Nashville and Florida Top U.S. Desirability Rankings Despite Affordability Gaps
Event summary
- Nashville ranked as the most desirable U.S. metro for the second consecutive year, with 21.4% of Americans preferring it.
- Florida was named the most desirable state for the third straight year, favored by nearly a third of Americans (32%).
- 54% of Americans say they cannot afford to relocate to more desirable places despite 59% being open to moving for new opportunities.
- Low crime rates (67%) surpassed good weather (57%) as the top factor making a place desirable in 2026.
- Chicago was ranked the least desirable city, with 27% of Americans citing it as such due to high crime rates.
The big picture
Clever Real Estate's report highlights a growing disconnect between where Americans want to live and their ability to afford those locations. The shift in priorities from good weather to low crime rates reflects broader societal concerns about safety and quality of life. Florida's continued dominance as the most desirable state underscores its appeal for factors beyond just climate, while California and New York's polarizing rankings indicate ongoing challenges with high living costs and taxes.
What we're watching
- Affordability Crisis
- How rising home prices in desirable locations like Nashville will affect long-term affordability and accessibility.
- Crime Impact
- Whether cities with declining crime rates, such as Chicago, can improve their desirability rankings over time.
- Regulatory Concerns
- The pace at which concerns over data center construction regulations will influence city desirability.