Florida; The American Dream Where Americans Want to Live

Florida; The American Dream Where Americans Want to Live

A new study reveals that Americans prioritize sunshine, safety, and affordability when choosing a place to live. Unsurprisingly, Florida tops the list of most desirable states.

While 73% of Americans express satisfaction with their current residence, 59% admit to feeling frustrated and 43% embarrassed by their home city or state. A study by Clever Real Estate found that nearly six in ten Americans have always lived in their current location. However, 84% are open to moving elsewhere.

Many Americans dream of a better life but are hindered by financial constraints, with 50% unable to afford a move to a more desirable location.

Prioritizing Sunshine, Safety, and Affordability

When asked about the qualities that make a place desirable, Americans overwhelmingly cited low crime (68%), affordable living (66%), good weather (62%), and low taxes (52%). Conversely, undesirable factors included high crime (73%), high cost of living (65%), high taxes (62%), and bad weather/pollution (54%).

Tampa: America's Most Desirable City

Tampa, Florida, emerges as the most desirable city in the United States, aligning with Americans' preferences for affordability, sunshine, and safety. The city offers year-round warm weather, no state taxes, a low crime rate, and more affordable housing compared to other Florida cities like Orlando and Miami.

Beyond Tampa: Other Desirable Locations

Charlotte, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida, follow Tampa on the list of most desirable cities. Honolulu, Hawaii, was ranked the top midsize city, despite its high cost of living. Other desirable midsize cities include Colorado Springs, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; Cape Coral, Florida; and Palm Bay, Florida.

Florida: The Most Desirable State

Florida's dominance in the desirability rankings is further solidified by its presence in the top 10 lists for both large and midsize metros. Over one-third of respondents ranked Florida among their top five states, surpassing California. Florida's lower tax burden and cost of living give it an edge over California, which also ranks as the worst state to live.

Least Desirable Places

The District of Columbia, New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Detroit were ranked among the five worst cities to live in. These cities often have higher crime rates and are more expensive than the national average.

California, known for its high cost of living, was ranked the least desirable state, followed by New York, Alaska, Alabama, and Texas. Despite their friendly reputations, Southern states make up half of the 10 least desirable states.

Kindest Cities and States

Nashville was ranked the kindest city, followed by Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, and Austin. Hawaii was named the nicest state, followed by Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida.

New York: The Rudest City and State

New York City was deemed the rudest city and state, with respondents also labeling it as having the most annoying, crazy, pretentious, and ugly residents. However, New York City was recognized for its excellent food.