This article previously appeared at Strong Mind, Brave Heart
Alabama
Alabama has the dubious honour of being Americans’ least favorite state. Why? Well, it could have something to do with the high concentration of unpleasant animals and pests, since giant cockroaches, spiders, snakes and scorpions are all a common household occurrence. Not only that, but the state’s religious makeup means most stores are fully closed on Sunday, and some counties are completely alcohol-free.
Mississippi
Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State, so it should be a popular place to visit and live. However, it’s rated second lowest of all the states by Americans, mostly because of the extreme heat and humidity, the inescapability of mosquitos, and the constant risk of hurricanes. On the plus side, the fried seafood food is excellent!
New Jersey
It’s not just New Yorkers that have it out for New Jersey, as a poll of Americans from across the states concluded that New Jersey was their fourth least-favorite place. Common complaints include the traffic, which is labyrinthian and infuriating, the low-quality signature foods, and the incredibly high property taxes. Yikes!
Arkansas
Arkansas is another state that has caught a lot of heat from the rest of America, and there are a few reasons why. Not only does the state have a higher-than-average violent crime rate, but its educational outcomes are worse, and there are lots of truly bizarre laws on the books. Did you know that in Arkansas it’s illegal to kill any living creature, including flies?
Iowa
If Iowa is known for anything, it’s corn. With that said, its proliferation of the abundant golden crop isn’t the only reason it’s wound up so low on the states’ ranking. It also boasts numerous kinds of extreme weather, high-income tax, a lack of arts and culture offerings and low minimum wage. Iowa does at least have a low crime rate though!
Indiana
Indiana has a lot to be proud of. Not only does it host the Indy 500, but it has a great art museum and a lot of natural beauty. However, it also consistently scores low in individual well-being and happiness, while scoring high in state-wide levels of substance abuse, toxic water and obesity. Plus, it’s home to a former murder capital of the world!
South Dakota
South Dakota has a lot of things to love; low crime rates, beautiful lakes and oodles of hiking opportunities, just to name a few. Unfortunately, it also has brutal winters that feel unending, a rural, small-town atmosphere that can feel both stifling and isolating, and stagnating wages and salaries. There are also limited options for shopping and eating.
Missouri
Missouri is often touted as a best-of-both-worlds kind of state. Meaning it has plenty of museums, theaters and music venues to enjoy, while also having a lower cost of living than most metropolitan areas. However, it also has high rates of crime and gang violence and consistently scores low in surveys measuring equality and inclusiveness. Ouch.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a lot of fans and for good reason. Not only are houses affordable, but some of the best food and alcohol in the entire United States of America is on offer there. Plus, there are five seasons if you include Derby season. With that said, Kentucky also has high levels of air pollution and some of the highest rates of animal-related traffic accidents out there.
Kansas
There’s a reason why “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” has become a synonym for going somewhere new and exciting. Kansas, despite its amazing barbeque, low house prices and strong job market, is also just a little bit boring. Most arts and culture offerings are over an hour’s drive away, and transport links are atrocious, making it feel isolated and cut off from society.
California
The Golden State isn’t so shiny for the majority of its residents. Infamous for its high cost of living and taxes, California is also rife with traffic and homelessness. If you’re a fan of moderate weather and climates, stay away. This state frequently experiences natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes.
Texas
Just because everything is bigger in Texas doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. Yes, there is a growing tech scene, and some people are moving there from more “progressive” states, but overall, it isn’t really worth it. Texas has brutal summers, frequent tornados and high homicide rates. The grass isn’t always greener.
Florida
Florida has good air quality, childcare and worker protection. The downside is you live in Florida. When it comes to life, health and inclusion, the Sunshine State can appear very grey. Sure, they have a Disneyland resort, but they also have panthers and crocodiles who aren’t afraid to wreck your home.
West Virginia
Only marginally better than Virginia, West Virginia is one of many low-ranking states in the US. Poor economy, infrastructure and healthcare certainly don’t help matters. Enjoy driving? You won’t here. A third of the roads in West Virginia are considered in poor condition, so get used to walking.
Hawaii
Yes, the beaches are beautiful. Yes, the water is clear. But the prices are not worth it, especially when you take into account that Hawaii imports all its low-quality food. And did we mention the volatile island weather? Visit here and you’ll be saying aloha as quickly as you say aloha. Aloha means both hello and goodbye.
Georgia
Georgia is a riot of a state if you love being bugged by critters, frosty locals, pollen allergies and the worst kind of humidity you’ll ever come across. This state can be friendly and happy on the surface but it suffers from a lot of typical fates dumped on the US, namely a poor educational system.
Washington
Between the years of 1993 and 2004, Washington was thriving. Why? Because Frasier Crane had made it his home. Now, it’s only famous for rain. The Evergreen State also has a notorious reputation for suicide rates, too, ruining any and all PR attempts by the government.
Arizona
Arizona is a great place to live if you love being around retirees and college students. The canyons and deserts of this state can inspire awe but they don’t really make up for the lack of opportunity and intense heat during the summer. Still, it’s better than neighbouring Nevada.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is less diverse than the United States as a whole, with US Census data from 2014 showing that people who are white alone make up around 62.8% of the national population and 82.7% of Wisconsin’s. So… maybe not the best place to visit if melting pots are your jam. The cheese is pretty good, we guess!
Pennsylvania
At first, you might wonder about the Amish in Pennsylvania (their original home), but after an hour of being there, barn-raising and neckbeards will look preferable to modernity in the Keystone State. Sure, this is the home of the Philly cheesesteak, but that’s only going to give you heart disease.
Illinois
Hate paying taxes? Do not move to Illinois. Yes, this state (well, Chicago) may have been put on the map in the 1990s thanks to Michael Jordan, but it’s struggled with a large budget deficit and pension crisis recently, causing financial problems for the state and those who live there. Also, the deep dish pizza? Overrated.
Colorado
Colorado is famously home to two things: Coors beer (weak, lame, not good) and South Park (good, but concerning the lives of four degenerate children). The Centennial State has gained popularity recently for its relaxation of drugs laws, but “draw” itself is not a good enough draw for this place.
New York
The city that never sleeps? Yes, because of the congestion and noise. New York is a nightmare for a misophonic, and bearable for just about anyone else. There is a social benefit to saying you live in New York, but the price you’ll have to pay is hefty and only includes a claustrophobic apartment with no windows.
Michigan
It feels wrong to bust Michigan’s balls, given the horror story that is Detroit. And the existence of Michael Moore. But bust them we must. This state really is a state, ranking 17th among the poorest states in the USA thanks to job losses in a defunct manufacturing industry. Wait until it’s back on its feet before visiting.
Alabama
Alabama has good air quality… and that’s about it! If you’re considering a big move to the state just bear this in mind: voting rights, worker protections, inclusiveness and health are not, how shall we put it, “good”. The summers are hot, though, so there’s that…
Rhode Island
Sorry, Rhode Island. Just because you’re not our size doesn’t mean we aren’t going to pick on you. How about a big city now and then? Or some shops? Or a decent employment rate? Oh, and a gentle winter while you’re at it? The only benefit of the Ocean State is that it can be driven out of in a few hours.
Maine
Maine? But hasn’t Stephen King chosen to spend his entire life there? Surely it must be good. Think about the stories and characters Stephen King has created. Hardly shine a positive light, do they? The Pine Tree State is made up of 50% unorganised territory with no local government control.
Tennessee
If states were ranked by the quality of grilled meat and country music, Tennessee would be hard to beat. Sadly, the Volunteer State has one of the worst crime rates in the US and the 6th lowest life expectancy at 76.2 years. Tennessee also has a poverty level of 15.3%, one of the highest in the nation.
Oregon
Orgeon may have some cosy forests and vistas to boast of, but then urban centres are as lame as they come. And with a high school graduation rate of 78.7%, Oregon has one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. Only four other states rank worse than it. If you want a good education for your children, leave.
Alaska
Alaska depends heavily on tourism and oil, which were shot to pieces during the pandemic, leaving this state’s economy 50th in the country (spoiler alert: that’s the worst). Alaska is behind the national average in unemployment, job creation, and wage growth, too.
Minnesota
Prince may have chosen Minnesota as his home but that’s only because he had staff to scrape ice off his car every morning. The winters here are brutal. The Gopher State is nondescript and lacking in any kind of vibe. If you’re young and want to let your hair down, there are 49 better options.
Louisiana
Louisiana, like a lot of American states, is plagued by high crime rates, particularly in its cities New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It’s also suffered years and years of growing poverty rates, low employment and a strong dependency on the oil and gas industry.
Connecticut
Connecticut may be responsible for the invention of the steamed cheeseburger, the can opener, ESPN, lobster rolls and John Mayer, but that doesn’t justify visiting or living there. The high cost of living and even higher taxes give this state a big thumbs down compared to its immediate siblings.
Nevada
If you meet someone who grew up in Vegas, they’re probably a really nice person. If you meet someone who’s moved to Vegas, they’re probably missing a kidney. This state attracts losers or soon-to-be losers. Yes, the city can be fun, and yes the Grand Canyon is beautiful, but overall this state is lacking.
Delaware
Statistics have shown that Delaware citizens are more likely to be unhealthy than in other states. It has an average life expectancy of 78.6 years which is several months less than the national average. Combine that with a poverty level of 12.5% and you’ve got one crummy state on your hands.
Montana
Montana has a ton of natural beauty, but there’s only so long you can spend looking at a mountain. Like sport? You better like hockey or baseball, ’cause there isn’t a lot else. More vehicle accidents happen here per miles driven than anywhere else, too, so watch out!
Vermont
Once you get over the nifty fact that Vermont is the home of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, there ain’t much to do. It’s also small and cramped. One for the list of states that people seek to run away from and record a breakthrough album.
Idaho
Idaho has the lowest bachelor’s degree completion rates nationwide at only 27.7%, compared to a country average of 32.6%. These poor education levels are associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and low earnings. Luckily, Idaho is one of those states nobody really knows where it is, so you’re unlikely to ever encounter it.
Oklahoma
Described as the “least desirable state”, Oklahoma has fallen a long way since its “Oh what a beautiful morning!” days. Despite the nice weather and decent scenery, Oklahoma doesn’t have an awful lot to offer tourists, especially those from outside of America. Skip this one unless a casual, non-eventful vacation is what you’re looking for.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s public schools rank worst in the nation, with less than 75% of students graduating from high school. To make matters even bleaker, about 26% of kids live below the poverty line, the highest level in the country. Old Mexico is better. At least they have fancy hats and jolly music.
Ohio
Watch your purse and wallets in Ohio, because crime is crazy here. Canton, Cleveland and Whitehall are some of the cities that experience higher crime rates than are experienced by the state as a whole. Ohio has introduced a community crime map to help identify which areas are to be avoided. Cool, right? Totally normal.
North Carolina
You thought Carolina was divided? Turns out North Carolina is also divided. Local and state governments rarely see eye to eye here. Some are right, some are left, all are doomed to live in disruption unless they get their house in order for the greater good. Unlikely, though.
Utah
Good luck getting on the property ladder in Utah. The average house will knock you back a sturdy $300,000. Go to certain areas surrounding Salt Lake City and houses will jump up to $500,000. Only move here if you are Bruce Wayne and have money to burn.
Maryland
Maryland has its delights like any state but you’ll have to cope with awful traffic congestion along the way. Two toll tunnels in the state, the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Baltimore Harbor Thruway Tunnel, only lead to more trouble. Come see Baltimore, remember how good The Wire was, then leave.
South Carolina
South Carolina is not the place to be in the summer. Not only is it ridiculously hot, but the bugs… the bugs. There is no end to them. Palmetto bugs are the worst. They resemble big roaches and, of course, they can fly. Get a couple of these up in your grill during a barbecue and you’ll fly yourself. Into a rage!
Wyoming
Thinking about going to Wyoming? Don’t. Not unless you have a taste for absolutely nothing whatsoever. Sorry locals, but this state is a missed opportunity. Wyoming is almost entirely rural, with no big fancy cities to brag of. It’s also extremely isolating, leaving most young adults no other choice but to move.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a wonderful place for old people. For young people? Terrible. This state boasts little to no nightlife, making coming-of-age stories in the state impossible. You won’t get up to any American Pie-esque hijinks here, that’s for sure. Manchester and Portsmouth are your greatest bets, but even then it’s slim pickings!
Nebraska
Nebraska has a population of 1.9 million, which may seem a lot, but it ain’t. For comparison, Los Angeles’ population is 3.9 million. Nebraska has its charms, no doubt about it, but even its state capital Lincoln only has a population of 286,000. For the misandrists among you, that is ideal. For everyone else, a tad boring.
North Dakota
With just over 11 people per square mile, North Dakota is the fourth least densely populated state in the US. This provides some great open space for people who feel at home in sparse rural areas. If you’re coming to town to socialise, then you may struggle. North Dakota falling off your itinerary wouldn’t be the biggest loss.
Virginia
Transport can be great across the states, with some cities boasting a mix of trains, buses and trams. In Virginia, you’d be lucky to hail a horse and carriage. No, but seriously the public transport here is seriously lacking for such a famous state. If you’re thinking about moving, or even visiting here, bring a vehicle.
