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2 Southwest Florida Cities Named Best Places To Move In Florida

Author Gina Birch

Florida is one of the most sought after states in the nation for  people who are looking to relocate. The Sunshine State is surrounded by water, has great weather, and no state income taxes. It’s a big state with lots of options for new comers. However, 2 Southwest Florida cities have been named best places to move in Florida in a new list. Congrats to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. However, I was surprised that Naples was not on the list.

Let’s see if we can figure out why. The info comes from USA TODAY Homefront. First, they put together a set of 18 metrics thought to be important for individuals and families looking to relocate. They include things such as health and safety, crime, housing costs, education, activities and even severe weather. I’m surprised anywhere in Southwest Florida made the list after Hurricane Ian. Next, they researched and ranked 30 cities to determine which were the best to call home. Check out the list.

sunset over the water, with boat docks and palm trees

Cape Coral ranked in the top 10 partly because of the abundance of waterfront property. Look at this. The sunsets are gorgeous.

Here are the top 10 best places to move in Florida

  • #1 Gainesville
  • #2 Palm Coast
  • #3 Palm Bay
  • #4 Fort Myers
  • #5 Melbourne
  • #6 Tampa
  • #7 Daytona Beach
  • #8 Tallahassee
  • #9 Brandon
  • #10 Cape Coral

Why Fort Myers made the list

Here is a fun fact. Fort Myers has the highest life expectancy in this study at 82 years. Florida’s average is 79.7. The City of Palms also has the highest ranking in the study for high quality hospitals. Finally, the Fort gets good scores for the numerous nature preserves and great beaches.

Why Cape Coral made the list

Water. There is so much waterfront property in Cape Coral and that is desirable for people moving to Florida. In addition, there are lots of golf courses and activities. The Cape is considered to be a family-friendly community too. The study also points to a low crime rate. The typical home is valued at $391,889 and average rent comes in at $2,311.

7 Of US News "25 Best Hotels in the USA" Are In Florida

Florida has some amazing hotels, some of the best hotels in the USA, and I have been to many of them. Here in Estero I stayed at the Coconut Point Hyatt. In Naples I’ve been at both Ritz Carltons. The Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee has suites on the top floor that are just amazing.

Outside of Southwest Florida, my favorite in Orlando is The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. The place is so amazing you’ll not even care if you make it to the park. I’ve stayed at the legendary Fontainebleau on Miami’s South Beach, but I’d put them second behind the Junior Suites at W South Beach. That felt more like a luxury apartment that it did a hotel room.

So did any of those hotels make the top 25? No, they did not. Not that they aren’t amazing in every way, but Florida is just on top of things when it comes to luxury accommodations. That’s why they show up so often on these lists.  As Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News states “The 2024 Best Hotels rankings offer travelers dependable options to stay for every type of trip, balancing location, amenities and quality service to ensure an enjoyable experience.”

The Best Hotels in the USA

For the second year in a row, Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, takes the No. 1 spot, setting itself apart with its oceanfront pools, memorable dining and Mediterranean-inspired decor. The beautiful hotel is located on 4.5 beachfront acres in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach. If you’re planning on a stay, maybe check your finances first. The best price I could find for 2 adults was $1,599 a night. That’s for a room that doesn’t even face the ocean, but, as the website states, breakfast is included. Ok, I’m going to back off on judging that price too soon. The breakfast does look absolutely amazing.

Plus, I took a look ahead to see how much number 2 on the list is charging.

  • Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

    The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida. A legendary Miami Beach-area hotel that offers guests stellar service and unique experiences at its world-class spa ranks No. 2. Now keep in mind, we are in full season here in Florida. These are going to be some of the most expensive rates of the year. That being said, I found an oceanfront room on booking.com for $2,720 a night. That view is incredible.

  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

    Always mentioned as one of the best hotels in the country, this Orlando resort takes the number 7 spot. Perhaps what’s bringing it down a notch is the construction of a residential development nearby. I did see a “construction discount” on the price, so they’re definitely aware of it. It’s still a Four Seasons hotel, and it’s still amazing.

  • Faena Hotel Miami Beach

    Rounding out the top 10 of the list is the Faena Hotel. US News states “Rooms are decorated in a modern, South American style and come outfitted with sleek wooden furnishings and colorful accents.” I did find a room for $1,140 a night, but spring for the extra and get the ocean view and a balcony. Because of the hotel’s location, rates will also fluctuate based on events in the area. 

  • The Setai Miami Beach

    The Setai Miami Beach finds itself at number 11 on the list. If you enjoy the water, you’re in luck. The hotel is not just on Miami Beach, but boasts three on-site infinity pools. I did find a room for $1,080 a night, but expect double that rate if you want the ocean view. This is the ocean view.

  • The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

    Down a few spots, to number 17, is The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. This resort, 10 miles north of South Beach has amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. And being a Marriott hotel, likely boast some of the cool tech like the W South Beach has like automated controls of the lights, blinds, and thermostat. Best price I could find was $1,299 a night but if you know someone who works for Marriott, ask them about the hotel’s “friends and family” discount. 

  • The Breakers Palm Beach

    Finishing up their top 25 list, at number 25, is The Breakers Palm Beach, an Italian Renaissance-style resort on the coast. if you’re looking for an active stay, this is where you’ll find it. Two golf courses, four pools, and 10 Har-Tru tennis courts. If you’d rather relax, they have a private beach. So, if you want a top notch resort hotel on the Atlantic, but don’t want Miami, here it is. There’s also a lot of history, here. I did see Booking.com have a room for $1,290 a night. But again, I’m writing this in February, when rates are usually the highest. 

    The full list of 25 can be found here.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.

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