Summary
- Utah offers a high quality of life with a strong job market, low crime rates, and stunning natural beauty. It’s a great place for outdoor activities and has a vibrant cultural scene.
- Washington provides the highest quality of life with no income tax, excellent healthcare, and a diverse landscape. It prioritizes education and has a strong job market driven by technology giants.
- Idaho offers safety, a strong economy, and affordable living. It has low crime rates, diverse natural beauty, and opportunities for road trips. Residents benefit from a strong sense of community.
What makes an excellent place to live? The answer is often a combination of safety, quality of life, education, and overall well-being. Luckily, the U.S. boasts cities that combine all these qualities and are attractive to digital nomads.
Living in affordable cities can bring many advantages, as residents benefit from accessible healthcare, contributing to their overall health and well-being. Additionally, these states offer a range of recreational and cultural activities, fostering a vibrant lifestyle. Of course, outdoor activities are also essential and enhance the living experience.
These are the best states to live in 2024 based on a combination of qualities.
10
Utah Has Low Crime Rates
Offers a strong job market, beautiful landscapes, and a high quality of life
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, Utah
Utah offers a high quality of life with several advantages, including a strong job market. The state ranks 7th among state employment-to-population, and it also has an affordable life cost and low crime rates.
Utah’s economy is robust, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare. The state boasts stunning natural beauty, including national parks and incredible landscapes, creating opportunities for outdoor activities.
Utah is also home to the country’s second friendliest city and has a vibrant cultural scene that contributes to a fulfilling and enriching living experience.
9
Washington Has The Highest Quality Of Life
The state has no income tax and has the country’s longest life expectancy
North Fork Of The Skykomish River Flowing Through The Town Of Index, Washington State, WA, USA
Washington has been considered the country’s state with the best quality of life for several years. It’s also one of the nine states with no income taxes, and the job market is more optimistic than in previous years.
The economy is robust, driven by technology giants like Microsoft and Amazon.
For nature enthusiasts, the state offers a diverse landscape, from mountains to coastline, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a high quality of life. It also prioritizes education, with renowned universities and excellent public schools.
The healthcare system is top-notch, contributing to residents’ overall well-being. While the cost of living can be higher in urban areas, the state offers a range of living options.
8
Idaho Offers Safety And Strong Economy
The state also features attractions such as Shoshone Falls Park and Idaho Botanical Garden
Kathryn Albertson Park during the fall in Boise, Idaho
The safety and strong economy make Idaho ranks 4th among the best states to live in, according to WalletHub. The state also offers excellent opportunities for road trips to stunning natural beauty, including mountains, lakes, and wilderness areas.
Idaho’s cost of living is relatively lower than neighboring states, making it an attractive option for affordable living. The economy is diverse, with sectors like agriculture, technology, and outdoor recreation playing significant roles.
Residents also benefit from low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
7
Nebraska Provides High Standard Of Living
Known for its safety and affordable cost of living
Downtown, Lexington, Nebraska, USA
Those who value friendly people and a high standard of living should consider living in Nebraska. The state is also known for low crime rates and affordable cost of living.
Nebraska’s economy is diverse, with a robust agricultural sector complemented by industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The state prioritizes education with excellent public schools and renowned universities.
Its central location in the United States provides easy access to travel and transportation. While Nebraska may not have the bustling urban centers of some states, it offers a tranquil, family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community.
6
Vermont Is The Country’s Second-Safest State
The state is home to an array of scenic towns
Rural Vermont Covered Bridge by the name of Gold Brook in Stowe, Vermont
How about living in a state that combines low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and an array of natural wonders? Vermont has the second lowest violent crime rate in the country, making it easy to enjoy everything the state has to offer.
The state is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, scenic fall drives, beautiful landscapes, forests, and mountains that provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
The education system is excellent, with a focus on quality public schools. Vermont’s commitment to sustainable living and a thriving local food scene contribute to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
5
Minnesota Is A Paradise For Snow Sports
Offers a high standard of living, good healthcare, and a strong economy
Aerial view of the historic downtown of Lanesboro, Minnesota
One of America’s most northernmost is known for its natural beauty, with over 10,000 lakes, and the low temperatures make it a popular destination for winter activities and snow sports.
The state constantly makes it in different ranks of better states to live in thanks to its economy, affordability, education and health, and quality of life.
Additionally, Minnesota’s vibrant cultural scene, thriving job market, and sense of community contribute to a fulfilling and enriching living experience in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
4
New Hampshire Is One Of The Best Places To Raise A Family
Known for its low crime rate, good schools, and natural beauty
Sleigh ride at the Mount Washington, New Hamisphere.
New Hampshire constantly makes it into the best state to raise a family thanks to its combination of health, excellent public schools, and ranking for children’s well-being.
Plus, everyone can enjoy the state’s rich nature and impressive landscape.
Travelers can have a taste of life in New Hampshire by renting an Airbnb in the mountains. While the cost of living may be slightly higher in some areas, New Hampshire residents enjoy a relatively low tax burden.
3
Iowa Has Award-Winning Schools
This small state combines vibrant cities and affordability
Aerial view of Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
Iowa might be a small state, but it features charming towns and vibrant cities such as Iowa City, Des Moines, and Bettendorf.
The state is known for its strong sense of community, friendly residents, and low crime rates, creating a safe and welcoming environment.
Iowa’s cost of living is relatively lower than many other states, making it an attractive option for affordable living. The state has an outstanding education system, and its schools are often among the National Blue Ribbon Schools.
2
Wisconsin One Of The Country’s Least Stressed States
It’s also considered one of the best states for millennials
Winding Road at Autumn in Door County of Wisconsin
Those wondering where to live a less stressful life should consider living in Wisconsin. The state ranks 4th among the least stressed states, and it’s also one of the best states for millennials.
The natural beauty also lives up to expectations, boasting abundant lakes, forests, and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Wisconsin has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states, making it an attractive option for affordable housing and everyday expenses.
The education system is robust, with excellent public schools and renowned universities. Residents also benefit from a diverse economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.
1
Florida Has An Unmatched Climate
Climate, culture, food and education make Florida an excellent place to live
Jacksonville, Florida from the air
It’s no secret that Florida has excellent weather year-round, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a sunny lifestyle.
Finding a balance between personal life and work is easy thanks to its many recreational activities, from beaches to theme parks.
Florida’s diverse economy, driven by tourism, healthcare, and technology sectors, provides ample employment opportunities. With no state income tax, residents often enjoy lower tax burdens.
The state education system is continually improving, and it is also home to several esteemed universities. The wealth of recreational activities, from beaches to theme parks, adds to the overall appeal.
Ultimately, the best states to live in are those with the happiest residents, and based on everything they have to offer, these ten clearly make the cut.
