CNBC/Realtor.com
For homebuyers seeking a great quality of life, states in the Midwest and along the East Coast offer the best prospects.
Vermont heads the list, according to a new study by CNBC (click on the “quality of life” column to sort).
The study ranked all 50 states based on 135 metrics in 10 broad categories of competitiveness to determine which ones offered the best quality of life for residents. The study incorporated data from a variety of sources to measure the states’ performance.
The top three states with the best quality of life are all located in the Northeast, with Maine and New Jersey following Vermont.
“States in the Midwest and Northeast have continued to draw buyer demand despite market softening overall,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor®.com. “The country’s hottest markets are concentrated in these regions which see buyer demand outpace supply.”
“Metro areas in the Northeast draw home shopper attention as buyers look for homes in areas that balance quality of life and access to job opportunities.”
1. Vermont
- June median list price: $523,750
- Median household income: $81,929
Vermont—known for its stunning rolling hills, lush forests, and Green Mountains—took the No. 1 spot in CNBC’s quality of life ranking. With a population of nearly 650,000, this state’s residents boast having a near-perfect balance of health, education, environment, and income/wealth.
In May 2025, Vermont’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.6%, which has remained steady, according to the Vermont Department of Labor.
Vermont is famous for its maple syrup production, with the state being the largest producer in the country. It also has a rich history with sites like the Bennington Battle Monument and Shelburne Museum. Vermont is one of the only states that doesn’t allow billboards along roadways—an effort to maintain the region’s natural beauty.
(Realtor.com)
2. Maine
- June median list price: $492,500
- Median household income: $75,202
Maine, playfully dubbed the “Pine Tree State,” secured second place when it came to quality of life. With a population of almost 1.5 million people, Maine offers stunning landscapes, rugged coastlines, and dense forests.
The state’s unemployment rate is 3.4%, according to the Maine Department of Labor. This rate is slightly lower than the previous month’s rate of 3.5%.
Acadia National Park is a major attraction, drawing tourists and locals year-round for a breath of fresh air. The state also plays host to widely known author Stephen King, whose novels are often set in Maine.
“Maine and Virginia were among the states that saw the most significant price growth in the U.S. in June. High demand keeps downward pressure on home supply and may continue to exacerbate affordability challenges in these states,” says Jones.
(Realtor.com)
3. New Jersey
- June median list price: $579,450
- Median household income: $99,357
New Jersey took third place in the rankings. The state offers a population of over 9.5 million people with a diverse range of attractions and charms. The state is particularly famous for its bustling Atlantic City boardwalk, casinos, and entertainment that rivals Las Vegas.
“North Jersey offers a rare trifecta of walkable town centers, top-rated public schools, and commute flexibility—midtown direct trains give buyers the ‘one-seat ride’ they crave,” says Nancy Chu, a North Jersey real estate agent.
“Towns like Montclair and Maplewood have a creative, artsy vibe with indie restaurants and cultural events, while places like Millburn/Short Hills offer a more traditional luxury suburb feel. For buyers, it’s about finding that sweet spot between city energy and suburban space.”
The unemployment rate in New Jersey is 4.8%, which remained unchanged in May, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor.
4. Minnesota
- June median list price: $399,950
- Median household income: $88,572
Minnesota’s nickname, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, reflects the state’s abundant freshwater bodies that span more than 10 acres. These lakes are central to Minnesota’s recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
The Minnesota unemployment rate was 3.3% in May 2025.
The state, which is home to more than 5 million people, is the birthplace of several notable individuals such as Prince, Bob Dylan, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland.
(Realtor.com)
5. Connecticut
- June median list price: $561,725
- Median household income: $95,392
Connecticut, with a population of over 3.5 million, has attracted many out-of-towners post-pandemic who are seeking a better quality of life.
The Connecticut unemployment rate was 3.8% in May 2025.
“Connecticut offers a variety of lifestyle choices from beaches and forests to quaint coastal villages, and strong business centers,” Christopher Halstead, senior executive vice president and managing director of sales for Brown Harris Stevens, tells Realtor.com. “With many schools and universities to choose from, relatively lower real estate taxes, and close proximity to NYC, Connecticut has become a very popular destination.”
“Remote work has changed the landscape here because with people only going in to the office three to four days a week, a longer commute is more reasonable than when they were driving or taking the train five days a week.”
6. Hawaii
- June median list price: $766,900
- Median household income: $94,556
Hawaii, which ranked sixth on the quality of life scale, offers a relaxed lifestyle and rich culture that is balanced by a high cost of living and limited job opportunities. The state is home to nearly 1.5 million people who consistently report high levels of emotional health and life satisfaction.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Hawaii in May 2025 was 2.8%. This is slightly lower than the previous month’s rate of 2.9% and among the lowest in the nation.
(Realtor.com)
7. North Dakota
- June median list price: $368,770
- Median household income: $77,692
North Dakota is known for its welcoming community, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle. While the winters can be harsh, North Dakotans embrace the changing seasons and enjoy a unique sense of community.
The North Dakota unemployment rate is 2.5% in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a slight increase from 2.4% in May 2024.
8. (tie) Virginia
- June median list price: $473,914
- Median household income: $92,714
In Virginia, 8.8 million individuals enjoy diverse job opportunities, access to health care and education, and a variety of recreational activities. The state boasts a balanced lifestyle with bustling city centers and peaceful landscapes, making it appealing to families and professionals.
Virginia’s unemployment rate is currently 3.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Buyers drawn to these features tend to be young families and professionals seeking work-life balance,” Fred Loguidice, a Virginia-based real estate expert tells Realtor.com. “They’re looking for high-performing schools, recreational options, and walkable downtowns—often at more affordable price points than what you’d find in D.C. or Northern Virginia.”
8. (tie) Nebraska
- June median list price: $355,766
- Median household income: $76,990
8. (tie) Massachusetts
- June median list price: $799,450
- Median household income: $98,170
Both Nebraska and Massachusetts, which were tied with Virginia for eighth place, offer a high quality of life, but they cater to different preferences. Nebraska is known for its affordability, strong economy, and Midwestern family-friendly environment, while Massachusetts excels in education, health care, and cultural amenities, as well as access to beaches and major cities like Boston and New York City.
The preliminary unemployment rate for Nebraska in May 2025 was 3.0%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Massachusetts’ unemployment rate is a bit higher—4.8% as of May 2025.