best blue states to live in 2022

U.S. & World News ranks Washington State the best state to live in in 2022, a position its held since 2019. Those gains are primarily in the trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services sectors, and construction and manufacturing. WalletHub's 2022 Best States to Live In report sized up how our nation's 50 states stacked up on 52 livability indicators, including affordability, safety, education, health, and quality of . Everyones gotten stuck in the cheap house trap. Median Home Price: $332,565. 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. To see how the rest of the cities in the U.S. ranked, you can access the full list here. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. I cover real estate, economics and cost of living. For the No. Colorado has voted Democratic in every presidential election since 2008. Idaho has the fastest-growing economy in the nation and the nation's second-highest 5-year GDP growth rate at 17%. Frederick, a small town about a half hour north of Denver, ranks as Colorado's best city to live in. Metro Population: 751,615. The state's population already has the country's fourth-highest percentage of millennials, according to WalletHub, which used population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. How Do I Plan My Investing Strategy For 2023? Take time to understand the housing market, whats available and how much you can get for your money. But after a little over a year, plans are just now starting to take shape. 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%. The majority of residents, 64%,own their own homes. 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. The area's bustling job market attracts people in the tech, food and entertainment industries. All Rights Reserved. Rochester is one of thebest cities to buy a house in the country. This comes out to about $61,334 per year. The diverse city attracts young families looking for good public schools, job and business growth, and plentiful outdoor activities. Housing prices in the state run slightly less than its southern neighbor at $230,253 for the median price for a single family home. Niches best cities rankings also incorporate real ratings from people who live there, so the residents love and appreciation for their home certainly helped The Woodlands hang on to the number one spot for two years running, says Bell. Non-housing costs of living, like utilities, healthcare, transportation, and groceries play a significant role. Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022. The cost of living index for each state is based on the average cost of each expense factor across the state, including their urban centers, which are likely to have higher housing costs in particular and less availability. Income inequality is low in the state, though racial disparity in homeownership is more prevalent in Wisconsin than in most other states. The mix of urban and suburban life is what attracts people to Columbia. The Garden State is also one of America's safest in terms of violent crimes per capita. Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. Linking page for schedule listings from June 2008. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. Understand what the average wages and employment opportunities are like in your target state. The unemployment rate sits at 2.8%, significantly lower than the national average. Massachusetts is the ninth-best state to live in, according to U.S. & World News. Family-friendly Carlsbad is also the home of Legoland California. When it comes to the best states in the United States, competition is fierce. Massachusetts also scored the third-highest on average earnings for millennials. This may be in large part due to the state's budget, which ended 2021 with a $1.6 billion surplus. Minnesota 4. This Atlanta suburb has no shortage of outdoor activities and public green spaces. We do not present information about every offer available. Nebraska has among the most stringent non-smoking regulations and some of the best air quality ratings in the nation. Economic growth and falling crime rates have helped the state's overall ranking. WalletHub found that the Magnolia State had both the lowest average earnings for millennials and the highest millennial unemployment rate. The family-oriented city is highly rated for its year-round warm weather and access to outdoor activities including beaches, parks and community events. Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. The situation is quite different from the country's worst states, as the worst states to live in have remained mostly the same since 2017. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Missouri comes in at seventh cheapest with an overall cost of living index score at 89.8. The area is known for the preserved historic buildings linings the streets of Alexandria's Old Town. Tucson Federal Prison Camp Prisoners On Lock Down Months After Attempted Shooting, How To Stick To Your New Year's Financial Resolutions In 2023. The area offers a large number of public and private green spaces. The education effort appears to be working. Consider the kind of lifestyle you want to live and what sort of leisure activities and natural wonders you want access to. The picture isn't nearly as rosy for the bottom of the list. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community! Measuring these metrics across large populations helps researchers and policymakers understand how well programs and governments serve their residents. Many people are attracted to Chicago for its big city living combined with a lower cost of living, making it the No. You may opt-out by. Residents experience the joys of skiing . 11 spot for young professionals, ranks highly for its easy commute. Minnesota has pushed up a spot on the MoneyRates rankings this year (while earning the fourth spot in each of the last two years). 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. Mississippi ranked as the No. Coming in at the top of the list for the second year in a row is The Woodlands, a master planned community just outside Houston. The Aloha spirit is alive and well here, with a pristine environment, good health care, and low crime. Only 5% of Iowans are uninsured, according to United Health Foundation data. Fans wave to children at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital during the Iowa football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Best Bishop Camping 2022. West Virginia 10. The capital city is known as the Hollywood of the South. To see how the rest of the cities in the U.S. ranked, you can access the full list here. In addition to being a writer at Forbes, she works as a freelance architectural designer specializing in residential design. Total scores for the top three states Florida, Virginia and Colorado are so close, they are nearly a draw. The city is a short drive from beach, and the area is home to many public parks and outdoor activities. The family-friendly city has highly rated public schools and parks, as well as a high employment rate. Plenty of millennials have been on the move since the Covid-19 pandemic hit. 43 Alabama, No. Alexandria, a America's No. Cost-of . For the past several years, we have also considered inclusiveness of state laws in areas like protections against discrimination and voting rights. Which leads us to the last factor, location. Chicago. Plus, half the respondents in the latest survey of the CNBC Global CFO Council agreed that it is important to do business in a state where the laws are as open and inclusive as possible. Youll find that many of these less expensive states fall in similar regions like the Southeast and Midwest, but that doesnt mean there arent still hotspots in those areas. 46 New Mexico, No. U.S. & World News ranks Florida the tenth best state to live in in 2022. While Florida's K-12 Public schools perform about on par with national averages, the state's higher education system ranks first in the nation for access and affordability. Pittsburghers can often be found enjoying Pirates games at PNC Park or watching the Steelers make tackles at Heinz Field. But Hawaii slips to its lowest ranking in this category since 2009 largely because of the addition of childcare as a metric (before 2021, we referred to the category as "Quality of Life"). Oklahoma 5. Tampa is family-friendly and offers good public schools, affordable housing and entertainment destinations such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium and Tropicana Field. Here are the best cities for young professionals; you can access the full list here. The area is also home to the NBA's Utah Jazz and a "Real Housewives" franchise. 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. The best states to retire in 2022 According to Bankrate's study, Florida is the best state for retirement in 2022, followed by Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri. Add clean air, low crime and low stress, and you get America's Top State to live in for 2022. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 232 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B), Strengths: Inclusiveness, Voting Rights, Childcare, Weaknesses: Health Resources, Air Quality. MD is a reliably blue state. The platform is designed to engage citizens and. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average American household spends about $5,111 on living expenses each month. Berkeley also attracts students from all over the world to the University of California, Berkeley. Days Below Freezing: 22. Tax exemptions: Wyoming is an excellent state for veteran benefits. The Northern California city is a top spot, thanks to its good public schools, wealth of outdoor activities and for its easy commute across the East Bay from San Francisco. Tennessee 7. Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily. As do property taxes, just as they did with the list of the most expensive states to live in. One such event is the city's annual dog festival. 2022's top 10 best states to live in 1. 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. The park is not only an international equestrian competition venue; it is also an educational theme park that attracts visitors to Lexington every year. 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. Mississippi ranks as the cheapest state to live in [+] 2022. Due to its high number of job-seeking students and recent grads, Boston is also one of the best cities for young professionals in America. The median single family home costs around $140,818. Strengths: Inclusiveness, Voting Rights, Crime Rate. 2 cheapest state Arkansas has median annual real estate taxes costing just $936. Its full of history and rivers. Thanks to its year-round warm weather and close proximity to the ocean, this coastal city ranks highly for its outdoor activities and the health and fitness of its residents. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. The top 10 states to live in and their grades are listed below. The remaining top ten best states to live in are Minnesota at two, followed by Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho, Nebraska, Virginia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Florida. When you look at all the factors we chose for our best cities ranking, The Woodlands is extremely well-rounded, says Ryan Bell, the principal strategist at Niche. 1: Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!. Be sure to compare what those monthly costs can get you as well. No, but Iowa is a good place for health care. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 232 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B) Strengths:. 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 city also has some of thebest public schoolsin the country, plus affordable home prices and a high employment rate. Charlotte is made up of roughly 60% renters, 40%homeowners. Bellevue is only about 20 minutes away from popular destinations such as Seattle, local wine country and hiker favorite Cougar Mountain. We want to hear from you. This city gets top marks for being family-friendly, thanks to its good public schools, wealth of outdoor activities and affordable living costs. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 234 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B). Nebraska's biggest city ranks highly for its access to good public schools, for its high employment rate and its access to outdoor activities and attractions. U.S. News and World Reports publishes its "Best State Rankings" report annually to measure the quality of life in individual states. When tallying up the average costs of living for different states, or in some cases different cities, that number is then compared to the national average. The Evergreen State is a leader in childcare, and it just became even more affordable and accessible with the passage of the Fair Start for Kids Act. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Rather than comparing the dollar to dollar costs, a cost of living index sets the national average monthly cost to 100. With its balmy weather and proximity to the beach, the coastal city ranks highly for its residents' health and fitness and for the city's plethora of outdoor activities. The city also ranks highly for its outdoor activities and nightlife. The Peace Garden State has tackled drug abuse by removing the stigma surrounding drug treatment. Ann Arbor ranks as one of the best cities to raise a family in America. The eight categories measured are healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and the natural environment. Wisconsin's schools outperform the nation in high school graduation rates, with 90% of students graduating high school (compared to the national average of 85%). However, it ranked 27th squarely middle of the pack in affordability, with the lowest rate of homeownership among millennial residents. Live action started to air a lot of movies and shows. That's because there are not nearly enough of them to fill more than 11 million job openings. This Houston-area city has good public schools, a low crime rate, an affordable cost of living and family-friendly amenities, including many outdoor activities. The median cost for a single family home in Georgia is $246,272. College Station is home to Texas A&M University and some ofthe best public high schoolsin the country. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. To take the number one spot, Fort Wayne had to have strong performance in several factors we take into account for the lowest cost of living rankings, says Bell. Unlike many states on this list, Iowa has a poverty rate that is lower than the national average at 11%. How comprehensive are New Jersey's public accommodation laws? 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Atlanta ranks highly for its diversity. The densely suburban city with quaint local businesses. However, programs and policies make for vastly different qualities of life across states. CNBCs annual Americas Top States for Business study considers multiple measures of life, health and inclusion. 29% of voters identify as liberal, and 29% identify as conservative, giving California a liberal advantage of zero points. Youre scrolling along looking at all the big, beautiful homes you could buy for so little money if only you moved to this tiny town youve never heard of. 2022 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 256 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B+). Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. 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. The diverse city has affordable rents, a buzzing nightlife and many outdoor activities centered around the city's various sports teams. Our county, as a whole, is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and our community has turned into a regional center for jobs, says Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. Irvine also has some of the best public schoolsin the country. The state also ranked 47th in terms of the percentage of millennials who have health insurance coverage. The state is no stranger to being in the top five states, as it has been every year since 2017. 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'. 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. California 50. Jenny Goff, right, reaches out to a child at Central Park Child Care Center in Vancouver, Washington. The city is home to a variety of music and film festivals, including Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. This is not the first time that The Woodlands ranked so high in the best cities in America report. The local Mayo Clinic provides many job opportunities for people in the area. Read on for these lists or head to Niche.com, where you can see the healthiest cities, the best spots for families, the best places (defined as a non-rural town with a population of 1,000 or more), the best suburbs and more. This compensation comes from two main sources. The pandemic triggered a new set of possibilitiessuddenly, many individuals and families found themselves more mobile than ever before, and in the past two years they have continued to think hard about where they really want to live, says Luke Skurman, CEO and founder of Niche. Aerial view of the scenic coastline and highway 101, by the western shoulder of Neah-Kah-Nie mountain, in Oregon, United States. So, workers increasingly can name their own terms. The city is also home to the Gatornationals, an annual National Hot Rod Association drag racing event. It's no surprise that money is such an important consideration when choosing the best place to spend your retirement years. The town boasts a number of amenities that make it an attractive place to live, including. Hawaii 48. What Are The New Capital Gains Rates For 2023?