The 4 States In The Country That Are Better Than Minnesota

Minnesota winters can be brutal, the mosquitoes suck, and the miles and miles of road construction we have to navigate through each summer is frustrating. The state isn't perfect, but there's a lot to love.

The Minnesota DNR does an outstanding job with our lakes and outdoor areas which is huge to me because I love hiking, biking, and spending time on the water. Other positives include our access to world class healthcare and a good public education system. Sure, our pro-teams generally stink, but the state is pretty awesome overall. In fact, there are only four states in the country that are better.

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US News & World Report ranks the best states to live in each year and Minnesota landed at number 5. 

Several things are considered when this list is put together including education, healthcare, economy, and infrastructure. Minnesota ranked in the top 10 in several of these categories including opportunity(9), natural environment(7), and infrastructure(1).

Below you'll see the 4 states that beat Minnesota.

The 4 States In The Country That Are Better Than Minnesota

#4 Nebraska:

"Minnesota Nice" is an expression we use a lot here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it could easily be "Midwest Nice" because I've lived in several states including Nebraska and Iowa and the people are always really pleasant.

I grew up in Nebraska (#GBR) and know the people are good hard working people.

Nebraska landed in the top 10 in education(7), economy(10), and infrastructure(5).

#3 Idaho:

When I think Idaho, I think potatoes, but...

Idaho was ranked the 3rd best state to live in and ranked in the top ten in several categories.

Economy(2), crime(9), and fiscal stability(2).

#2 Washington

Washington has been on my bucket list for a longtime. I've had several friends vacation there and their reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Washington is the 2nd best state to live in because it ranks high in several key categories including natural environment(4), fiscal stability(6), and infrastructure(4).

And the #1 State to Live In Is...

Utah is the top state to live in this year. The state was ranked in the top 10 in several categories including economy(1), fiscal stability(1), education(5), healthcare(7), and infrastructure(4).

Click here to read more about Minnesota's ranking and click here to see data on all of the states.