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A LawnStarter.com analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data indicates 10 metro areas jumped at least five spots in the 2016 population rankings. The biggest mover Sebastian-Vero Beach. MAUREEN KENYON/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS Wochit

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Have you found your happy place?

According to Coastal Living, it's not far away.

On Tuesday, the website named Vero Beach one of 10 finalists for "Happiest Seaside Town."

Now, it's up to residents to make it official.

Allison McNeal, director of tourism at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, said the designation is exciting in that it brings awareness to the region.

"Hopefully we can win this, so then we'll have two of the country's happiest places," she said.

In 2016, Stuart was voted as the No. 1 Happiest Seaside Town

"It shows pride in our communities and where we live," McNeal added. "We're going to win this from votes by the community and that's what it's all about."

Voting is open through 5 p.m. Feb. 6. People can vote once every minute. Vote here. Results will be announced June 12.

Follow the Indian River County Tourism Development Council on Facebook and Twitter.

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The other finalists for "Happiest Seaside Town" are: Anna Maria, Florida; Bellport, New York; Bluffton, South Carolina; Cambria, California; Cannon Beach, Oregon; Cape Charles, Virginia; Hampton Beach/Hampton, New Hampshire; Ocean City, New Jersey; and Traverse City, Michigan.

“All of these towns embody two things we love about the coast: access to beautiful beaches and vibrant communities,” Sid Evans, editor in chief of Coastal Living, said in a news release. “We’re so excited to have this opportunity to engage readers and see which town earns the No. 1 spot.”

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To choose the 2018 finalists, Coastal Living asked for nominations through social media. From there, it looked at the city or town's ranking on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index; percentage of clear and sunny days; healthiness of beaches; commute times; walkability; crime ratings; standard of living and financial well-being of locals; geographic diversity; and Coastal Living editors’ assessment of each town's “coastal vibe.” Previous winners were not eligible.

MORE: Treasure, Space coasts home to five safe cities, towns, according to Safewise

According to its website, "Coastal Living.com is the No. 1 online authority for those captivated by the coast," and is a "quintessential resource for celebrating (the coast's) unique charm, customs and way of living." It also publishes 10 magazines a year.

Follow Coastal Living on Facebook and Twitter.

Maureen Kenyon is TCPalm's trends reporter, keeping Treasure and Space coast residents updated on hot topics and happenings locally, statewide and nationally. Want to start a conversation? Have a story to tell? Send an email to maureen.kenyon@tcpalm.com, call 772-221-4249 or follow her on Twitter @_MaureenKenyon_.

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