For this study we will compare the cities in Florida that had the highest percentage of new jobs over the past year and factor in one of the main statistics that comes into play when looking for a job: the average salary of workers in the area. By using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for each area it will give you an idea of which cities are hiring the most and also what kind of pay you can expect to go along with it. Here is how we ranked the best cities to find a job in Florida.
1. Naples – Marco Island, Florida
The Naples – Marco Island area located on the southwest coast of the state had the largest increase in employment in all of Florida. If you like the coast then this is a great place to live and enjoy what the Gulf of Mexico beaches have to offer. Downtown Naples is filled with luxurious shopping as well as great restaurants and places to relax. Combine that with the amazing views and pristine white sand beaches of Marco Island and you will have no problem relaxing and taking in some sun. The average salary for workers here is not the highest on the list, but with such a large increase in employment and its location it is the best opportunity for people looking to find a job in Florida.
- Average Income: $39,780
- Increase in employment in the past year: 7.7%
2. Sebastian – Vero Beach, Florida
The Sebastian – Vero Beach area is located just below half way up the East Coast of the state of Florida. The average income in the area is the lowest on the list, but if you love the east coast beaches and the fact that you are equal driving distance from Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando you can have the best of everything. Or spend your downtime locally and take advantage of a lots of activities ranging from airboat tours, to fine dining. And with a 6.5% increase in jobs the past year, finding work shouldn’t be too hard either in this great Florida city.
- Average Income: $37,360
- Increase in employment in the past year: 6.5%
3. Crestview – Fort Walton Beach – Destin, Florida
Coming in just behind the Sebastian – Vero Beach area is the Crestview – Fort Walton Beach – and Destin area, located at the far end of the Florida panhandle. This area had the highest average income of all of the cities featured and had a decent increase in job growth. Between the Destin boardwalk, Fort Waltons uptown shopping district, and Main Street in Crestview there is plenty to do to take your mind off whatever job you find. "The atmosphere in the panhandle is a great place to live and work" says Brian Chapman who currently works as a leasing agent for apartments in the city of Tallahassee, Florida.
- Average Income: $40,940
- Increase in employment in the past year: 3.8%
4. Orlando – Kissimmee – Sanford, Florida
The Orlando – Kissimmee – Sanford area has a decent average salary and a modest increase in employment over the past year. Located just about in the center of the Florida Peninsula, you are not that far from the east and west coast beaches. If you have a family and want to stay nearby then there will be plenty to do with the Orlando area attractions. Kissimmee has a wide range of outdoor attractions and activities, and between the soon to come Riverwalk Trial and Main Street in Sanford you can keep the time that you are not working well occupied.
- Average Income: $39,430
- Increase in employment in the past year: 3.1%
5. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Coming in at number 5 is the Port St. Lucie area. Port St. Lucia is located just south of our no. 2 Sebastian – Vero Beach area. The average income is the 4th best on our list, but with an increase of employment of 5.4% it is the third highest of the areas featured. Port St. Lucie is less than 10 miles from the Atlantic and is located just off the Florida Turpike so you have easy access for any road trips that you are taking. If you are into the outdoors then there are plenty of golf courses to keep you challenged as well as world class on and offshore fishing opportunities.
- Average Income: $38,120
- Increase in employment in the past year: 5.4%
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a place to live. But if you want to move or already live in one of the areas featured you should have plenty of opportunities to find a job in Florida. Between the amazing weather, the beaches, and plenty of attractions and things to do, the Sunshine State is a great place to live and work.
Choosing where you live and work is a big decision. You always want to make sure that every dollar you earn counts and that you get the most out of it. Be sure to check the Casavvy Blog (Like us on Facebook to make this easy) every so often to find great money saving tips and new products and updates to help you do just that.
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