Learn The Major Pros And Cons Of Moving To Each State

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This southeastern state combines a little bit of everything to give you all that you could want out of the Heart of Dixie.

Pros: 

• Beautiful outdoor scenery, including mountains and beaches with access to the Gulf of Mexico.
• The state has a rich history, including the space center and notable involvements in the civil rights movement.
• There are plenty of sports to enjoy, such as football, baseball and golf.
• Low cost of living, including affordable housing, groceries, low property taxes and health benefits. It is ranked the fourth cheapest state in the country.
• There are great university opportunities too.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, severe weather is common in Alabama.
• While the cost of living is low, so is the quality of living. Residents complain about poor safety, housing and health infrastructure.
• K-12 public education is under-funded.

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If you love the winter and rural lifestyle, Alaska may be the perfect place for you.

Pros: 

• This state has a beautiful natural environment with lots of outdoor activities, including the largest national park, highest peak and northern lights.
• Alaska boasts diversity with its rich Native American culture.
• There is no state income tax.
• There are lots of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities too.

Cons:

• Alaska does have a high cost of living as the seventh most expensive state.
• The winters are very long and very cold.
• Nights can get long during the winter, with only five hours of daylight at some times of the year.
• Because of where it is located, there is a disconnect from the rest of the country.

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If you love desert climates, Arizona could also be a great place to live.

Pros: 

• It is home to the Grand Canyon.
• Native American, Hispanic and Latino cultures are vibrant in this diverse state.
• It has so much beautiful, natural scenery
• If you love the sun, most days are sunny here.

Cons:

• There are extreme heat patterns.
• The cost of living across the state is moderate, although some big cities are pricey.
• Watch out for the poisonous plants.

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If you love rivers, lakes and hot springs, Arkansas could be your next home.

Pros: 

• It consistently ranks among the states with a very low cost of living.
• There are great higher education opportunities.
• This state is perfect for small town and rural lifestyles.

Cons:

• High crime rates.
• High poverty levels.
• Prone to natural disasters.

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A popular choice for many entertainment lovers, here’s to living the California dream.

Pros: 

• Great natural environment and outdoor activities.
• The state is known for its diversity and tolerance.
• Salaries and wages are higher than average throughout the state.
• The entertainment and arts industry is flourishing.

Cons:

• California has a very high cost of living, including high tax rates and expensive housing.
• Major cities in the state have an air pollution problem.
• As the most populous state, there are a lot of people.
• There are many inclement weather risks including landslides, wildfires and earthquakes.

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Who doesn’t want to live in the mountains of this beautiful, rocky state?

Pros: 

• Boasts a beautiful, natural environment.
• Colorado is quite tax-friendly for retirees.
• The state has high quality and affordable healthcare.
• If you love sports, Colorado offers major league football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey.
• The state has a vibrant arts scene in Aspen, Colorado Springs and Telluride, among many others.

Cons:

• There is a high cost of living.
• Housing prices in Colorado are on the expensive side.
• Sometimes the altitude in Colorado can affect people’s health.

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This southern New England state has lots to offer.

Pros: 

• It’s an easy commute to New York and other more expensive cities in the northeast.
• There are plenty of outdoor activities and sceneries to admire, including coasts and forests.
• Connecticut has great private and public education.
• The state has a high quality of life.
• There is a great mix of city and rural life.

Cons:

• The cost of living can be high compared to the national average, particularly in housing and utility prices.
• Not tax-friendly towards retirees.
• It can get very cold in the winter.
• Unfortunately, many jobs are leaving the state.

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Delaware has an extensive and influential history. Could it be part of your future?

Pros: 

• There are low tax rates in Delaware, with no state sales tax and low real estate taxes.
• This state has some beautiful beaches and outdoor settings to explore.

Cons:

• The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average.
• Hurricane season can hit the state pretty hard.
• If you’re a sports fan, sadly there are no major league sports teams here.

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Don’t just vacation in Florida. There are plenty of reasons to make it your new home.

Pros: 

• Of course, there are so many beautiful beaches and coasts to enjoy.
• The tourism industry is flourishing. There are lots of places to go and things to do and see.
• There is no state income tax in Florida.

Cons:

• Cities in Florida are becoming among the most unaffordable in the country.
• Housing is becoming quite unaffordable for many, though the cost of living is mixed depending on which area you live in.
• Property tax rates are high.
• There are many tourists and part-time residents in Florida.
• The coastal state is prone to hurricanes and extreme weather conditions.

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With great entertainment and education options, could the Peach state be the right choice for you?

Pros: 

• There are many historical and cultural attractions in Georgia.
• It has a vibrant entertainment industry for acting and music.
• This state is an affordable place to live, ranked among top five states with the lowest cost of living.
• There are good education opportunities for all age groups here.

Cons:

• High crime rates in some areas.
• Healthcare is costly and, therefore, inaccessible for many.
• Low performance rankings for some hospitals and medical centers.
• Extreme poverty in some areas.

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If you’ve toyed with the idea of island living, try Hawaii’s gorgeous natural environments and many cultural experiences.

Pros:

• There are so many islands to choose from.
• Hawaii boasts a beautiful, natural environment.
• Great weather and scenic views.
• There is a rich cultural diversity and history, especially among Asian and Pacific Island groups.

Cons:

• Hawaii has the highest cost of living among all the states.
• Island life may not be for everyone.
• Sustainable living is becoming harder. The residents have seen large numbers of tourists recently and the population demand burdens limited natural resources.
• There are tropical storms and lava flows.

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This natural resource-filled state is full of opportunity.

Pros: 

• Idaho has a pretty average cost of living and is more affordable than many places across the country.
• With a growing population, the economy is thriving.
• The state generally has low crime rates.

Cons:

• Sadly, most professional sports do not have a team in Idaho.
• The winters can get very cold.
• There is very little public transportation.

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Home to Chicago, the prairie state has lots of reasons to make it your forever home.

Pros: 

• There is a lot of great art, culture and history to explore.
• Illinois has a well-reputed state and private university system.
• The tourism industry offers lots of things to do and places to see, both in the cities and the countryside.
• Aside from significant metropolitan centers, Illinois generally has an affordable cost of living.
• Illinois boasts great quality of life and safety rankings.
• There are plenty of professional sports teams to follow.

Cons:

• The job market is very competitive.
• The state has brutal winters.
• Chicago has higher crime rates than other metro areas in the U.S.

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The midwestern state of Indiana can be great for country living.

Pros:
There are many options for great sports teams to support.
People enjoy a slower pace of life, which can be great for young families and aging retirees.
Indiana has a relatively affordable cost of living.
There are plenty of great universities to choose from.

Cons:
Unfortunately, Indiana lacks racial and ethnic diversity.
If you love greenery, know that Indiana is more farm than forest.

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Always famous during election season, Iowa might surprise you with all it has to offer.

Pros: 

• The cost of living is affordable.
• Iowa has a robust economy and booming job market in manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
• This is a consistently safe state to live in.
• The state has a great education system.

Cons:

• Iowa has relatively high state income taxes.
• Lackluster natural environment makes it less of a draw than other states.
• The state lacks ethnic and racial diversity.

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The sunflower state is a beautiful place to live.

Pros: 

• Kansas has a very affordable cost of living, ranked third in the country.
• Housing is quite affordable in Kansas.
• People love the recreational and outdoor sports scene.

Cons:

• Watch out for the extreme climate and tornadoes.
• Though the cost of living is affordable, Kansas does have high tax rates.
• To get around in this state, cars are a necessity.

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If you love all things country, Kentucky is the perfect state for you.

Pros: 

• Kentucky is generally very affordable, boasting a low cost of living.
• The bluegrass state is known for great country music, arts and cuisine.
• Kentucky has beautiful landscapes and great outdoor adventures being at the foot of the Appalachian mountains.

Cons:

• The weather can fluctuate throughout the year.
• Kentucky’s education system is consistently poorly ranked.
• There is a lack of diversity in the state.

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Louisiana’s unique culture and southern charm may draw you in.

Pros: 

• In 2022, Club Med named New Orleans the third “Happiest Travel Destinations in the World,” behind Vegas and Bali.
• This state is known for strong research universities.
• The state has amazing food.
• It has beautiful scenery to enjoy.
• Generally, lower cost of living except in large cities.
• The unique history and culture are unparalleled.

Cons:

• There are severe weather risks including flood, swamps, etc.
• The Mississippi River region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is known as “Cancer Alley.”
• The state consistently ranked among the poorest in the nation for healthcare and education systems (46th and 48th respectively).
• There is a history of lingering racism and bigotry.

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Beach towns and coastal living make Maine an awesome place to live year-round.

Pros: 

• The state has a beautiful, natural environment and coast lines.
• Maine is famous for its seafood.
• Relative to New England, Maine has more affordable groceries and cost of living.
• The state has low unemployment rates.

Cons:

• Housing can be pricier than expected.
• Sadly, there are no big league sports teams to follow.
• Because of its northern coast geography, winters can be harsh.

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Known for blue crab and Old Bay, Maryland has a lot to love.

Pros: 

• The state has beautiful parks and beaches, most are man-made.
• The state has a diverse and rich history and culture, including on its Eastern Shore.
• Close to the District of Columbia, it’s easy to commute to the capital and northern Virginia.
• There are great employment opportunities due to proximity to many bustling cities.

Cons:

• The public school system is considered less competitive than its neighbor Virginia.
• The cost of living is high with expensive property taxes and high home prices.
• Crime rates are high in certain regions in this state.
• Many cities struggle with homelessness.

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As New England’s most populous state, Massachusetts has plenty to offer.

Pros: 

• This state is known for its great educational opportunities.
• Many U.S. historical sites that are easy or free to visit.
• Beautiful and varied geography, includes both rural and urban landscapes.

Cons:

• Many cities in the state have a high cost of living and high housing costs.
• The winters are extremely cold and brutal.

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The Great Lakes state is both beautiful and affordable!

Pros: 

• The state has a relatively affordable cost of living.
• The state is surrounded by the Great Lakes.
• It’s close to Canada—great for trips to Toronto and Montreal.
• Great higher education is a huge draw.
• The state has natural beauty and environment.

Cons:

• The cold weather is noteworthy. And there is much more snow than other states, because of its proximity to the lakes (accumulates moisture).
• Education costs are high.
• It can be difficult to commute to other U.S. states.

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If you love the winter snow, Minnesota could be right for you.

Pros: 

• The state is home to the biggest mall in America.
• Plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family is a plus.
• There is great urban living and many shopping opportunities in the Twin Cities.

Cons:

• Very cold winters can be a negative.
• The state has higher tax rates than other states in the region.
• Locals are not known for being outgoing or hospitable.

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Found in the Southeastern region, Mississippi living has its perks.

Pros: 

• This is one of the most affordable states for cost of living.
• Rural life is ideal for people who love farming, fishing and large plots of land.
• Proximity to other states and cities like Memphis (TN), New Orleans (LA) and Mobile (AL).
• The population is diverse.
• Known for great coastal foods and soul food, Mississippi is known for lots of culinary options.

Cons:

• The poverty rate is among the highest in the country.
• The states consistently ranked among the worst for healthcare and education systems (50th and 43rd respectively).
• Floods and natural disasters are common.

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Known for its namesake river and the big white arch, Missouri is an affordable place to live.

Pros:

• It has the seventh lowest cost of living among all the states.
• Its central location is close to major cities.
• Farms and rural life thrives in this beautiful natural environment.

Cons:

• Watch out for increased crime in urban areas.
• Missouri unfortunately has a poorly ranked healthcare system.
• The state is prone to flooding and tornadoes.

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The fourth largest state in the country gives you plenty of space to thrive.

Pros:

• The beautiful outdoor environment and scenery are remarkable.
• This state is great for rural life, homesteading, ranching and anyone who wants to “go off the grid.”
• Locals are known to be helpful and friendly.

Cons:

• The housing market varies across the state, but affordability and availability are pain points.
• The state has poor public transportation.
• Politics can be divided based on the region.

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Found in the midwest, there are plenty of reasons to move to Nebraska.

Pros: 

• Nebraska is home to many vibrant Native American communities.
• Affordable cost of living (including housing).
• Outdoor recreation opportunities, despite being known as “flat.”
• Great food to enjoy. The Food Network says the state is best known for “corn and beef.”
• Great educational opportunities make this an appealing state for families.
• Career opportunities and higher incomes than in other states.

Cons:

• The area is susceptible to drought and natural disasters.
• This is the only triple landlocked state in the country.
• There is a high incidence of petty theft and car theft in some urban areas.

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Nevada is so much more than Reno and Vegas.

Pros: 

• There are no state income taxes.
• The state has wonderful natural beauty, including the deserts.
• The great economy and attractions make it a fun place to live.
• There is a good housing supply.

Cons:

• The state has high crime rates (in the top 10 of the country).
• Healthcare is not the best.
• There are limited education options.
• It can get very hot and dry.

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If you love the great outdoors, New Hampshire is a wonderful place to call home.

Pros: 

• This state is rich with New England history and culture.
• Great proximity to other states and big cities, such as Boston.
• The high quality schools are noteworthy.
• Low crime rate is a pro.
• The booming job market is great for professionals.
• Beautiful scenery, environment and coastline.

Cons:

• The state has a high cost of living.
• There are harsh winters.
• There is limited nightlife relative to other states.
• The state lacks diversity among its residents.

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Right next to New York, New Jersey is a small but mighty state.

Pros: 

• Most people like New Jersey because of its proximity to large urban areas like New York City and Philadelphia.
• It has a robust and thriving economy.
• Great public transportation includes bus and rail connections.
• The public school system is stronger than in neighboring cities, like New York.
• High quality of life ratings keep people in the state.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity is vibrant.
• More affordable than some neighboring areas (New York or Philadelphia)

Cons:

• The high cost of living drives many people away.
• The high tax burden (sales, property and income tax) is significant.
• It is known for bad roads and traffic.

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With a colorful cultural mosaic, New Mexico is perfect for culture and arts enthusiasts.

Pros: 

• The state is known for robust Hispanic and Latin heritage and Native American diversity.
• With some extraordinary landscapes, it is a picturesque place to live.
• Great food is a plus.
• There are plenty of art, history and cultural activities.
• The relatively lower cost of living makes it affordable.

Cons:

• Ranked last, New Mexico has both high property and violent crime rates.
• It is known for bad quality roads and traffic.
• Many live below the poverty line and unemployment is high.

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Not just the home of the Big Apple, New York state has lots of hidden gems.

Pros: 

• The diverse landscape and geography includes a rural environment upstate and high urbanization in the city.
• The population is international and diverse.
• There are great university options throughout the state.
• The thriving economy (one of the country’s top) is not only because of the Big Apple, but also the state’s agriculture and manufacturing.
• The state has great hospitals that are private and discrete.
• Plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

Cons:

• Very high cost of living (housing in particular) making this one of the most expensive states to live in.
• New York City comes with its own list of pros and cons, but it can be pricey, overcrowded and difficult to find a well-paying job

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North Carolina has a little bit of everything—it’s just missing you.

Pros: 

• There is an affordable cost of living.
• North Carolina has a rich history, marked by historic sites and museums.
• The job market is strong in trade, healthcare and technology sectors.
• Great post-secondary education options draw young people to the state.
• Great healthcare is also a perk.

Cons:

• Dangerous weather risks, like hurricanes.
• There are high crime rates and reports of drug use in some areas.
• The conflicting internal politics of the state can be difficult to navigate.

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Including its natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons to move to North Dakota.

Pros:

• There are plenty of parks and golf courses.
• It has many national parks to enjoy.
• Low unemployment rates make it hard to move in without the right offer.
• Good quality education is a perk.

Cons:

• The state lacks diversity and representation compared to many other states.
• It is a sparsely populated state.
• Harsh weather conditions include heat waves, humid summers and intense winds

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Ohio is an affordable state that could be perfect for your family.

Pros: 

• The low cost of living (affordable housing, groceries and healthcare) are wonderful.
• This state boasts great healthcare and medical services options.
• Schools and universities are highly competitive.
• There are lots of professional and college sports to follow, including football.
• This is a very family-friendly state. There are many activities for kids, including lots of outdoor recreation activities

Cons:

• Political division can make election years tense.
• Public transportation is limited.
• Ohio has experienced high exposure to the drug epidemic and higher crime rates in bigger cities.

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Home to a diverse population, Oklahoma is a beautiful state to live in.

Pros: 

• The affordable cost of living (some of the lowest food and beverage costs in the country) keep its residents happy.
• There are many beautiful parks and wildlife adventures to explore.
• The diverse population includes a large and thriving Native American population.

Cons

• Lower ranked education and healthcare systems (42 and 48th respectively) are a drawback.
• It is hard to access major urban centers.
• Located in tornado alley, Oklahoma is prone to tornadoes and dangerous winds.
• The state has high state and local taxes.

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This environmentally-friendly state is ideal for people with a green thumb and an adventurous spirit.

Pros: 

• Beautiful and varied natural landscapes are memorable.
• It boasts plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.
• There’s no sales tax.
• This environmentally friendly state is on the cutting edge with climate goals. If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint, many cities are bike friendly.

Cons:

• High cost of living and high housing prices are a bummer.
• High rainfall can be bad.
• High income tax rates.

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There are so many great reasons to move to Pennsylvania.

Pros: 

• Throughout the state, the food is good and there’s a lot to stay entertained.
• The state has relatively affordable options for living in the tri-state area (NJ, NY and Pennsylvania).
• There is an abundance of excellent higher education options.
• Decent quality healthcare is a plus.
• There is a thriving pharmaceuticals and research industry in Philadelphia.
• Sports fans will love the athletic culture.
• Beautiful outdoors and recreational activities are enjoyable for all.

Cons:

• Air pollution in urban areas ranks above many other major cities in the U.S.
• Bad traffic in urban areas can spell long commutes.
• The state has a high property tax rate.
• The competitive job market is very attractive.

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Small and quaint, Rhode Island is anything but boring.

Pros: 

• The state is known for jewelry making, so it’s perfect for a crafter.
• This coastal beauty has delicious seafood and good fishing opportunities.
• Outdoor recreation and activities will keep you busy going to the beach, boating, hiking, etc.
• The state has high quality education

Cons:

• High population density (could be good or bad depending on preferences)
• Cold and snowy winters mean high energy bills.

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There’s lots to love in the Lowcountry.

Pros: 

• The state has spectacular weather and climates.
• The historical significance of the state is a point of pride.
• Low property taxes throughout the state help attract new residents.

Cons:

• Hurricane and flood risks are common.
• Higher cost of living, with high-cost groceries and healthcare costs.

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Home to Mount Rushmore, this is a state you may never want to leave.

Pros: 

• Low cost of living is attractive.
• No state income tax is also a perk.
• There is a high quality of life.
• There are great job market opportunities.
• Between the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and the Cowboy Hall of Fame, it’s fun to be a local tourist here.

Cons:

• The small population can be hard to adapt to for single and social people.
• Unpredictable and extreme weather conditions make it hard to stay through the winter.
• If small town life is not your style, South Dakota may not be for you.

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Pair Great Smoky with high-quality whisky for a home state to be remembered.

Pros: 

• Tennessee is among some of the most affordable states, including housing.
• No state income tax.
• Great music scene across the state.
• Seasonal activities (fairs and festivals) in many major cities.
• Lots of vibrant cities to choose to settle down in. Chattanooga, Memphis, Knoxville and Nashville are all wonderful places to call home.

Cons:

• Crime rates vary across major cities.
• Beware of hot and humid summers and severe weather risks.

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Everything is bigger in Texas.

Pros:

• No state income tax.
• The geography has a bit of everything: coasts, deserts and mountains.
• Strong job growth rates contribute to a large economy across many big cities.
• There are still great places to buy or build farms and to develop agricultural lands.
• Affordable housing and cost of living are points of Texan pride.

Cons:

• Because anyone 21-plus can carry a holstered gun (open or concealed), with/without a permit, this can be startling for newcomers.
• Severe weather risks used to only mean hurricanes, but recently there was snow and cold weather events too.
• High property taxes counteract no state income tax.
• The rising crime rates in many cities is concerning.

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Come for the Great Salt Lake and stay for Sundance.

Pros: 

• Lower cost of living attracts many people.
• The strong job market is booming.
• Good quality healthcare is also a pro.
• Welcome and affordable for families, especially large ones.
• Low crime rates are a huge plus.

Cons:

• High income, property and base sales tax prices are a drag.
• Limited religious diversity: heavily Mormon, but limited services for other groups.
• Limited public transportation and inaccessible terrain means residents must rely on their own car.

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Beautiful all-year round, Vermont’s quiet lifestyle is often underrated.

Pros: 

• Consistently ranked among the safest states in the country, Vermont is a wonderful place to live.
• Beautiful forests and lakes throughout the state are great for adventurers.
• The state has many politically engaged communities.

Cons:

• “Mud season” is even worse than it sounds. When the snow starts to melt, Vermonters are subject to weeks to months of slopping through mud.
• The small population is mostly rural, so the state isn’t ideal for city goers.
• Cost of living is slightly higher than average.

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Virginia is a mid-Atlantic state with great jobs, good schools and lots to explore.

Pros: 

• The historical significance of Virginia is front and center.
• The natural beauty (mountains and coastline) make the state appealing.
• Robust northern Virginia economy is near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, M.D.
• Diverse people come from all around the world to live in Virginia.
• The area is known for excellent healthcare.
• Great job opportunities and big government and military presence keep the economy strong.
• Virginia’s high quality universities are known around the country.

Cons:

• Bad traffic in northern Virginia.
• High state and local taxes burdens scare many people away.
• Politically and socially, the state can feel like two different states, split between northern Virginia and southern Virginia.

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The Evergreen State has so much to offer

Pros: 

• The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest
• There’s no state income tax.
• Full of job opportunities.
• Very dog friendly state.
• Environmentally conscious state.

Cons:

• Seattle is considered one of the most expensive cities in the country.
• Threat of wildfires.
• Very rainy.
• High sales tax.

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There are plenty of reasons to live in the nation’s capital.

Pros: 

• This is where many decisions are made. It’s great to be in the heart of it all.
• Many museums and monuments are completely free.
• The robust economy means that jobs and quality of life are really enjoyable.
• Great public transportation through metros and buses make it easy to move into town and jump right into the scene.
• The population is extremely diverse and tolerant.

Cons:

• Since the district is not a state, there’s taxation without representation.
• In recent years, the cost of living has soared and now housing prices are some of the worst in the country.
• D.C. is known for lots of traffic around the Beltway, and expensive (if you can ever find any) parking options.

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The Mountain state is an affordable place to call home.

Pros: 

• Low cost of living is great.
• Known for its hills, mountains and hot springs, West Virginia is a beautiful place to call home.
• The state is not overcrowded, so there are many places to enjoy.

Cons:

• Unemployment and poverty rates are high.
• Crime and drug issues are significant.
• There is no specific large metropolitan city that draws jobs or visitors.

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Since there are twice as many cows as there are people in America’s dairyland, there’s room for one more.

Pros:

• Great cheese and dairy products can be bought farm fresh.
• A lively sports culture (football) makes it easy for fans to fall in love with this state.
• There is good healthcare support. Farm-fresh foods may help with nutrition options.
• The state is known for its good quality education (including post-secondary education).

Cons:

• Very cold winters are unforgettable.
• High state, property and local taxes make it hard to stay financially afloat.
• The state is prone to weather disasters like flooding and tornadoes.
• Some people say the state smells of cows.

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Aside from the Old Geyser, this state is peaceful and quiet.

Pros: 

• With seven national parks, including Devils Tower and Yellowstone, this state is a nature lover’s dream.
• No state income tax is a perk.
• Low crime rates are attractive.
• The state is great for country and small town life. It is also great for large and extended families.

Cons:

• America’s least populated state might be a con for some and a pro for others.
• Some people complain that it is isolated, because there are no big cities.
• The state has only one international airport, Casper Natrona County Airport.
• The state could do better on ethnic and racial diversity.
• Shopping is more limited, as there are few big city retail options in Wyoming.