New Study: This Is the No. 1 State to Live In
Updated: Aug. 21, 2024
The best state to live in has excellent public education, access to high-quality health care and a low crime rate
Let’s get one thing straight: The best state to live in is the one that best meets your wants and needs. Your friends may love Florida for its retirement-friendly communities, but if your entire family lives in Ohio, the Sunshine State may not be for you.
Picking a place to call home means considering how a city or state suits your lifestyle. Some areas are best for retirees, while some are better for singles and others are ideal for parents with school-age children. If you’re building your career, for instance, you might choose a different spot than folks looking to give their kids a great education. Sometimes, your needs are more practical: an affordable place to live or a disability-friendly city.
You have to start your search somewhere, and a recent report is making that easier. WalletHub examined all 50 U.S. states and considered five factors—affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life and safety—to determine the best state to live in. “The survey aims to capture the diverse factors that contribute to a state’s overall livability,” explains Chris Lupo, a personal finance expert with WalletHub.
Ahead, we’re digging into the data to find out which is the best state to live in, and why.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more news, travel, tech, humor and fun facts all week long.
How did the study determine the best state to live in?
Before we reveal which state came out on top, let’s examine the study’s methodology. The team at WalletHub looked at five key factors for each state:
- Affordability
- Economy
- Education and health
- Quality of life
- Safety
Within those categories, there were 51 metrics—like housing affordability and property taxes in the affordability bucket or unemployment and poverty rates in the economy segment—which WalletHub scored on a 100-point scale.
Next, the team came up with a weighted average using all of the metrics, leading them to determine the best state to live in. “This robust approach ensures that the rankings reflect a well-rounded view of what makes a state desirable for different types of residents,” Lupo says. It’s not about being the most popular city or state but more about which state has the greatest appeal to the largest number of people.
Which state is the best to live in?
With 60.52 points, Massachusetts took the top slot in WalletHub’s study of the best places to live. “Massachusetts is consistently ranked as the best state to live in, and for good reason,” Lupo says. “The state excels across several key categories, such as education and health care, contributing to its overall high quality of life.”
Why is Massachusetts the best state to live in?
Massachusetts is ranked the best state to live in for a number of reasons—and no, the easy access to Dunkin’ coffee isn’t one of them. Read on for three ways the Bay State is top in the nation.
Quality of education
If you have kids or are looking to start a family, the quality of education available matters. “Massachusetts ranks first in the nation for education, with top-tier school systems and a high school graduation rate exceeding 90%,” Lupo says. “This strong educational foundation supports a robust economy, where residents enjoy the third-highest median household income in the U.S.”
Excellent health care
Health care is another one of the state’s key strengths. “Massachusetts has the highest rate of insured residents and the lowest rates of premature death and poor health, ensuring that its residents have access to excellent health care,” Lupo says. According to WalletHub’s survey, 97.3% of Massachusetts residents have health insurance.
In addition, Massachusetts is home to many nationally ranked hospitals, such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Boston is also home to renowned medical schools, including Harvard Medical School, UMass Chan Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Medicine.
Low crime rate
One factor that impacts our quality of life is our sense of safety. Massachusetts boasts low crime rates, particularly in property crime, which adds to its appeal as a safe place to live. “While affordability isn’t its strongest suit, Massachusetts’s quality of life, health, safety and economic stability make it the best state to call home,” Lupo says.
What other states round out the top five?
While Massachusetts earned the No. 1 slot, it’s not your only option. In fact, all of the top five states are great places to live. (We even spy the happiest state on the short list.)
“Each demonstrates strong performances across several metrics, including education, health care and economic stability,” Lupo says. “These states showcase a well-rounded approach to policy and quality of life, securing their spots in the top five.”
Here are the states that top the list:
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Utah
- New Hampshire
Which states are the worst to live in?
Beginning with Louisiana, the lowest-ranked state, these rank as the worst to live in:
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- Alaska
- Nevada
These states struggle with high poverty rates, poor education outcomes, limited health care access and high crime rates.
“For instance, Louisiana ranks last overall due to its low scores in economy, education and safety,” Lupo explains. Similarly, New Mexico’s high crime rate and poor education system contribute to its ranking as the second-worst state. And Nevada, home to what is currently the most popular city to live in, has the fifth-worst economy in the country.
“These states face significant challenges that can affect residents’ quality of life, making them less attractive options for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle,” Lupo says.
About the expert
|
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions, as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
Originally Published: August 21, 2024
