In our mobile society, there are more possibilities than ever before for where to reside. Businesses seeking to hire qualified employees are aware of this, especially in cases when there are many more available positions than there are people to fill them. For this reason, people take quality of life into account while choosing a location.
It’s also taken into account in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business rating of state business climates. The Quality of Life category accounts for 13% of a state’s overall score based on the approach used this year.
Based on several factors, such as the availability of child care, crime rates, air quality, and access to healthcare, each state is assigned a livability rating. Labor rights and legislative protections against discrimination in any form are also included.
Based on these crucial elements, as an example, we can take realtors in Indianapolis who can offer advice to individuals looking for real estate possibilities.
These states do not seem to turn a blind eye toward possible fresh talent, unlike some other states. With the highest standard of living, they are truly living it up.
New York
Yes, you read correctly. According to Oxfam America, although the Empire State isn’t ideal, workers are given a lot of protections by state law. This includes the ability to organize almost unhindered, a minimum wage of $15, which is almost double the federal minimum, and the flexibility for wealthier communities to choose their own minimum pay.
All New Yorkers benefit from robust anti-discrimination protections, including one of the most extensive public accommodations statutes in the country.
However, there are issues. As per the latest FBI full-year figures, there was a modest rise in crime in 2022, and for the first time since 2015, violent crime surpassed the national average. Furthermore, the state seriously lacks affordable child care options. According to Child Care Aware of America, a married couple with a median salary should budget close to 15% for child care. Despite having a population of around 20 million, New York only has 4,200 licensed child care centers.
2024 Life Score Quality: 211 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B)
Strengths: Worker Protections, Inclusiveness, Reproductive Rights
Weaknesses: Child Care, Air Quality
New Hampshire
The Granite State is unbeatable if you want excellent healthcare and safe streets. The state’s crime rate in 2022 was remarkably low, with only 1,700 violent offenses and 25 homicides recorded throughout the entire state.
The United Health Foundation claims that New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the union. The state boasts one of the lowest rates of premature death, with over 90% of inhabitants having a specialized healthcare practitioner.
Voting rights are restricted, nevertheless. As per the Center for Election Innovation and Research, New Hampshire is among the mere three states that prohibit early voting. To cast their ballot by mail, individuals must furnish a valid reason.
2024 Quality of Life Index: B; Top States Grade: 211 out of 325
Strengths: Health care, crime, and inclusivity
Weakness: The right to vote
Massachusetts
The Bay State ranks closely behind New Hampshire to be the second-healthiest state in America, with 322 primary care providers per 100,000 population, the most in the country, and the lowest percentage of uninsured residents.
Workers in Massachusetts are entitled to some of the best protections in the country, including paid family and sick leave, which are among the best in New England.
Even though it’s easily accessible, child care costs for these professionals amount to more than 14% of a married couple’s typical salary. Another persistent problem in the state is air pollution, which causes high levels of particulate matter in almost one-third of the state, according to First Street Foundation.
2024 Quality of Life Index: B; Top States Grade: 211 out of 325
Strengths: Reproductive rights, voting rights, worker protections, and health
Weaknesses: Air quality, child care
Hawaii
The Aloha State is still America’s paradise, and Hawaiians’ reverence for the environment is unrivaled. Air quality is pristine.
But as child care has become increasingly important to working families nationwide, the state is not keeping up. In a state where practically everything is expensive, a married couple with a median income can expect to spend 18% of it on child care — easily the highest in the nation.
But crime is low, worker protections are strong, and Hawaii is one of the healthiest states in the nation. Only Idaho has a lower rate of preventable hospitalizations.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 222 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B+)
Strengths: Health, Air Quality, Crime
Weakness: Child Care
Oregon
Elections expert Michael Pomante of the States United Democracy Institute claims that Oregon is the state with the smoothest voting procedures. According to the Center for Public Integrity, Oregon was holding mail-in votes long before the pandemic, with virtually no fraud.
With 1,372 licensed child care facilities for its 4.2 million residents, the Beaver State provides child care availability comparable to the national average. Families can take advantage of the many high-quality care alternatives available in Oregon to make sure their children are well-supported during their early years, even if child care costs in the state account for around 15% of the typical income for a married couple.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 226 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B+)
Strengths: Reproductive Rights, Voting Rights, Inclusiveness
Weaknesses: Child Care, Crime
Indiana
In addition to having a competitive minimum wage, Indiana has robust worker safeguards such as paid sick leave and workplace safety regulations. The state takes great satisfaction in having clean water and air, which enhances the overall quality of the environment. Additionally, Indiana has extensive anti-discrimination laws, guaranteeing equity for all citizens.
Indiana is actively attempting to enhance its child care system, just like many other states. The state has over 2,000 approved child care facilities and a population of almost seven million. Although the expense of child care can account for 15% of a married couple’s median income, legislators are working to improve accessibility and affordability. If you’re thinking about moving to Indiana, you can explore the best realtors here.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 230 out of 325 points (Top States Grade: B+)
Strengths: Inclusiveness, Worker Protections, Voting Rights
Weaknesses: Crime
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Diana Robinson.
