New Jersey has been recognized as the second-best state to live in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub. The Garden State received high marks for safety, healthcare, and education, offsetting its notoriously high property taxes and cost of living.
WalletHub evaluated all 50 states based on 51 key metrics. New Jersey achieved a total score of 59.41, surpassed only by Idaho, which scored 60.15. The study highlighted New Jersey's position as having the lowest crime rate in the country and strong performance in quality of life, health, and education sectors, including highly-rated public school districts.
Despite its reputation, often linked to the industrial corridor visible from the I-95/Turnpike, real estate professionals point to the state's more scenic western regions and its desirable location. The state's proximity to major economic centers like New York City and Philadelphia, combined with high median wages and top-tier healthcare, makes it attractive to residents. Furthermore, New Jersey offers geographic diversity, allowing access to beaches, mountains, and urban cultural attractions without the dense living conditions of major metropolises.
Idaho secured the top spot with a score of 60.15, benefiting from a low median real estate tax rate, the eighth-highest homeownership rate, and significant median income growth. It was also identified as the third-safest state, with the lowest property crime rate.
Rounding out the top five were Wisconsin (59.32), noted for its affordable housing; Massachusetts (59.28), which despite having some of the country's lowest homeownership rates, performed well overall; and New Hampshire (58.89), recognized for its economy, education, health, and safety metrics.
At the lower end of the ranking, New Mexico finished last with a score of 41.42. The state received low marks for safety, education, and healthcare, and was identified as the most unsafe state in the nation.