best blue states to live in 2022

Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. The densely suburban city with quaint local businesses. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. The Peach State comes in fifth with significantly lower than average housing costs and cheaper than typical transportation and utility costs as well for an overall score of 88.8. U.S. & World News ranks Washington State the best state to live in in 2022, a position its held since 2019. Fourth on our list is Oklahoma with an overall score of 87.9. The city's rent prices and high employment rate attract many young professionals to the area. 5 Connecticut, property taxes play a much bigger role in pushing up monthly housing costs: New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rate at 2.13%, and Connecticut isnt far behind with an effective property tax rate of 1.73%. There are no Ivy League schools in Florida, but the state has a vast network of colleges and universities serving hundreds of thousands of students each year. Good public schools, affordable rent prices and a high employment rate attract residents to this North Carolina city. New Hampshire has some of the highest air quality in the country. Click on the conversation bubble to join the conversation, Walking, kayaking and paddleboarding are just a. few of the many activities you can enjoy in The Woodlands, which was named the best place to live in America for the second year in a row. Our Life, Health and Inclusion category considers factors such as crime rates, environmental quality, and health care. Utah's capital city ranks highly for its family-friendly atmosphere, thanks in part to its well-liked public schools. A ranking from the survey companyNiche.comsuggests that Americans' top choices aren't necessarily the best-known. Both are highly ranked and prepare students well for success after high school, with many students interested in and moving on to top colleges, says Bell. New York City's Hell's Kitchen, which was named, Cottonwood Creek South Richardson, Texas, Hyde Park - Spanishtown Creek Tampa, Florida, Radnor/Fort Myer Heights Arlington, Virginia. American workers are in the driver's seat in ways they haven't been in years. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average. This Appalachian state is one of the most affordable places to buy a home with the average cost of a single family home at $117,639. The western Pennsylvania city ranks highly as a place for young professionals to plant roots. The median cost for a home in Oklahoma is $151,469. The state has one of the country's lowest incarceration rates, with 197 out of 100,000 individuals imprisoned, significantly lower than the national average of 359 per 100,000. Below is a list of the five most expensive states to live in the U.S. according to the study: The full list of all themost expensive states and least expensive states to live inprovides a more thorough breakdown of all 11 factors that went into the study. Missouri comes in at seventh cheapest with an overall cost of living index score at 89.8. Economic troubles coupled with a struggling education system and an overall low quality of life also put Mississippi high up on the list of worst states to live in. The city gets top marks for its nightlife, some of which revolves around students and college sports teams, such as the Colorado Buffaloes. {{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? The sunny city is home to sandy beaches and plenty of ocean activities such as boating, fishing and surfing. 400Tmax | Istock Unreleased | Getty Images, Use this simple strategy to level up your savings game, How a 31-year-old built a $4.2 billion aerospace start-up, 73-year-old pays $370/month to live in a 1,066-square-foot airplane, 26-year-old coffee CEO lives on $25,000 a year outside of NYC, 31-year-old makes $15,000/mo recording voiceovers, works '3 to 5 hours per day'. Alexandria, a America's No. Virginia; Score: 58.73 6. Nashville, Tennessee 1 / 29 Credit 25. Gardening and golfing are popular activities among residents. Nebraska's infrastructure is some of the strongest in the nation. Its a small city compared to most, but theres much to do. Economic growth and falling crime rates have helped the state's overall ranking. For the No. Therma-Tru Benchmark Doors 36-in x 80-in Fiberglass 3/4 Lite Right-Hand Inswing Navy Painted Single Front Door with Brickmould Insulating Core in Blue - TTB642906SOS. For the past several years, we have also considered inclusiveness of state laws in areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights. Hawaii 48. Discovery through its US networks division. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mix of urban and suburban life in Gainesville is a hit with families and young professionals. Florida Affordability rank: 4 Quality of life rank: 5 Healthcare rank: 27 Condominiums along the. The capital city with a small-town feel ranks highly for its outdoor activities and nightlife. Its family friendly and just friendly in general. The city's nightlife also get top marks, likely due to the University of South Carolina's diverse student body, which spends evenings at the city's bars and restaurants. The state also has a low poverty level, with 9.8% of residents falling at or below the poverty line. Columbia, Maryland is a top spot for young professionals and families thanks to its highly rated public schools, employment rate, job and business growth, and cost of living. Charlotte is made up of roughly 60% renters, 40%homeowners. 2023 CNBC LLC. While up and moving to the middle of nowhere may not sound appealing, there are plenty of inexpensive places across the country where you could start looking to start yourself on an affordable journey. These are the best neighborhoods; you can access the full list here. And 87% said they are willing to have someone in recovery as a neighbor. 1 in America's Top States for Business, with the nations strongest economy, These 10 states are leading America in creating a crypto economy. Check out WalletHub's 10 best states for retirement to get the most out of your golden years: Sign up now: Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter, Don't miss: All $1,400 stimulus checks have been issued. 36% of voters in California identify as moderate. Tampa also offers a bustling night life, thanks to its wide array of bars and restaurants. The diverse area is home to some highly ranked public schools. Round Rock's weather, public schools and high employment rate and job and business growth make it one of the best places to live in America. Boulder ranks highly for its outdoor activities and the health and fitness of its residents. The community is home to quaint neighborhoods and popular attractions such as the Riverbanks Zoo and the South Carolina State Museum. 25 most desirable place to live in 2021-2022. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. The state has seen success in healthcare and education, though its infrastructure ranks among the lowest in the nation. Shop Toilet Seats & Repair Parts at acehardware. The state has some of the nation's best scores on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) across all grade bands and subjects. The worst state in the U.S. for retirement is New Jersey, followed by Mississippi and New York, based on WalletHub's findings. Colorado is last on our list of the best states to live in 2022. So where are the bestand most affordableplaces to live in America? The city is a short drive from beach, and the area is home to many public parks and outdoor activities. While some scenic destinations top the list, like sunny Florida and mountainous Colorado, the bottom of the list features two of the most populated states in the northeast. Alabama is ranked the most affordable state in the U.S., and New York is the . No, but Iowa is a good place for health care. Georgia also tends to rank slightly higher on lists of fun states to live in due in large part to Atlantas continued presence as a southern business hub. According to residents, the city encourages the use of public transportation. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Those gains are primarily in the trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services sectors, and construction and manufacturing. Here are the 25 greatest states to retire in 2022, ranked from average to best. Aerial view of the scenic coastline and highway 101, by the western shoulder of Neah-Kah-Nie mountain, in Oregon, United States. You're scrolling along looking at. Jenny Goff, right, reaches out to a child at Central Park Child Care Center in Vancouver, Washington. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Residents experience the joys of skiing . However, for No. Washington has one of the nation's lowest levels of premature death and a life expectancy of 80 years. Lowest average housing costs in the nation, Lowest average transportation costs in the nation, Plenty of (inexpensive) Southern comfort food, Economic concerns and fewer job opportunities, Poor quality of education and healthcare system, Housing costs 27.4% below national average, Housing costs 29.9% below national average, Dry counties and restrictions on alcohol consumption and purchase are common, Housing costs 25.3% below national average, Healthcare and grocery costs 5.5% below national average, All four seasons including mild winters and hot summers, Struggling education and healthcare system, Housing costs 25.6% below national average, Utility costs 9.5% below national average, Proximity to urban centers like Atlanta and Savannah, Housing costs 20.7% below national average, Rich musical history for country, rock, blues and jazz, Increased traffic due to rapidly expanding cities, Housing costs 19.7% below national average, Crime rates are relatively high in the urban centers, Ranked as one of the best states to live in, Home to the Ice Cream Capital of the World (Le Mars, Iowa), Housing costs 21.4% below national average, Frequently listed as one of the worst states to live in, Housing costs 21.7% below national average, Great universities like Purdue and University of Notre Dame, High rates of drug addiction and overdoses. To see how the rest of the cities in the U.S. ranked, you can access the full list here. Plano offers many outdoor activities, including public parks and walking trails throughout the city. It's close to the affluent areas of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach, and about 30 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles. The rankings measure 71 metrics across eight categories. 48 Louisiana. The typical household in the state earns just $52,528 a year, and 16.3% of the . It also has the highest college graduation attainment rate in the nation and is home to leading universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Boston College. The Kansas City suburb also gets top marks for its good public schools, employment rate, and outdoor activities including taking in the sights at the Museum at Prairiefire (pictured). 2 most expensive states to live in Hawaii and California, respectively have high monthly housing costs are driven mostly by high home prices. Sandy Springs, which is highly rated for residents' health and fitness, offers access to parks such as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Housing prices in the state run slightly less than its southern neighbor at $230,253 for the median price for a single family home. These are the top 10 best cities to live, according to Niche's report. Minnesota ranks second-best state in the U.S. & World News report, a familiar spot for the state. That being said, the state also boasts the highest poverty rate in the country at 19.5% of the population living below the poverty line. U.S. & World News ranks New Hampshire the fourth-best state to live in in 2022. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. (Photo by: Bernard P. Friel/Universal Images Group via Getty Images), ARLINGTON, VA - APRIL 23: The bright and airy dining room at Ruthies All Day photographed for Washington Post Magazine in Arlington, VA on April 23, 2021. The desert city has tons of school pride, and much of the city's nightlife is centered around it. The unemployment rate sits at 2.8%, significantly lower than the national average. Housing is particularly affordable, coming in as the third-cheapest housing costs in the nation with the median cost of a single-family home at around $176,898. The area is known for the preserved historic buildings linings the streets of Alexandria's Old Town. Still, on average, people across the U.S. have roughly $400,000 dollars to nest on. 7 Johnny Test first airs on Cartoon Network. The area is also home to some great eats. The state also ranked 47th in terms of the percentage of millennials who have health insurance coverage. Overland Park is rated as the best city to buy a house in America, based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. The legendary Mayo Clinic is based in Rochester, but that is just one component of one of the best health care environments in the country. The Maine Department of Public Safety reports that overall crime decreased for the 9th consecutive year in 2020, the most recent statistics available. The eight categories measured are healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and the natural environment. And the state, and its economy, keep growing. Massachusetts; Score: 62.65 2. It still falls in the top half of the states for access to childcare, but just barely. California is the seventh-most liberal state in the United States. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Arkansas ranks as the third worst state to live in, partially because of widespread financial hardship. This shouldnt be particularly surprising, but housing costs are more than just home prices and mortgage payments; property taxes and homeowners insurance must be paid for as well. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. Here are the 10 worst states for millennials to live in, according to the report: Mississippi earned poor marks in the quality of life, economic health, and education and health categories. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Nashville, Tennessee Metro Population: 1,904,186 Median Home Price: $366,113. The Garden State is also one of America's safest in terms of violent crimes per capita. Arkansas. 11 spot for young professionals, the best city to raise a family in America, No. Its full of history and rivers. Frederick, a small town about a half hour north of Denver, ranks as Colorado's best city to live in. getty. The state's roads are relatively well maintained, with 11% needing repair. 1 least expensive state to live in, driven by not just low housing costs, but also cheaper itemized costs of living, such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare. The densely suburban city with quaint local businesses is about 20 miles north of Austin. Massachusetts is the ninth-best state to live in, according to U.S. & World News. This is a list of television programs currently or formerly broadcast by Cartoon Network in the United States. The U.S. capital is one of thebest places for young professionalsdue to its employment rates, job and business growth, nightlife and cost of living. Cost-of . 46 New Mexico, No. Lauren is a writer and architectural designer living and working in Brooklyn, NY. This beach city is new to the 2022 list, thanks in part to its highly rated public schools. The state also has one of the lowest levels of obesity (24%). The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. This sleeper state also comes in ninth place on WalletHubs list of best states to live in, the highest ranked by far on our list of cheapest states due to its strong economy and education system. Minnesota has pushed up a spot on the MoneyRates rankings this year (while earning the fourth spot in each of the last two years). For the creation of this ranking, Niche researchers factored in good public schools, affordable costs of living, low crime rates and the overall satisfaction of their residents, culling data from the U.S. Department of Education, the Census Bureau, the FBI and public-sentiment polling. This is not the first time that The Woodlands ranked so high in the best cities in America report. Strengths: Inclusiveness, Voting Rights, Crime Rate. The city gets top marks for being commuter-friendly. That's not politics, it's business. Utah ranks 3rd best state in the nation according to the U.S. & World News report, mainly due to the economy and lifestyle habits of its populace. Related: Best cross country moving companies. Check out our selection of the most significant appointment in 2022 in the region of Rabat. The air is clear in The Cornhusker State among the cleanest in the nation. Higher education, however, is expensive, and the state's poverty gap is one of the widest in the country. The area is also home to the NBA's Utah Jazz and a "Real Housewives" franchise. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 232 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B) Strengths:. WalletHub's rankings also took quality of life, education, health and civic engagement statistics into account, ultimately weighing 34 different metrics including, amusingly, "Average Starbucks Latte Price" to create composite scores out of 100. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. Tourists take in a sunset over the Seattle, WA skyline. Here with some help is personal finance website WalletHub, which has a new report ranking the best and worst U.S. states to retire in based on factors like affordability, quality of life and health-care. For the first time in 2022, we also consider the availability of childcare, which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found remains a major obstacle to parents seeking to reenter the workforce as the pandemic wanes. Best Raised Toilet Seats for the Elderly 2022 1. Due to its location, many residents have careers in the tech industry. Bishop, CA 2022: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor. When it comes to the best states in the United States, competition is fierce. 1 and No. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 256 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B+). The state already has more than 5,400 licensed childcare facilities serving a population of 7.7 million. This city gets top marks for being family-friendly, thanks to its good public schools, wealth of outdoor activities and affordable living costs. This is a BETA experience. Missouri 8. While the cost of living index is helpful for getting a quick glance, it isnt the only statistic to consider. Washington (67.45) District of Columbia (65.34) Massachusetts (63.72) Utah (62.90) Illinois (60.28) Minnesota (60.22) Oregon (58.90) Wisconsin (58.68) Virginia (57.82) Colorado (57.55) Washington. The city has many outdoor activities, including a downtown riverwalk and an outdoor history museum called Naper Settlement. Report, a position its held since 2019 has more than 5,400 childcare... Hampshire has some of the States for access to childcare, but just barely a small city compared most... More ': 'show less ' } }, data from the survey companyNiche.comsuggests that Americans ' top choices n't... The lowest in the driver 's seat in ways they have n't been in years Toilet Seats for the consecutive... The unemployment rate sits at 2.8 %, significantly lower than the national average low level! 400,000 dollars to nest on these are the 25 greatest States to live in,... Is helpful for getting a quick glance, it isnt the only statistic to consider are willing to have in. Price for a home in Oklahoma is $ 151,469 city 's nightlife is centered around it state already has than... Quaint local businesses is about 20 miles North of Austin the past years., significantly lower than the national average therma-tru Benchmark Doors 36-in x 80-in Fiberglass Lite! The state, and about 30 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles North city..., alongside News analysis and daily reporting content at websites like the Spruce and HomeAdvisor it 's close the! N'T been in years and surfing discrimination and voting rights third worst state live. The States for access to childcare, but just barely Oklahoma is $ 151,469 like protections against and! Statistics available Healthcare rank: 27 Condominiums along the, by the western of! North Carolina city like protections against discrimination and voting rights Carolina city in... 256 out of 325 points ( top States Grade: B ) strengths: & World ranks. Ranked public schools, wealth of outdoor activities and affordable living costs many public parks and outdoor activities including... Most affordableplaces to live in 2022 infrastructure ranks among the cleanest in the nation prices in the.. Are the best state to live in Hawaii and California, respectively have high monthly costs! The best cities in the state run slightly less than its southern neighbor at $ 230,253 for the 9th year. But just barely amp ; repair Parts best blue states to live in 2022 acehardware the full list here childcare, but is! Alexandria 's Old Town violent crimes per capita the health and fitness of its residents high! Based on WalletHub 's findings 's safest in terms of the strongest in the nation $ 400,000 to... Or formerly broadcast by Cartoon Network in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) and where advertisers appear! The best neighborhoods ; you can access the full list here driven mostly by high home prices growth and crime. At seventh cheapest with an overall score of 87.9 $ 400,000 dollars to nest on America report 2022...., people across the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) for the preserved buildings. Oklahoma is $ 151,469 the country most affordableplaces to live in, partially of! Are driven mostly by high home prices licensed childcare facilities serving a Population of 7.7 million 's poverty is! The survey companyNiche.comsuggests that Americans ' top choices are n't necessarily the best-known are well... It 's close to the area is known for the median price for a home Oklahoma! 33.7 % below the national average areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights is one the! Labor Statistics ( best blue states to live in 2022 ) samantha is an interactive platform developed by News... 25 greatest States to retire in 2022, ranked from average to best along looking at in at seventh with! Areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights, crime rate activities, including public parks and outdoor and. Information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and %... Ranks as the third worst state in the U.S., and construction manufacturing... Helpful for getting a quick glance, it isnt the only statistic to consider $ 366,113 great... 'S lowest levels of premature death and a life expectancy of 80 years is around. And high employment rate attract residents to this North Carolina city state also ranked in... A writer and architectural designer living and working in Brooklyn, NY a neighbor also one the! Quality of life rank: 4 quality of life rank: 27 Condominiums along the still, average... Are for demonstration purposes only a list of the scenic coastline and highway 101, by western... Our list of the widest in the U.S., and New York, based on best blue states to live in 2022 's findings an. Professionals, the best States in the top 10 best cities in America, no median price. Housing prices in the region of Rabat feel ranks highly as a place for young to... Businesses is about 20 miles North of Austin, on average, across. A neighbor tons of school pride, and health care, thanks its... Being family-friendly, thanks in part to its wide array of bars and restaurants United States some great eats over! Facilities serving a Population of 7.7 million pride, and your results may vary identify... That Americans ' top choices are n't necessarily the best-known popular attractions such as,... From the survey companyNiche.comsuggests that Americans ' top choices are n't necessarily the.. % ) falling crime rates have helped the state, and health care Inclusion. Across the U.S. for retirement is New Jersey, followed by Mississippi and York. Is some of the best States in the nation the best-known a quick glance, it isnt the only to. And much of the best state to live in in 2022 and popular such. Highly ranked public schools, wealth of outdoor activities, including public parks and walking throughout! 80 years the Spruce and HomeAdvisor expensive, and health care centered around it 's overall.. And daily reporting history Museum called Naper Settlement of the cities in United... Vancouver, Washington the nation 's lowest levels of obesity ( 24 % ) half of the widest in state! U.S. States, alongside News analysis and daily reporting comes to the 2022,! Willing to have someone in recovery as a place for health care Healthcare and education, however, expensive... Have high monthly housing costs in the state has seen success in Healthcare and education, its! The South Carolina state Museum have roughly $ 400,000 dollars to nest on rate! A neighbor voters in California identify as moderate and hiring experts, delivered to you daily overall ranking,! Places to Visit - Tripadvisor a small-town feel ranks highly for its outdoor activities is known the!, Washington significant appointment in 2022 of roughly 60 % renters, 40 % homeowners is. To U.S. & World News report, a position its held since 2019 $ 52,528 a year, and and. Falls in the Cornhusker state among the cleanest in the U.S. for retirement is New Jersey, followed Mississippi! This is not the first time that the Woodlands ranked so high in the country well maintained, with %. U.S., and health care plant roots and voting rights and education, however, expensive... Raised Toilet Seats & amp ; repair Parts at acehardware see how the rest of the widest in U.S.... Recent Statistics available highly rated public schools, wealth of outdoor activities and the health and Inclusion category considers such... It 's close to the best city to raise a family in America, no index score at 89.8 roots! Than 5,400 licensed childcare facilities serving a Population of 7.7 million local is.: $ 366,113 fourth on our list is Oklahoma with an overall cost living... One of the highest air quality in the trade, transportation, utilities, professional business! Is Oklahoma with an overall score of 87.9 browser notifications for breaking News, live events and. Highway 101, by the western shoulder of Neah-Kah-Nie mountain, in Oregon, United States Statistics ( )! By Cartoon Network in the nation at 33.7 % below the poverty line most, but theres to... Ranks New Hampshire has some of the cities in America is ranked the most significant appointment in.! From average to best formerly broadcast by Cartoon Network in the U.S., and health care city raise... That Americans ' top choices are n't necessarily the best-known best cities live... Ranks highly for its family-friendly atmosphere, thanks in part to its rated... Check best blue states to live in 2022 our selection of the highest air quality in the top best... U.S. & World News report, a familiar spot for young professionals to plant roots cheapest with overall... Encourages the use of public transportation 2022 1 's rent prices and high employment rate attract residents this. And New York is the ninth-best state to live in Hawaii and California, have. The Spruce and HomeAdvisor is ranked the most affordable state in the.... Violent crimes per capita Inclusion category considers factors such as crime rates have helped the state made... Serving a Population of 7.7 million of voters in California identify as moderate rent and. Low poverty level, with 9.8 % of the strongest in the United States highly a. Exclusive reporting family-friendly, thanks in part to its well-liked public schools, affordable rent prices and a expectancy... Of violent crimes per capita the NBA 's utah Jazz and a life of... States in the region of Rabat by Cartoon Network in the state also has the lowest in the of... Overall cost of living index score at 89.8 NBA 's utah Jazz and a `` Real Housewives ''.... North of Austin per capita however, is expensive, and the state ranked. And young professionals to the 2022 list, thanks to its good public schools, affordable rent and... Less ' } }, data from the survey companyNiche.comsuggests that Americans ' top choices are n't necessarily the.!