What's in this article?
The “best” place means different things to different people.
Some states may be better suited to different people depending on their individual circumstances and priorities.
Some factors to consider when looking at the quality of life in a state include the cost of living, job opportunities, access to education and healthcare, cultural and recreational activities, and the natural environment.
Other people may prioritize factors such as political climate, crime rates, or proximity to family and friends.
Ultimately, the best states to live in for you will depend on your personal circumstances and priorities. It may be helpful to research and compare different states to find one that aligns with your needs and preferences when you’re buying a new home.
What makes a state a good place to live?
Many factors can contribute to making a state a good place to live in the United States.
Quality of education
A state with a high-quality education system and access to healthcare can be important for the well-being of residents. According to the “Best States” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, the states with the highest-ranked education systems in 2021 included:
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- New Jersey
- Florida
- Washington
- Connecticut
- Utah
- North Carolina
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
Cost of living
A state with a lower cost of living can make it easier to afford the basic necessities of life, such as housing, food, and healthcare.
Family-friendly policies
Some states may have policies in place that support families, such as paid parental leave or flexible work arrangements such as California, New Jersey, Rhodes Island, New York, and Washington.
Safety
A state with low crime rates and a safe environment can provide peace of mind for families. However, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), some states that have relatively low crime rates and a low risk of natural disasters include Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Cultural and recreational activities
A state with a rich cultural scene and access to recreational activities can provide opportunities for entertainment and personal growth for families. Some examples of states known for cultural and recreational activities include California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
Job opportunities
A state with a strong and diverse economy can provide a range of job opportunities in various industries. Some of the top states for employment and job growth include Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, and Idaho.
Ultimately, the factors that make a state a good place to live will vary depending on what’s important to the home buyer.
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The cost of living in the United States can vary significantly from state to state.
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), some of the states with the lowest cost of living in the third quarter of 2022 include:
- Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Muskogee, Okhloama
- Harlingen, Texas
- McAllen, Texas
- Decatur, Illinois
- Joplin, Missouri
- Tupelo, Mississippi
- Richmond, Indiana
- Thomasville-Lexington, North Carolina
- Albany, Georgia
Note: The cost of living in a particular state can depend on various factors, including the cost of housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other necessities. Also consider that while a state may have a low overall cost of living, it may be higher in specific cities.
States with the best mortgage rates
Mortgage rates can vary significantly from state to state within the United States.
Factors that can affect mortgage rates include the economy’s overall state, the housing market’s strength, and local regulations.
In general, however, mortgage rates tend to be lower in states with strong economies and stable housing markets.
Some states with the best mortgage rates lower than the national average:
- Massachusetts – 0.14% lower
- New York – 0.10% lower
- New Jersey – 0.08% lower
- North Dakota – 0.05% lower
- Connecticut, Nebraska, Hawaii, and Florida – 0.04% lower
Remember that the mortgage rates available to you may depend on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and other personal financial factors.
Safest states to live in
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the states with the lowest overall crime rates in 2020 (based on the number of reported offenses per 100,000 residents) were:
- Vermont
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Idaho
- Wyoming
Crime rates can vary significantly even within the same state and can be influenced by a wide range of factors such as population density, economic conditions, and local policing policies.
Other “safety” factors such as natural disasters, traffic safety, or access to healthcare may also be important considerations for the state you live in.
Most family-friendly states
There are several states in the United States that have policies in place that support families, such as paid parental leave or flexible work arrangements.
California
California has a paid family leave program that allows workers to take up to six weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
New Jersey
New Jersey has a paid family leave program that allows workers to take up to six weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a paid family and medical leave program that allows workers to take up to four weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
New York
New York has a paid family leave program that allows workers to take up to ten weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
Washington
Washington has a paid family and medical leave program that allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.
Homefinity can help you relocate to another state no matter where you decide
Looking to relocate to a new state? Homefinity has you covered!
Our personalized services make the home-buying process stress-free and easy. We offer a wide range of options for buyers in a lot of states across the US, and our mortgage rates are some of the most competitive.
At Homefinity, we understand that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. That’s why we offer the tools you need, like our affordability calculator to discover how much you can afford.
Take the first step towards your new home today with Homefinity. Our team is here to help you find the perfect home in the perfect location.
The information contained in this article has not been prepared by Homefinity and is distributed for educational purposes only. The information is not guaranteed to be accurate and may not entirely represent the opinions of Homefinity.
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