THE BEST STATES TO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
The population of the United States of America in 2024 exceeds 340 million people, and annual growth is estimated at more than 1 million. Immigration to the United States attracts foreigners from all over the world – from Mexico to China. Together with children, the number of migrants permanently residing in this state, according to various estimates, is from 80 to 86 million people or 25-27% of the total population. The reasons for moving are many – study, business, family reunification, employment in the US and many others. Largely because of this, American culture is one of the most diverse on the planet.
The heterogeneity of the U.S. is manifested not only in cultural terms. The territory of the country consists of 50 states, each of which has its own specifics, including language peculiarities, climate, prices, business environment, tax rates and individual laws. Analyzing a huge amount of data from government and private sources, local think tanks annually compile rankings of the best states to live in the United States. The main indicators are health care, education, economy, opportunity (career, housing affordability), infrastructure, safety, security, financial stability, and quality of life (environment, social relations).
Based on the current data of the authoritative international consulting company McKinsey & Company, we will highlight the best states to immigrate and live in the United States in 2024.
| № | STATE |
| 1. | Iowa |
| 2. | Minnesota |
| 3. | Utah |
| 4. | North Dakota |
| 5. | New Hampshire |
| 6. | Washington, D.C. |
| 7. | Nebraska |
| 8. | Massachusetts |
| 9. | Vermont |
| 10. | Colorado |
TOP 10 BEST STATES TO LIVE IN THE USA
IOWA
The best state to live in the United States in 2024 is Iowa. One of the country's leading regions for agriculture. It has very fertile soil and optimum rainfall to successfully grow corn and other crops. In addition to agribusiness, biotechnology is developing in Iowa, and a lot of attention is paid to banking and insurance. The state is located in the Midwest between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The population is just over 3.2 million people. Living in Iowa will provide access to some of the most developed infrastructure in the United States, including quality bridges, public transportation, electrical grids, and internet access.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, is listed as one of the best cities to live in the United States. Lesser population centers also provide a comfortable environment for permanent living. The state of Minnesota is located in the Midwest and is the northernmost region of the United States after Alaska. The population is more than 5.6 million people. The lion's share is formed by immigrants from Germany and Scandinavian countries. Minnesota is home to vast forested areas and many lakes. About 75% of the local labor force is employed in the service sector. The basis of the state's economy is finance, medicine, high technology and tourism.
UTAH
The state of Utah is located in the central western United States in the Rocky Mountain region. The population is about 3.2 million people. The bulk live in the largest city and the capital, Salt Lake City. Utah is rich in natural resources including copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, potassium salts, and oil and natural gas. In addition to agriculture and mining, the tourism, aerospace, biomedical, and computer industries are growing here. In terms of financial stability, Utah ranks first in the United States. Overall, it's a great place to live a quiet life.
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota is considered the best state in America for quality of life. Despite its impressive territory, the population is just over 755,000 people. The state is located in the north of the country (central part). More than 70% of the ethnic composition of local residents are Germans and Norwegians. In addition, several tens of thousands of Russians live here. Farms occupy more than 90% of the territory of North Dakota, so agriculture plays an important role in the economy. Wheat, barley, rye, sunflowers, beans, oats and much more are grown here. There are deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, clay, sand and gravel.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rounding out the top 5 best states to live in the United States is New Hampshire, located in the northeastern part of the country. The population exceeds 1.3 million people. An excellent place for lovers of outdoor activities. There are beautiful rivers, lakes, mountains and many other recreational areas. New Hampshire holds high positions in terms of average salaries in the United States. Tourism and industry play an important role in the economy. Electronic equipment, textiles, pulp and paper products, and stone and clay products are produced. Among the other states in the ranking, New Hampshire leads on criteria such as opportunity and safety.
WASHINGTON
Washington State is located on the northwest coast of the United States. The population is about 7.5 million people. The largest city Seattle is considered one of the most comfortable for living in the country. The headquarters of famous American companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks and Amazon are concentrated in the state. In addition, the offices of Google and divisions of the aviation giant Boeing operate here. In short, Washington State is not only a good place to live, but also one of the most promising destinations for obtaining a work visa in the United States. A nice bonus is the lack of income tax.
NEBRASKA
The state of Nebraska is located in the central part of the country. The population exceeds 1.9 million people. Corn and wheat are grown in the region, and cattle ranching is a specialty. The local meat processing plant is one of the largest in the world. The cows here reach incredible sizes, which is reflected in the culinary preferences of the locals. Steak lovers will definitely enjoy living in Nebraska. Among other areas, the production of auto accessories, pharmaceuticals, mobile homes and transportation equipment stands out. During spring and summer, the state experiences severe thunderstorms, storms, and sometimes tornadoes.
MASSACHUSETTS
The state of Massachusetts is located in the northeastern United States on the Atlantic Ocean. The population is about 6.9 million people. The capital and largest city – Boston is the basis of economic, cultural and sports life of the region. Against the background of other most favorable states for life Massachusetts stands out, first of all, in the sphere of education. Dozens of prestigious educational institutions are located here, and the number of local residents with a bachelor's degree is 1.4 times higher than the national average. For example, the state is home to Harvard University, one of the best universities in the United States and around the world.
VERMONT
The state of Vermont, located in the northeastern United States, is home to about 624,000 people. It is the least densely populated state in the country, after Wyoming. Despite its small size, living in Vermont is very great. This is due to the comfortable climate, mountains and picturesque valleys. Rivers and canals are crossed by more than 100 wooden bridges, which is one of the most interesting sights of the state. According to the assurances of the locals, here they make the most delicious ice cream and coffee in the United States. Vermont hosts many festivals and a vibrant nightlife. However, in economic terms, the state is far from the most developed in the country.
COLORADO
The rating of the top 10 best American states for foreigners to live in is closed by Colorado, located in the west-central part of the United States. The population is about 5.7 million people. The capital and the largest city is Denver. Some authoritative publications include the state capital and the city of Colorado Springs in the top three best for living in the United States. All the attributes for a comfortable life are gathered here – from stunning nature, to large-scale cultural and sporting events. The powerful economy of Colorado creates optimal conditions for career growth as well as for running a successful business in the USA.
In conclusion, according to American analysts, the least comfortable states for living in the USA are Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico. In particular, in the first, there are problems with opportunities (poverty, inequality), in the second, with health care, and in the third, with education. Other important indicators in these three states also lag markedly behind more developed U.S. regions.
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