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I read the same list and it sounded very accurate to me. Not many people relocate to Vermont because of the harsh winters.
Hawaii is an expensive relo. So the people there, in HI and VT, are generally from there and have roots there.
Notably absent from the list, if I remember correctly, were states like California and New York. Too many people think that they will find happiness in those states, or endure high taxes and a high cost of living because they are from there, and think it's the center of the universe.
The Sunbelt didn't show up at all. No South or North Carolina, Florida, or Georgia,
No Texas. No shock here.
States that made a showing did not surprise. Places that value education, with deep values of community combined with an open minded attitude towards people who are different.
Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts come to mind. Some great educational institutions and an adherence to the values of the individual and the rights of the worker.
I can see North Dakota taking a nose dive in some of the criteria used for judging. Pollution, crime and even access to healthcare are all turning for the worse. Affordable living is available on the eastern side but nowhere close to the Bakken. Of course ND isn't good to women with their new abortion laws either.
IMO, a state's QOL is inversely proportional to the number of giant serpents that are slithering unchecked through it's backyards and devouring gas-grills, dogs and children.
However, you must remember that these rankings, like my opinion, are purely subjective in nature.
I'm sure Vermont would be a nice place to live if you were a lumberjack and were guaranteed of employment opportunities. But in all seriousness, I never put much credence into these lists. Everything is subjective.
I agree with Hawaii being on the list, perfect weather and beaches, beautiful scenery, nice people, lots to do and plenty of culture. I read somewhere that Hawaii is the most diverse state. But I can understand people not wanting to live there because it costs so much, is always warm, is far away, etc. But everyone there is so relazed. They don't care about living in a small house because they are outside for most of the year, and most people in Hawaii are very close to their family and soend lots of time with them-it is a cultural thing.
Vermont, I can see why it is on the list too. It may have harsh weather, but is beautiful and great for those who love winter activities and 4 seasons. It is a bit remote, but being somewhere quiet and close to nature has its benefits too.
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