U.S. News releases 'Best Places to Live' list; see where Daytona, other Florida cities rank

Mark Harper, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
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Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-older community as seen in 2021, has added thousands of new residents to Daytona Beach, which has ranks among the top 100 "Best Places to Live," according to U.S. News & World Report.
Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-older community as seen in 2021, has added thousands of new residents to Daytona Beach, which has ranks among the top 100 "Best Places to Live," according to U.S. News & World Report.

Daytona Beach has broken into the top 50 of the U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live in the United States list.

The birthplace of auto racing and home to the World's Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach has been rising steadily in the U.S. News rankings since 2019, when it was No. 99.

In all, 12 Florida cities made the top 100, far more than any other state.

Visitors cross the Main Street beach ramp, Monday May 15, 2023 in Daytona Beach.
Visitors cross the Main Street beach ramp, Monday May 15, 2023 in Daytona Beach.

What accounts for the 50-place jump in four years? The rankings' methodology cites four indices it compiles, using government and other data: quality of life, value, job market, and desirability.

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Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said the city has been on a roll and considers the U.S. News ranking "good news" and reflective of the city's rise.

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry

"We by every metric have improved over the last 10-12 years," Henry said. "The only trouble spot is the increase in the cost of housing, although that also speaks to desirability."

The U.S. News article on Daytona Beach from 2022-2023 cites things to do, including beach driving, arts and entertainment, and Daytona International Speedway as amenities, while Henry noted some of the newer family-friendly businesses to open in recent years.

Those include GameTime and Dave & Busters in two of the new commercial/retail developments, One Daytona and the Tomoka Town Center, plus the announcement of plans for a new PopStroke golf entertainment center, co-owned by Tiger Woods. The article also gives Daytona Beach points for its low cost of living and great weather.

"It's really a great time in Daytona Beach, overall," Henry said. "We are experiencing a renaissance for quality of life."

Beach goers make their way down the Main Street beach ramp, Monday May 15, 2023 in Daytona Beach.
Beach goers make their way down the Main Street beach ramp, Monday May 15, 2023 in Daytona Beach.

Which city is No. 1?

Overall, Green Bay, Wisconsin came out on top nationally, followed by Huntsville, Alabama, and Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina.

Florida landed 12 cities in the top 100. The next closest states were North Carolina and Pennsylvania with six, followed by New York, Ohio, and South Carolina with five apiece.

An aerial photo shows Lido Key, one of the assets that helped Sarasota earn the No. 5 ranking in the U.S. News Best Places to Live in the United States.
An aerial photo shows Lido Key, one of the assets that helped Sarasota earn the No. 5 ranking in the U.S. News Best Places to Live in the United States.

Here are where the top Florida cities ranked: No. 5, Sarasota; No. 6, Naples; No. 15, Melbourne; No. 16, Jacksonville; No. 24, Tampa; No. 28, Pensacola; No. 49, Daytona Beach; No. 52, Orlando; No. 60, Tallahassee; No. 63, Port St. Lucie; No. 67, Ocala; and No. 91, Fort Myers.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: See where Daytona Beach (No. 68 last year) ranks on 'Best Places' list