New Jersey has climbed into the top five in WalletHub’s 2025 Best States to Live In ranking, finishing third overall and ranking first in safety.
The ranking evaluated all 50 states on 51 factors, including housing costs, income growth, education, hospital quality, and overall livability. New Jersey scored high on safety, schools, and health care, giving it an edge over neighboring New York, which placed ninth overall despite ranking first for overall quality of life.
Massachusetts remained the nation’s best state to live in for the second straight year. Idaho, Wisconsin, and Minnesota also made the top five. New York struggled with affordability and low homeownership rates, keeping it out of the top tier.
The results highlight New Jersey as a state that balances security, amenities, and quality of life, offering residents a mix of safety and opportunity not easily matched elsewhere.
The Top 5 States To Live In, According to WalletHub
- Massachusetts
- Idaho
- New Jersey
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.