Exploring The Best States To Live In The U.S. Based On Livability Rankings

Determining the best state to live is no easy task, as the question encompasses endless variables both objective and subjective, but a new map has unveiled the top contenders for the title of best place to call home in the U.S. Each state has its own attributes and drawbacks, with personal factors—such as the presence of one's family—also playing a role in whether one wants to live there. Drawing on 51 indicators of "livability"—across the five dimensions of affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety—personal finance site WalletHub compiled its ranking of the best states to live in, seen here on a map created by Newsweek.

Topping the list is Massachusetts, with an overall score of 60.52, its position unchanged from 2023. This is due, in large part, to the state's education and healthcare, ranking first on this metric, according to WalletHub, as well as its safety. The Bay State secures the top spot despite being one of the most expensive states to live, ranking 44th in terms of affordability, according to WalletHub.

More From Newsweek Vault: How to Calculate How Much House You Can Afford. In fact, affordability does not seem to factor into the livability of the states in the rankings. Of WalletHub's top 10, only two fall within the top bracket of affordability, while four sit in the bottom 10.

Florida has climbed four spots since 2023 and is now the second-best state to live, with an overall score of 59.82. Florida performs modestly in terms of affordability, as well as education and health, ranking 30th and 24th along these metrics. However, it has a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent, according to August analysis by Forbes, and its job opportunities and low tax rates pull it up on the economic indicators.

In addition, the Sunshine State offers a multitude of ways to spend your leisure time, with an especially large number of restaurants, beaches, fitness centers, and theaters per capita, WalletHub analysts commented. New Jersey took the third spot, with an overall score of 59.65. According to the 2022 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, New Jersey boasts the country's highest median household income at $96,346, more than $20,000 above the national average.

On the other hand, Louisiana was declared the worst state in which to live, with an overall score of 41.31. While it performs poorly in all categories, Louisiana suffers from a particularly bad economy ranking (50) and is considered the third worst state in terms of education and healthcare. According to the U.S. News and World Report's 2024 Best States report, Louisiana also ranks 41st in terms of fiscal stability and 44th in terms of the opportunity for success its residents enjoy.

Louisiana was followed closely by New Mexico with a score of 41.81, which has risen one spot since 2023, and Arkansas, with a score of 43.26. The findings from WalletHub provide valuable insights for those considering relocation or evaluating their current living situation.

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