This year, major cities are still the best places to live and work, despite the pandemic. You might be considering a move for this year, so here are some US states that are sure to be great in 2022.
The best places to live are the ones that are livable and lovable. To determine this, Bankrate examined the 50 states through 10 criteria. We took factors such as affordability, happiness, education, healthcare, and safety into account. The top-ranked states are Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota, Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, Vermont.
Affordability
The definition of “affordable” has changed this past year. As prices continue to climb, we realize how much of our paycheck is going towards housing costs. The Economic Policy Institute reports how much of a paycheck you can take home from wages and living costs. We looked at the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ per capita personal income and compared it to the Economic Policy Institute’s cost of living data for each city to come up with an affordable percentage.
We looked at year-over-year home price data from real estate brokerage Redfin to see where prices are surging the fastest. And get this: For some places, you can buy a home for 10% less than last year!
Quality of life
We all know that quality of life is important, but how do we measure it? Our new ranking takes into account the Sharecare Community Well-Being Index, U.S. employment data, and more to determine which cities are best for you.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, an organization that provides information on the U.S. economy and labor market, as well as its culture, outdoor opportunities, and weather; as well as safety, including crime rates; has teamed up with individual cities’ convention and visitors bureaus and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide a list of the best cities in the U.S.
Popular destination
We found out which cities are the most popular destination for people moving to. The most common trend was a positive net migration, which means that more people are moving in than moving out.
Data has shown that higher equity is linked to a better quality of life. The National Equity Atlas diversity index is used to measure the opportunity you have to live, work, and learn with others from different backgrounds and races.
It’s hard to figure out which state is the best. However, some publications have done research and have created lists of the best states in the U.S. One of the most comprehensive rankings is U.S. News & World Report’s Best States Ranking.
1. Washington
The best state to live in is Washington. It ranks first for environment, second for infrastructure, third for economy, and fourth for health and education. Washingtonians have few taxes and a thriving job market. They also have many opportunities to go to college and choose from a variety of career paths. If you’re looking for a place with beautiful scenery, Washington is the place for you.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a great place to live! The state ranks first in opportunity and crime & corrections, fourth in the natural environment, and fifth in education. It’s one of the safest, healthiest states in America. In Portsmouth, the job market is strong. This city has been rated among the 50 best job markets in the United States.
3. Minnesota
Most people think that Minnesota is one of the best states to live in. They rank third for cleanliness and friendliness and come in first for opportunity and natural beauty. It also has a strong economy and affordable living, making it perfect for art, culture, and entertainment. Big cities like Saint Paul and Minneapolis are clean and green, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore without worrying about air quality or safety concerns.
4. Utah
Utah ranks high for many reasons – but affordability is perhaps the best. It’s cheaper than its neighbor, Colorado. If you want to enjoy a beautiful landscape and low crime rates, Utah’s your place. The state also has five national parks and is second for the Economy and third for Infrastructure, making it the fourth-best state to live in.
5. Vermont
Vermont ranks fifth in America for a variety of categories. Second for crime and correction, seventh for the natural environment, and eighth for education, that is a high quality of life. Residents enjoy a friendly community and live in a clean environment. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, skiers, or snowboarders, this may be paradise.
6. Maryland
Maryland is the sixth-best state to live in. Right by the nation’s capital, Maryland has all the benefits of Washington D.C. without the high cost of living. Maryland’s economy is one of the strongest in the country and it’s home to some of the best hospitals. John Hopkins Hospital, for example, has been ranked number one out of all hospitals on U.S. News & World Report for a record 21 years.
7. Virginia
Northern Virginia is one of the most popular places in America, due to its proximity to Washington D.C. It’s also the seventh-best state, according to this list. Northern Virginia has a thriving job market and a population that ranks seventh for education. Virginia has natural landscapes that are beautiful enough to be National Parks. It is home to sizable cities and small towns that suit different lifestyles.
8. Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks high in most rankings of the most livable states. It has a top-ranking education system and some of the best colleges and universities in the world, such as Boston College and MIT. Massachusetts also has a diverse economy and is home to some of the country’s top hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. There’s plenty of cultures to explore in Massachusetts, too, plus an incredible history.
9. Nebraska
Nebraska is a great place to live. The state ranks ninth in the nation and sixth in education and seventh in fiscal stability. Nebraska has a low unemployment rate and is home to five Fortune 500 companies. Nebraska provides affordable living and less expensive health care than the national average. Nebraska has plenty of farmland and scenery, as well as large towns and cities.
10. Colorado
The 10th-best state is Colorado, which ranks first for Economic Growth. The country’s least-obese residents live in Colorado, where the state capital of Denver is a thriving metropolis, along with Boulder and Colorado Springs. Denverites are within easy access to the Rockies for hiking or skiing, while Boulderites are near many wonderful national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park.
Conclusion
It can be stressful to move to a different state. You have to deal with finding a new home, finding a new job, and how to ship a car to another state? Luckily, there are now many moving companies that specialize in cross-state moves. Just go through their website or give them a call. You can get quotes from them, research about the company on the basis of reviews and hire. It will help you move from one state to another state.
