News Summary
St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando have been named among the top 25 best places to live in the Southeastern U.S. by Livability.com. These cities were evaluated based on various livability metrics, highlighting St. Petersburg’s sunny weather and commitment to inclusivity, Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant culture, and Orlando’s diverse offerings beyond theme parks. Additionally, these cities are recognized for their robust job markets, with Allegiant Airlines announcing new routes to enhance travel access, further benefiting local residents and tourism.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Three cities in Florida—St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando—have been recognized among the top 25 best places to live in the Southeastern United States, according to Livability.com. The annual rankings evaluate cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000, utilizing nearly 100 different data points to assess overall livability.
St. Petersburg, often referred to as the “Sunshine City,” is highlighted as a fast-growing city characterized by a strategic work-life balance that offers residents plenty of opportunities for relaxation along its abundant beaches. The city is known for enjoying sunshine approximately 361 days a year and holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days, a streak that started in 1967. St. Petersburg offers over 1,000 local events throughout the year, featuring activities such as monthly artwalks, Florida’s largest Pride celebration, and a long-running parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In terms of inclusivity, St. Petersburg scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Municipality Equality Index, showcasing its commitment to equality and diversity. The city’s extensive amenities include museums, golf courses, scenic trails, dog parks, an historic shuffleboard court, and a remarkable 244 miles of waterfront.
Fort Lauderdale, also earning a spot in the rankings, is recognized as a cosmopolitan city with 24 miles of beautiful coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The city boasts a vibrant dining scene and rich arts and culture, offering residents and visitors alike a sophisticated urban experience.
Orlando, renowned for its iconic theme parks, has more to offer than just thrilling attractions. The city is acclaimed for its diverse arts and cultural offerings, family-friendly communities, health and wellness options, and a varied demographic, enriching the living experience in this bustling hub.
In addition to their recognition by Livability.com, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando also received accolades from WalletHub in its 2025 list of best cities for summer jobs. Fort Lauderdale ranked 10th, while Orlando came in 19th. St. Petersburg was positioned 25th, and Tampa was ranked 44th. This WalletHub research analyzed 182 cities based on employment metrics, showcasing the robust job market these cities provide.
In a move that further enhances travel access to these vibrant cities, Allegiant Airlines recently announced it will introduce three new routes connecting Huntsville to Fort Lauderdale, Appleton to Orlando, and Rochester to Sarasota/St. Pete/Sanford. These new routes are expected to meet the growing demand for low-cost travel and are scheduled to commence in late 2025 and early 2026, benefiting both local residents and tourists alike.
This expansion by Allegiant aims to solidify the airline’s presence in Florida’s tourism sector, making it easier for travelers to access Florida’s premier vacation destinations, including major attractions such as Walt Disney World and the exquisite Gulf Coast beaches. With these new travel options, Florida’s top cities are now more accessible than ever, encouraging tourism and bolstering the local economies.
Overall, the recognition of St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando as some of the best places to live in the Southeast highlights their appeal in terms of lifestyle, amenities, culture, and economic opportunities, making them attractive destinations for both current residents and newcomers considering a move.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics: WalletHub Rankings
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- ABC Action News: Michelin Stars
- Google Search: Fort Lauderdale
- Travel and Tour World: Allegiant Airlines Routes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
