01 · the cities
Naples
Naples brings wealthy retirees to the Gulf coast for genuinely some of the prettiest beaches in Florida, and the sunsets at the pier are a community ritual (everyone gathers, no one talks). The downtown along Fifth Avenue is pastel and breezy. Mercato has the upscale restaurants. The Everglades' western edge starts just south of town. Affluent, sunny, and quieter than the east-coast Florida cities.
full dispatch→Roanoke
Roanoke is the Star City of the South, named for the enormous illuminated star on Mill Mountain that's been lighting up the valley since 1949. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right past town. The downtown has come back beautifully with the Taubman Museum, breweries, and a thriving market. The surrounding mountains are gorgeous in every season. Smaller and more scenic than people expect.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$2,719/mo
$1,382/mo
$1,337/mo less than Naples (97%)
Median home price
Median home price
$679k
$296k
$383k less than Naples
State income tax
State income tax
0%
5.8%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$5,614/mo
$6,472/mo
Roanoke has $858/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
261 days
179 days
82 fewer than Naples
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
2 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
0 days
21 days
days below 20°F per year
Roanoke drops below 20°F on 21 more days per year than Naples.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
58 / 100
69 / 100
11.0 pts ahead of Naples
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
34 routes
9 routes
25 fewer direct routes than Naples
Metro size
Metro size
404k metro
314k metro
the verdict
4
Naples
categories won
4
Roanoke
categories won
Naples wins on weather, Roanoke wins on money. Dead even.
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