Florida ranks No. 2 among most fun states
A WalletHub study ranked Florida the nation’s second-most fun state, citing its restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation and nightlife.
Florida ranks as the nation’s second-most fun state in a new WalletHub study, with its dining, attractions, outdoor recreation and nightlife helping drive the score.
Florida earned 64.14 points out of 100, trailing only California at 67.35. Illinois, Nevada and New York rounded out the top five, the study found. Florida ranked second overall in entertainment and recreation and seventh in nightlife.
WalletHub compared all 50 states across 26 measures grouped into two categories: entertainment and recreation and nightlife. The measures ranged from movie costs and access to national parks to restaurants, amusement parks, beaches, golf courses, weather and nightlife choices per capita.
“Everyone defines ‘fun’ a little differently,” WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann wrote in the report. The study favors states with a broad selection of activities and considers both availability and affordability.
Florida stood out for the variety of choices. It tied for first for restaurants per capita and led the country in amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita, according to the report. It also had the fourth-most attractions per capita and the seventh-best variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.
The state’s outdoor advantages also strengthened its score. Florida tied for the most marinas per capita, ranked second for shoreline mileage and placed 12th for weather. State and local parks and recreation spending ranked 18th per capita, while Floridians spent nearly $2,300 each annually on recreation services, also ranking 18th.
“These states help residents stay active and socialize,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, adding that they also give travelers more ways to use limited time.
The findings add a lifestyle measure to the factors buyers may weigh alongside home prices, schools and commute times. Dining, boating, outdoor space, arts and entertainment can shape where people choose to live, and the ranking offers fresh evidence that Florida provides those options in abundance.
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