Best U.S. States to Live In

1. California

   

   California is a state in the Southwestern United States. With 39.6 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles (423,970 square kilometers), California is the most populous U.S. state and the third largest by area. The state capital is Sacramento, and the largest city is Los Angeles.... read more

   I love California because we live in our bubble away from the rest of the country's problems (racial tension). It's a beautiful place to live from our geography to our culture. There is always something fun to do in Los Angeles; you can go to the beach, go on a hike, go to Disneyland, go downtown, etc. Of course, there are some problems here, but what state doesn't have problems. Some bad things include traffic, pollution, extreme wealth inequality, homelessness, etc. I think that the pros outnumber the cons. California in general is a lot like how BoJack Horseman describes New York, it's a great place to visit if you're extremely wealthy.

2. Hawaii

   

   Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state of the United States of America, receiving statehood on August 21, 1959. It is an archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is known for its unique culture, volcanic landscapes, and thriving tourism industry.

   Beautiful, but too far away and too expensive. Also a tourist trap.

   I am from Florida but I want to live in Hawaii!

3. Washington

   

   Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, located north of Oregon, west of Idaho, south of the Canadian province of British Columbia, and along the Pacific Ocean. It is the only state named after a U.S. president. Washington is a hub for the technology and aerospace... read more

   Washington is a great state for young people who don't mind about weather. This is a very productive state with enough attractions to make it fun, but not super fun. However since Iv'e been living here for a while, I do plan to move somewhere with better weather. Perhaps Florida. Like I said its meant for young people and older folks or people that don't want rain forever should move later on.

   It's very rainy for the majority of the year in Western Washington, but there's many different areas in the state with different climates. It's very beautiful, and there are many great job opportunities. I wouldn't retire here because of the weather, but while working this is a perfect place

4. Pennsylvania

   

   Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

   Its two largest cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Philadelphia is known for being the home of the Liberty Bell and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches... read more

   The economy here is good. I love our current mayor (well, he's republican, so what do you expect? )

5. Vermont

   

   Vermont is a state in the New England part of the northeastern region of the United States. It is the second least populous state in the country, after Wyoming, and is known for its forested natural beauty and progressive politics.... read more

   I love Vermont I think that it is a really fun place to live especially in the fall

   Should be higher nice small country feel good people what else can you ask for

6. New Hampshire

   

   New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It was one of the original thirteen colonies and is known for its granite quarries and rugged landscapes. The state traditionally holds the first primary in the U.S. presidential election cycle, giving it political... read more

   I grew up there and it's a beautiful state and helps kids explore nature.

   I love New Hampshire so much. It's so beautiful and safe

7. Massachusetts

   

   Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populous state in New England, a region in the northeastern United States. It is known for its significant colonial history, prestigious universities, and major technology, finance, and healthcare industries. The capital, Boston... read more

   Well, Massachusetts is wonderful, especially Boston. Just a few thing bothers me and one of those things is the cold. It is freezing whenever it gets cold and there is so much snow. I love the heat in Massachusetts though whenever it is hot and the scenery is beautiful. There are also many stores in Boston or on Newbury Street like Newbury Comics and some clothes stores and also cupcake stores. It is wonderful living in Massachusetts!

8. Texas

   

   Texas is a state in the southern United States. It is the second largest by both area and population. Its largest city is Houston, and the state's economy is diverse, including energy, technology, agriculture, and aerospace. It is also known for its hot weather, which can reach around 100 °F in many... read more

   Was born in North carolina, currently reside there, I've been to the line star state several times, and I can tell you, it's the best state in the union...With cities like Austin (fast growing and robust) and big players like San antonio, dallas, and Houston

   I was born in California, lived there until I was six and moved to The Lone Star state. After 7 years I'm a die hard Texan and would never move away from the best state in America.

9. Florida

   

   Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is the southeasternmost U.S. state, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Florida is known for its warm climate, tourism industry, and diverse population.

   In my opinion the best state! Hawaii is second, because it is like Florida, but more expensive. This is how the list should be:

   1. Florida

   2. Hawaii

   3. Nevada

   4. New Mexico

   5. Louisiana

   6. South Carolina

   50. Delaware

   I really hate Delaware!

   Best state to retire in, but not to live in when you are in your mid 20s and plus, it depends where in Florida.

   A state where Donald Trump won. Says all about the majority of people here.

10. Utah

    

    Utah is a state in the western United States. It became the 45th state admitted to the Union on January 4, 1896. Utah is the 13th-largest, 31st-most populous, and 10th-least densely populated of the 50 states. It is known for its natural landscapes and significant Mormon population.

    I'm from Cali and I want to move to Utah because. 5 national parks. World class ski resorts. 205 inches of snow at alta. One of the biggest lakes in the United states. The biggest lake fully in a state. 13,000 foot mountains. Nicest people in the world.

    Undoubtedly the most underrated. This state is extremely nice, respectful and hard working

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Connecticut

    

    Connecticut is the southernmost state in the New England region of the United States. It is known for its rich colonial history, affluent suburbs, and prestigious universities, including Yale University.

    Connecticut also has a diverse economy rooted in finance, insurance, and manufacturing. The... read more

12. ?

    Maryland

    

    Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. It is one of the smallest states by area but among the most densely populated. Maryland has a diverse economy that includes biotechnology, defense, and... read more

The Contenders

13. Georgia

    

    Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. Georgia has a diverse economy and is home to major cities such as Atlanta, a major transportation and business hub.

    Georgia has all the different areas people like to live in such as big cities and country just a few miles away. It's got many attractions such as six flags over Georgia.It has low house cost and residents have great hospitality

    Georgia has inexpensive property, good education, nice geography, and has some pretty sweet vacation spots.

14. New York

    

    New York is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region. It was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. As of 2025, it is the fourth most populous state, with over 19 million residents. To distinguish the state from the city with the same name, it is sometimes referred to... read more

    Yeah because after when I leave college, I will move to NYC

    It's expensive and overrated. Avoid New York!

15. Iowa

    

    Iowa is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. The state has historically played a key role in U.S. presidential elections because its caucuses traditionally opened the primary season, although... read more

    Iowa is small, but holy cow the people are awesome. My buddy just moved up there and I spent a week checking out Des Moines. Surprisingly there is a lot to do all the time, lots of places to shop, and the people are really laid back and easy going. Twice we went to a local store and got invited to go party being new in town. Got to hang out with some really cool and fun folks. My buddy's neighborhood has no fences so all the kids run around like it was as safe as it was in 1950. Folks are very active and will sit out in their drive ways and drink beer while the kids play in the street. They sell hard liquor on displays at Walmart! Great place!

16. Idaho

    

    Idaho is a state in the northwestern region of the United States. Idaho is the 14th largest, the 38th most populous, and the 7th least densely populated of the 50 United States. It is known for its mountainous terrain, agricultural output, and outdoor recreational activities.

17. Arizona

    

    Arizona is a U.S. state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western and the Mountain states. Arizona is known for its desert climate, the Grand Canyon, and its rapidly growing urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson.

18. Maine

    

    Maine is in the New England region of the northeastern United States and is the easternmost state in the contiguous U.S. Its capital is Augusta, and its largest city is Portland. The state is known for its rugged coastline and maritime history, and it is famous for seafood cuisine, especially lobster... read more

    I know I move a lot, I'm moving to Maine and it's beautiful, I love it

19. Virginia

    

    Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It has a diverse economy that includes government, military, and technology sectors, especially in Northern Virginia. The state played a crucial role in the founding of the United States and... read more

20. Oregon

    

    Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by Washington, on the south by California, on the east by Idaho, and on the southeast by Nevada.... read more

    The landscape is just amazing. This T.V. show (forgot the name of it) is a 1-2 hour complication of the landscape. I got comfortable and watched the whole thing. The beaches are.. fun, I enjoyed it a lot, especially rock away beach. If you have family here, and looking for great people, great communities and beautiful landscape, Oregon is for you.

    It truly is a great place to live, mild winters and summers. People are friendly, I live in the southern part of the state with the ocean 2 hrs away and beautiful rivers with good fishing.

21. Colorado

    

    Colorado is a state in the United States that encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains. It is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cities such as Denver and... read more

    How is this 31, is bad to be 5 or higher (top 5

22. Rhode Island

    

    Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island, is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest state by area. It is known for its coastal towns, maritime history, and Brown University, an Ivy League institution.

    Rhode Island is not a place to retire. The taxes are high. The Governor tried to lower the taxes on retirees but only if you are 65 years old or older. If you retired younger you have to pay the high tax rate. This is why we are looking to move to a state who are friendlier to retirees. Also the State is not business friendly. High taxes and fees. Most states surrounding

    Rhode Island has the worst infrastructure and the taxes are exorbitant.

23. Oklahoma

    

    Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the United States. It shares borders with Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The state has a strong Native American presence and is known for its oil and gas industry and severe weather, particularly tornadoes.

24. Kansas

    

    Kansas is a state in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansa Native American people, who inhabited the area. Kansas is known for its agricultural output, especially wheat production, and for its historical significance in the pre-Civil War conflict known as Bleeding Kansas.

25. Nebraska

    

    Nebraska is a state that lies in both the Great Plains and the Midwestern United States. Its state capital is Lincoln. The state's economy is largely based on agriculture, especially corn and cattle, and it is also known for its role in U.S. westward expansion.

    Nebraska is republican state and peaceful state a really good quiet state

    A really nice, peaceful state. Kind of bare though.

    High quality of life, low cost of living, it's not for everyone though

26. Wyoming

    

    Wyoming is a state in the Mountain region of the Western United States. It is the tenth-largest state by area, but the least populous and second-least densely populated of the 50 states. Wyoming is home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and is known for its natural beauty and energy production... read more

27. Alaska

    

    Alaska is a U.S. state situated at the northwestern extremity of North America. The Canadian province of British Columbia and territory of Yukon border the state to the east, and it has a maritime border with Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area and is... read more

    Alaska is an amazing state with a lot of scenery and beautiful national parks. It can get cold, and it is sparsely populated, but Anchorage and Fairbanks are amazing cities with great business opportunities. Alaska is the adventurer's dream.