These are the best states to relocate to in 2024

With the end of the year fast approaching, people may be looking for a fresh start or a new view from the window. Moving state and changing scenery is a big step but it can also be a refreshing one. Here, we take a look at the best states to move to in terms of both safety and quality of living, which might make your decision a little easier.

These states are in no particular order, but they all make the top 5 as they offer various benefits on tax, safety, housing and, perhaps most importantly in such a fast-paced world, quality of life.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is the fifth-smallest state in the country by area and the 10th least-populous. The average salary for a worker is 18% above average, sitting at just over $74,000 and there is neither any personal income tax nor general sales tax either. Violent crime in the US is a huge issue, and New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate in the country. That refers to crimes such as homicide and aggravated assault, as well as robbery.

Minnesota

Known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined, and more than a third is covered by forest, making it the perfect place to connect with nature. The state has just a 3% unemployment rate and the average salary is $68,010, 7.6% more than the national average.

Wyoming

Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of all the states when looking on a map, Wyoming is almost an exact square. For those of you who want a quieter life, Wyoming is the least populous state despite being the 10th largest in terms of the area, and is second-lowest in terms of population density, only losing out on top spot to Alaska. The average salary is $71,342, 13.6% above the national average.

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Virginia

Virginia, nestled between the Atlantic coastline and the Appalachian mountains, is a paradise for the lover of the outdoors. The state has the fourth-highest quality of schools and the fourth-highest quality of healthcare, making it a safe bet if thinking of moving. It’s also close to Washington DC, opening up various job opportunities in the capital.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island, known as The Ocean State, has the highest quality of healthcare in the nation alongside and is the third-lowest when it comes to the rate of violent crime. The smallest US state by area, Rhode Island is the second-most densely populated, sitting just behind New Jersey. The average salary in the state is around $74,000, above the national average.