Flipboard 2025 Destinations

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.

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.

While it's a fact that Alaska is the largest state by area and Idaho produces the most potatoes—those facts aren't very amazing. But these facts are...

Canadians are famously proud of their country—and quick to point out where it outperforms the United States. But polling and cross-border comparisons suggest something more complicated is happening beneath the surface. On certain issues, many Canadians will admit the U.S. has real advantages. Not always comfortably. And rarely without caveats.

For this ranking, we looked at friendliness surveys, migration patterns, diversity rankings, volunteering culture, and general reputation among other Americans. The results? A few feel-good favorites—and a couple near the top that are sure to surprise some people. Do you agree?.

Discover 20 things only Southern Californians know to be true, from traffic realities and beach culture to everyday habits that define life in SoCal—all explained in a fun, relatable, and easy-to-read guide.

Discover 20 hidden gems in California that even locals don’t know about, from secret beaches and surreal landscapes to underground caves and untouched natural wonders—all packed with wow-factor destinations.

Ask adults what makes America great, and you’ll get big-picture answers. Ask kids, and you’ll get something way more honest. Surveys from groups like Pew Research Center, Gallup Student Poll, and UNICEF offer a glimpse into what children actually value about the country they live in. Some of these might surprise you.

Santa won’t admit it publicly, but he has favorite states—and a few he quietly complains about to the reindeer before every landing. Based on real data and Santa’s notes, here’s how the states rank on the big man's nice and naughty list.