Picking a place to live is not just a numbers game. It is the daily rhythm, the cost of groceries, the feeling of safety on a quiet street, and the ease of finding good care when you need it. The way a place welcomes you, then slowly begins to feel like home.
CNBC recently ranked the best states for business and used quality of life as one of its key measures. That score includes factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, crime rates, and child care availability. No state is perfect. But these 18 earned the highest quality-of-life scores.
To make the list more useful, we are also sharing a standout city or town in each state, so you can picture what living there might actually look like.
#18│ New York
New York gives you big-city opportunities plus tons of culture and outdoor escapes across the state.
New York earns a quality-of-life score of 151, ranking 18th nationwide in this category. It is easy to think only of New York City, but the state stretches far beyond its skyline. You will find lakes, small towns, theaters, and neighborhoods built around ordinary beauty.
Consider living in Schenectady. It is one of the more affordable cities in the state, with historic residential streets and a steady pace of life. Albany is close enough for concerts, sporting events, and career options.
#17│ Ohio
Ohio is a strong pick for affordable living, steady jobs, and a day-to-day lifestyle that feels manageable.
Ohio ranks 17th in CNBC’s ranking, with a quality-of-life score of 153. It stands out for value. The cost of living ranks among the lowest, which means daily life can feel less financially tight, even when you want room for fun.
Consider living in Mentor. It offers an appealing mix of low unemployment, manageable commute times, and more affordable housing. Expect a true four-season climate, with cold winters and warm July peaks.
#16│ Iowa
Iowa stands out for low costs, friendly communities, and easy access to parks and trails.
Iowa earns a quality-of-life score of 156, and much of its appeal lies in its quietness. Housing tends to be more affordable, and outdoor access is built into everyday life, including thousands of miles of paved trails.
Consider living in Iowa City. It has a steady flow of community events, such as book festivals and jazz weekends, plus plenty of parks. You will also find seasonal traditions nearby, from apple picking to strawberry fields.
#15│ Washington
Washington combines a strong economy with some of the best scenery and outdoor access in the country.
Washington earns a quality-of-life score of 157, and the landscape feels almost too varied to be real. Ocean coastline. Misty mountains. Forest trails. The economy is strong, too, with major corporations centered around the Seattle area.
Consider living in Redmond. It is known for great schools, parks, and an easy mix of nature and convenience. Marymoor Park is one of the local highlights, though home prices can climb high in this region.
#14│ Michigan
Michigan is great if you love lakes, seasons, and a lifestyle that keeps you outside year-round.
Michigan also earns a quality-of-life score of 157. With more lakes than any other state, it is made for summer days on the water and snowy winter weekends. It also has deep ties to American industry, especially in automotive history.
Consider living in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan shapes local life, from big sports energy to cultural events. The city has bookstores, coffee shops, art fairs, and a steady buzz that stays active year-round.
#13│ Rhode Island
Rhode Island is small, coastal, and easy to get around, with a mix of beach towns and cities.
Rhode Island earns a quality-of-life score of 160, proving that size is not everything. With nearly 400 miles of coastline, it is made for ocean weekends and charming coastal towns. Its location also makes it easy to reach cities like Boston.
Consider living in Pawtucket. It has strong diversity, a creative spirit, and a growing art culture. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants Rhode Island access without the price tag of its most famous areas.
#12│ Colorado
Colorado is basically built for people who want sunshine, hiking, and an active lifestyle.
Colorado earns a quality-of-life score of 161, and its lifestyle is rooted in outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, camping, and mountain weekends are part of the culture, not a special occasion.
Consider living in Erie. It is fast-growing and offers more space than central Denver, plus easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park. Home prices are higher, but the tradeoff is a slower pace with plenty of room to breathe.
#11│ New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks high because it’s safe and has excellent healthcare access.
New Hampshire earns a quality-of-life score of 166 and ranks among the best states for healthcare. That matters more than people realize, especially when you want to feel secure long-term.
Consider living in Hanover. It is peaceful and scenic, shaped by Dartmouth College and a strong local medical system. The town is a great fit for retirees and younger residents alike, with walkable streets and a steady sense of calm.
#10│Massachusetts
Massachusetts makes the list thanks to strong schools, good healthcare, and career opportunities.
Massachusetts earns a quality-of-life score of 167, with strong rankings in innovation and technology. Much of that momentum flows through Boston, supported by world-class universities and a steady stream of intellectual energy.
Consider living in Newton. It is a family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and village-like neighborhoods. It costs more than average but offers safety, public transit access, and a walkable lifestyle with a soft-landing feel.
#9│ Nebraska
Nebraska is a good choice if you want a lower-stress lifestyle and a solid cost of living.
Nebraska is tied with Massachusetts at a quality-of-life score of 167. It offers affordable living, big-city amenities in Omaha and Lincoln, and a strong reputation for a calmer pace of life. CNBC also ranked it as the least stressed state in 2025.
Consider living in Lincoln. It offers a balanced lifestyle, a low cost of living, museums, parks, and family-friendly attractions. It is a city that feels manageable, even as it stays active and engaged.
#8│ Virginia
Virginia offers a little of everything: strong job growth, good outdoor access, and a great quality of life.
Virginia earns a quality-of-life score of 167, combining history with outdoor access. The Appalachian Trail runs for hundreds of miles through the state, and the landscape shifts from mountains to shoreline.
Consider living in Richmond. The city has strong employment growth, a vibrant arts scene, and the James River running through its heart. You can kayak, browse museums, and still feel like you are living somewhere real.
#7│ North Dakota
North Dakota stands out for affordability, friendly communities, and a quieter pace of life.
North Dakota earns a quality of life score of 171 and ranks among the most cost-effective states in CNBC’s report. It is not often the first state people picture, but that is part of the appeal. Life here can feel steadier and less crowded.
Consider living in Fargo. It is affordable, welcoming, and sunny for much of the year. Winters are cold, but summers warm up, and outdoor activities fill the calendar.
#6│ Hawaii
Hawaii ranks high for lifestyle and wellness, even though the cost of living is a major tradeoff.
Hawaii earns a quality-of-life score of 173, and it is easy to see why. The weather stays warm, the scenery is dramatic, and daily life can feel closer to nature. The challenge is cost. Hawaii is consistently one of the most expensive states to live in.
Consider living in Honolulu. It offers city living with beach access, plus a rich mix of food, festivals, and cultural traditions. It is also a strong fit for anyone who wants outdoor adventure built into everyday life.
#5│ Connecticut
Connecticut earns its spot with strong schools, safety, and easy access to major cities.
Connecticut earns a quality-of-life score of 179 and ranks highly in education. It also offers the rare benefit of being close to New York City and Boston without feeling swallowed by either.
Consider living in West Hartford. It has walkable neighborhoods, strong schools, reliable transit options, and low violent crime. The cost of living is higher than average, but the day-to-day experience tends to feel polished and secure.
#4│ Minnesota
Minnesota scores well because it’s strong for jobs, outdoors, and quality of life year-round.
Minnesota earns a quality-of-life score of 189 and ranks in the top 10 for business. The state has major corporate hubs, along with lakes and outdoor recreation that keep people active even through winter.
Consider living in Lakeville. It is a growing Minneapolis suburb known for safety and outdoor access. Locals kayak in warmer months and skate on frozen lakes in the winter, which says a lot about the lifestyle here.
#3│ New Jersey
New Jersey is ideal if you want suburban comfort with quick access to NYC, Philly, and the shore.
New Jersey earns a quality-of-life score of 201. It offers quick access to New York City and Philadelphia, as well as coastal towns and agricultural regions. It is dense, yes, but also surprisingly varied.
Consider living in Metuchen. It is a charming small-town-feeling community with direct train access to New York City. Downtown is walkable, and outdoor trails like the Middlesex Greenway make it easy to step away from the busy life.
#2│ Maine
Maine is perfect for people who want coastal beauty, a slower pace, and a livable small-city feel.
Maine earns a quality-of-life score of 207, thanks to coastal charm and natural landmarks like Acadia National Park. The state is also known for lobster, walkable towns, and a slower, salt-air pace.
Consider living in Portland. It is Maine’s largest city and has been praised by multiple publications as a strong place to live. It offers a growing food scene, a scenic port, historic architecture, and a shorter commute time than many cities.
#1│ Vermont
Vermont stays at the top because it’s clean, safe, and packed with outdoor recreation.
Vermont takes the top spot with a quality-of-life score of 228. It is the fifth year in a row that Vermont has led this category. Clean air, low crime, and strong resident health all contribute. It is also not crowded, ranking near the bottom in population.
Consider living in Burlington. It offers Lake Champlain for outdoor recreation, a strong arts scene, and the energy of a university town. It is one of those places where life feels grounded in the landscape.
Be Honest: Are You Team Mountains, Coast, or Small-Town Calm?
A list like this can narrow things down, but the real question is what kind of life you want to wake up to. Do you want ocean air and walkable neighborhoods? A big city with career energy? Or a quieter place where errands do not feel like a battle?
Now I want to hear from you. Which state would you never leave? And which one are you secretly curious about after reading this list? Tell us in the comments, especially if you have lived in one of these states and can share what it is really like.
And if you are still weighing your options, here are a few more helpful reads to keep you going: