Flipboard 2025 Destinations

But kindness and helpfulness show up in both big and small moments—from holding doors to volunteering to helping strangers in emergencies—and the data shows some states do it far more consistently than others. Based on data from AmeriCorps, Gallup, Pew, and national surveys, here are the most helpful states in America. Ranked.

Living in a new country can be exciting, eye-opening, and even life-changing. But for American expats abroad, there are certain things they miss from back home—and they come up again and again in surveys.

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...

Global views of the United States have become more complicated in recent years. But across multiple surveys—including Pew Research and Ipsos—one thing is clear: there are still many aspects of America that people around the world genuinely like, admire, and connect with on a personal level.

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.

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.

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.

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.