Florida Ranked 2nd Best State To Live In
A new study released this week shows something that many of us already know. It’s pretty awesome here in Florida. In fact, the Wallethub story ranked us as the second best state to live in. But what is it about Florida that makes people want to keep moving here?
The Best State To Live In
Ok, since Florida is second, which state did they have as number one? That would be Massachusetts. They cited the strong health care system where 97.3% of the population has insurance, and high-quality education. In the education section, the study ranked them as the best in the nation including the fourth-best high school graduation rate. Finally, Massachusetts has the third-lowest property crime rate in the country and has the third-best access to public transportation.
Florida Ranked 2nd Best State To Live
So why was Florida chosen at number 2? Well, for starters, there’s jobs. Florida’s unemployment rate currently sits at 3.3%, one of the best in the country. We also have no state income tax and the sixth-highest median household income growth, making Florida a great place to build and grow wealth. Especially on days like today when the stock market jumped significantly.
There’s also so much to do. Florida has a large number of restaurants, beaches, fitness centers, and theaters per capita. Finally, the Sunshine State has a better handle on crime than most with the ninth-most law enforcement employees per capita, which has contributed to the 13th-lowest violent crime rate and the 15th-lowest property crime rate.
But, Before You Move Here.
There’s always a “but”, isn’t there? Living in Florida is not for everyone. It’s oppressively hot right now, so if you’re going to be here in August, be ready to sweat. And bugs. I hope you aren’t afraid of bug bites because it’s going to happen. And of course, the hurricanes. No matter where in Florida you live, at some point nature will try to kill you. But I never complain, I love it here. To me, Florida is the best state to live in.
Underrated Florida Beaches That Are Filled with Beauty
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach still has a good amount of damage from the hurricane, but Margaritaville is open, so you’ll find plenty to do there. Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of the state’s most underrated beaches. At Fort Myers Beach, you’ll find beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
Getty Images / benkrut
Sarasota
Make sure to visit Siesta Key here, as well as Sarasota Gay Beach and Crescent Beach. Just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a lovely beach town that is especially popular during the holidays. You’ll find lots of local shopping opportunities here.
Getty Images / Sean Pavone
St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is located on a barrier island fronting the legendary Apalachicola Bay. It’s a great place to gaze at the stars. Note that starting March 1, 2025, the campground at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park will be closed for an expansion project.
Getty Images / Liene-Helmig
Santa Rosa Beach
If you head to Santa Rosa Beach and want to find some really special, and secret, beaches, try Blue Mountain Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. This beach town is less crowded than most, which makes it a low-key getaway.
Getty Images / krblokhin
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is located on a 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach, and has beautiful, translucent waters. It’s a really small town, so it’s much less crowded than other beaches. It’s a hidden gem.
Getty Images / Ben Oldaker
Discover Your Own New Favorite
If you don’t want to go too far, do some digging and visit one of the closest beaches to you, that you haven’t visited yet. This is one of my favorite things to do. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite beach super close to home.
Getty Images / Sergey Dementyev
