Pensacola has been named as a top 100 city in a list of "America's Best Cities" from an international real estate, tourism and economic development firm.

Pensacola was ranked 81st in the 2022 report of America's Best Cities conducted by Resonance Consultancy. 

Resonance used consumer research and market analysis to evaluate each city with a metro-area population of over 500,000 people in six categories: place, product, programming, people, prosperity and promotion.

Pensacola's metro area, which included all of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties crossed over the 500,000-mark in the 2020 Census with a population of 511,503.

The report noted that Pensacola was the smallest city to make the list.

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Pensacola Beach pushed the city to rank 20th in the report's parks and outdoors subcategory.

The report ranked Pensacola at 46th in the place category, which evaluates a city's weather, crime, neighborhoods and parks and outdoors.

The city also ranked 51st in the prosperity category, which looks at median household income, unemployment rate and income equality.

"More than 500 companies in town specialize in aerospace and defense, cyber security, advanced manufacturing and professional services, with more remote talent arriving daily in pursuit of the beach and no state personal income tax," the report said.

Pensacola ranked ahead of cities like Greenville, South Carolina (83), Buffalo, New York, (87), Birmingham, Alabama, (96) and Chattanooga, Tennessee (97).

Nine Florida cities made the list, including Miami (10), Orlando (16) and Tampa (31).

Pensacola was only ahead of one other Florida city, Lakeland which ranked 99th on the list.

Resonance Consultancy has published the America's Best Cities list since 2014.

Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson issued a statement about the ranking on Wednesday saying it was an honor to see the city recognized among the best in the country.

"This recognition demonstrates that more and more people are realizing what Pensacola residents already know — that our city is a beautiful, vibrant place to live, with so much to offer residents and visitors in every stage of life," Robinson said. "Our rich history, Southern hospitality, beautiful beaches and waterways, and strong economy make Pensacola a truly special place, and I am not surprised to see exponential growth as people continue to want to call Pensacola home."

Jim Little can be reached at jwlittle@pnj.com and 850-208-9827.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola makes top 100 list of 'America's Best Cities'