What is the best state to live in?

[AdamRice]

This is meant to be a serious discussion. What do you guys think is the best state to live in based on plethora of characteristics...

Climate
Economy
Cost of living
Religious distribution
Population density
Race Distribution

I've often wondered what really is the best state to live in if you were to analyize all the characteristics that go into deciding if something is good or bad.

For example, I live in Michigan right now and I would not say that it is the best state to be a resident of.
It has some good points, I love the summers here, it's not too crowed, and the cost of living is reasonable. There are too many natural disasters either and it's easy to get from place to place. And you won't find too many religious extremists here like the bible beaters down in Texas that hate you if you aren't an active member of a christian religion.

However I can't stand the cold winters and all the damage and rusting it brings to your cars. Michigan absolutely rapes vehicles and I'm no longer a fan of cold weather. Not to mention our economy is really bad right now and we have a high unemployment rate.

So what do you guys think is the best state and explain why.

:hopes that my topic doesn't suffer from zero replies.

[AdamRice]

Correction
When I was talking about natural disasters I meant to say that Michigan does not have many.

[Ravariel]

Euphoria.

But seriously:

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote: It has some good points, I love the summers here,

Winters anywhere north of Cadillac are pure shit, though, easily outweighing the kickass summer weather we usually get.

it's not too crowed,

True.

and the cost of living is reasonable.

>_>;;;

$7-1500/month for a 1-bedroom apt is reasonable? Not that Ann Arbor is indicative of the rest of the State...

And you won't find too many religious extremists here like the bible beaters down in Texas that hate you if you aren't an active member of a christian religion.

Wow, you need to get around Michigan more. Seriously... I saw a "You might be from Michigan if..." thing a while back and one of them was "The number of bars in your town is equalled only by the number of churches."

Take a gander through the Howell/Brighton/Pinkney area (HQ of the Mich. chapter of the KKK). Believe me, we've got our share.

hopes that my topic doesn't suffer from zero replies.

Meh, I've been having that problem myself. Apparently destruction of evidence in a national investigation, the ins and outs of an objective moral system, and the various views of suicide aren't good enough topics for the folk here... but partisan flamewars easily reach 3-5+ pages.

...I'm not bitter...

[fahrenheit]

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote: This is meant to be a serious discussion. What do you guys think is the best state to live in based on plethora of characteristics...

Well, lets visit our ol friend state master for the statistics.

Climate

This is up to your own opinion, but in mine I believe WA is the best because it has the mixture of heavy rain and heavy sun light.

Economy

Delaware with $64,609.90 per capita

Cost of living

Texas has the lowest tax burden.

Religious distribution

No idea.

Population density

Alaska (which is pretty obvious).

Race Distribution

Either New York or California.

So what do you guys think is the best state and explain why.

I'm going to go with the biased report and say my home state WA.

No natural disasters (besides earth quakes), has a big variety of geography like mountains, ocean, even arid dry climate in the east. Theres a big farming area, and a big metropoline(sp) area.

The downside is that its not very diverse, and the cost of living is somewhat expensive.

[cellardoor6]

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote:

Religious distribution

?

Population density

?

Race Distribution

?

Those are dumb criteria.

[AdamRice]

At 4/15/07 11:51 PM, cellardoor6 wrote:

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote:

Those are dumb criteria.

Why are they dumb? I would certainly factor the religous and ethnic diversity of an area into a living decision. Maybe you wouldn't, but I would.

[Ravariel]

At 4/15/07 11:51 PM, cellardoor6 wrote:

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote:

Religious distribution

?

Population density

?

Race Distribution

?

Those are dumb criteria.

Why? Religious diversity is a good thing, as is racial/cultural. And some folk like things urban, others like them rural (directly related to pop. density). These seem like fine criteria to me.

[Ravariel]

Jinx.

[Korriken]

Louisiana is the best state to live in. We got the best food, right no the gulf coast, it doesn't get very cold here, and seafood is cheap. (our education system sucks, but thats besides the point)

[Altarus]

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote: This is meant to be a serious discussion. What do you guys think is the best state to live in based on plethora of characteristics...

My choice is Texas.

Climate

The winters in Texas are very mild. The heat is only unbearable if you spend a lot of time working outdoors.

Economy

If Texas was a nation (which it should be), its economy would rank 10th in the world. People here make a good amount of money compared to other states. Overall, our economy is in good condition.

Also, no state income tax :D

Cost of living

The cost of living in Texas is well below the nation average. Overall, the cost of living is extremely low here. In addition, there are no personal income or inheritance taxes.

Religious distribution

A church on every corner, and that is a good thing IMO.

Population density

uhh.. 79.6 persons per square mile..? The vast majority of Texans live in large cities with very dense populations. Imbetween the major cities, the population is sparse.

Race Distribution

Texas is diverse racially. It is one of the few states where the majority of the population is non-white.

And you won't find too many religious extremists here like the bible beaters down in Texas that hate you if you aren't an active member of a christian religion.

This is not a fair statement. Texas has the friendliest people in the US, and I have never been mistreated for not going to church. I believe we are one of the more tolerant states.

However I can't stand the cold winters and all the damage and rusting it brings to your cars. Michigan absolutely rapes vehicles and I'm no longer a fan of cold weather. Not to mention our economy is really bad right now and we have a high unemployment rate.

Solution: move to Texas.

[yodd]

At 4/16/07 12:16 AM, Korriken wrote: Louisiana is the best state to live in. We got the best food

Now I feel like some cajun chicken.

[Altarus]

At 4/16/07 12:16 AM, Korriken wrote: Louisiana is the best state to live in. We got the best food, right no the gulf coast, it doesn't get very cold here, and seafood is cheap. (our education system sucks, but thats besides the point)

Ahh.. good choice. I visit Louisiana quite a bit.

[Imperator]

$7-1500/month for a 1-bedroom apt is reasonable? Not that Ann Arbor is indicative of the rest of the State...

My buddy at State is paying half that. Fuckin Spartans.....

Ann Arbor real estate sucks because the realtors know that students can only take what is within walking distance to campus. Thus, everything within is no less than $600, while everything on the outskirts and town itself is more moderately priced around $300.

I don't have a car, so I really don't have a choice but to pay the same bullshit rates you posted above....

Wow, you need to get around Michigan more. Seriously... I saw a "You might be from Michigan if..." thing a while back and one of them was "The number of bars in your town is equalled only by the number of churches."

You see the "God hates gays" guy on the Diag a while back? he was a character too!
Adam won't get that kind of exposure till he gets on a college campus though. old age and wisdom are bliss sometimes.... ;)

Why? Religious diversity is a good thing, as is racial/cultural. And some folk like things urban, others like them rural (directly related to pop. density). These seem like fine criteria to me.

Then the three Michiganders are in agreement (I agree as well). Just leave Cell to his idiotic ways.....hehehehe.....

I'm partial to California. I've got more than one friend out there now, and one who recently visited. From what I hear (and already know), it's got it all. Hot chicks, good weather, decent economy, diversity, religious "freedom".

Some areas are denser than others (I prefer Big City livin), and the cost of living fucking sucks, but you also get paid decently. The same $7/hr job in the Mitten pays like $14 in Cali. Of course, the $350 apt is $900 in Cali too.....

But mainly the hot chicks......Michigan seems slim pickins compared to some other states.....

BTW: (and only slightly related to the topic)

Uni of Wisconsin campus is fuckin NICE! Sweet lookin campus, with beautiful waterfront scenery too. Just got back from there after some business (breakin competition). But the people there are friggin HUGE! Even the ladies are 7ft tall......friggin farmboys and girls, the whole lot of em.....

The night life there sucks too. WAY too many drunks, WAY too rowdie. They make U of M Friday nights look like academic symposiums by comparisons of civility......definitely not something I'd like to experience on a regular basis.....glad I'm a WOLVERINE!

[Ravariel]

At 4/16/07 01:16 AM, Imperator wrote: Ann Arbor real estate sucks because the realtors know that students can only take what is within walking distance to campus. Thus, everything within is no less than $600, while everything on the outskirts and town itself is more moderately priced around $300.

Eeeeh, the outskirts are catching up (especially now that McKinley's got their monopoly charge well onward with the Apt complexes. I got a deal with a (large-ish) 2-bedroom just east of Carpenter for $620/mo. Once my roomie's fiancee moves in, the 3-way split'll be VERY nice.

But mainly the hot chicks......Michigan seems slim pickins compared to some other states.....

Word to that... though every spring, the hot ones do seem to come out of hiding for a while ;-P

[ForkRobotik]

I'm giving my vote to Hawaii, even though i'm not an american citizen. Hawaii is great because of the climate, and the fact that most of hte people there are living in tar and paper shacks. If they can manage to survive, surely anyone can.. So if you move there, you can live on the beach for free, and pick fruit for food, and prolly make necklaces or some shit with shells and beads and sell them for like 10 bucks a pop to dumb asian tourists.

[kitty-and-meander]

Your all wrong. The best state to live in is the one I live in, Big Sky county, I'm talking about MONTANA.

Living here is very cheap, it's the 4th largest state in America and still manages to have under one million people. Minimum wage is $6.15 and rent is so cheap thats all you need!

As for racial diversion, all we have really is whites and native Americans. Very little of the state is black or asian etc., I'm not sure why.

As for climate, thats a bit pesky. Really we only have too seasons here. The first is winter and the other is summer. In the winter it gets to about -40. It averages to about -20 - 15 degrees Farenheit on a normal day. But the summer, the place is just BEAUTIFUL and the temperature is about 75 - 110. No humity, ever. You get used to it.

So really, Montana is the best.

[cellardoor6]

At 4/16/07 03:58 AM, kitty-and-meander wrote:

So really, Montana is the best.

I'd shoot myself if I lived in Montana.

[DevourerJay]

ok, souding racist... what ever state that the least black & beaners (im hispanic so its not racist)
now being loyal... New York... if you can make it there, you'd make it ANYWHERE... now tell me of another state that can teach you that...

[psycho-squirrel]

nevada, california, or arizona

[IllustriousPotentate]

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote: This is meant to be a serious discussion. What do you guys think is the best state to live in based on plethora of characteristics...

Georgia, and not just because I'm from there.

Climate

Mild winters, warm summers. It's like Florida, only slightly cooler in the winter and a bit warmer in the summer. Spring is beautiful, and Fall is simply gorgeous.

Economy

--11th for economic growth
--10th in Gross State Product
--9th in Employment

Cost of living

--27th on home costs

Religious distribution

Take your pick. If you want diversity, there's plenty in and near Atlanta. If you want to live with like minded people, any small town in South Georgia will suit you.

Population density

You can choose from living in a 40 story building with thousands of your closest neighbors, or have to drive to get to your neighbors.

Race Distribution

Georgia is a very diverse state.
White persons, percent, 2005 (a) 66.1%
Black persons, percent, 2005 (a) 29.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2005 (a) 0.3%
Asian persons, percent, 2005 (a) 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2005 (a) 0.1%
Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2005 1.0%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2005 (b) 7.1%
White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2005 59.6%

So what do you guys think is the best state and explain why.

Our population grew by 10.8% 2000-2005, the 4th highest, behind Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. So I can't be the only person thinking that Georgia is the place to live.

[AntiSkeptic]

montana because atheism is a crime

[Vaebn]

At 4/16/07 03:40 PM, AntiSkeptic wrote: montana because atheism is a crime

Like in Afghanistan... under the Taliban that is.

What a coincidence.

[dySWN]

The best state to live in is denial.

[SouthAsian]

Virginia.

Or commonly pronounced by rednecks.

Vaginia.

[defaultshub82]

Personally, I'd have to go with Ohio.
The summers are still nice, and the winters aren't as bad as Michigan's (unless you're in Cleveland with the lake effect snow and whatnot).

Ohio can be accostumate to any lifestle you want. Want to live out in the country? Ohio has it. Want to live in a populated city? Ohio has it. Want to live inbetween the two? Ohio has it.

As far as population, as long as you're not in Columbus, Cincinatti or Cleveland, it's pretty spaced out (we also have a nice selection of boonies if you like the country life style). Ohio is very racially diverse in the urban/suburban areas, but no so much in the country (Newark, for example). We also have a lot of religious diversity, with out too many zealots shoving pamphlets down your throat.

Ohio pretty much offers everything.

[SyntheticTacos]

Hard to pick a state because depending on where you are in the state, it can be very different. For example, in Georgia, Atlanta is totally different from the rest of the state, just like NYC is totally different from anywhere else in the state, right?

[IllustriousPotentate]

At 4/16/07 09:15 PM, SyntheticTacos wrote: Hard to pick a state because depending on where you are in the state, it can be very different. For example, in Georgia, Atlanta is totally different from the rest of the state, just like NYC is totally different from anywhere else in the state, right?

I think that's another plus. You can live out on a farm and enjoy the rural life, yet live within a couple hours drive of a gamma world city. With the exception of northern Illinois, try that out in the midwest.

[emmytee]

At 4/16/07 06:37 PM, SouthAsian wrote: Virginia.

Absolute perfection. The name, the timing, everything.

[Alphabit]

Happiness.

But really... It's Queensland (Australia).

[Snerd]

At 4/15/07 11:38 PM, AdamRice wrote: This is meant to be a serious discussion. What do you guys think is the best state to live in based on plethora of characteristics...

Climate

During the summer, it gets hot as balls in North Carolina. It's like living in a cigar humidore for 4 or 5 months (May and September are typically warm here, too). We don't get much snow where I live and the snow we do get is not much. It only takes a few inches for the governor to step in and say something. It'd be nothing for you since you live in Michigan.

Economy

North Carolina pisses away money, then they levy all sorts of dumbass taxes. Sales tax is 7%, that's about average, but before we got Gov. Easley in 2000, it was 5%. If you move here, Easley will probably be gone, but he's one of the top incompetents in local government. We just got the lottery about a year ago and they've already had state officials resign due to corruption scandals. The public school system here gets money that should be spent in the classroom and flushes it down the toilet with ridiculous things such as, and I'm not kidding here, calling people from 10 miles away to come over and hang pictures.

Cost of living

We have one of the highest taxes on gasoline, yet, compared to other parts of the nation, it's fairly cheap here. I'm not too sure about the housing market here since I'm still at home, but I know it is fairly decent compared to other parts of the nation. Since there are a lot of farms, produce is cheaper and fresher. We also can get rather cheap seafood since it only takes a few hours to go to the coast from where I live. I don't know if you smoke (I don't), but cigarettes are really cheap here. We have one of the lowest taxes of tobacco here. People actually get arrested for coming down here to buy cigarettes so they can sell them for more in areas with higher tobacco prices.

Religious distribution

From wikipedia: Christian – 88%, Non-Religious – 11% (atheists, agnostics, and others), Other Religions – 1% (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism). Very Christian here. A lot of political issues are decided by the Bible. I don't know what your religion is, but it still isn't good for separation of church and state.

Population density

From wikipedia: 165 people per square mile. In 2000, North Carolina had 8,856,505 people.

Race Distribution

From wikipedia: In 2005 the racial make up was as follows: White-- 74.95%, Black-- 22.29%

And you won't find too many religious extremists here [in Michigan] like the bible beaters down in Texas that hate you if you aren't an active member of a christian religion.

If you want to stray away from that, you might not wanna move here. Maybe you wouldn't find too much of that in Raliegh or Charlotte, but where I live, you can't even say "goddamn" without big gasps from everyone.