The 10 Best States To Live In 2025, According To A New Report

CNBC's annual list, America's Top States for Business 2025, includes a quality of life analysis that ranks every state on things like healthcare, economy, safety, and education. However, the top states for quality of life are not necessarily the usual suspects. Yes, Massachusetts and Connecticut score high due to their superb hospitals and high-performing schools, and Vermont ranks high due to clean air and low crime. However, Nebraska, North Dakota, and even Maine also made the list. 

Affordability is a major dividing line in America today, and some states on CNBC's list will punish your wallet with home prices and grocery bills that can feel like a prank. However, others are shockingly attainable, including parts of the Midwest. The trade-off being harsher winters, more driving, and fewer late-night sushi options. Still, that's a deal many people are willing to make for peace and access to a doctor when they need one. Regardless of what your priorities are, these states can deliver the best all-around value for you and your family.

Virginia might not have an extravagant reputation, but it consistently performs well across every important metric. Hence its ranking at No. 10 for qualify of life in CNBC's report. When it comes to costs, the state's eye-wateringly expensive, with median home prices between $664,000 and $770,000, according to Virginia Realtor. However not all locations are the same — in Roanoke, for example, it's a far more palatable $456,000. 

The state's healthcare system ranks No. 14 in the country, according to the Commonwealth Fund and earns recognition as a top five for patient hospital safety. Furthermore, violent crime rates are commendably low, with 218 incidents per 100,000, per USAFacts — the 9th safest. Food-wise, residents spend about $260 a week on groceries, apart from the money Americans spend on fast food. As for recreation, Virginia provides something for everyone. From the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park to the wineries around Charlottesville to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, there is much to see and do.

When you think about dream destinations, Nebraska likely isn't the first place that pops up. However, affordability might change your mind. WalletHub ranks the state No. 4 for lowest housing costs in the U.S. — with a median home price of just $304,800, as of November 2025.

The healthcare system is also fairly reliable, ranking a respectable No. 24 by the Commonwealth Fund, and No. 18 by America's Health Rankings. Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report ranks the state No. 1 in infrastructure due to its high-quality roads and short commute times. When it comes to leisure activities, the state has unique landscapes and offerings including the Sandhills, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and the culinary scenes of Lincoln. Omaha and Papillion are also both lauded for their friendly atmosphere and close-knit sense of community.

Moving to the Bay State means prioritizing access to the finest hospitals, universities, and museums. In 2024, Massachusetts ranked among the states with the best economies. So, its no surprise it ranks high on CNBC's list for quality of life. However, living in Massachusetts can be expensive — it does house Wellesley after all, one of the 12 richest suburbs in the United States. Furthermore, WalletHub ranks Massachusetts No. 44 for affordability, with the average home value coming in at $702,400, as of September 2025. 

Massachusetts boasts the No. 1 healthcare system nationwide, according to the Commonwealth Fund, and has the highest percentage of insured residents and the lowest premature death rate. Safety is also a key strength there, ranking third for property crime rates. The public transportation network –– particularly the MBTA in Boston –– is staggeringly efficient. However, Boston traffic can be nightmarish, and about 49% of the state's major roads remain in poor condition. On recreation, Massachusetts offers everything from spending a summer weekend on Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard to hiking the scenic Berkshire Mountains in the fall. And of course, historical and cultural Boston promises year-round entertainment.

North Dakota's high quality-of-life scores are rooted in tangible, everyday benefits. The state ranks among the best places to live, landing No. 7 in CNBC's review and an impressive No. 3 in WalletHub's report on housing costs. As of April 2025, the median home price stood at $298,500, compared to the national average of over $418,000. These reasonable costs help renters too, with the median two-bedroom apartment renting for $960 in 2025, according to Consumer Affairs. Grocery bills are also more affordable, with weekly spending around $265.11 — or even less when applying shopping strategies to save money.

North Dakota delivers a solid healthcare structure, ranking a respectable No. 22 by the Commonwealth Fund. However, you will need a car as there is no significant public transportation system in the state. A July 2025 TRIP nonprofit report noted that only 18% of the state's major roads were considered in poor or mediocre condition. As for things to do, North Dakota is an outdoor paradise with epic landscapes and minimal crowds. Whether fishing Lake Sakakawea or biking the Maah Daah Hey Trail through the Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park — you've got it all.

Hawaii landed on this list for its air and water grade, factors heavily weighted in CNBC's quality of life ranking. Also, because it's the happiest state in America, according to WalletHub. Hawaiians enjoy the longest average life expectancy in the nation, and their healthcare system ranks No. 2 by the Commonwealth Fund, with only 4% of adults being uninsured. Plus, despite being a major global tourist destination, that violent crime rate in the state are 218 incidents per 100,000 people, a downward trend over the past decade, according to USAFacts.

At first glance, Hawaii's income tax (topping out at 11%) seems punishing. However, a closer look reveals that Social Security benefits and most pensions are not taxed at all. Plus, Hawaii offers the lowest property tax rate in the U.S. (0.32%). For recreational opportunities, the National Park Service lists 59 parks (state and national) across the five major islands — including the awe-inspiring Hawaii's Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks. With that said, living in Hawaii is expensive. As of April 2025, the median home price was $760,000, per PropertyShark. Daily expenses are also steep; with weekly grocery bills hitting over $330 – significantly higher than the national average of $270. 

Connecticut has cultivated a reputation for stability and excellence. CNBC's quality of life rating places the state at No. 5 due to stellar public safety. A Q1 2025 report from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection showed significant drops in crime compared with 2024: a 16.8% drop in property crime, a 31.7% drop in robbery, and a 30.9% drop in vehicle theft. Another advantage is that the state's public school systems are consistently ranked high in the country — No. 2 by WalletHub, and No. 10 by U.S. News & World Report — not to mention its internationally renowned institutions like Yale University. Regarding well-being, its healthcare service ranked No. 1 nationally for both child wellness and adult dental visits, which translates into better health outcomes for residents. Plus, in a 2025 analysis, the Regional Plan Association reported that nearly half of all households and two-thirds of all jobs are located within walking distance of a transit stop in Connecticut. 

However, the state does rank No. 46 in affordability. The median home price reached $415,300 in early 2025, with a seller's market pushing prices up 9.9% year over year. But income taxes are progressive and stay below 7%. Plus, the state is phasing in tax exemptions for IRA distributions for many residents. With that said, the state is also steeped in history and culture, from the Mark Twain House to the Mystic Seaport Museum. Or, you can enjoy a walk along Long Island Sound, or hike at Gillette Castle and Talcott Mountain State Parks.

A winning formula involves a commitment to community welfare and health. Minnesota has both, thus landing at No. 4 on CNBC's list. After becoming one of the states with the best economies in 2024, you can buy a house in the North Star State for just $363,300, as of early November 2025 — though this number will likely rise closer to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. With the fifth-highest share of residents covered by health insurance, Minnesota also stands as a national leader in healthcare access and outcomes –– powered by the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The state ranks No. 3 in the nation for overall medical care quality.

Infrastructure is another huge advantage for residents. Minnesota's road network is top-notch, with Consumer Affairs placing it No. 1 in the whole nation. Food costs are also reasonable, with the average household spending between $364 and $395 every month, depending on the city. The Land of the 10,000 Lakes (the actual figure reaches 11,842) fully lives up to this nickname as Minnesota has more registered recreational boats per capita than any other state. Outdoor leisure activities are deeply woven into the cultural fabric, from fishing for walleye to boating on lakes and rivers in the summer to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and watching ice hockey in the winter.

The Garden State has slowly been transforming itself into a prime living destination, ranking No. 3 on CNBC's list. The state flaunts a robust transportation network — NJ Transit trains and buses and the PATH system — allowing residents to access high-caliber jobs and amenities nearby, while still enjoying a spacious and relaxed suburban lifestyle. USAFacts ranks New Jersey as one of the safest states with a low violent crime rate (218 per 100,000 people), strong financial security, and excellent emergency preparedness. Education in NJ is also exceptional, boasting the No. 2 public schooling system, with 11 of its schools found in the top 100 nationally. The state's healthcare also ranks No. 16 by the Commonwealth Fund, with the second-lowest rate of premature deaths in the nation, confirming the quality and accessibility of its medical care. 

However, great benefits can come with substantial prices. The median home value is over $564,000, as of November 2025. Property taxes are also among the highest, but the state offers some relief like a $250 deduction for seniors and veterans, and the Property Tax Reimbursement Freeze program for eligible adults. To relax, NJ is famous for its Jersey Shore, ideal for family-friendly boardwalks in Ocean City and the Victorian charm of Cape May. And naturalists can head to the stunning Delaware Water Gap or hike a 72-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern corner.

In a world brimming with noise, stress, and uncertainty, Maine ascends as the quiet, confident answer. CNBC ranks the state No. 2 in quality of life thanks to its clean air and moderate crime rates. For retirees, in particular, the Pine Tree State is popular. Reasons include being ranked No. 2 nationally for security, No. 3 for senior medical care, and having a large established community of older adults — with 23% of the population aged 65 or more. While the median home price in January 2025 was $415,600, the trade-offs could be worth the cost. Plus, the FBI Uniform Crime Report found that the violent crime level in Maine is 72% lower than the U.S. average, with the murder rate at only 2 per 100,000. 

In terms of well-being, the state's healthcare sector holds the No. 3 spot, according to Bankrate. Hospitals like MaineHealth Pen Bay consistently receive "A" grades from nonprofit The Leapfrog Group, showing a commitment to excellent patient outcomes. In Maine, your backyard is a national park and your commute is a scenic byway. Destinations including Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park — home of the formidable Mount Katahdin — invite fishing, hiking, and camping. Just be aware that a car is essential for navigating the state as public transportation is limited. For retirees or remote workers, this state can be a go-to option for a tranquil lifestyle.

In the annual battle for bragging rights, Vermont stands as the undisputed champion for quality of life. For five years in a row, CNBC has crowned the Green Mountain State No. 1, celebrating its clear air, low crime, and inclusive community ethos. This is a state so committed to natural beauty that it's one of only four in the country to ban billboards. Relating to safety, a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 people positions Vermont undeniably among some of the safest places to live. Healthcare is excellent too, ranking No. 8, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Vermont also leads the nation in sustainable transportation policies, focusing on smart growth, public transit, and EV infrastructure for an eco-friendly environment. However, if you prefer driving you'll be happy to know that only 13% of the state's roads are considered in poor or mediocre condition, according to TRIP.

For leisure and recreation, the state gas world-class skiing and snowboarding, or you can hike the 272-mile Long Trail, kayak on one the state's 800+ lakes and ponds, or exploring its 55 parks. However, costs remain high. The median home price sits between $427,600 and $450,000 in a tight market, as the state is grappling with a severe housing crisis, as of November 2025. Even worse, the State of Vermont's 2025 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment estimates that, by 2029, an additional 36,000 homes will be necessary to meet demand in the state, and to stabilize prices.