Author: LLurlen Duarte

It’s no surprise to see Florida leading the way as the most desirable state to live in for 2026. As someone who’s spent over a decade guiding buyers, sellers, and investors through Florida’s dynamic real estate market, I see firsthand what draws people here—lifestyle, opportunity, and value. Nashville tops the list for U.S. metro areas, with Denver and San Diego following close behind. Meanwhile, high costs and taxes have put California and New York further down the list, and Chicago’s desirability has dropped due to crime and tighter data center regulations. For many, Florida’s appeal is stronger than ever, and helping clients make informed, strategic moves in this market is what I do best.