If you’re searching for a new place to call home — or just daydreaming on Zillow — WalletHub’s latest report might help whittle down the options.
To find the best of the best U.S. states to live in, the site’s experts analyzed 51 data-driven indicators of livability, including housing costs, health care, safety, income growth, and education quality.
Massachusetts took the No. 1 spot for 2025, with top-ranked health care and education systems, the highest share of residents with health insurance, and the lowest premature death rate. The Bay State also boasts the nation’s third-lowest property crime rate and third-best access to public transportation. When it comes to quality of life, Massachusetts slid into sixth place, falling just behind states like New York in first place, California in second, and Illinois in third.
Looking at the overall ranking, Idaho nabbed the No. 2 spot thanks in part to a 0.5% median real estate tax, one of the lowest in the country. Idahoans also enjoy the fourth-lowest tax rates overall and the highest median household income growth, along with a couple factors that contribute to smooth commutes: a low share of congested urban interstates during peak hours and a small proportion of major roads in poor or mediocre condition.
Coeur d’Alene Lake, Idaho
The third-best state to live in takes us back to the East Coast. New Jersey residents stand out financially — claiming the second-lowest median debt and the third-highest median household income — and health-wise, with the sixth-lowest obesity rate, partially thanks to the plethora of trails and fitness centers.
If you’re contemplating an out-of-state move, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo offered some advice for prioritizing the indicators listed in the report. “When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing prices, and job availability,” he said. “Many states have strong economies, though, so you should also consider a wide variety of other factors, such as how where you live will impact your health and safety, and whether you will have adequate access to activities that you enjoy.”
Trenton, New Jersey
And for those with children, Lupo recommended looking for areas with “robust” education systems. While Massachusetts can’t be beat in this regard, the ranking also highlighted Utah, Colorado, and Connecticut’s schools, with Montana, Maine, and Vermont having the highest percentage of residents aged 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher.
Here’s the top 10:
- Massachusetts
- Idaho
- New Jersey
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Florida
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- New York
- Pennsylvania
Curious where your state lands? Check out the complete rankings.
RELATED: Looking to Relocate? The 20 Most Affordable US Cities for Working Adults
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