Here Are All 50 States Ranked Best to Worst in 2024!

Choosing a home state is a significant decision; you must weigh things like affordability, quality of life, and safety. We have you covered if you’re looking for where to move in 2024.

We researched and analyzed all 50 States Ranked Best to Worst in 2024, considering the factors that matter most to a prospective homebuyer. Whether you’re seeking an affordable home in a sunny climate or need a place with a great educational system, we’ll help you understand each state’s blend of strengths and weaknesses.

Key Findings of Our Research:

• Virginia is the best state to live in for 2024, thanks to its affordability and excellent safety.
• Alaska ranks at the bottom of states to move to in 2024 due to a high cost of living and a harsh climate.
• West Virginia has the lowest cost of living in the United States.
• Hawaii is the most expensive state in 2024.
• New York is the best state for overall quality of life in 2024.
• Alaska is the worst state for overall quality of life.

List of All 50 States Ranked Best to Worst [2024]

Here’s a list of the best and worst states to live in 2024, listed from #1 to #50:

1. Virginia
2. Florida
3. Iowa
4. Massachusetts
5. Wisconsin
6. Kansas
7. New Hampshire
8. Idaho
9. Utah
10. Maine
11. Minnesota
12. Missouri
13. North Dakota
14. Georgia
15. Vermont
16. Nebraska
17. Alabama
18. Pennsylvania
19. Indiana
20. South Dakota
21. Maryland
22. Montana
23. West Virginia
24. North Carolina
25. Michigan
26. Wyoming
27. Arkansas
28. Oklahoma
29. Ohio
30. Tennessee
31. Colorado
32. New Jersey
33. Mississippi
34. Hawaii
35. South Carolina
36. Washington
37. Illinois
38. Arizona
39. Texas
40. Kentucky
41. Connecticut
42. California
43. New York
44. Rhode Island
45. Oregon
46. Louisiana
47. Delaware
48. New Mexico
49. Nevada
50. Alaska

Detailed Analysis of Each State’s Ranking

This article used eight factors to determine the best and worst states to live in: home values, overall affordability, unemployment rate, economic strength, quality of life, climate and weather, education, and crime rates.

A low score is better for all categories; for example, Massachusett’s score safety score of 2 means it’s a very safe state to raise a family.

Overall Rank	State	Home Values	Overall Affordability	Unemployment Rate	Strength of Economy	Quality of Life	Climate & Weather	Quality of Education	Safety & Crime Rates
1	Virginia	30	16	10	22	19	17	14	8
2	Florida	33	33	15	14	5	2	17	20
3	Iowa	7	20	15	27	16	37	11	18
4	Massachusetts	48	44	10	11	6	36	1	2
5	Wisconsin	19	32	13	24	14	42	8	12
6	Kansas	8	25	15	19	22	19	27	33
7	New Hampshire	42	40	1	2	37	43	2	1
8	Idaho	39	13	20	7	23	39	26	4
9	Utah	45	6	8	8	27	32	6	39
10	Maine	32	35	8	9	28	47	13	3
11	Minnesota	26	11	24	21	8	48	9	29
12	Missouri	13	4	15	29	25	18	34	41
13	North Dakota	14	29	5	1	36	49	15	30
14	Georgia	24	17	29	20	18	8	40	26
15	Vermont	34	43	2	4	45	45	3	6
16	Nebraska	16	31	5	26	32	30	20	23
17	Alabama	10	1	7	41	41	7	46	33
18	Pennsylvania	17	30	36	35	3	31	22	17
19	Indiana	11	3	30	42	30	25	30	21
20	South Dakota	21	22	4	6	40	41	31	27
21	Maryland	35	38	2	36	34	20	18	16
22	Montana	40	27	10	3	29	44	16	31
23	West Virginia	1	2	33	45	43	22	45	9
24	North Carolina	25	18	30	31	17	13	32	35
25	Michigan	12	14	37	46	12	38	33	11
26	Wyoming	27	10	24	17	39	46	28	14
27	Arkansas	4	5	13	39	48	12	43	46
28	Oklahoma	3	15	15	37	35	11	49	45
29	Ohio	9	23	30	49	15	28	37	22
30	Tennessee	23	8	27	30	33	14	36	43
31	Colorado	46	28	23	10	10	40	10	48
32	New Jersey	43	48	44	33	11	24	7	5
33	Mississippi	2	7	24	50	49	6	50	28
34	Hawaii	50	49	20	13	42	1	4	38
35	South Carolina	18	12	27	34	26	9	44	47
36	Washington	47	37	37	5	7	29	12	44
37	Illinois	15	36	46	48	4	26	29	15
38	Arizona	37	24	37	16	24	4	41	37
39	Texas	22	34	47	32	9	5	38	36
40	Kentucky	6	9	42	44	46	16	42	19
41	Connecticut	31	45	37	43	20	34	5	13
42	California	49	50	49	12	2	10	25	32
43	New York	41	47	44	28	1	35	23	10
44	Rhode Island	38	46	20	23	44	33	19	7
45	Oregon	44	41	33	15	13	27	24	42
46	Louisiana	5	19	33	47	38	3	48	49
47	Delaware	29	21	47	38	47	21	21	25
48	New Mexico	20	26	37	25	31	23	47	50
49	Nevada	36	39	50	40	21	15	39	24
50	Alaska	28	42	42

Our Review of All 50 States

Here’s a detailed look at each of the 50 U.S. states ranked according to the 8 criteria that matter most: home prices, affordability, employment, economic growth, life quality, climate, school quality, and safety. To provide more specific metrics, each section will include the following data supported by impartial sources:

• Home values, compared to the national average
• Cost of Living (COL) index, which measures affordability compared to national averages. Above 100 means it is more expensive than the US average, while a number below 100 means it’s more affordable.
• Unemployment rate, as of July 2024
• GDP growth, which measures economic strength
• Quality of life (QOL), according to WalletHub rankings
• Climate and weather, according to BestPlaces Comfort Index
• Educational ranking, according to US News and World Report
• Safety, measured in the violent crime rate per 1,000 individuals

These contribute to the overall grade in the above table and offer you a quick overview of the different categories.

Without further ado, let’s see where you can have the best experience shopping for homes.

#1 – Virginia: Average Home Value of $394,085

• Home Values: $32,802 more than US home value
• COL: 95.7 COL index
• Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
• GDP Growth: +4.2%
• QOL Ranking: #11
• Climate & Weather: 7.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #10
• Safety: 2.34 offenses per 1,000 individuals (41% lower than US)

#2 – Florida: Average Home Value of $399,130

• Home Values: $37,848 more than US home values
• COL: 102.4
• Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• GDP Growth: +4.6%
• QOL Ranking: #2
• Climate & Weather: 6.8/10
• Educational Ranking: #1
• Safety: 3.8 offenses per 1,000 individuals

#3 – Iowa: Average Home Value of $223,348

• Home Values: $137,934 less than US home values
• COL: 80.1
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
• GDP Growth: +4.4%
• QOL Ranking: #12
• Climate & Weather: 6.9/10
• Educational Ranking: #6
• Safety: 2.87 offenses per 1,000 individuals (25% lower than US)

#4 – Massachusetts: Average Home Value of $635,183

• Home Values: $273,901 more than US home values
• COL: 148.4
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• GDP Growth: +2.1%
• QOL Ranking: #6
• Climate & Weather: 6.8/10
• Educational Ranking: #3
• Safety: 3.7 offenses per 1,000 individuals (7.5% lower than US)

#5 – Wisconsin: Average Home Value of $312,369

• Home Values: $48,913 less than US home values
• COL: 95
• Unemployment Rate: 3%
• GDP Growth: +2.1%
• QOL Ranking: #11
• Climate & Weather: 6.5/10
• Educational Ranking: #6
• Safety: 2.97 offenses per 1,000 residents (22% lower than US)

#6 – Kansas: Average Home Value of $232,850

• Home Values: $128,432 less than US home values
• COL: 87.7
• Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
• GDP Growth: +2.2%
• QOL Ranking: #21
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #19
• Safety: 4.5 offenses per 1,000 individuals (25% higher than US)

#7 – New Hampshire: Average Home Value of $483,940

• Home Values: $122,658 more than US home values
• COL: 115
• Unemployment Rate: 2.2%
• GDP Growth: +3.3%
• QOL Ranking: #38
• Climate & Weather: 6.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #9
• Safety: 1.4 offenses per 1,000 individuals (65% lower than US)

#8 – Idaho: Average Home Value of $460,288

• Home Values: $99,006 more than US home values
• COL: 106.1
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• GDP Growth: +4.2%
• QOL Ranking: #25
• Climate & Weather: 6.7/10
• Educational Ranking: #18
• Safety: 2.41 offenses per 1,000 individuals (37% lower than US)

#9 – Utah: Average Home Value of $521,221

• Home Values: $159,939 more than US home values
• COL: 101.5
• Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
• GDP Growth: +3.5%
• QOL Ranking: #30
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #2
• Safety: 2.42 offenses per 1,000 individuals (37% lower than US)

#10 – Maine: Average Home Value of $410,347

• Home Values: $49,065 more than US home values
• COL: 111.5
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
• GDP Growth: +1.9%
• QOL Ranking: #28
• Climate & Weather: 6.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #43
• Safety: 1.03 offenses per 1,000 individuals (73% lower than US)

#11 – Minnesota: Average Home Value of $336,954

• Home Values: $24,328 less than US home values
• COL: 94.1
• Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
• GDP Growth: +1.4%
• QOL Ranking: #7
• Climate & Weather: 6.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #17
• Safety: 2.81 offenses per 1,000 individuals (42% lower than US)

#12 – Missouri: Average Home Value of $247,753

• Home Values: $113,529 less than US home values
• COL: 88.4
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• GDP Growth: +2.2%
• QOL Ranking: #24
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #30
• Safety: 4.88 offenses by 1,000 individuals (28% higher than US)

#13 – North Dakota: Average Home Value of $265,896

• Home Values: $95,386 less than US Home values
• COL: 94.6
• Unemployment Rate: 2.2%
• GDP Growth: +2.9%
• QOL Ranking: #36
• Climate & Weather: 6.5/10
• Educational Ranking: #28
• Safety: 9.62 offenses per 1,000 individuals (58% higher than US)

#14 – Georgia: Average Home Value of $333,862

• Home Values: $27,420 less than US home values
• COL: 91
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• GDP Growth: +5.7%
• QOL Ranking: #18
• Climate & Weather: 7.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #26
• Safety: 3.67 offenses per 1,000 individuals (3.7% lower than US)

#15 – Vermont: Average Home Value of $402,217

• Home Values: $40,935 more than US home values
• COL: 114.9
• Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
• GDP Growth: +3.9%
• QOL Ranking: #45
• Climate & Weather: 6/10
• Educational Ranking: #24
• Safety: 2.4 offenses per 1,000 individuals (66% lower than US)

#16 – Nebraska: Average Home Value of $265,273

• Home Values: $96,009 less than US home values
• COL: 90.1
• Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
• GDP Growth: +3.6%
• QOL Ranking: #29
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #14
• Safety: 2.83 offenses per 1,000 individuals (26% lower than US)

#17 – Alabama: Average Home Value of $232,529

• Home Values: $128,753 less than US home values
• COL: 88.8
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
• GDP Growth: +2.0%
• QOL Ranking: #41
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #45
• Safety: 4.09 offenses per 1,000 individuals (7% higher than US)

#18 – Pennsylvania: Average Home Value of $269,854

• Home Values: $91,428 less than US home values
• COL: 99
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• GDP Growth: +3.0%
• QOL Ranking: #3
• Climate & Weather: 6.9/10
• Educational Ranking: #39
• Safety: 3.5 incidents per 1,000 individuals (14% lower than US)

#19 – Indiana: Average Home Value of $243,688

• Home Values: $117,594 less than US home values
• COL: 91.5
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• GDP Growth: +2.3%
• QOL Ranking: #26
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #25
• Safety: 3.7 offenses per 1,000 individuals (6% below US)

#20 – South Dakota: Average Home Value of $311,866

• Home Values: $49,416 less than US home values
• COL: 93.8
• Unemployment Rate: 2%
• GDP Growth: +2.1%
• QOL Ranking: #40
• Climate & Weather: 6.8/10
• Educational Ranking: #15
• Safety: 4.1 offenses per 1,000 individuals (2% higher than US)

#21 – Maryland: Average Home Value of $419,828

• Home Values: $58,546 more than US home values
• COL: 119.5
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
• GDP Growth: +1.6%
• QOL Ranking: #34
• Climate & Weather: 6.6/10
• Educational Ranking: #20
• Safety: 5.3 offenses per 1,000 individuals (24% higher than US)

#22 – Montana: Average Home Value of $468,195

• Home Values: $106,913 more than US home values
• COL: 103.7
• Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
• GDP Growth: +2.6%
• QOL Ranking: #32
• Climate & Weather: 8.8/10
• Educational Ranking: #22
• Safety: 4.1 offenses per 1,000 individuals (10% higher than US)

#23 – West Virginia: Average Home Value of $167,282

• Home Values: $194,000 less than US home values
• COL: 90.3
• Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
• GDP Growth: +1.7%
• QOL Ranking: #43
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #48
• Safety: 3.1 offenses per 1,000 individuals (28% lower than US)

#24 – North Carolina: Average Home Value of $335,760

• Home Values: $25,522 less than US home values
• COL: 96.1
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• GDP Growth: +2.8%
• QOL Ranking: #17
• Climate & Weather: 7.5/10
• Educational Ranking: #21
• Safety: 4.05 offenses per 1,000 individuals (1.72% higher than US)

#25 – Michigan: Average Home Values of $250,534

• Home Values: $110,748 less than US home values
• COL: 92.7
• Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
• GDP Growth: +1.8%
• QOL Ranking: #10
• Climate & Weather: 6.5/10
• Educational Ranking: #41
• Safety: 4.61 offenses per 1,000 individuals (16% higher than US)

#26 – Wyoming: Average Home Values of $352,427

• Home Values: $8,855 less than US home values
• COL: 92.8
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
• GDP Growth: +5.7%
• QOL Ranking: #39
• Climate & Weather: 6.6/10
• Educational Ranking: #7
• Safety: 2.02 offenses per 1,000 individuals (47% lower than US)

#27 – Arkansas: Average Home Values of $210,371

• Home Values: $150,911 less than US home values
• COL: 90.3
• Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• GDP Growth: +2.2%
• QOL Ranking: #47
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #38
• Safety: 6.45 offenses per 1,000 individuals (66% higher than US)

#28 – Oklahoma: Average Home Values of $206,699

• Home Values: $154,583 less than US home values
• COL: 86
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• GDP Growth: +5.5%
• QOL Ranking: #35
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #49
• Safety: 4.2 offenses per 1,000 people (5% higher than US)

#29 – Ohio: Average Home Values of $231,710

• Home Values: $129,572 less than US home values
• COL: 94
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• GDP Growth: +1.3%
• QOL Ranking: #15
• Climate & Weather: 7.0/10
• Educational Ranking: #27
• Safety: 3.36 offenses per 1,000 individuals (23% lower than US)

#30 – Tennessee: Average Home Values of $321,435

• Home Values: $39,847 less than US home values
• COL: 90.4
• Unemployment Rate: 3%
• GDP Growth: +3.2%
• QOL Ranking: #33
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #31
• Safety: 6.22 offenses per 1,000 individuals (63% higher than US)

#31 – Colorado: Average Home Values of $544,618

• Home Values: $183,336 more than US home values
• COL: 105.5
• Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
• GDP Growth: +3.2%
• QOL Ranking: #12
• Climate & Weather: 6.9/10
• Educational Ranking: #5
• Safety: 4.93 offenses per 1,000 individuals (30% higher than US)

#32 – New Jersey: Average Home Values of $535,469

• Home Values: $174,187 more than US home values
• COL: 114.1
• Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• GDP Growth: +1.4%
• QOL Ranking: #11
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #4
• Safety: 2.03 offenses per 1,000 individuals (48% lower than US)

#33 – Mississippi: Average Home Values of $183,340

• Home Values: $177,942 less than US home values
• COL: 85.3
• Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
• GDP Growth: +0.8%
• QOL Ranking: #49
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #35
• Safety: 2.45 offenses per 1,000 individuals (38% lower than US)

#34 – Hawaii: Average Home Values of $858,569

• Home Values: $497,287 more than US home values
• COL: 179
• Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
• GDP Growth: +1.3%
• QOL Ranking: #42
• Climate & Weather: 8.7/10
• Educational Ranking: #32
• Safety: 2.5 offenses per 1,000 individuals (37% lower than US)

#35 – South Carolina: Average Home Values of $297,794

• Home Values: $63,488 less than US home values
• COL: 96.5
• Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
• GDP Growth: +2.7%
• QOL Ranking: #27
• Climate & Weather: 7.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #42
• Safety: 5.5 offenses per 1,000 individuals (38% higher than US)

#36 – Washington: Average Home Values of $591,888

• Home Values: $230,606 more than US home values
• COL: 115.1
• Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
• GDP Growth: +3.8%
• QOL Ranking: #9
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #13
• Safety: 3.76 offenses per 1,000 people (5% lower than US)

#37 – Illinois: Average Home Values of $270,647

• Home Values: $90,635 less than US home values
• COL: 90.8
• Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
• GDP Growth: +3.7%
• QOL Ranking: #5
• Climate & Weather: 7.1/10
• Educational Ranking: #16
• Safety: 2.87 per 1,000 individuals (25% lower than US)

#38 – Arizona: Average Home Values of $431,492

• Home Values: $70,210 more than US home values
• COL: 107.2
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• GDP Growth: +4.9%
• QOL Ranking: #23
• Climate & Weather: 7.5/10
• Educational Ranking: #44
• Safety: 4.32 offenses per 1,000 individuals (8% higher than US)

#39 – Texas: Average Home Values of $301,627

• Home Values: $59,655 less than US home values
• COL: 93
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• GDP Growth: +3.6%
• QOL Ranking: #8
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #29
• Safety: 4.32 offenses per 1,000 people (8% higher than US)

#40 – Kentucky: Average Home Values of $210,684

• Home Values: $150,598 less than US home values
• COL: 93.8
• Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
• GDP Growth: +2.1%
• QOL Ranking: #46
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #34
• Safety: 2.7 offenses per 1,000 individuals (32% lower than US)

#41 – Connecticut: Average Home Values of $410,357

• Home Values: $49,075 more than US home values
• COL: 113.1
• Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
• GDP Growth: +2.1%
• QOL Ranking: #20
• Climate & Weather: 7.0/10
• Educational Ranking: #8
• Safety: 1.5 offenses per 1,000 individuals (62% lower than US)

#42 – California: Average Home Values of $784,989

• Home Values: $423,707 more than US home values
• COL: 134.5
• Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
• GDP Growth: +2.5%
• QOL Ranking: #2
• Climate & Weather: 8.4/10
• Educational Ranking: #23
• Safety: 4.2 offenses per 1,000 individuals (6% higher than US)

#43 – New York: Average Home Values of $483,532

• Home Values: $122,250 more than US home values
• COL: 125.1
• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• GDP Growth: +1.3%
• QOL Ranking: #1
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #12
• Safety: 4.29 offenses per 1,000 individuals (7% higher than US)

#44 – Rhode Island: Average Home Values of $473,534

• Home Values: $112,252 more than US home values
• COL: 110.5
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• GDP Growth: +1.8%
• QOL Ranking: #44
• Climate & Weather: 7.0/10
• Educational Ranking: #36
• Safety: 1.72 offenses per 1,000 individuals (55% lower than US)

#45 – Oregon: Average Home Values of $495,844

• Home Values: $134,562 more than US home values
• COL: 110.5
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• GDP Growth: +2.4%
• QOL Ranking: #14
• Climate & Weather: 7.2/10
• Educational Ranking: #40
• Safety: 3.42 offenses per 1,000 individuals (14% lower than US)

#46 – Louisiana: Average Home Values of $205,610

• Home Values: $155,672 less than US home values
• COL: 92
• Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
• GDP Growth: -0.2%
• QOL Ranking: #37
• Climate & Weather: 6.9/10
• Educational Ranking: #47
• Safety: 6.29 offenses per 1,000 individuals (58% higher than US)

#47 – Delaware: Average Home Values of $389,714

• Home Values: $28,432 more than US home values
• COL: 102.6
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• GDP Growth: 0.2%
• QOL Ranking: #48
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #33
• Safety: 3.84 offenses per 1,000 individuals (3% lower than US)

#48 – New Mexico: Average Home Values of $303,121

• Home Values: $58,161 less than US home values
• COL: 94.2
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• GDP Growth: 1.8%
• QOL Ranking: #31
• Climate & Weather: 7.6/10
• Educational Ranking: #50
• Safety: 7.81 offenses per 1,000 individuals (96% higher than US)

#49 – Nevada: Average Home Values of $445,357

• Home Values: $84,075 more than US home values
• COL: 101.3
• Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
• GDP Growth: +2.7%
• QOL Ranking: #22
• Climate & Weather: 7.3/10
• Educational Ranking: #37
• Safety: 4.54 offenses per 1,000 individuals (14% higher than US)

#50 – Alaska: Average Home Values of $364,838

• Home Values: $3,556 more than US home values
• COL: 124.4
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
• GDP Growth: 1%
• QOL Ranking: #50
• Climate & Weather: 4.9/10
• Educational Ranking: #46
• Safety: 7.59 offenses per 1,000 individuals (90% higher than US)

Worst States to Live In: Key Factors

Now that we’ve provided an overview of each’s states metrics, let’s dig a little deeper into why certain areas may deserve a pass when purchasing property. Here are the top ten worst places to move to in 2024.

Alaska

The Last Frontier has a serious violent crime problem that puts thousands at risk every year; it also has the highest rape rate in the country. WalletHub placed it dead last in terms of life quality, and it has very high unemployment. The climate doesn’t provide an advantage either; weather conditions can make it difficult to even leave the house for months at a time.

Nevada

Despite the fact that home values are on the rise in the state, 6% of the population lives in extreme poverty, including children. This is partially due to the very expensive housing, food, and transportation, as well as the high unemployment. It’s also dangerous, with high murder rates. The educational system is also in the bottom half of the rankings.

New Mexico

With a crime rate little better than Alaska, the Land of Enchantment isn’t very enchanting. The average income is just $32,667, and over 16% of the population qualifies for government benefits due to low wages. Though housing is more affordable than elsewhere, most were built before 1988, meaning they’re desperately due for an upgrade.

Delaware

Delaware is good for businesses thanks to its low taxes, but the job market is surprisingly small, and its GDP has trailed behind other New England areas. Not only is it expensive, but the low taxation also deprives schools of needed funding, failing to inspire the next generation of readers and thinkers. Additionally, the erratic weather makes for unhappy homeowners.

Louisiana

In addition extremely high crime, Louisiana has a health care problem: 40% of the population is obese, which contributes significantly its poor reputation. In fact, over a million people here struggle with obesity. It also has low literacy, stagnant wages, and a shrinking economy. On the plus side, though, it’s quite affordable.

Oregon

The Beaver State is beautiful and safe, but it’s also quite pricey: one could buy two cheap houses in West Virginia for the price of just one Oregon home. Unemployment is high due to the seasonal nature of many jobs, like logging and construction; plus, groceries, transportation, and childcare here are all significantly more expensive than elsewhere.

Rhode Island

Slow GDP growth and high unemployment make for an unhappy population, as evidenced by WalletHub’s very low QOL rank for Rhode Island. The area also has a housing crisis that is pushing prices up significantly; the government simply isn’t encouraging construction to meet demand. Its school systems are also quite poor.

New York

Beyond the glitz and glamor of NYC, many New Yorkers find that they’re struggling to pay their bills due to very high housing prices and utilities. It also has the highest tax burden of anywhere in the country, which makes it even harder to get by. GDP has been slow-growing over the past few years, and many are still struggling to find jobs.

California

Despite California’s mystique, not is all as it seems. The state has the second lowest rate of literacy in the union; in fact, 29% of the population is considered illiterate. While the weather is beautiful and one can buy all the latest technology thanks to the Silicon Valley tech hub, most find it incredibly hard to afford a home, as it costs well over $700,000 on average.

Connecticut

While Connecticut has good schools and low crime, it’s still difficult to make it here because of the very high property taxes that make even the cheapest home unattainable. Additionally, the Constitution State has done little to address inequality or make people of all races feel comfortable here. The GDP has grown quite slowly, and unemployment is high.

Top States to Live In: Key Factors

The USA top states are known for beautiful weather, friendly people, and excellent education systems, making them the perfect place to raise a family. Here’s the top 10 picks for places to move to in 2024.

Virginia

Virginia has a fantastic healthcare system and very well-paying jobs thanks to its proximity to Washington, DC, but you can also find homes for cheap by moving a little further out. Its educational system is very well-ranked at #10, and it has some of the lowest unemployment in the country. Combine this with beautiful scenery and rich history, and you’ve got a perfect place.

Florida

The Sunshine State has long been known as a retiree’s paradise, but it actually draws in people from all ages and demographics; housing is surprisingly well-priced here, and there’s abundant entertainment activities. It also has excellent school systems that ensure children will receive well-rounded training. Florida has one of the strongest economies in the US.

Iowa

Homey and down-to-earth, Iowa is very affordable. It has very low unemployment thanks to many jobs in abundant industries, particularly agricultural technology. More than that, it is very safe, and the educational system is renowned for being both inclusive and rigorous. While winters might be a bit cold and windy, there’s lots to do in its big cities, such as Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.

Massachusetts

While the Bay State is expensive and has high taxes, homeowners get a lot for their money here, including fantastic schools, strong public infrastructure, and massive investments in employment and entertainment.

Wisconsin

Friendly Wisconsin has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing and other fields, so there are plenty of jobs to be had. It is incredibly safe, and the GDP has been growing steadily over the years. One of the downsides, though, is that it has one of the highest drunk driving rates in the country, so it’s important to be careful when heading down country roads at night.

Kansas

In a balance between low cost and good value, Kansas clearly wins. Unemployment is low, while GDP growth has been steady, and it has decent schooling options for children. While the weather can be a bit dreary at times, hotspots like Kansas City offers plenty of indoor recreation options.

New Hampshire

NH is a place for readers of all ages: it has the highest literacy rates in the country thanks to the excellent educational options. It’s also very safe and has an incredible job market; additionally, average salaries are well over $60,000, so you can afford to sustain yourself even with the expensive housing.

Idaho

Idaho is an excellent place to raise a family due to its incredible safety, decent schooling options, and plentiful jobs. Major players in tech and finance have moved in here, so you can be guaranteed a good, well-paying job. Additionally, the scenery is beautiful and offers plenty of recreation.

Utah

If you’re looking for a site that combines safety, a great job market, and fantastic education, Utah is the place to be. It’s incredibly safe and welcoming – plus, there’s a lot of outdoor activities all year round, making sure you’re healthy and active no matter the season.

Maine

Maine has been growing faster than almost anywhere else in America because it is peaceful, safe, and quiet. While the harsh winter weather might turn some off, it’s easier to find a job here than elsewhere, and the GDP has grown at a steady, reasonable pace throughout the years. The education system is also very good.

Consider All Aspects of a Given State to Ensure a Smooth Home-buying Experience

Every state in the nation has its strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial that you consider all the different factors that go into the perfect hometown. Alaska is a poor choice according to our research, while Virginia makes for a great new home.

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