Best Places to Live in 2026
Not everyone values the same things. We re-weight our 11 scoring categories for each lifestyle to show you which states truly fit your priorities. Every ranking uses real government data.
Best for Families
Best states for raising kids
Best for Retirees
Best states for retirement
Best for Remote Workers
Best states for working remotely
Best for Young Professionals
Best states for career growth
Best for Small Business
Best states for entrepreneurs
Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Best states for outdoor living
How Persona Rankings Work
Each persona applies different weights to the same 11 categories (economy, safety, health, education, fiscal health, growth, affordability, environment, outdoor access, transportation, livability). For example, families prioritize education and safety while retirees prioritize fiscal health and healthcare. The underlying data is identical — only the weights change. See full methodology →