Multiple national livability rankings were combined and retooled into measurements focused on the 49 states most likely considered by departing Californians. Additional statistics from government and industry sources supplemented the analysis to produce a Leaving California scorecard for 2025 relocations. The scorecard ranks Minnesota as the best relocation choice, followed by Massachusetts, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Utah. The weakest-performing states on the list are Louisiana, Alaska, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Major economic competitors rank variably: Texas placed 33rd and Florida placed 10th. Tennessee placed 40th, noted in relation to private relocation plans.
So, where does this math show a wannabe ex-Californian move to? Topline The Leaving California scorecard's overall best bet for relocation is Minnesota. Next comes Massachusetts, then Virginia, New Hampshire, and Utah. Try to avoid the bottom of the rankings, Louisiana, followed by Alaska, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Now, we have to highlight California's major economic rivals: Texas ranked 33rd, and Florida was No. 10.
So, as a public service, I refreshed some of my trusty spreadsheet's previous work that guides folks who are thinking about departing the Golden State. Best state livability rankings from US News & World Report, CNBC, WalletHub, Statwise, DataPandas, and StateRanks were deconstructed and retooled into measurements aimed at the 49 states any departing Golden Stater would consider. Additional stats from government and industry sources were added into the math to round out my Where's the best state to move to in 2025? scorecard.
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