To compile the list of the most “fun” places, the WalletHub website studied 180 American cities by 65 indicators, such as availability of entertainment for various ages, affordability, nightlife, etc. The number of festivals, restaurants, playgrounds, parks, discos, fitness centers, etc. per capita, the average price of a cinema ticket, and other metrics were quantified.
Several Florida cities made it to the top of the rating:
- Orlando: 2nd
- Miami: 3rd
- Tampa: 12th
- Fort Lauderdale: 13th
- Jacksonville: 33rd
- Saint Petersburg: 36th
Some cities also became leaders in certain categories:
- Fort Lauderdale: 1st by the number of fitness centers and bars per capita
- Orlando and Miami: 1st and 2nd by the number of restaurants per capita respectively
- Tampa: 3rd by the number of festivals per capita
- Orlando: 3rd by the number of dance clubs per capita
- Jacksonville: 4th by the park area
These outcomes hardly come as a surprise to people who know local life. Florida has more than 300 sunny days per year and holds the US record by the number of golf clubs. This is also the world’s boating and fishing capital with a huge number of nature reserves, beaches, and parks.
Florida actively attracts tourists. Unsurprisingly, the cities that ranked the highest are located near theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Everglades Safari Park.
Americans and foreigners “vote with their feet”: Florida is the third most populous US state with 1,000 new residents arriving daily.