Ah, the age-old question! Where should you plant your flag? Forget spreadsheets and cost calculators. We’re going deeper, weirder. Choosing a new state is less about statistics, more about your soul, snack preferences, and tolerance for certain kinds of folks.
Forget the Sunshine, Embrace the Peculiar
Everyone talks about moving for sunshine. But what if you secretly love a good blizzard? What if shoveling snow just sparks joy? Don't let weather-obsessed masses sway you. Maybe you belong where the sun takes a vacation, like in Washington or parts of Maine. Embrace the grey! It makes sunny days feel like a party.
And jobs? Please. Unless your dream job is 'professional beach bum' in Florida or 'expert cheese taster' in Wisconsin, don't let careers dictate your destiny. You can find work anywhere. You can't find you just anywhere.
Here’s my unpopular, yet enlightened opinion: Pick your state based on the deliciousness you simply cannot live without. Are you a devoted breakfast connoisseur, dreaming in syrup and bacon? Then Vermont for maple or New York for bagel brilliance might call. Or perhaps you follow the taco truck, meaning California or Texas is written on your heart in salsa.
Rule Number One: If you can't easily find your favorite comfort food, you are not truly comfortable. Your state should feel like a warm hug, preferably one that smells faintly of your preferred cuisine.
Maps reveal the places that Americans want to move to the most - Vivid Maps
Consider the humble sandwich. Are you a hero sub person, dreaming of delis in New Jersey? Or a hot brown enthusiast, eyeing Kentucky? This isn't just about eating; it’s about identity. It’s about feeling at home amongst people who understand that sacred bond to regional specialties.
The Vibe Check: Who Are Your People?
Beyond food, think about the general energy. Are you a go-go-go type, thriving on hustle and bustle? Then Massachusetts or Illinois, with vibrant cityscapes, could be your jam. Or perhaps a slow-and-steady soul, preferring wide-open spaces and a gentle pace? Then Montana or Wyoming might offer the quiet grandeur you crave. States aren't just places; they're personalities.
Top 10 States To Move To In 2020 at Jason Lindstrom blog
Do you like to chat with everyone, or prefer polite nods and personal space? In the South, find folks who love a good porch chat, especially in Georgia or South Carolina. Out West, say in Colorado, you might bond over mountains and adventure, with less small talk. Every state has a default for human interaction.
The Final, Unscientific Conclusion
So, which state should you move to? It’s not the one with lowest taxes or most job openings. It’s where your stomach feels happy, your soul feels understood, and local quirks make you smile. Maybe it's where they put green chile on everything (hello, New Mexico!). Or where everyone owns a boat (looking at you, Michigan!).
Don't overthink it. Close your eyes, picture your ideal Saturday. Where could that Saturday happen with least fuss and most joy? A specific coffee shop? A particular sunset? The sound of waves or rustle of cornfields? Your gut (and taste buds) already knows the answer. Listen carefully. And maybe pack stretchy pants, just in case.