research data, as well as data from U.S. agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Those in Florida named to the Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026-27 are:

• Parkland (14th nationally)
• Palm Harbor (62nd nationally)
• Weston (70th nationally)
• Riverview (97th nationally)
• Pensacola (115th nationally)
• Spring Hill (121st nationally)
• Kendall (155th nationally)
• Alafaya (159th nationally)
• Doral (161st nationally)
• Crestview (163rd nationally)

Across the Southeast, some of Florida's neighbors that made the national list were Johns Creek (fifth); Hoover, Alabama (sixth); Hendersonville, Tennessee (79th); and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (202nd).

The full top 10 are:

1. Carmel, Indiana
2. Fishers, Indiana
3. Flower Mound, Texas
4. Ankeny, Iowa
5. Johns Creek, Georgia
6. Hoover, Alabama
7. Rochester Hills, Michigan
8. Leander, Texas
9. Frisco, Texas
10. Sugar Land, Texas

See the full list.