Florida is known for its sunny days, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere. It’s a state that many people dream of living in, with its mix of natural beauty and warm weather all year round. In fact, many Floridians consider the cities they live in to be the happiest. But a recent study by WalletHub has declared one city as the “happiest” in Florida, and interestingly, it’s also been recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S. – Pembroke Pines.
What Was the Study About?
WalletHub, a personal finance website, released a ranking that aimed to determine the happiest cities in America. To do this, they considered a variety of factors, including employment opportunities, emotional and physical well-being, income levels, community engagement, and environmental quality. The study also took into account aspects like the city’s access to green spaces, healthcare quality, and public safety.
So, how did Florida cities fare in this study? Let’s take a look at the results.
Florida’s Position in the Study
While Florida is a popular destination for people seeking happiness, it didn’t fare as well as many might expect in the WalletHub ranking. The top five cities, according to the study, were Fremont, California, San Jose, California, Irvine, California, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Overland Park, Kansas.
Florida didn’t appear in the top 5, and it didn’t show up in the top 10 either. In fact, Florida’s happiest city was ranked 39th overall, which is quite a bit lower than many would expect from a state famous for its sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle. Here’s where some Florida cities landed:
- Pembroke Pines: 39th
- Fort Lauderdale: 46th
- Cape Coral: 50th
- Orlando: 66th
- St. Petersburg: 69th
- Tampa: 70th
So, what makes Pembroke Pines stand out as Florida’s happiest city?
Why Pembroke Pines is Florida’s Happiest City
Pembroke Pines, a city located in Broward County in South Florida, holds the title of Florida’s “happiest” city, coming in at 39th place overall. This city, with a population of around 170,000, has earned recognition for being an excellent place to live and raise a family. In fact, it was once named one of CNN Money’s best cities in America.
What makes Pembroke Pines so special?
For one, the city is known for its excellent livability. Niche, a website that ranks cities and neighborhoods across the U.S., gives Pembroke Pines an impressive A- grade for livability. The city offers a variety of parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and top-rated schools, making it an attractive option for families.
One resident of Pembroke Pines shared their perspective:
“…I have been in the Pembroke Pines area since grade school, and it feels as if overnight I’ve watched it transform. My favorite addition in recent times is the new city center plaza…Pembroke Pines is really starting to have the perfect blend of young and old. (It’s) family-friendly yet fun and exciting for all ages. No nightlife, but that’s okay! That’s why we have Miami Beach.”
This feedback highlights a key part of Pembroke Pines’ charm: it offers a balanced lifestyle that suits a wide range of people, from families to retirees, and even young professionals who appreciate the city’s low-key yet vibrant atmosphere. The fact that Pembroke Pines does not have a bustling nightlife may be seen as a downside to some, but it’s an advantage for others who prefer a more relaxed pace of life.
Accessibility and Affordability
Pembroke Pines benefits from its location in South Florida, with easy access to major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Everglades. This provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – the calm, suburban life of Pembroke Pines, while being close to the hustle and bustle of Miami.
Additionally, Pembroke Pines is more affordable than many other South Florida cities, making it an attractive option for people who want to enjoy the perks of living in the area without paying the high prices often associated with Miami or Fort Lauderdale. As of now, the median home price in Pembroke Pines is around $325,000, which is significantly more affordable than many neighboring cities.
Why It’s One of America’s Best Cities
Pembroke Pines isn’t just Florida’s happiest city – it’s also recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The city’s combination of affordability, quality of life, and accessibility to major metropolitan areas has earned it high marks in various rankings.
Its strong community involvement and family-friendly environment make it a top choice for families looking to settle in Florida. With its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundance of recreational spaces, it’s no wonder that Pembroke Pines is one of the best cities to live in the state.
The Bottom Line
While Florida may not have topped the list of the happiest cities in America, it’s clear that Pembroke Pines is a great place to call home. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful community to raise your family or a place where you can enjoy both nature and city life, Pembroke Pines has a lot to offer.
With its affordable living, access to beautiful parks and beaches, and proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it’s no surprise that Pembroke Pines is Florida’s happiest city. For anyone looking to relocate to Florida, this city should definitely be on your radar.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
