What Are the Best US States to Live In?

The best places to live in the United States is a highly subjective topic. It seems everyone has a different opinion, and the answer generally depends on what the individual is looking for. Not only that but when we do try and find objective data it changes so rapidly that the best state in 2010 could easily slip out of the top ten in a matter of a year do to the instability of the US economy these days. Based on a purely economic data, North Dakota and Nebraska appear to top the list. With unemployment rates well below the national average, it seems jobs are in great supply in these two states, leading to the affordability that comes with living in a prosperous place. These aren’t the only great places to live, however. Read on, as we outline the best US states by region.

The Best States to Live in the Northeast

Virginia and Maine are the forerunners in this category. Both of these states hold places in the top 20 list of highest wage earning states and have relatively low unemployment rates when compared to the national average. There is an abundance of beauty there, as well as history, culture and plenty of activities. Virginia is a consistent presence on the “Best Places to Raise Children” list, while Maine is a usual suspect on the “Most Relaxing Places to Live” register.

The Best States to Live in the Northwest

No list of great places to live would be complete without mentioning Oregon and Washington. The natural beauty of the rugged Pacific coastline coupled with the excitement of Portland and Seattle can make for a delicate combination of outdoor activity and big-city living. Portland, often voted one of the “Top 5 Places to Live” has plenty of entertainment, while Oregon as a whole is a leader in “green living.” Washington is typically a wealthy state, regularly falling within the top 10 on the list of “Richest States.”

The Best States to Live in the Central US

The central US is a big area comprised of many great states. Colorado is beautiful and mostly immune to much of the severe weather typical in the central US, while Iowa has low unemployment rates and great schools. Both states have a median income of approximately $50,000 a year. As noted in the beginning of this article, North Dakota and Nebraska are also wonderful places to live in this region.

The Best States to Live in the Southeast

Florida and North Carolina headline this category. Florida has been voted “Best Place to Retire” too many times to count. With a healthy housing market and many activities for seniors and families alike, Florida is an “everyone” state. North Carolina has a much lower tax liability than much of the nation, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and great schools, making this a wonderful place to raise children. Cary, North Carolina was voted the “Safest Place to Live” in the southeast.

The Best States to Live in the Southwest

Arizona and New Mexico are great choices in this region. The dry desert heat of these states makes them some of the healthiest places to live, while the history and culture of the region brings in many creative-minded people. New Mexico is a great place for artists, while Arizona’s housing market, cleanliness and relative safety bring in many families with children.




The best places to live will depend largely on what an individual likes or dislikes, as well as where they are in their lives. A family with children and a single retiree would most certainly disagree on this topic. The United States is so vast and diverse and filled with so many wonderful places to live that coming to an unequivocal and unanimous conclusion would be nearly impossible. It's just another example of why Freedom is the most cherished value of living in the US, everyone is welcome to choose their own “Best Place to Live.”




Editors note: This article is just an overview of what we have found to be acknowledged consistently year after year as the best states to live in. Over the coming weeks we will explore each region in great detail to give you a flavor of why and ow these states gain this recognition. As always we encourage you to leave your comments below - please share with us what you agree with and what you disagree with. Tell us what you believe represent the best states to live in and why.

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The Best States to Live in the Northwest

The northwest United States is a place of beauty and ethereal mystery. From the rain drenched forests of Washington State to the old-west rodeo towns of Wyoming, visiting the northwest is a bit like entering a different world. Native Americans inhabited this area long before the present day decedents of today's Americans but their culture and influence remains strong. In a country filled with amazing places to call home, the northwest has some of the best states to live in and remains one of the best places to live in the nation. Come along as we journey through this region and learn more about what makes the northwest such a special corner of the the US.

The Best Northwest State to Live in

Washington State is commonly known as one of the best states to live in the northwest. It is a place of almost unnatural beauty, a world where a Sasquatch could (and might!) feel right at home. Washington’s gorgeous forests are teeming with wildlife, making this state a nature lover’s dream. It is no accident that Stephenie Meyer set her wildly popular Twilight series in these forests - the singular beauty and mystery present here lends itself to the thought that anything could live in this place. Washington has a population of nearly six and a half million and a per capita income exceeding $52,000 a year, ranking it tenth in the nation. Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom and Microsoft call this place home, leading to Washington’s consistent top 10 ranking on the list of “Richest States.” Washington does not have a personal income tax, and its resultant sales tax is one of the lowest in the nation. Washington’s current unemployment rate falls in line with the current national average, but a recent influx of well-paying jobs looks to better than trend in the near future. Washington remains one of the best states to live in this region, if not the entire country. Washington State is also the cheapest state to live in northwest. While bigger cities such as Seattle may not be inexpensive, Washington as a whole falls a full four points below the national cost of living index rate.

Best States to Retire to in the Northwest

Both Oregon and Wyoming rank high on the list of places to retire. Oregon has an abundance of natural beauty as well as outdoor activities which include hunting, fishing and hiking. With an unemployment rate slightly higher than the national average, Oregon may not be the best place to find a job, but it is an excellent place to spend the fabled “Golden Years.” The housing market, while rebounding, still offers houses at rock bottom prices and the entire state has a laid-back feel not found in the hustle and bustle states of the east. Portland and Eugene offer arts, culture and entertainment, while the smaller towns of southern Oregon offer peace and relaxation for retirees. Wyoming, with its stunning vistas and wide open spaces, also provides a wonderful environment for those who desire a quiet place to spend their time.

Honorable Mention: Idaho

An honorable mention in this region must go to Idaho. Home to the Rocky Mountains and Hells Canyon, the deepest natural gorge in the United States, Idaho is small enough to retain its hometown history while still large enough to offer important services and entertainment. Idaho was also a pioneer in the renewable energy movement, which it remains committed to today.






The northwest ranks high among this country’s best places to live. With an improving job market and millions of acres of natural beauty, this is the perfect place to raise a family or begin a new life. The northwest is rich in more ways than one.

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.