What Are The Best States To Move To And Why
For anyone looking to move, we have compiled our top 10 list of the best states to live in. So, let’s dive right in…
Best States To Live In
Based on our research findings here are the top 10 states to live in:
- Florida
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
We will go through the best things about each state in a moment. But first, a few comments on the criteria we used to choose them…
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
How We Determined The Best States To Live In
We considered five factors to compile today’s list of the best of the 50 states to move to. Specifically…
Productive Economy
Most of us need to work or own and operate a profitable business. So, we looked for states with good job markets and healthy business environments.
Reasonable Cost Of Living
No one wants to pump all their money back into living costs because we all need to save for retirement. Also, have some money left over for leisure pursuits.
Thus, we favored states with an affordable cost of living.
Modest Tax Burden
Few people, myself included desire to pay more in taxes than necessary.
As a result, states with no income tax were heavily favored in today’s ranking. However, not every no-tax state made our list.
Furthermore, by combining the second and third factors just mentioned, today’s list represents many of the best states to live in financially.
Scenic Beauty
Enjoying an area’s landscape greatly benefits most people’s overall happiness.
Furthermore, natural beauty and access to the outdoors can improve one’s quality of life, thus, setting some states apart.
As a result, a state’s natural environment was another important consideration.
Education And Safety
Do your homework and select the right city or town within a state that meets your needs and fits your situation.
By doing so, you will find each of today’s best states has good public school systems. And the schools are offered within a safe, family-friendly environment.
Okay. With those criteria in my mind. Let’s go through each of our top 10 states to live in…
1. Florida
When people think of Florida, sunshine and warm weather come to mind. But there is so much more to this state than meets the eye.
Why Florida Is One Of The Best States To Live In
Consider these advantages of living in “The Sunshine State”:
- Zero state income taxes
- No estate tax
- One of the largest economies in the U.S.
- Very business friendly
- Access to the Atlantic Ocean
- Stunning beaches
- Access to the Gulf of Mexico
- Water sports galore
- 9 teams across the 4 major sports leagues
- Lots of theme parks
- No harsh winter weather
- Range of diverse cities to choose from
Given these points, you may want to examine all the pros and cons of moving to Florida.
Finally, because of the summer heat and the chance of extreme weather conditions, Florida may not be for everyone.
Best Places To Live In Florida
As you travel through the states in today’s article, I will do my best to highlight some of the best places to live.
For Florida, I have an entire article covering 20 top cities. You can find it immediately below.
Related article: Best Florida cities to move to
2. Montana
Next, we move on to Montana. Also known as “Big Sky Country”.
Since the abundance of wide open space opens the sky to the horizon. And often does so as far as the eye can see.
Why Montana Is One Of The Best States To Move To
Some of the benefits of living in Montana include the following:
- Access to the Rocky Mountains
- Incredible scenic beauty
- The Great Plaines and the Badlands
- Yellowstone National Park
- Glacier National Park
- An abundance of farmland and ranches
- Tons of outdoor activities
- Low population density
- Mostly unspoiled by urban development
- Remote living options
- Several nice midsize cities to choose from
- Little to no traffic congestion
- Good-natured, hard-working residents
Now, there’s no getting around it. The winter weather in Montana is a bit on the harsh side.
So, consider all aspects of Montana living before you pack up and move!
Best Places To Live In Montana
Here is a short list of some of the top cities and towns to live in Montana. Start your research with these places and expand from there.
- Billings
- Bozeman
- Great Falls
- Helena
- Kalispell
- Missoula
- Whitefish
3. New Hampshire
Did you know New Hampshire was the first of the original 13 colonies to declare independence from England?
That’s right. And to this day, residents stay true to their fierce desires for independence.
Why New Hampshire Is One Of The Top States To Live In
Some of the best things about living in New Hampshire are:
- Crystal clear lakes
- Lush forests
- Pastoral and peaceful
- Access to the White Mountains
- 20 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline
- Just 1.4 million residents
- Hundreds of charming small towns
- One of the lowest crime rates in the U.S.
- Rock bottom unemployment rate
- High median household income
- Diverse base of employers
- Excellent public schools
- Easy access to Boston
- No sales taxes
- Zero tax on salaries and wages
Take note of the last two items on the list above. They make New Hampshire a tax haven contributing to its status as one of the best states to live in financially.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lot of racial and ethnic diversity. Along with plenty of nightlife. Then this state may not be for you.
As a result, it’s a good idea to do your homework before moving to New Hampshire.
Best Places To Live In New Hampshire
You should understand that some of New England’s best places to live are here. For example:
- Concord
- Derry
- Dover
- East Merrimac
- Exeter
- Hanover
- Manchester
- Nashua
- Portsmouth
- South Hooksett
4. North Carolina
The southeastern state of North Carolina and its neighboring state South Carolina have increased in popularity in recent years.
However, we included only one of these two fine states in today’s list, tagging North Carolina as one of the 50 states with the best quality of life.
Why North Carolina Is One Of The Top 10 States To Live In
Thus, the pros of living in North Carolina include the following:
- A rich history and notable patriotism
- Friendly residents
- Southern hospitality
- Big-city or small-town living options
- One of the lowest corporate tax rates in the U.S.
- No taxes on your Social Security benefits.
- The Piedmont Region research triangle
- Top universities: Duke, UNC, and NC State
- Temperate weather with mild winters
- Tons of outdoor activities
- The Blue Ridge Mountains
- Easy access to the Appalachian Mountains
- Sandy beaches
- Access to the Atlantic Ocean
- Great regional barbecue styles
- High-quality healthcare
Now, I must admit that aside from social security income the state taxes residents in various ways and at a relatively high rate.
Thus, it’s a good idea to research everything about North Carolina living before you move.
Best Places To Live In North Carolina
Next, consider these North Carolina cities and towns as you research the state.
Asheville is located in the far western part of the state. The city is nestled in a very scenic area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Charlotte is considered one best places to live in the United States by many reputable sources. It is a melting pot of transplants many of which relocated here for economic opportunity and mild winter weather.
Jacksonville might be the perfect spot for anyone desiring to live near the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a small town with a big military presence and a low cost of living.
Raleigh is the state capital known for abundant job opportunities, pleasant neighborhoods, modest living costs, and excellent schools.
Winston-Salem has a close-knit community feel about it. Also, the city offers a blend between moderate size city living and a small town.
5. Tennessee
My two favorite types of music are country and blues. And Tennessee is a hotbed for both of these popular styles.
But many more reasons exist for moving to the “Volunteer State”.
Why Tennessee Is On Our List Of Good States To Live In
Here are some good reasons for moving to Tennessee making it 1 of the 10 best states to live in. For example:
- Low real estate taxes
- No state income taxes
- The Tennessee Promise program for higher education
- Big cities and small towns
- Lightening fast internet in Gig City
- Live blues music on Beale Street
- The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
- Thousands of natural caves to explore
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Access to the Appalachian Mountains
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- Dry rub barbeque
- Mild winter weather
Now understand that popularity has its price. Leading to the state’s unprecedented population growth. Especially in and around the capital city of Nashville.
So, you will want to dig a little deeper by inspecting the pros and cons of Tennessee living. That way you will be sure that Tennessee is your right choice.
Best Places To Live In Tennessee
Better yet, I have an entire article covering 9 top cities and towns in Tennessee. You can find it immediately below.
Related article: Best Tennessee cities to move to
6. Texas
Is everything bigger in Texas? Well, the “Lone Star State” residents seem to think so.
But, I ask, is bigger necessarily better? Well, yes it is when you are talking about Texas.
Why Texas Is One Of The Best States To Live In
So, why move to Texas? Here’s why…
- Offers some of the largest cities in the U.S.
- Small-town living options
- The Texas Hill Country
- Lots of land, ranches, and farms
- Access to the Gulf of Mexico
- Massive economy
- Excellent business climate
- Nearly 50 Fortune 500 headquarters
- No corporate income tax
- Austin’s technology community
- Zero state income taxes
- Texas-style beef brisket
- Cultural and ethnic diversity
- Mild winter weather
Furthermore, based on its land area, Texas is the second-largest state in the country, second only to Alaska. Making it a place where there is a little something for everyone.
So, I urge you to do your homework and investigate the good and bad of Texas living. Then you can decide if relocating to the “Lone Star State” is the right choice.
Best Places To Live In Texas
Because of its sheer size, Texas has many different climates and living environments.
Thus, the state provides a robust mix to meet the tastes of different individuals. Realize some of the largest cities in the country are located here, plus thousands of small towns.
Here is a sampling of some of the best places to choose from:
- Austin
- Dallas
- Houston
- New Braunfels
- San Antonio
- San Marcos
- Waco
7. Vermont
First, Vermont offers the charm of the New England lifestyle.
Furthermore, the region is mostly untouched by the negative impacts of urbanization making it one of the nicest states to live in.
Why Vermont Is One Of The Best States To Move To
Other advantages of living in the state of Vermont include the following:
- The Green Mountains
- Further access to the Appalachian Mountains
- More than 100 covered bridges
- Amazing fall foliage
- Beautiful Lake Champlain
- Low population density
- Hundreds of small to mid-size towns
- Winter sports
- Simple and traditional lifestyle
- No billboards along the roads
- Many local, independently owned stores
- Cheese, ice cream, and maple syrup
- Neighborly residents
- Healthy lifestyles
- Easy access to Boston and New York City
Gosh, the Vermont list just kept growing as I put it together. Thus, there is much to learn about Vermont before moving there.
Best Places To Live In Vermont
Before moving to Vermont, you should understand there aren’t any big cities to choose from. Most noteworthy, the largest city of Burlington has a population of barely more than 40,000 residents.
So, here is a sampling of Vermont towns for further research:
- Brattleboro
- Burlington
- Manchester
- Middlebury
- Montpelier
- Rutland
- Stowe
- Woodstock
8. Virginia
There is a whole lot of United States history that took place in the state of Virginia. But does that make it one of the best states to live in America?
Well, not by itself. So, let’s dig a little deeper.
Why Virginia Is One Of The Top States To Live In
Some of the positives about living in Virginia include the following:
- Polite and friendly residents
- Southern hospitality
- Low crime rates
- Political diversity
- Birthplace to 8 U.S. presidents
- A large and rapidly growing economy
- High median incomes
- Expansive military presence
- Nearly 40 Fortune 1000 company headquarters
- A top-notch public school system
- Plenty of great higher-education options
- Easy access to the Atlantic Ocean
- The beautiful Chesapeake Bay
- Dozens of sandy beaches
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Shenandoah National Park
- Access to the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Amazing Skyline Drive
- High-quality healthcare options
There is so much to love about living in Virginia. On the other hand, the higher cost of living and tax burden here eliminate it from being one of the best states to live in financially.
Thus, if saving money in Virginia is your priority, stay away from the ocean coastline and the Washington D.C. area. That is if you want to keep from blowing your tight budget.
As a result, additional research about living in Virginia is critically important.
Best Places To Live In Virginia
Here is a list of some of the great cities. Start your research with these places and expand from there.
Perhaps you will find your perfect place making Virginia one of the best US states to live in.
- Arlington
- Chesapeake
- Charlottesville
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Virginia Beach
9. Washington
Next, we find ourselves at the doorstep of the Pacific Ocean, right in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Of all the best states out west, Washington may top the list. So, let’s dig deeper into why this is one of the best US states to live in.
Why Washington Is One Of Our Top 10 States To Live In
Discovering the best things about living in Washington means understanding these points:
- Many miles of Pacific coastline
- Hundreds of ocean inlets and bays
- The Cascade Mountain range
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Big cities and small towns
- A large and growing economy
- Home to many major employers
- Zero individual state income tax
- No corporate taxes at the state level
- Temperate year-round climate
- High resident satisfaction rates
- A welcoming and diverse culture
- Fresh seafood
- Lots of craft breweries and local wineries
There are plenty of affordable places to live in the state. But not necessarily in and around the Seattle metropolitan area.
So, as with anywhere that you are thinking about moving. Do your homework on the pros and cons of moving to Washington State.
Best Places To Live In Washington
Here are some great places to consider living in Washington. Start your research with these cities and towns and take it from there.
- Edmonds
- Sammamish
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Yakima
10. Wyoming
Wyoming is another state boasting amazing National Parks. But it’s also a great place to live, not just to visit on your next family vacation.
Why Wyoming Is One Of The Best States To Live In
One of the biggest advantages of living in Wyoming may be the state’s extremely light tax burden on residents.
So, let’s start with the state’s tax benefits and move on from there.
If you think like me, you may conclude that Wyoming is one of the most affordable states for your finances.
Here’s the list:
- No personal state income tax
- No state tax on retirement income
- Zero corporate state income tax
- No gross receipts tax on businesses
- Low property taxes
- Modest sales taxes
- Reasonable gasoline taxes
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Tetons National Park
- Outdoor recreational options
- Hundreds of days of sunshine
- Limited effects of urbanization
- No traffic congestion
- Low crime rates
On the other hand, if you crave bright lights and nightlife, you won’t find much of that here. So, you better examine the pros and cons of Wyoming living more closely.
Best Places To Live In Wyoming
With few big cities in this state, check out these towns and mid-sized metropolitan areas that Wyoming offers:
- Casper
- Cheyenne
- Cody
- Jackson
- Laramie
Okay. That completes our top 10 list of the really good states to live in.
So, before you go, pin the image below to Pinterest so you can return later. And please let me wrap up with a few parting comments…
10 Best States To Live In America
What are the 10 best states to live in? It is a subjective topic. However, my list is below.
Whether you are looking for a new job. A great place to retire. Or, just desire a different location for a fresh start in life.
I strongly suggest you avoid the worst states. And be sure to take your quality of life up a level by considering these top 10 states to live in:
- Florida
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
Do your homework. Find your perfect location. Then, start packing!
And before you do, be sure to check out all of our…
City and State Where to Move Guides
…where we go deep into the best places to live and why.
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.