The Best States to Live in the Northeast

In our previous post we gave the 'Big Picture' view of the Best States to Live in. Now we are going to go more in-depth and delve into the different regions of the country to give you more detailed information about why some states in each of these four corners of the United States rise above their counter parts. Enjoy and please leave your comments and questions so we can keep the dialogue going and of value to everyone reading!

The Best Northeast State

Although all of the northeastern states bring something to the table, Virginia distinguishes itself from the rest with high paying jobs, natural beauty and a good housing market. Virginia has the added benefit of being one of the original thirteen colonies, which only serves to make it even more charming. Great for history buffs and a popular place to raise a family, Virginia has a population of just over eight million people. In spite of its small size, the area has a spread-out feel to it, with sprawling hills and plenty of farmland. The state high school graduation rate exceeds 85% and remains one of the highest in the northeast. With an unemployment rate of 6.1%, Virginia falls well below the national average of 9%. Virginia had the most counties on the top 100 list of “Wealthiest Counties in the United States” according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. A frequent name on the “Best Places in America to Raise a Family” register, Virginia offers a stable economy, plenty of activities and great education.

The Cheapest State to Live in the Northeast

The great state of Delaware is the cheapest northeastern state in which to live. The median income level is approximately $55,000 per year, while the median price of a home in Delaware is below $170,000. Property tax rates are exceptionally low throughout the entire state. While the overall cost of living index is 14 points higher than the national average, the northeast is statistically an expensive place to live in general. Delaware falls far below the average for this region.

Best Northeast States to Retire To

Retirement means rest and relaxation for many, and the best northeastern state in which to find this is Maine. With the beautiful Atlantic coastline, plenty of opportunities for fishing and an eclectic local culture, Maine has been voted “Most Relaxing Place to Live” time and time again. From the big cities of Portland to the tiny villages of Frye Island and Glenwood Plantation which boast a zero population for most of the year, Maine is the perfect place to find the quiet life a retiree desires. An honorable mention goes to New York state, as the Hamptons remain a popular retirement destination for the affluent.




The northeast is home to many of this country’s best places to live. The preceding is a mere overview, meant only to illustrate a few of the great states in this region. Nearly every state here is steeped in history, most having been present at the birth of this country. The stories these states tell could fill volumes. The quest for the perfect northeastern state relies heavily on personal taste, matters of opinion and the ability to experience their varied charms for yourself. Tread with caution, as you just might fall in love with them all.

The Best States to Live in the Central US

The central United States is a great place to live. The “middle America” feel is prominent, and the inhabitants of these states work incredibly hard. The central US was hit harder than most in the economic crash of 2008, but has rebounded brilliantly, and this region has become one of the best places to live in the United States. From the high plains of Kansas to the cattle and cowboy hats of Texas, this region defines America. It is no accident that this area is known as the “heartland”. Residents of these states have heart in abundance, as well as a dedication to the land unmatched by any other area of this nation. Read on as we discover the best states to live in the central US.

The Best States to Live in the Central US

Colorado and Iowa share the honor of best states to live in, although for decidedly different reasons. Colorado is frequently thought of as one of the best places to raise a family in the entire nation. It is the fifth richest US state per capita, with an annual income exceeding $34,000 per person. Pitkin County, Colorado’s richest, sees a personal median income of nearly $41,000 per person. Colorado, while within the central US boundaries, is shielded from much of the severe weather so common in this region. With a September 2011 unemployment rate of 8.3%, Colorado falls nearly a point below the national average, and the job market has seen significant improvement. Colorado is 8th in the nation in healthcare ranking, and graduation rates are steadily increasing.




Iowa - Best State to live in the Central US.

Iowa’s median income for a family of two exceeds $50,000 per year and the graduation rate is close to 90%, one of the highest in the nation. Iowa’s hills and lakes only increase its aesthetic appeal, while the mild climate makes for great crops and happy residents. Iowa and Colorado share the title of the best state to live in the central US.

Cheapest State to Live in the Central US

Indiana holds the honor of being the cheapest place to live in the central United States. With a cost of living index rating 23 points below the national average, Indiana is a place where your dollar really does stretch. It boasts a flat state income tax rate of only 3.4%, making their effective tax rate, including federal obligations, just over 11%, one of the lowest nationally. Nebraska was not hit nearly as hard as other central regions in the economic collapse as their main steel industry was nearly unaffected. Indiana is one of the few states who reported a budget surplus in 2011, to the tune of $1.2 billion.

Best Central States to Retire to

Texas is a wonderful place to retire. With the wide expanses of farmland and “everything is bigger” mentality, Texas is a popular destination for those who are too old to work but too young to slow down. The low property tax rates and cheap housing make this a financially smart move for those on a fixed income, and the senior services here are top-notch. Nebraska is also a popular retirement area. Lincoln, the most popular Nebraska city for retirees, boasts a full 27% of its residents are over the age of 55, and the median home price is just over $130,000.




The central US offers a different demographic than much of the rest of the country. The people here are of the “salt of the earth” variety, and everywhere feels like home. This region has long been one of the best places to live, and it only gets better as time goes by.

The Best State to Live in the Central US

The central United States encompasses a broad area, making it difficult to determine the best states to live in. Several places in this region deserve a spot on the list for one reason or another. From Colorado to Texas and Indiana to Nebraska, many states were in contention for the top honor, but when it came down to the wire, Iowa as the best central state was the clear winner. With a good economy, strong job market and some of the nation’s best schools, Iowa can accurately be named one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in Iowa

Ames, Iowa is a community of approximately 60,000 people, and its residents contend that it is one of the best cities to live in Iowa. Located 30 miles from Des Moines, Ames is the home to the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a major employer within the community. Perhaps this is the reason that the unemployment rate in Ames is only 4.3%, less than half of the national average. Median family income is upwards of $77,000 and the median home price is $175,000. Job growth is up nearly 16% since 2000 and school test scores in Ames are an average of 22.5% higher than state scores. Nearly 16% of the city’s residents bike or walk to work, which may account for the city’s 99% air quality rating. Ames has 36 parks and plenty of recreational activities, making this an amazing place to raise a family.

Cheapest Place to Live in Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa was named on Kiplinger’s “50 Smart Places to Live”, coming in at number 10. The sixth largest city in the state, Iowa City has a population of nearly 67,000 while still maintaining a small-town feel. Home to the University of Iowa, median family income here is $57,568. Home prices start in the low $100,000 range, making ownership easily affordable. Utilities in Iowa City are 20% less than the national average, while costs for groceries, housing and healthcare also fall below national expenditures. The unemployment rate here is 3.6%, nearly two-thirds less than the national percentage, and job growth stands at 1.06% and climbing.

Best Place to Retire in Iowa

When searching for the best places to retire, Ankeny, Iowa pops up time and time again. Over the past five years, the 55 and older population in this city has soared with an 87.3% increase in the amount of seniors living in the area. Median household income for those 55 or older is $58,000, while the median home price in the area is $164,500. Ankeny has an approximate population of 38,000 with senior citizens accounting for nearly 15% of that number. Its close proximity to Des Moines means that the arts, culture and entertainment of Iowa’s biggest city are only minutes away. Ankeny offers the quiet life many retirees desire while still remaining close to the convenience of a large city.

Iowa boasts a growing job market, low unemployment rate and relatively inexpensive cost of living across the board, making it the best place to live in the central United States. Whether you are looking for a new city to raise a family, a haven in which to retire or an inexpensive location to start a new business venture, Iowa has a place for you.

The Best States to Live in the Southeast

The southeastern United States is an ever-changing place. Once considered less educated, less wealthy and less desirable than its geographical counterparts, it is now a widely populated place filled with sprawling metropolises, tiny southern towns and everything in between. Home to many colleges and universities, plenty of professional sports teams and some of the biggest military bases and aerospace engineering plants, the southeast is now considered one of the best places to live in the United States. Journey with us from North Carolina to Florida as we discover some of the best states to live in this region.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The choices for the award in this category are many and diverse. Nearly every southeastern state deserves to be here for one reason or another. However, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. North Carolina deserves the spot for several reasons. Its quasi-southern charm, drenched in old money and steeped in history, provides plenty to see and do. From the tobacco fields of yesteryear to the majestic plantation houses available for tours, North Carolina offered many contributions to the foundation of a great nation. In 2010, Forbes Magazine voted North Carolina the third best state for business in the nation. Culture, arts and entertainment are also strong here, and North Carolina may well be one of the best states to live in the southeast based on beauty alone. People have long flocked to this area during the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant colors not seen outside of watercolor sets. With 14 national parks , plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting and some of the most beautiful lighthouses on the east coast, North Carolina has plenty to offer the nature lover. Cary, North Carolina has been voted the safest place to live in the southeast, as well as earned a Top 5 spot on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the Nation.”

Cheapest State to Live in the Southeast

Mississippi is quite possibly the cheapest state to live within the southeast. With a cost of living index 23 points below the national average and a median home price of just over $170,000, it is easier to afford more here. Although the median income falls short of the national average, families do not need to earn as much here as they would in some of the more expensive states.

Best Southeast States to Retire to

Florida is the best southeastern state to retire to, and possibly the best state for retirees in the entire nation. The climate is always warm, albeit rainy at times, and the 55+ community accounts for a significant percentage of Florida’s population. There is plenty to see and do for retirees including shopping, fine dining and outdoor activities. The median home value was $129,000 in 2010, much lower than the national average of nearly $180,000. Florida has no income tax and caps its property tax at a flat 3% per year for year round residents. The annual Florida tax burden is ranked 47th in the nation, making it lower than almost anywhere else in the country. Florida is truly a retiree’s paradise.









The southeastern United States offers some of the best places to live. Here, the charm of the south meets the romance of the Atlantic coastline. The southeast has made great strides in the past twenty years, and is now a great place to live, work and play.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The southeast contains a number of candidates for the best places to live in the United States. From the retirement haven of Florida to the antebellum saga of the deep south, this region is steeped in tradition. Although nearly every state in the southeastern region has a city or town that deserves a place on our list for one reason or another, only one exemplifies every criteria. North Carolina contains all the necessary ingredients to be named one of the best states to live in the Southeast and perhaps even the country.

The Best City to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina has enjoyed the title of fastest growing state in the US every year since 2008, and no city has grown faster than Wake Forest. With a 118% population growth since 2000, Wake Forest is located just north of the state capital of Raleigh. Median family income is $60,408 and Wake Forest enjoys an unemployment rate of 7.4%, nearly two percentage points lower than the national average of 9.1%. The Wake Forest job market has experienced a recent upswing, and the Wake Forest Economic Development Team was formed in order to bring more jobs to the area. Schools are consistently rated as “excellent” and score an average of 20.25% higher than the state as a whole on both reading and math tests. With great schools, a good job market and a high median family income, Wake Forest is among the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina

Statistically, big cities are more expensive than small towns. In North Carolina, however, the opposite appears to be true. Charlotte, North Carolina is both the biggest city and the cheapest place in the state to live. Overall, the cost of living in Charlotte is 7% less than the national average, while housing and utilities are 20% lower and 7% lower respectively. The median home price here is $169,493, while the median family income is nearly $60,000. Schools here are among the top in the country, with Charlotte elementary schools earning top NAEP honors in 2009. The low cost of living, great schools and many job opportunities combine to make Charlotte not only the cheapest place in North Carolina to live, but also one of the best.

Best Place to Retire in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, is a prime retirement destination for those who seek safety, security, and a beautiful place to call home. Voted “Safest City in the South” in 2005, Cary is located in the midst of the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 17.4% of Cary’s population is 55 or older. Median income is upwards of $71,000 and the median home price has held steady at $259,000 for the past three years. Two of the nation’s rated “best hospitals” lie within 30 miles of Cary and the average property tax bill stands at $2300. Cary also has a public transit system that offers door-to-door service for the elderly.

North Carolina is our clear winner for the southeast Best Place to Live competition. With a low unemployment rate, inexpensive cost of living and relatively low crime rate, North Carolina is a prime location for people of any age. Wake Forest, Charlotte and Cary are just three of the many great places to live in North Carolina.

The Best States to Live in the Southwest

The southwest is known as an upper-class paradise. From the big cities of southern California to the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, the southwest is filled with culture, arts and high profile entertainment. The warm, arid climate makes this region extremely popular with retirees and those with health problems, while the eclectic culture and artsy inhabitants make this an amazing place for creative-minded people and families alike. Spanish and native American influences are strong here, and the vibrant colors of a desert sunset create a palette unique to this region. While each state here has similar features, it is truly amazing just how different they can be. The southwest is one of the best places to live in the United States. Come with me as we explore the region on a quest to discover the best states to live in and the reasons they are paramount.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

New Mexico takes the top honor when considering the best states to live in the southwest. With its inherent art culture, beautiful flora and fauna and storied history, New Mexico exists in a world of its own. From Albuquerque, its biggest city, to Carlsbad, small and romantic, the state itself is a contradiction. Although the median income of $31,474 is lower than the national average, the job market is strong and boasts an unemployment rate of only 6.6%. New Mexico is ranked number three in crude oil and natural gas production, and personal income tax rates do not exceed 4.9%. New Mexico is a pioneer in research and development and boasts the highest amount of PhD recipients per capita of any other state in the nation. Santa Fe is the cultural hub, offering many art galleries as well as the Santa Fe Opera. New Mexico has a wealth of old west architecture and style, making it a visual paradise as well as an amazing place to live.

Cheapest State to Live in the Southwest

Utah is among the cheapest places to live in the southwest with a cost of living index 14 points below the national average. Utah holds the number one spot on Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business” list, and Newsweek has called Utah in general and Salt Lake City in particular “the new economic Zion.” Unemployment is holding steady at 6.8%, much lower than the national average, and high-tech companies are being lured to the region daily. State sales tax is below 6.5% and Utah charges a flat 5% personal income tax. The low cost of living coupled with the high likelihood of additional business coming to Utah makes this the cheapest southwestern state in which to live.

Best Southwest States to Retire to

Our “best of” article would be remiss if we failed to mention California. Although the most expensive state in the region in which to live, California is nonetheless the most popular southwestern state for retirees. Southern California’s climate, entertainment and high senior citizen density attracts many retirees to its Pacific shores. Arizona is also an incredibly popular retirement destination. The cities of Flagstaff, Tucson and Scottsdale are especially popular with the 55+ set due to their climate, natural beauty and senior benefits.





The southwestern United States encompass many of the best places to live in the country. Singles, families and retirees alike will appreciate the climate, beauty, entertainment and attractions offered by this region. There truly is “something for everyone” here, from outdoor activities to high-tech jobs. The southwest is a region of progress and creative thinking, and anyone can feel right at home within its boundaries.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

The southwestern United States is a place of growing popularity. It is a land of turquoise-colored mystery; a world where the west is still somewhat wild. New Mexico is among the best states to live in the region. With its distinctive southwestern flair, relatively low cost of living and many outdoor activities, New Mexico earns our top spot as the best state to live in the Southwest, and may well be one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in New Mexico

Although rather small and relatively unknown, Rio Rancho, New Mexico is one of the best cities to live in New Mexico. A suburb of Albuquerque, this city of 82,000 is a safe and secure place to raise a family. Although not immune to the foreclosures the rest of the country has seen over the past five years, Rio Rancho is a great place to find an amazing deal in the housing market. With a median family income of $66,000, jobs in Rio Rancho have grown nearly 70% in the past ten years. The median home price is $169,000 and the average property tax bill stands at $1400 per year. School test scores in reading are 22% above the New Mexico average, while scores in math are an astounding 41% higher. The Intel Corporation is the area’s biggest employer, although the retail and service industry round out the economy nicely. New construction, including a hospital and large office complex, promise to bring even more jobs to the area in the coming years. Rio Rancho is ever-changing and always growing, making it a wonderful place for families and singles alike.

Cheapest Place to Live in New Mexico

Here, Rio Rancho makes a repeat appearance on our list. Not content to be only the best city in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is also the cheapest. Housing here is 11% below the national average, while utilities are 10% cheaper. Overall, Rio Rancho falls a full 4% below the national cost of living average across the board. Healthcare is the only measured category in which Rio Rancho exceeds national expenditures, and even here it is only 1% over. As a comparison, New York City is 126% more expensive than Rio Rancho.

Best Place to Retire in New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico has been voted “Best Place to Retire” in the state many times over. AARP listed it as a Top 5 in 2006, while Money Magazine has ranked it twice in two separate years. Las Cruces offers wonderful weather and plenty of senior living activities. With four golf courses and tons of nearby hiking and fishing, those 55 and older will not lack for recreation. New Mexico taxpayers are also afforded tax breaks from income sources that fall below $28,500. An average three bedroom house costs a mere $168,000, making Las Cruces easily affordable for those on a fixed income. Las Cruces is a wonderful place for seniors to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy all of the senior activities the city has to offer.

The southwest is an amazing place to live, and no state contained within it is more amazing than New Mexico. The affordability, school systems and economy continue to improve. New Mexico is the southwest's best place to live for people at any stage of their lives.

The Cheapest State to Live In

In previous posts we've examined some of the Best Sates to Live in but in todays down economy many people are considering a move and looking for the cheapest states to live in for strictly financial reasons. Like everything we discuss and share here on the blog there are no simple and straight forward answers or solutions. Everyone is different and everyone's circumstances are different. If you are looking for the cheapest places to live but you also need a job than lower wages could negate any positive impact from a lower cost of living. Similarly if you're retired why live in a place that has high employment and a high cost of living to go along with it? As you know we are big proponents of the Retire Abroad movement. When you're retired you've paid your dues and served your country by being productive for the past forty, fifty, sixty years. Now it's your turn to relax and enjoy life. But once again I digress!

Factors Affecting Cost of Living

As we've discussed ad nauseam there are numerous factors that will influence the cost of living in any area you choose to live.

• Housing is probably the most obvious, and can still vary depending on if you rent or buy. So, it important to consider both. For example some parts of the country the market demand for rentals has not kept pace with the price of real estate. In some places one can rent for half of what it might cost to own.
• Taxes are another thing many people overlook. It's important to add up both state income taxes and the local property taxes. In combination these too have a significant impact on your cost of living.
• Daily Expenses - The price of daily use items like gas and food will also vary from state to state.
• Employment - Employers in any given state or area will have an impact on cost of living too. In Seattle, for example, one of the biggest employers is Microsoft. People there are well paid and the market is more than happy to rise to meet and greet that disposable income. Thus Seattle ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in. The reality is the majority of people living in Seattle do not work for Microsoft but, the high salaries there tend to inflate the overall cost of living.

The Cheapest States to Live in

Let's first take a look at the cheapest states and then narrow it down to find THE Cheapest. Generally speaking the most affordable and least expensive states to live in the U.S. tend to be in the Midwest or South. As one would expect Alaska, Hawaii, New England, and the entire West Coast from California to Washington are the most expensive states to live in America so finding the best place to live in California won't help you much.

Research that was done by the Missouri Economic Research and Info Ctr. says the 10 most affordable states are:

1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Tennessee
4. Arkansas
5. Nebraska
6. South Dakota
7. Missouri
8. Kansas
9. Georgia
10. Mississippi

Now it's important to take into consideration the time lag between data collection and the publishing of results. Also, data can sometimes be accumulated over an extended period of time. When the economy and the world at large is stable these data bases work just fine but when we experience major shifts and changes that are sudden that data can be blown out the window in a second. A good example of this is Japan who just a few months ago was acknowledged as one of the Best Places to Live in the World. But today following the devastating Earthquake,Tsunami and nuclear crisis, Japan is likely not on anyone's radar as the 'best place to live'. The same could be said for parts of the United States. Prior to our own economic melt down the midwest and Motor City in particular where nice stable places to live and be gainfully employed in the auto industry. Today not so much. A year or so ago I wrote about the Detroit having the cheapest house in America. And when you read that list above you may want to add anywhere in the "Rustbelt" to that list of cheap places to live in America. Upstate New York including Buffalo and Rochester, Ohio, Michigan and some parts of Indiana could certainly make the list.

Oklahoma and Kansas are cheap in terms of housing and those they are decent places to live. One cold easily say they are better looking places to live as those 'Rustbelt' states look pretty rough most of the time. The downside to OK and KS is the fact they can be pretty 'ho hum' boring. The deep south sates are also cheap but wages are very low for many which leads to a lot of poverty.

The Cheapest State to Live in?

After reading this you are hopefully in agreement that picking the cheapest state to live in is still a very subjective matter - it's all in the number and the numbers you use can result in pretty much whatever you want. Just looking at figures Oklahoma is the cheapest with low housing costs, low insurance and low tax. If you're retired or have a virtual business then it may be a great state to live in. But if you're needing to combine your relocation with a new job you might want to think twice - the low local wages may just wipe out any gains you make from reducing your cost of living.

Editors note: This post about the Cheapest States to live in obviously appeared in April 2011. Be sure to check out our latest (November 2011) exploration of the Best States to Live in. We created a new series of articles exploring the country region by region, up and down and side to side to uncover the best states and what makes them great.