Flipboard 2025 Destinations

Based on national survey data, these are the states where people vent the most—about…well, about pretty much everything. It’s part science, part sass, and totally relatable.

California’s reputation might be all palm trees and perfect weather—but the data tells a different story. According to the latest 2025 Quality of Life Index, California only ranks 29th in the nation. That means there are 28 states where people statistically live better.

If we asked you what state has been ranked best in the country for the last three years—would you have said Utah? Well, if you answered anything other than Utah you would've been wrong. Because, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best States ranking, the Beehive State is the best of the best in 2025 (a title it also wore in 2023 and 2024).

Sure, every city has its charm—but not all are equally beloved by their residents. In fact, some U.S. cities consistently rank poorly when locals are asked about quality of life, safety, infrastructure, and overall satisfaction.

Discover 25 everyday habits that feel completely normal in the Deep South but often leave Northerners confused, from food to language to daily life.

Discover 25 U.S. states Canadians often skip when traveling, from overlooked destinations to places with tricky reputations—explained with humor and insight.

Think your state takes too much of your paycheck? Or maybe you brag about living in a “low-tax” paradise? Not all taxes are created equal. Some states lean heavily on income taxes, others on sales or property, and a few don’t tax certain things at all.

Turns out Baby Boomers and Millennials don't always see America the same way. The places younger Americans are flocking to are often the exact same places older generations look at and say, 'Absolutely not.'

Some states make retirement look pretty easy. Others? Not so much. Whether it's healthcare headaches, rising costs, long drives to basic services, or just a feeling that retirees aren't exactly the priority, some states consistently leave older Americans less satisfied than others. The question is...how many of these states surprised you?

Not every state rolls out the red carpet for the older generations. But, some states really know how to make a Boomer feel right at home. We looked at where Baby Boomers say life feels a little (sometimes a lot) better—and a lot less stressful.

We looked back at the best states in America in 2006 and compared them to where they rank today. Some of the changes are pretty surprising.