The Best (and Worst) Places to Live in 2025, According to Americans

What Makes a Place Desirable or Undesirable? | Most Desirable Cities | Least Desirable Cities | Most Desirable States | Least Desirable States | City Rankings by Category | State Rankings by Category

John Denver says country roads lead to home, but so do city streets, subways stops, and cobbled sidewalks. The route to home may look different for everyone, but the goal remains the same: to find a place to belong. 

Although 69% of Americans like where they live, that's down slightly from 73% who said the same in 2024, according to a new Clever Offers survey of 1,000 people.

Instead of feeling more connected to their home, many Americans are increasingly dissatisfied. About 68% get frustrated with where they live, which also increased from 2024, when 59% said the same. 

In fact, Americans are more likely to say where they live is a source of embarrassment (46%) rather than a source of envy (26%).

It appears many Americans are still searching for a place that feels like home, with 61% saying they live where they do out of convenience rather than where they'd ideally like to settle down. It's no wonder 73% of Americans could be convinced to move to a different state, and 50% could be convinced to move to a different country. 

About 61% of Americans believe moving to a new city or state could change their life for the better.

But expensive housing costs, political division, and proliferating natural disasters exist nationwide, and the grass may not always be greener elsewhere. More than 1 in 4 Americans (29%) have moved to improve their happiness, only to find it didn't help.

Keep reading to learn where Americans really want to live in 2025 and the attributes that make these places so appealing.

What Makes a Place Desirable or Undesirable?

Although Americans are divided on many of today's key issues, there is a strong consensus about what makes a desirable place to live. At least half of Americans agree the best places to call home have:

• Good weather (67%)
• Low crime rates (66%)
• Low cost of living (64%)
• Low housing costs (53%)
• Natural beauty (52%)
• Low taxes (51%)

Americans are drawn to places that balance safe, affordable living with lifestyle perks, such as good weather and appealing scenery. Comfort, however, appears to take priority, with good weather topping the list at 67%. 

As extreme weather events become more common, Americans may be more aware of how climate impacts their daily lives. Good weather rose to the No. 1 spot in 2025 after ranking third in 2024 — when 62% said it made a place desirable.

Yet no amount of good weather and nice scenery can make up for cities that require Americans to risk their safety or their hard-earned cash. Safety and affordability are must-haves, and Americans will avoid otherwise appealing places if they are unsafe and expensive.

The most undesirable places to live have:

• High crime rates (75%)
• High cost of living (67%)
• High taxes (62%)
• Bad weather (58%)
• Expensive homes (57%)

Based on these factors, about 1 in 3 Americans (31%) say they are not happy with where they live. 

Americans may want to move to a more desirable place, but 93% say something prevents them from doing so. Of those, 46% say they can't afford to leave, considering the average American spends a hefty $2,050 on moving expenses.

Others may not like where they live but choose to stay if the tradeoffs make it worthwhile:

• 56% would rather live somewhere with lower taxes than somewhere considered desirable.
• 51% would live somewhere they didn't find desirable if it meant staying with their current partner.
• 34% of Americans would live somewhere less desirable if it meant owning a home.
• 12% would live in a place they dislike if it made them look successful.

Most Desirable Cities

After securing the top spot in 2024, Tampa remains one of America's most desirable cities. But this year, it shares the No. 1 ranking with a newcomer.

Americans are singing Nashville's praises. Music City ties with Tampa as the most desirable U.S. city in 2025, with nearly one-fourth of respondents (22%) listing both in their top five.

It's easy to see why Nashville is a hit among Americans. Nestled on the banks of the Cumberland River, the city is full of parks, greenways, and trails that offer a respite from the bustling city. The natural beauty is complemented by vibrant murals and street art that add color to the cityscape. 

There's also a wide array of attractions and activities — from seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry to visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and catching some live music at one of the many honky-tonks on Broadway. 

Americans may view Nashville as desirable, but it's not a realistic place for many to live. 

Rising home prices are making it especially difficult for Americans to live in Music City. The median home sale price in Nashville is $470,000 — higher than the national median of $438,000. A Nashville household earning the median salary of $84,685 would come up  $42,020 short on a 20% down payment needed for a median-priced home. 

Nashville also struggles to keep crime under control. The city recorded 11.45 violent crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023, compared to 4.0 in the median U.S. city, according to the most recent data. However, Nashville's crime rate is much lower than in Memphis, where 26.05 violent crimes per 1,000 residents were recorded.

Meanwhile, Tampa continues to attract Americans with its warm, sunny weather and gorgeous beaches that are perfect for outdoor recreation.

Unlike other coastal cities, such as Miami, Seattle, or Los Angeles, Tampa offers a lower cost of living and more affordable housing. The median home price in Tampa costs $370,000, compared to $590,000 in Miami, $850,000 in Seattle, and $905,000 in Los Angeles.

Most Desirable Midsize Cities

With major metros struggling to contain rising prices and increasing crime, midsize cities offer a compelling alternative for those looking for an urban environment that combines more space with greater affordability.

Honolulu is the most desirable midsize city for the second year in a row, earning votes from nearly one-third of Americans (32%). 

Living in Hawaii may seem like a dream until Americans realize the only thing more breathtaking than the beaches is the cost of homes. Even after declining 2% in the past year, the median home still costs a whopping $761,755 in Honolulu. 

Americans can find a more attainable version of paradise in Colorado Springs, Colorado, or Charleston, South Carolina — the No. 2 and No. 3 most desirable midsize cities, respectively. 

Abounding in natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, these cities offer many of the same perks as Honolulu with a much more reasonable price tag.

Least Desirable Cities

For some Americans, living in the District of Columbia is akin to capital punishment. It's the most undesirable city for the third year in a row, with 28% listing it in their top five worst places to live. 

Amid a backdrop of exasperating political drama, D.C. manages to check every box that makes a city undesirable. 

About 67% of Americans say a high cost of living makes a place undesirable, with 57% singling out expensive homes — both of which are defining characteristics of the District. 

Although significant, high prices aren't the only reason Americans avoid Washington, D.C.

More than half of Americans (51%) say too much traffic makes a city undesirable, and D.C. delivers with gridlock that's as bad as the political landscape. In fact, the District has the worst traffic in the country, according to a recent Consumer Affairs report. 

Another half (49%) think overcrowding makes a place undesirable, which dooms a city flooded with millions of tourists each year.

Most Desirable States

Florida isn't just a vacation destination. For the second year in a row, Americans say it's the best state to call home.

Florida captured the support of 34% of Americans, with California following close behind (33%). 

Although both states have year-round warm weather, sandy beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty, Florida's low taxes and livable cities make it hard to beat. In fact, Americans rank Tampa, Orlando, Cape Coral, and Palm Bay as some of the most desirable cities in the U.S. 

Meanwhile, California only has one major metro, San Diego, on the best cities list. 

Florida isn't all sunshine and rainbows, though. Daily life can get chaotic when a "Florida man" decides to run amok in public (or Publix). But the state's quirky character doesn't seem to scare off too many people, and it's still more desirable than California. 

Just 22% say Florida is the most undesirable state, compared to 28% who say the same about California.

Least Desirable States

Americans once flocked to California in the hopes of striking it rich, but those golden dreams have faded fast. Now, California is the most undesirable state in the U.S.

Whether it's because of sky-high living costs, traffic congestion, or political polarization, 28% of Americans say California is one of the top five least desirable states.

Americans' negative attitude toward California's major cities further hurt the state's reputation. San Francisco and Los Angeles are considered two of the least desirable cities in the U.S.

California isn't the only polarizing state on this list. It's joined by the usual suspects: New York, Florida, and Texas. These states are the most populous and are often hated for their outsized influence on the economy, political elections, and social trends. 

Dominance alone doesn't make a state undesirable. The urban-rural divide also plays a major role in shaping public opinion. 

For Americans who value space and affordability, California and New York are often disliked for their liberal politics, expensive cost of living, and cramped living quarters. Meanwhile, Alabama, Mississippi,  and Arkansas are judged for being poor, uneducated, and lacking access to health care — although these stereotypes don't always reflect reality.

Even natural beauty doesn't guarantee desirability. Alaska, Utah, and West Virginia have stunning landscapes but struggle with other challenges — remoteness, conservative cultural norms, and a declining economy, respectively.

City Rankings by Category

City	Most Desirable	Most Underrated	Prettiest Scenery	Nicest Residents	Most on the Rise	Quirkiest Residents	Least Desirable	Ugliest Scenery	Rudest Residents	Most Boring	Most Delusional	Declining in Quality
Atlanta, GA	21	27	11	6	6	24	10	12	11	36	8	9
Austin, TX	11	5	17	5	2	5	23	24	17	29	6	20
Baltimore, MD	36	13	22	35	28	13	8	6	9	13	13	6
Birmingham, AL	39	26	31	18	27	10	7	4	16	1	14	8
Boston, MA	7	7	6	9	14	11	25	21	5	33	7	11
Charlotte, NC	6	1	5	1	3	25	47	46	30	25	27	25
Chicago, IL	22	31	18	30	24	12	3	3	3	23	5	5
Cincinnati, OH	44	20	41	28	29	30	37	20	32	10	29	23
Cleveland, OH	43	19	42	41	33	23	21	10	23	6	26	18
Columbus, OH	41	28	44	33	34	28	39	32	45	7	34	30
Dallas, TX	20	36	32	15	16	43	11	27	12	41	10	25
Denver, CO	5	18	2	8	11	20	41	50	46	45	33	48
Detroit, MI	50	48	50	50	41	22	5	1	8	9	19	7
Fresno, CA	48	43	38	49	50	21	20	19	26	18	32	30
Grand Rapids, MI	28	17	23	20	35	35	40	37	37	15	35	41
Hartford, CT	34	12	28	38	47	47	46	40	31	7	46	45
Houston, TX	35	47	45	25	24	43	14	16	18	42	16	17
Indianapolis, IN	45	40	49	45	48	45	48	30	42	20	41	36
Jacksonville, FL	18	22	26	23	23	39	25	28	24	37	30	34
Kansas City, MO	42	37	47	33	36	47	43	38	50	17	48	41
Las Vegas, NV	15	45	20	41	11	4	12	14	13	50	9	24
Los Angeles, CA	16	50	28	47	41	6	6	5	4	46	4	2
Louisville, KY	37	21	32	17	32	39	35	45	44	20	48	43
Memphis, TN	27	31	35	12	21	47	32	43	34	42	44	32
Miami, FL	14	46	14	25	10	19	16	43	10	48	14	14
Milwaukee, WI	47	31	48	38	44	28	35	26	36	5	41	38
Minneapolis, MN	32	34	39	31	44	37	42	40	37	19	41	37
Nashville, TN	1	6	9	1	1	34	43	49	49	49	37	45
New York City, NY	10	49	8	35	30	3	2	2	1	44	1	3
Norfolk, VA	30	16	36	23	37	37	43	35	48	4	50	44
Oklahoma City, OK	49	40	46	27	37	30	18	15	42	2	36	39
Orlando, FL	8	30	12	13	9	32	28	40	25	46	25	27
Philadelphia, PA	40	44	37	48	44	32	31	11	6	39	23	19
Phoenix, AZ	17	22	21	29	18	41	30	34	39	33	39	39
Pittsburgh, PA	33	37	39	43	39	42	33	8	20	27	38	28
Portland, OR	13	11	15	14	22	6	25	35	32	25	21	22
Providence, RI	25	8	27	32	39	18	50	39	39	12	47	50
Raleigh, NC	9	2	9	3	7	50	38	48	46	31	44	47
Richmond, VA	26	24	23	21	30	45	48	46	39	30	40	49
Riverside, CA	46	40	42	46	48	26	33	23	35	14	31	29
Sacramento, CA	38	39	34	43	43	27	24	25	27	32	28	21
Salt Lake City, UT	23	15	16	10	17	8	19	29	29	3	18	35
San Antonio, TX	19	34	19	19	13	36	22	31	28	39	23	32
San Diego, CA	4	9	4	11	8	17	29	32	21	38	20	16
San Francisco, CA	12	25	3	16	15	1	4	13	6	35	3	1
San Jose, CA	24	14	30	40	18	14	17	18	19	16	17	13
Seattle, WA	3	4	1	4	5	2	13	16	14	23	12	10
St. Louis, MO	31	10	25	22	20	15	15	9	22	11	21	11
Tampa, FL	1	3	7	7	4	16	8	21	15	28	11	15
Washington, DC	29	29	13	35	26	8	1	7	2	22	2	4

Most Underrated Cities

North Carolina may be well known as a desirable state to live, but its two biggest cities fly under the radar. 

About 21% of Americans say Charlotte is the most underrated city in the United States, followed closely by Raleigh at 20%.

Charlotte and Raleigh are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their strong job markets and relatively affordable cost of living. 

Bank of America and Truist are headquartered in Charlotte, making it the second-biggest banking hub in the U.S. outside of New York City. But unlike New York, residents can buy a home for just $409,000 in Charlotte — about 7% less than the U.S. median of $438,000.

Meanwhile, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle that attracts firms, such as IBM and Cisco, to the area with its highly qualified workforce. Professional opportunities are made even more appealing when paired with attainable home prices. The median home price in Raleigh is $441,000 — just above the U.S. median of $438,000.

Jobs have attracted tech workers, young professionals, and families to the area, leading to rapid growth. But unlike other major metros, new residents are welcomed with Southern hospitality that makes it easier to feel a sense of community. 

Despite a slower pace of life, there's no shortage of things to do in these cities, which can be enjoyed without the crowds and expense of amenities in other major metros. 

Charlotte and Raleigh are home to several parks and trails that are great for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. For those who want to experience more of the state's natural beauty, mountains and beaches are each just a few hours away by car. 

Both cities also have cool artist communities, intense athletic rivalries, and a tasty food scene with everything from craft breweries to mouthwatering barbecue.

Prettiest Cities

Americans love Florida and California for their sunshine and warm weather, but Americans can look past a drizzly forecast — naming Seattle the prettiest city in the U.S.

Although the rain could make Seattle feel dreary to some, it only adds to the city's natural beauty. When other cities go brown and bare, Seattle stays lush and green all year. 

Few cities blend urban vistas and natural beauty as well as Seattle. The view from Kerry Park, which overlooks the skyline with Mount Rainier in the background, is one of the most photographed cityscapes in the U.S.

Seattle offers easy access to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park, which are just a few hours away by car. But there's stunning natural beauty in the city itself. The Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington are picturesque waterways that are also great for outdoor recreation.

Ugliest Cities

While some cities are famous for beautiful beaches or mountains, Detroit is better known for its factories and smokestacks. 

Built as an auto manufacturing hub, Detroit's development focused on production, leaving less room for parks, green spaces, and natural features. 

When the auto industry started to decline, residents lost jobs and left the city en masse. The exodus left visible scars: vacant homes, crumbling roads, and deteriorating factories.

Although downtown Detroit has been revitalized, development has not been evenly maintained, and some neighborhoods remain in a state of urban decay.

Cities With the Nicest Residents

The South continues to have a strong reputation for being a welcoming and friendly area, with six cities from this region on the list. 

Residents of Charlotte and Nashville are considered the nicest — a trait that likely contributed to their rankings as the most underrated and most desirable cities, respectively.

Although Southern cities dominate this list, metros from the West, Pacific Northwest, and Northeast are also included — proving that niceness isn't just a Southern specialty. In fact, residents of other countries consider all Americans as some of the friendliest people in the world. 

Friendliness can thrive in various settings. However, it seems to flourish in midsize cities rather than ultra large urban centers. Midsize metros provide big-city amenities while fostering a sense of community through tight-knit neighborhoods — making them more approachable to newcomers.

Cities With the Rudest Residents

New York is renowned for many things, including its  iconic landmarks, Broadway shows, delicious pizza, and notoriously impolite residents.

The stereotype has existed as far back as 1774, when John Adams wrote: "I have not seen one real gentleman, one well-bred man, since I came to town." 

Today, Americans believe New Yorkers' behavior is getting even worse. About 48% of Americans think New Yorkers are among the rudest residents in the country — up from 40% a year ago.  

Daily noise, long lines, and throngs of tourists can grate on locals' nerves and lead to short fuses and sharp tongues. There's little room for pleasantries, and nothing but a no-nonsense way of communicating will do. If you're standing still on the sidewalk or blocking the subway, expect a comment — or a shove.

Cities With the Most Delusional Residents

New York City residents insist there's nowhere better to live. After all, the city is the epicenter of finance, media, culture, and technology.

But the Big Apple has more than a few rotten spots. The city is noisy, crowded, and struggles with public safety. Homelessness is also rampant thanks to sky-high housing costs. 

With the median home costing $765,000, many residents are forced to rent. 

When New Yorkers are paying more than $3,000 a month for a studio apartment and sharing a packed subway train with sweaty summer tourists, it may help to believe they're living in the "greatest city in the world."

Some New York residents may question their life choices, but more than 1 in 7 Americans (15%) would live somewhere, flaws and all, just to post about it on social media.

Cities Most on the Rise

Nashville is already considered the most desirable city, but Americans think its star is rising even higher. 

The metro area has experienced significant growth in recent years, and by 2030, the population is projected to reach 1.42 million — a nearly 7% increase from today's total. 

In addition to its year-round entertainment options, Americans have flocked to Nashville because of its surging economy. More than 600,000 jobs have been created there since 1990, especially with corporate giants, such as Amazon and Oracle, investing heavily in the city.

A real estate boom ensued to accommodate all the new residents. Although the median home price in Nashville is $470,000, compared to $438,000 nationwide, housing is still more affordable than in other major metros, such as New York ($765,000), Los Angeles ($905,000), or Denver ($600,000).

Cities Most in Decline

More than 1 in 4 Americans (27%) say former boomtown San Francisco is now a bust.

The reasons for its decline in popularity aren't hard to trace. Soaring home prices have made it nearly impossible for middle-income families to live in the city. With the typical home costing $1.55 million, a household earning the median income would be more than $288,000 short of a 20% down payment for a median-priced home. 

Unaffordable housing has led to an ongoing homelessness crisis that exists alongside a drug epidemic that has led to more crime. In response to increasing break-ins, Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Target, and Walgreens have since closed stores in the downtown area. 

The drop in the quality of life has scared away more than just retailers. The city's population has declined by more than 31,000 people since 2020. 

Rounding out the list alongside San Francisco are Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago — all major economic powerhouses struggling with high living costs, rising crime, homelessness, and political dysfunction. 

Their high profiles draw media attention and public scrutiny, shaping perceptions of those who live there. More than 1 in 3 Americans (32%) say they make assumptions about people's finances based on the cost of living in their city, and 1 in 4 Americans (26%) believe people who move to expensive cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C., are irresponsible with their money.

Most Boring Cities

Alabama isn't a state known for its thrills, but Birmingham stands out — as the most boring city in the country, according to Americans. 

Birmingham lacks the youthful, college-town energy of Tuscaloosa or the natural beauty of Gulf Shores. The city is full of Civil Rights history, but Americans don't seem to think it has much modern appeal. 

Like many cities in the South, Birmingham may be unfairly associated with stereotypes about being slow paced and uneventful. 

Birmingham may not have the same draw as New Orleans or Nashville, but it does have its advantages. The city has a lower cost of living and more affordable homes, with the median residence costing $315,000 — about 28% lower than the U.S. median of $438,000.

Quirkiest Cities

Nearly one-third of Americans (31%) think San Francisco is the quirkiest city in America — a badge of honor residents will wear with pride. 

Being offbeat is practically a civic duty in San Francisco. The city has a long history of advocating for the acceptance of alternative lifestyles — playing a pivotal role in the counterculture hippie movement of the 1960s and the Pride movement that started in the 1970s. 

Today, self-expression is encouraged. Residents are loud and proud about their identities every day but especially during parades, protests, and festivals that happen year-round. Events, such as Bay to Breakers and the Folsom Street Fair, celebrate outrageous costumes, nudity, and general weirdness that make this city unique.

That distinctive spirit is woven into the city itself. San Francisco is quirky by design, with offbeat neighborhoods such as Haight-Ashbury and the Mission District celebrating the city's eccentricities. Even a more mainstream area like Silicon Valley is built on startups that disrupt the status quo.

State Rankings by Category

State	Most Desirable	Most Underrated	State You'd Move to With an Unlimited Budget	State You'd Move to if You Were Financially Struggling	Quirkiest Residents	Least Desirable	Most Boring
Alabama	41	33	34	1	16	2	6
Alaska	22	6	19	27	2	4	16
Arizona	10	15	8	17	19	14	21
Arkansas	39	22	35	2	15	8	4
California	2	43	3	42	1	1	29
Colorado	6	5	4	31	12	24	32
Connecticut	23	17	27	42	30	32	18
Delaware	36	8	24	34	20	30	12
Florida	1	39	2	11	6	5	47
Georgia	13	20	14	7	36	32	40
Hawaii	3	32	1	48	18	27	50
Idaho	39	25	39	13	22	20	2
Illinois	32	43	36	39	27	16	26
Indiana	42	35	45	23	39	42	15
Iowa	47	37	50	10	27	28	1
Kansas	49	46	48	18	41	34	10
Kentucky	23	23	25	6	27	19	31
Louisiana	44	48	42	21	8	12	45
Maine	14	3	16	40	26	47	39
Maryland	32	26	33	45	48	46	43
Massachusetts	20	36	20	50	33	38	48
Michigan	26	34	36	38	46	38	42
Minnesota	35	29	40	41	35	37	34
Mississippi	50	50	47	4	32	6	23
Missouri	43	37	43	20	47	44	25
Montana	15	4	13	26	44	48	23
Nebraska	48	42	49	29	40	36	8
Nevada	21	40	21	37	14	41	46
New Hampshire	29	28	31	44	44	49	36
New Jersey	29	47	28	48	13	11	37
New Mexico	34	30	30	33	23	28	30
New York	5	49	11	46	2	3	40
North Carolina	7	10	5	19	50	50	49
North Dakota	46	45	46	25	41	16	7
Ohio	26	24	41	14	41	22	16
Oklahoma	45	41	44	22	34	16	11
Oregon	12	13	12	35	5	22	28
Pennsylvania	19	20	23	32	36	43	33
Rhode Island	37	9	25	47	25	40	22
South Carolina	11	19	9	12	49	44	44
South Dakota	38	30	38	14	31	25	9
Tennessee	8	6	6	5	36	21	38
Texas	4	26	10	7	11	7	35
Utah	25	17	22	24	4	10	5
Vermont	17	1	15	30	10	35	19
Virginia	18	11	17	16	24	30	27
Washington	9	14	7	35	7	13	20
West Virginia	29	15	32	3	9	8	14
Wisconsin	26	11	29	27	17	25	12
Wyoming	16	2	18	9	21	15	3

Most Underrated States

Americans are well aware of Florida's beaches, Colorado's mountains, and California's redwood forests. But plenty of other states quietly rival these popular destinations with their unique landscapes, activities, and charm. 

Americans say Vermont shouldn't be overlooked, naming it the most underrated state in the U.S.

Vermont may lack big-city energy, but its charming small towns offer a more peaceful way of life and don't come with the crowds, traffic, and overdevelopment of more well-known destinations.

What Vermont lacks in urban hustle and bustle, it makes up for in natural beauty. Rolling green mountains and vibrant fall foliage make Vermont stunning year-round and a great place for skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. 

Vermont proves that small states can still have big appeal — a trait shared by many states in the Northeast. The region is home to four states — Vermont, Maine, Delaware, and Rhode Island — that Americans say are the most underrated. 

States You'd Move to With an Unlimited Budget

If cost weren't a factor, Americans would most want to live in Hawaii. The island's appeal is obvious: year-round warm weather, white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and a wide range of outdoor activities, including surfing and hiking. 

But paradise doesn't come cheap, and Americans would need every bit of their unlimited budget. Hawaii is routinely ranked as the most expensive state, with the cost of living nearly 87% higher than the U.S. average.

Interestingly, only three states on this list — Hawaii, California, and Washington — are in the top 10 most expensive places to live based on the cost of living. 

Even when there are no financial constraints, Americans prioritize states that offer the best quality of life. Many desirable states feature warm weather, friendly people, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation, with the added bonus of also having a low cost of living. 

States You'd Move to If You Were Financially Struggling

The most affordable areas in the U.S. are rooted primarily in the South and Midwest, where housing and living expenses are typically lower. 

Many states in those regions are considered affordable, but nearly 1 in 3 Americans (30%) say they'd move to Alabama if they were struggling financially. 

Alabama is a solid choice, where the cost of living is 12% less than the U.S. average. In addition, the median home costs just $290,000, compared to the U.S. average of $438,000.

Alabama is an affordable state, but it's not the most affordable. West Virginia actually has the lowest cost of living, which is 16% less than the U.S. average. 

Meanwhile, the median home price of $248,000 in West Virginia costs about 43% less than the median U.S. price and can be purchased affordably on the average salary. Its property taxes ($1,188) are also 3x lower than the national average, while its homeowners insurance premiums ($840) are 4x lower than average.

Yet even when faced with financial hardships, Americans don't automatically choose the cheapest option without considering lifestyle factors, such as weather, job opportunities, and cultural events.

Although these more affordable states make it easier for Americans to live within their means, it sometimes requires sacrificing exciting amenities associated with more expensive areas. In fact, four states on this list — Alabama, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Iowa — are also considered some of the most boring.

That's not something all Americans are willing to do. Nearly 1 in 4 respondents (22%) would move to their dream location even if they couldn't afford it.

Most Boring States

Rural states that are sparsely populated and heavily agricultural are considered the most boring. Of those, Iowa stands out as the most dull, according to Americans. 

With the state's limited representation in pop culture and national media, most Americans picture Iowa as a land of farms, tractors, and endless cornfields — an image that's not entirely off base. 

Unlike other states that feature mountains, beaches, canyons, and dramatic landscapes, Iowa is flat. That makes the land great for agriculture but reinforces the state's reputation as a boring place for nature lovers or adventure seekers. 

Iowa also lacks nationally known, bucket list destinations, such as New York and Los Angeles, that are associated with exciting landmarks, cultural attractions, and entertainment. 

For a brief moment, Caitlin Clark was must-see entertainment at the University of Iowa, captivating audiences from across the country and giving Iowa a thrilling break from its boring reputation. Now that she’s graduated, though, there are few events there that draw national interest.

Despite the boring stereotype, Iowa has thriving college towns, a vibrant arts scene, affordable housing, and low crime rates. Iowans know their state is 75% vowels, 100% awesome.

Quirkiest States

From coast to coast, the U.S. is full of big personalities. Floridians make headlines for all the wrong reasons. Minnesotans are weirdly nice. New Yorkers talk fast and never stop. 

But Americans think the quirkiest state is California, which is also home to America's quirkiest city — San Francisco. 

California is a wild mix of Silicon Valley billionaires, fitness junkies, celebrities, surfers, and laid-back bohemians. California embraces them all, but with such a diverse group of individuals in a confined space, there's no shortage of reality show-level drama. 

Like California, America's quirkiness can come in many forms. 

From Alaska's rugged survivalists to Oregon's granola hippies, these wildly different personalities show that being “quirky” in America can mean anything from living off the land to launching a startup — or doing both at the same time.

Methodology

The proprietary data featured in this study comes from an online survey commissioned by Clever Offers. One thousand American adults were surveyed from July 3 to 5, 2025. Each respondent answered 25 questions related to where they live, which areas of the U.S. they prefer, and what they believe makes a city or state desirable.

In addition, we examined migration data from the U.S. Census at the state and metro level to determine which states and cities Americans are moving in and out of.

About Clever Offers

Clever Offers is a platform that empowers sellers who need to sell quickly or for cash to compare their options and make informed decisions. Clever Offers' free service connects sellers with vetted cash buyers and top local realtors, allowing them to evaluate traditional cash offers alongside options such as cash offers with a second payment upon resale, listing on the MLS for as little as seven days, and standard open-market listings.

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