Top 7 Best states to live in the US with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Crime rate: 201.49 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,000
• Median property buying cost: $299,988

The state of Maine is renowned for its natural beauty and rocky coastline. Residents enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking on the trails of Baxter State Park or Acadia National Park to swimming at Sand Beach. Living in Maine is great for fresh food and tasty treats like real maple syrup and seafood. But, you’ll need to drive to get anywhere, and the winters are freezing.

With a population of 1,385,340, mostly ranging from their mid-50s to mid-70s, the pace of life in Maine is quiet and safe, featuring a low crime rate of 201.49 crimes per 100,000 people. The housing options in Maine consist mainly of single-detached homes and are affordable, with an average rent of $2,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment and an average property price of $299,988 as of December 2023.

Maine.gov (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 239.18 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,800
• Median property buying cost: $398,886

New Hampshire, the “Granite State”, is renowned for its natural beauty, offering opportunities for winter sports and hiking in places like the White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington. Residents also enjoy water activities in Lake Winnipesaukee and along the sandy beaches in the Atlantic Ocean coast.

With no state sales tax or income tax on wages, many residents find New Hampshire an attractive place to live. Moreover, it is home to prestigious institutions like Dartmouth College (an Ivy League school) and has a strong public school system.

New Hampshire has an average property price of $398,886 as of December 2023, with a 1-bed apartment renting for around $1,800. It also shows a crime rate of 239.18 per 100,000 people, in a population of 1,395,231, providing residents with a strong sense of security.

New Hampshire State Parks (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 291.05 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,811
• Median property buying cost: $339,838

Connecticut offers a blend of city and nature living for its residents. Located between NYC and Boston, it provides an excellent quality of life at a lower cost compared to those cities. With the second highest Human Development Index in the U.S., residents enjoy quality education, healthcare, and a high standard of living. As of December 2023, the average home price is about $1,203,300, and renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $2,785.

It is considered ideal for living and raising a family, reporting a low crime rate of 291.05 crimes per 100,000 people. Moreover, it offers 101 state parks and lakes, perfect for fishing and hiking. Getting around is simple thanks to the strong network of highways, trains, and public transport supported by the CTDOT.

Connecticut.gov (Dec 2023), Global Data Lab (Dec 2021), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 330.99 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,100
• Median property buying cost: $406,540

Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, is famous for its sandy beaches and delicious seafood. Residents enjoy summer days at Misquamicut State Beach for water sports and relax by biking and enjoying scenic ocean views from Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island. All within a safe environment, with a reported crime rate of 330.99 crimes per 100,000 people.

Residents value Newport for its sailing and Providence for its culinary scene, in addition to its very friendly community. The cost of living is lower than nearby large cities, and commuting is convenient, just a 3-hour drive to NYC and 1.5 hours to Boston. As of December 2023, the average property price in Rhode Island is approximately $406,540, while renting a 1-bedroom apartment costs around $2,100.

Rhode Island (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 425.87 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,954
• Median property buying cost: $339,970

About 647,064 people call Vermont home and enjoy its beautiful landscapes, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, downhill ski areas, and 100 historic covered bridges. Vermonters consider it a great hub for outdoor activities in any season, whether exploring the fall foliage in autumn or skiing in the winter.

The average commute for a Vermont worker is 23 minutes, and it is just a 2-hour drive to big cities like Montreal and 3 hours to Boston. With a reported crime rate of 425.87 crimes per 100,000 people, it provides a sense of security. As of December 2023, the average property price is $339,970, and a 1-bedroom apartment rental cost around $1,954, making it an attractive choice.

Vermont.gov (Dec 2023), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 418.83 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: 1,000
• Median property buying cost: $214,446

Located within the Appalachian Mountain region, West Virginia is known as the Mountain State. It is ideal for nature enthusiasts who enjoy biking and rock climbing in Morgantown, boating and fishing at Summersville Lake, and exploring the waterfalls in Blackwater Falls State Park. Living here is secure, as the state has reported a low crime rate of 418.83 crimes per 100,000 people.

Residents claim that Charleston is ideal for those who love shopping at places like Charleston Town Central Mall and Capitol Market, while Morgantown offers a quiet lifestyle with outdoor activities, and low cost of living. As of December 2023, the average property price in West Virginia is $214,446, and a 1-bed apartment rents for around $1,000.

West Virginia.gov (Dec 2023), Crime Data Explorer (Dec 2023), Census.gov (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)

• Crime rate: 524.61 crimes per 100,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,250
• Median property buying cost: $219,903

Ohio is a great state for those looking to settle down and raise a family. Living here is affordable, particularly when it comes to housing and the cost of living. As of December 2023, the average home price is $219,903, and a 1-bedroom apartment rents for around $524.61. The state provides diverse attractions, from vibrant city life with art and culinary excellence to charming historic towns.

It is ideal for families with children, offering some of the best educational facilities, such as Ohio State University and Miami University, and home to many professional and college sports teams. Additionally, residents enjoy the best amusement parks in the country, like Cedar Point and Kings Island. In terms of safety, Ohio is pretty safe with a reported low crime rate of 524.61 crimes per 100,000 people. 

Ohio.gov (Dec 2023), Crime Data Explorer (Dec 2023), Census.gov (Dec 2023) & Rocket Homes (Dec 2023)