What state has the best quality of life?

There isn't one single state with the "best" quality of life, as it depends on priorities, but Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Vermont consistently rank high across various studies, excelling in metrics like health, education, environment, safety, and economic opportunity, with Massachusetts often #1 overall and Vermont topping quality of life-specific lists for its natural beauty and community.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as different reports rank states differently, but Vermont is frequently cited as #1 for Quality of Life (CNBC), while Massachusetts often leads overall livability/best state rankings (WalletHub), and Utah ranks high overall for Best States (U.S. News). These rankings vary by the specific metrics used, such as health, safety, environment, education, or economic opportunity. 

What U.S. state is safest and cheapest to live in?

For the best combination of cheap and safe, consider states like Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas, which consistently rank high in affordability (low housing, groceries, overall cost of living) while also offering manageable safety, with Vermont and New Hampshire often topping pure safety lists, though they are pricier. The ideal balance depends on whether you prioritize the lowest cost (Mississippi) or strong safety (Vermont), with Midwestern/Southern states generally offering lower expenses and Northern/New England states often leading in safety metrics. 

What is the happiest state to live in the USA?

Hawaii is the happiest state in America—again: People there are 'happy with life' and have 'little financial anxiety,' expert says. WalletHub recently released its ranking of the happiest states in the U.S.

Where in the U.S. has the highest quality of life?

The best quality of life in the U.S. often points to states like Vermont, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, while top cities frequently include Newton (MA), Woodbury (MN), and Bellevue (WA), due to factors like strong education, healthcare, low crime, excellent environment, and economic stability, though specific rankings vary by source. High-ranking cities offer a blend of amenities, safety, and access to nature, while states like New York, New Jersey, and Colorado also rank highly for overall livability, safety, and life factors. 

Top 10 States to Live in the United States 2026 (Why They're Best)

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the US?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

Where do the nicest people live in the USA?

While "nicest" is subjective, studies and surveys often point to Minnesota, known for "Minnesota Nice," along with Southern states like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia, and Midwestern states like Iowa, as having very friendly and polite people, often characterized by strong community spirit and helpfulness. Other frequently mentioned spots include Hawaii, Colorado, and Wisconsin, known for relaxed attitudes or deep-rooted hospitality. 

What is the most stressful state to live in?

New Mexico tops the list of most stressed states in the U.S. as of 2025, with a stress score of 60.52 out of 100. This ranking considers stress factors related to work, money, family, and health and safety.

What is the kindest state in America?

There's no single "friendliest" state, as it depends on the study, but Minnesota often tops lists for its "Minnesota Nice" politeness, while Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming consistently rank high, often due to Southern hospitality or sparse populations. Other states like Hawaii, New Jersey, and California are also noted as welcoming, particularly for visitors, but some data suggests Midwestern/Southern states excel in general warmth. 

What state has the least crime?

While rankings vary slightly by source and metrics used (violent vs. property crime), Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont consistently rank as the states with the least crime, often appearing at the top for safety, particularly in violent crime rates. These northeastern states generally have much lower crime rates than the national average, with Maine often cited for having the lowest violent crime rate. 

Where can I live that is warm and cheap?

Best affordable warm states with soaring home prices

• Texas. Texas is ideal for millennials and Gen Z buyers who want affordable housing, strong job opportunities, and a good quality of life without the sky-high prices of coastal cities. ...
• Florida. ...
• Arizona. ...
• Georgia. ...
• South Carolina.

What state has the lowest cost of living?

Mississippi consistently ranks as the state with the lowest cost of living, driven by exceptionally low housing, transportation, and overall expenses, making money stretch furthest, though it also faces high poverty rates. Other very affordable states include West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, with low costs for housing, groceries, and utilities. 

Which states have the best weather?

California, Hawaii, and Arizona are frequently cited for having the best weather, offering mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and low humidity (especially Arizona), while coastal California provides a classic comfortable climate with mild year-round temps, and Hawaii boasts tropical warmth with refreshing trade winds, though Florida offers warmth but with higher humidity and hurricanes. 

What is America's prettiest state?

There's no single "most beautiful" state, as it's subjective, but California, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, and Washington consistently rank high for diverse, breathtaking scenery, offering everything from epic coastlines and massive mountains to lush rainforests and unique desert landscapes, with California often cited for its unparalleled variety. 

What is the happiest American state?

Hawaii is consistently ranked as the happiest state in the U.S., followed by states like Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Utah, according to recent 2025 analyses by WalletHub, which considers factors like emotional well-being, work environment, and community. These top states often boast high life satisfaction, good health, strong economic security, and low depression rates, though rankings can vary slightly by report. 

What is the best state to raise a family in?

There's no single "best" state, but Massachusetts, Minnesota, and North Dakota consistently rank high for raising families due to strong education, safety, and affordability/job markets, respectively, though factors like cost of living, climate, and lifestyle preferences vary greatly. Other strong contenders include New Hampshire, Vermont, and Georgia, often praised for outdoor access, low poverty, or unique educational benefits like the HOPE Scholarship. 

What is the unhappiest state in the US?

Based on recent studies, particularly WalletHub's 2025 analysis, Louisiana and West Virginia consistently rank as the unhappiest states, often swapping the bottom spots, with Louisiana frequently cited as the absolute least happy due to factors like high depression rates, long work hours, low sleep quality, and high divorce rates, while West Virginia struggles with high adult depression and poor sleep. Other states often in the bottom ranks include Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee. 

What is the #1 worst habit for anxiety?

The #1 worst habit for anxiety isn't one single thing, but often a cycle involving procrastination/avoidance, driven by anxiety and leading to more anxiety, alongside fundamental issues like sleep deprivation, which cripples your ability to cope with stress. Other major culprits are excessive caffeine, poor diet, negative self-talk, sedentary living, and constantly checking your phone, all creating a vicious cycle that fuels worry and physical symptoms.
 

What is the most relaxed state to live in?

For the most relaxed state, rankings vary slightly by study, but South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Vermont, and Hawaii consistently appear as top contenders with low stress, good work-life balance, strong health/safety, or low anxiety rates, often highlighting the Midwest, New England, and the island state for peaceful living. 

Which state has the prettiest people?

There's no single, objective answer to which state has the most attractive people, as beauty is subjective, but surveys and discussions often point to California, New York, and Florida due to their large, diverse populations and entertainment industries, while Midwest states like Illinois and states with outdoor cultures like Colorado & Utah also rank high in different polls, often citing diverse beauty types from models to rugged outdoorsy types. 

What is the least friendliest state?

The most welcoming states are Vermont, Maine, and Hawaii. The least welcoming states are Missouri, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Most Americans greet strangers with a handshake (60%), smile (47%), or by making eye contact (25%). Over 1 in 5 Americans say they aren't comfortable with physical contact when greeting.

What is America's most welcoming city?

While "most welcoming" varies, recent studies often name St. Augustine, Florida, as the top U.S. city for hospitality, praised for its historic charm and friendly locals, with other high-ranking spots including Cape May, NJ, Newport, RI, and Joshua Tree, CA, based on traveler reviews and community integration efforts for newcomers.