Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Survey: Florida one of the best states
US News & World Report: Rated third in education, eighth in economy
The Sunshine State — with its dazzling beaches, exciting nightlife and picture-perfect weather — is shining bright in a new annual survey.
According to the latest standings from U.S. News & World Report, Florida ranks tenth overall among the “Best States in the U.S.” And, we’re on the rise.
Florida finished at No. 13 in 2019.
State rankings were determined based on the average of three years of data from an annual survey that asked 70,000 people to rank their state in eight categories — health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment.
Florida — a paradise for the young and old, water-sports enthusiasts, golfers and others from all walks of life — ranked at No. 3 in education, No. 8 in economy, and No. 8 in fiscal stability in this year’s survey.
New York, which has a large number of transplants in Florida, came in at No. 21 overall, two spots
behind New Jersey.
Yes, we’ve got issues in Florida. For example, manatees are dying at an excessive rate so far this year, and there are claims of Republicans making it more difficult to vote by mail in future elections.
But the state has numerous gems such as a hidden oasis in West Boca and, for better or worse, a thriving Spring Break scene as well as an entertainment portfolio that continues to soar despite COVID-19 concerns.
Washington was No. 1 overall in the 2021 rankings, followed by Minnesota, Utah, New Hampshire and Idaho.
The bottom five were Alabama, West Virginia, New Mexico, Mississippi and Louisiana.