The Best overall place to live in the US?? (low crime, pros and cons)

[Thunder Lake]

We are looking at Montana, Wyoming, and Bismark, ND! Is there anyone out there who would venture to say where is the best place to live, and work (modest income - money isnt everything) or start your own small business anywhere in the United States? This is the most helpful website I have ever found and everyone that is involved with this site is fantastic, the information you can gain is volumes but now I am confused. This is a huge move for us and we aren't spring chickens and we are not wealthy.
Thank you all in advance

[NYMTman]

Of the three locations you listed, they all have similar pros and cons regarding starting your own business. They all have low taxes, low crime rates, etc. The disadvantage of all three is that you're going to be isolated, and it's generally easier to start a business in a region with a reasonably large amount of people. My big problem with Bismark is that it's flat and ugly, to be honest. But that's subjective.

In this general area of the country, Spokane would be good as it is the inland NorthWest's largest city. Also Calgary (from what I hear) has a very strong business climate, but people tend to not think of Calgary since it's in Canada. Both Spokane and Calgary are affordable and have strong jobs markets.