It’s easy to think that if you have enough savings, you could just pick up and move anywhere, right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. Even if you’re not worried about the cost of living, there are plenty of concerns to consider.
For instance, what about schools? If you have kids, you’ll want good ones nearby. Or healthcare—how easy is it to get in to see a doctor? And if you’re still working, is the job market solid enough to keep you afloat? Safety is a big one, too. We all want to feel secure in our own neighborhood.
It’s a harsh world out there, especially if you’re trying to find the best place to call home. So, I’ve pulled together the top ten worst places to live based on real data from WalletHub, considering affordability, economy, education, quality of life, and safety. Get the rundown on why these states just don’t measure up.
Louisiana
Life in Louisiana is supposed to be a delight for the senses. We all know about New Orleans, where jazz music fills the air, and mouthwatering Creole and Cajun dishes waft through the streets. However, there’s a whole state outside of NOLA, and a recent study paints a different picture, ranking it as the worst state to live in. With poor economic standing and low scores in education and health, Louisiana has some serious challenges to tackle.
Traffic in cities is a nightmare, and the infrastructure needs serious upgrades. Plus, the Pelican State faces frequent natural disasters like hurricanes. It’s hard to believe it could get any worse!
New Mexico
You’re probably thinking it’s called the “Land of Enchantment” for a reason, right? But spoiler alert: according to stats, it’s the second worst state to live in. It has the highest violent crime rate in the nation, along with a high property crime rate. Job opportunities can also be scarce in certain areas.
While housing and utility costs are lower, water scarcity is a big problem, impacting both city and rural life. In rural regions, finding cultural spots like theaters and galleries is not easy. Not exactly enchanting!
Arkansas
The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains add charm to Arkansas, but residents miss out on many urban amenities. Specialized healthcare, quality education, and diverse job opportunities are often lacking, especially in remote areas. It’s no wonder Arkansas ranks 47th for quality of life and 46th for safety, landing it as the third worst state to live in this year.
With 41% of the population in rural areas, many need access to doctors and hospitals. To make matters worse, Arkansas has high state and local taxes, with a combined sales tax rate of 9.46%, ranking it third highest in the nation.
Alaska
Alaska’s winters are long, cold, and definitely not for everyone—temps can plunge to -40°F—but that’s not the main reason it scores low on livability. Here, commodity prices can double, and living costs are 31% higher than the national average. Believe it or not, Alaska’s murder rate is nearly double the national average!
Some towns are only reachable by plane or boat, and even larger cities like Anchorage can feel isolated due to long travel times and flight costs. You have to travel far to shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants.
Nevada
Have you seen that study claiming Nevada is the second worst state to survive a zombie apocalypse? Well, you probably won’t find any living dead there, but another report says it’s also the fifth worst state to live in.
Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. at 5.3%, with low educational attainment and poor health outcomes. While tourism fuels the state—especially in Las Vegas—the city can feel chaotic, with long lines, expensive fees, heavy traffic, and crowded sidewalks making daily life a challenge.
Mississippi
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the U.S., but that doesn’t make life here easy. About one in five residents lives in poverty, and the state ranks second to last in overall child well-being. Many children face challenges like lack of education and inadequate health insurance. Job opportunities are limited, especially in certain industries and rural areas, as Mississippi’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Did I mention it’s the fourth most hurricane-prone state, and it sits on the edge of Dixie Alley, known for tornadoes? No professional sports teams call the Magnolia State home, either!
Oklahoma
When you look at the crime rates and education quality in Oklahoma, it’s easy to see why it doesn’t rank well as a place to live. Despite its small size, Oklahoma has higher violent and property crime rates than many other states. K-12 education also needs to improve, with 71% of fourth graders not reading proficiently and 74% of eighth graders falling short in math.
While the cost of living is low, high state and local taxes can quickly change that. Sales tax sits at 4.5% on all purchases, even groceries! The progressive tax system ranges from 0.5% to 5%, hitting single filers with incomes over $7,200. It doesn’t take much to feel the squeeze!
South Carolina
They say if you love seafood, South Carolina is like a dream come true. But maybe not when you also consider what the new study says: it’s the eighth worst state to live in. Healthcare access is poor, and the education system doesn’t fare much better, with low math scores, a high dropout rate, and a troubling lack of school safety. Plus, income and sales taxes are relatively high compared to neighboring states.
Despite these challenges, the state offers beautiful sandy beaches, golf courses, and historic landmarks. Just be careful of alligators, especially at Lake Marion, one of the most alligator-infested lakes in the area!
Oregon
Yep, Oregon promises that outdoor beauty right in your backyard, but there’s a catch: housing prices are soaring. The average home costs over $400,000, significantly higher than the national average of $291,700. The Beaver State also has a progressive income tax that ranges from 4.75% to 9.9%.
The state has thriving industries that appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts and tech lovers. However, be prepared for heavy traffic in larger cities. And don’t forget—Oregon’s weather tends to be gloomy and rainy for a big part of the year!
Arizona
Wondering if Arizona really ranks as one of the worst states to live in? A recent study says yes, placing it 44th in education and health, 40th in safety, 23rd for quality of life, and 22nd for affordability.
If lush, green landscapes feel like home to you, Arizona’s desert might be a shock. You’ll find plenty of sand, cacti, and palm trees instead. The Grand Canyon State also has its fair share of critters—scorpions, black widows, and giant lizards. Public transit here is limited, and traffic gets intense, especially since nearly everyone drives. Oh, and in summer, you’ll need gloves for that steering wheel—it’s scorching!
Source: WalletHub
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