Rudeness score: 0

Rudest city: Minneapolis-St. Paul

Minnesota, or the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is the kindest in the U.S.

Maybe it's the abundance of outdoor activities — all the locals soaking up vitamin D on stretches of blue freshwater — regardless, it’s made a positive impression.

But, even the nicest of states can’t be perfect — they’re full of people, after all.

User dailycrossword on Reddit clarified what Minnesota Nice really means: “Minnesota Nice isn't so much about being friendly as it is polite. Minnesotans will judge you … We are cold, isolated and distrustful of new people. That doesn't mean we won't bring them a pie when they move in, offer to help paint their garage, or give them a ride to the airport.”

Rudeness score: 2.31

Rudest city: N/A

The Palmetto State’s people are known to be uncommonly kind, but we think we have an idea of where that 2.31% of rudeness slipped under the radar.

According to Movoto, “People in South Carolina are extremely friendly. But all that friendliness is a double edge sword: it can also be a razor sharp exercise in passive aggression.”

Quora user Jessica Brown believes southerners are the most passive-aggressive people in the U.S. She writes, “If a southerner is acting a fool in NY more than likely, a passerby will just yell ‘Go back to Georgia, ya jerk.’ If a New Yorker is acting a fool in the south, a perfectly groomed southern woman will smile and say, ‘Oh, bless your heart, is that a northern accent I hear?’

Rudeness score: 7.02

Rudest city: New Orleans

When people think of Louisiana, they think of bayous and boogying. So it may come as a surprise that this upbeat environment isn’t the most friendly state. But it certainly comes close to it.

Perhaps Louisianians' penchant for gossip is what keeps their rudeness score a titch higher.

An anonymous Reddit user said, “I don't mean to generalize but I notice how people in Louisiana tend to be much more gossip oriented than other states. I mean it's so apparent that I don't think people notice it, like second nature. If you do something today, the next day everybody knows about it.”

Rudeness score: 10.04

Rudest cities: N/A

Mississippi is known for down-south charm and American blues music.

Quora user DeOnn Norton described living in the Magnolia State as sharing a connection and exchanging Southern hospitality. They say, “Your grandma will make a huge Sunday dinner. Anyone and everyone is invited. You probably know half your hometown by the age of 10. When someone says hi to you, saying hi back is a must.”

Still the state has its difficulties. Mississippi is known for its array of social issues, including high poverty, obesity, racism and lack of education. Best Life also notes that Missisiispi is the deadliest state in America.

With these aspects weighing on the average resident, it’s no wonder Mississipiians are a little rude.

Rudeness score: 14.04

Rudest cities: Memphis, Nashville

If you’re at a honky tonk in Tennessee standing next to a handsome cowboy, there’s a high chance he’ll be a polite dancing partner — but it’s not guaranteed.

The Volunteer State’s low rudeness score marks it as one of the friendlier states in the U.S., but Nashville still has some poor reviews from visitors.

One Reddit user said, “I am not from Tennessee. I have moved all over the country. I thought Phoenix was bad. Holy crap, no one comes close to the state of Tennessee. This state holds the angriest, most hateful, disrespectful people I have ever seen in my life.”

OK, well, you’ve still got a bit of a way to go to make it up to this person, Tennessee.

Rudeness score: 17.07

Rudest cities: N/A

According to Living Hawaii, Hawaiians are very warm people, but tourists may perceive them as rude because the first person they encountered at the airport raised the bar a little too high. In reality, the majority of Hawaiians are not paid to greet you with leis and flowers 24/7.

Hawaiians also see a lot of tourists, all year round, so they might seem rude because they’re feeling a little tired of getting asked for driving directions everywhere they go.

Contrary to the stereotype that Hawaiians don’t like tourists, Reddit user SirMontego says, “While we do wish visitors wouldn't: (1) leave man made items on cliffs, (2) stand in the middle of the road and take pictures, or (3) use reef-harming sunscreen, this sort of thing happens so often that we don't get upset about it.”

Sounds like the people of Hawaii are quite kind, all that considered.

Rudeness score: 19

Rudest city: Denver

It’s reassuring that Colorado ranks as one of the kinder states, because if you’re hiking the state’s beautiful mountains you’ll want to know there are decent people to help you out if you get lost.

That’s not to say it’s all positive — Reddit user justanotherposter853 wrote, “Most of the people in Colorado are rude, inconsiderate jerks. I'm not saying everybody in Colorado is bad, but the behavior of some people is downright disgusting. The people of Colorado are very proud of where they're from, so much that they become arrogant jerks about it.”

While only 0.44% of the state has been deemed rude, the percentage of rude drivers is at 3.6%, so maybe stick to hiking boots instead of hopping in a car.

Rudeness score: 20.59

Rudest city: N/A

Vermont is a beautiful state covered by mountain terrain, hiking trails and ski slopes. It’s also home to the headquarters of the famous Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Like the ice cream, people who live in this state are known to be sweet.

So where is the rudeness coming from?

Quora user Lianne Allen says the truth is, “No matter where you are in the state, you're expected to be friendly. It eventually becomes second nature to wave and smile at everyone you pass while driving … [but] If you don't wave, you'll gain a reputation as a snob in your community (be forewarned!). People talk to each other in line at the cashier — even total strangers from out of town.”

Perceived rudeness still counts, apparently.

Rudeness score: 21.1

Rudest cities: Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio

Picture this: You’re under the Texan sun, enjoying some delicious barbecue and watching live music while a slew of y’all’s and bless your heart’s mumble in the background. But is this sweet, southern atmosphere too good to be true?

Redditor ImMoreOfAThighGuy shared, “I've found that they and a majority of Texans have a few things in common: 1. Exerts ‘southern hospitality’ because it makes them feel like good people, not because they necessarily care about being kind and polite. 2. Loves to talk behind peoples' backs but will act like they are best buddies when face-to-face.”

Texas ranks far from the rudest states, but this sparks some controversy surrounding the authenticity of their politeness.

Rudeness score: 21.35

Rudest city: Louisville

The Bluegrass State isn’t ranked as a particularly rude state overall, but we think we understand where the perception of rudeness comes in: returning the jabs from frustrated big-city types.

Of her experience living in Kentucky, Quora user Michelle Jones says, “I've been told by people who have moved here from larger cities (New York and Boston in particular in my experience) that we move more slowly in just about every regard (driving, walking on city sidewalks, speaking, making decisions, etc). These folks also report that their ‘directness’ that is normal and expected in the larger cities is often taken as rudeness in Kentucky.”

Then no wonder, Louisville, notably urban, proves itself to have the most direct population of Kentuckians.

Rudeness score: 22.96

Rudest city: Birmingham

Alabama could be proof that Southern charm isn’t a scam. With only 0.4% of the state dubbed as rude, it’s nearer to the better-behaved states, but certainly not perfect.

Quora user and resident of Alabama Shannon Hughes responded to someone asking if people in Alabama are friendly by saying, “We might say ‘excuse me’ and ‘yes ma’am’ and all that jazz, however, no. People from Alabama are not any nicer than anywhere else (but not any ruder either).”

Alabamians may slather on politeness like its their signature white BBQ sauce, but sometimes they lay it on so thick you’ll wonder if it’s too good to be true.

Rudeness score: 24.93

Rudest cities: Charlotte, Raleigh

The Tar Heel State is known for friendly people, delicious food and charming nature — in fact, you’re only a few hours drive away from mountains, beaches and cities.

On the potentially negative side, locals also note year-round humidity and a minimum wage of only $7.25. So, maybe it’s the long hours and the heat that’s got some North Carolinians feeling bitter.

Quora user Miami Dale says, “I used to live in North Carolina and I have moved out and that was the best decision I have ever made ever … I would not recommend North Carolina to my worst enemy.”

**Rudeness score: 25.02 **

Rudest city: Oklahoma City

When you think of Oklahoma, you may conjure an image of saddled-up cowboys or a winding drive down Route 66. But what you may not envision is the 2.6% of drivers on that old highway that are categorized as rude.

Despite a few honk-happy Okies, the state fares pretty well in terms of its friendliness scores.

When asked if people are friendly in Tulsa, OK, user Bobbie Jordan on Quora responded, “It’s kind of a toss up. A lot of people I encounter end up being nice only because they’re after something that isn’t being expressed verbally. So I’ve had to be extremely cautious when ‘inviting’ people into my life.”

Rudeness score: 26.35

Rudest cities: St. Louis, Kansas City

Missouri is kind of a funny place. The state is known for its randomly oversized objects, including a 12-foot-long pecan, a giant rocking chair and the world’s largest chess piece. All that silliness and levity, but Missouri still manages to be pretty mean.

Reddit user coyfish117 got to the bottom of this mystery by asking if Missourians are more judgemental than folks in other states, claiming that in their experience, “It seems like people who were born and raised in Missouri are hyperaware and also hypercritical of other people, especially strangers.”

Another Reddit user, sunnysouthtexas agrees that locals take notice when you’re from outside the state, writing, “I've been told that "if you're grandparents aren't from here, you'll always be an 'outsider.'"

Rudeness score: 27.62

Rudest city: N/A

Beloved for its abundant fisheries, gorgeous landscapes and hiking trails, Maine ranks pretty positively in terms of its rudeness level.

Perhaps Maine only falls in the middle of this ranking because of its attractiveness to tourists. The balance between pleasing your guests and claiming your space is hard to perfect.

Quora user Suzanne Amara writes about Maine’s locals: “They are people just like everyone else, some are friendly, some aren’t. But one big rule of thumb — they will be a lot friendlier to tourists or people ‘from away’ that don’t act superior or like everyone around them is just a backdrop for their vacation.”

Rudeness score: 28.33

Rudest city: N/A

When Reddit user Drdonuts98 expressed some concerns about racism when they moved to Nebraska for work and discovered locals seemed uncomfortable talking to them, a Nebraska resident came back with some advice.

Reddit user ritteraf said, “Literally all you have to do is buy a Husker hat and or t-shirt. Instant acceptance by all Nebraskans. The ‘fearful’ people will think they have nothing in common with you. When they see the red, they will know you are one of them.”

So, even if Nebraskans are rude, they likely think it’s your fault — You’re not being enough of a cornhuskers fan.

Rudeness score: 29.73

Rudest city: N/A

The vast prairies and tall grasses of Kansas are easy to get lost in, so make sure to wear your ruby slippers when you’re traveling through this state.

While there may not be a wicked witch waiting around the corner, there are some rude drivers and general unfriendliness, which to some might even be worse.

Reddit user whatdamuff from Kansas City shared that despite poor experiences with rude, entitled customers as a service industry worker, “compared to the rest of the country, KC folks on their rudest day are still nicer than others on their nicest.”

Rudeness score: 29.99

Rudest city: Indianapolis

There's nothing like Hoosier hospitality, goes the state motto. It’s a notion that late-night host and Indianapolis native David Letterman coined as the golden rule of Midwestern niceness: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”

But many consider this a myth. According to Discover Indiana, scholars including Sujey Vega of Arizona State University have proposed that this niceness sometimes serves as a cloak for aggression, racism and acts of violence.

Quora user Corbin Byers says, “They pretend to be [friendly]. They’re afraid of what you’ll think about them if they’re not nice to your face. They’ll degrade you behind your back though.”

Rudeness score: 34.22

Rudest city: Portland

Oregon is home to beautiful wildlife and forests alongside a rocky coastline. The sights are certainly worth seeing, but are the people friendly enough to make the trek?

The state overall doesn’t rank too high for rudeness, but that may be because much of the not-so-friendly population is contained in hipster-laden Portland.

Reddit user imaprettyokgirl wrote, “To put it succinctly: Oregon is the worst. People are rude and pretentious and don't like outsiders. It rains all the time and people are very ugly. I feel bad for people that were sold the lie that Portland is fun or ‘Keep Portland Weird’ stuff. They are actually pretty closed-minded.”

Rudeness score: 36.06

Rudest city: N/A

The Granite State is known for its stunning nature-scapes, a vibrant arts scene and its historical significance during the American revolution.

Citizens also take their political responsibility seriously since the state hosts the first-in-the-nation political primaries (after the Iowa caucuses). Maybe they’ve just got too much on their plates to be friendly to others?

An anonymous Reddit user said, “Most people I meet who live in New Hampshire seem to be aggressively libertarian, independent almost to the point of being antisocial, super outdoorsy but not environmentalists, and just angry at Massachusetts and the world in general.”

Rudeness score: 36.36

Rudest cities: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

While this mid-Atlantic state is home to the chocolate capital of the U.S. — mmm, Hershey — the state is not necessarily sweet all over.

Pennsylvania falls pretty evenly in the middle in terms of unfriendliness and treatment of customer service employees, but not everyone has had even a mildly pleasant experience there.

Quora user Melanie Simms shared, “Many of the people are rude and cut-throat and not sociable at all. They are very clique-like ... I left last year because I got tired of having no friends and being treated like a second class tripe. Very snobby and no respect for each other.”

Rudeness score: 36.77

Rudest city: N/A

Hogs are treated like royalty in Arkansas, as in the University of Arkansas’ Razorbacks football team, according to real estate info site Movoto. Regular people, not so much.

Apparently an Arkie would rather have the University of Arkansas be number one in football than number one in kindness any day.

Maybe that’s why Arkansas dwellers on Reddit cite having difficulty making friends in the state. In a world of football vs. all else, non-sports enthusiasts may be on the outs.

User mexflexlyra says, “I've lived here my whole life and find the hardest time making true friends. End up traveling to other cities and find more impactful relationships. Go figure.”

Rudeness score: 38.51

Rudest city: Atlanta

When you’ve got Georgia on your mind, you might think of the state’s southern charm and neighborly manners.

But not everyone in Georgia lives up to the distinctive charisma you might expect when you picture a drawling local. Sure, Georgia may not be the rudest state, but it does have its moments.

Jesse Phillips on Quora wrote: “People in Georgia tend to be very friendly upon an initial face to face encounter. Southern hospitality is a real thing. Behind closed doors, however, the social graces stop dead in their tracks with many natives of the south. From my personal experience there is a lot of fake nice here. It can be confusing.”

Rudeness score: 39.41

Rudest cities: Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando

Amidst hundreds of miles of beaches, you’d expect Floridans to be more relaxed. Alas, the sunshine state comes in just over the halfway mark for rudest states in the country.

According to a city data forum, Floridans are rude on the phone, they are rude on the roads, they’re definitely rude to tourists and they are even rude to each other.

Of Orlando specifically, Reddit user houstonhilton said, “I feel like there's been something in the water lately with a lot of people around here. So many people seem more on edge and are more likely to be rude to other people in general for no real reason.”

Rudeness score: 39.58

Rudest city: N/A

New Mexico is a state filled with heritage, tourist-friendly opportunities and delicious food. But it also has its fair share of rude people.

While the citizens of New Mexico seem to fare pretty well with their road rage, they still manage to land in the middle of the rudeness ranking overall.

Quora user Val Marie shared, “I disliked living in New Mexico because of how rude the people in my home town are … but the farther north you go in New Mexico, from my experience, the nicer the people are.”

They went on to list Artesia, Dexter, Carlsbad and Roswell as towns to avoid if you’re thinking of making a visit to the “Land of Enchantment” and want it to remain, well, enchanting.

Rudeness score: 41.46

Rudest city: Las Vegas

If you were feeling lucky to bet the Silver State wouldn’t make this list, you thought wrong.

Nevada falls smack in the middle when it comes to rude behavior in the United States, but it’s still considered one of the country’s unfriendliest states.

Las Vegas is reputed to be the rudest city in the Silver State, but that might have something to do with its high population of tourists and visitors and low population of locals.

“If you’re talking about the Las Vegas strip, it’s unpredictable. You can find people who will tip $100, and people who will throw beer at you (not really, but it sure seems like it sometimes),” says Dean Swift on Quora.

Rudeness score: 41.69

Rudest city: N/A

West Virginia may not be as rude as some of the other states on this list, and drivers on its old country roads tend to drive pretty safely. But residents still demonstrate impolite behavior when interacting with customer service representatives.

The state also ranks poorly in health care, education, economy and infrastructure, although the abundance of green valleys and mountainous terrain certainly counts in its favor.

And some say West Virginians show plenty of bias and prejudice as well. “I personally have experienced some open professional biases as a woman in interviews and in my workplace, which I expect would not have been so explicit (though may still have happened) in other places I’ve lived,” writes one Quora user.

Rudeness score: 42.9

Rudest city: Baltimore

Maryland has often been nicknamed “America in Miniature,” which doesn’t really reflect well on the rest of the country, considering it’s also one of the rudest states in America.

The resort town of Ocean City in particular has been dealing with many disrespectful and impatient customers at its understaffed businesses this summer.

Maryland drivers don’t have a stellar reputation on the roads, either.

“Objectively, the roads can't handle the flow, and the cost of living is expensive enough to force people into long commutes from cheaper places. This results in a lot of angry, tired, frustrated, and distracted drivers taking on congested roads every day … Maryland drivers are dangerous because they are unfocused and clueless. If you get cut off, there's a decent chance they never even looked, and may not have even realized they've changed lanes,” says FerociousFrizzlyBear on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 43.35

Rudest city: Hartford

People who live in Connecticut have an unfortunate reputation of being snooty and standoffish, perhaps because the cost of living in the state is so high.

The reputation is so bad, there was a piece in the Connecticut Explorer trying to counteract the myth that everyone from the Constitution State is rude.

While some locals say their reclusive behavior has nothing to do with rudeness and everything to do with staying low-key and giving others their space, others find it difficult to make friends and socialize.

“People just seem closed off. They care too much what others think of them and whether your association will reflect poorly on them … I find it extremely lonely and isolating living here,” says Steve Beisheim on Quora.

Rudeness score: 44.1

Rudest city: Phoenix

In blistering Arizona, residents aren’t particularly known for their sunny, open personalities — in fact, Arizona made the 12th spot for most unfriendly states.

The State Press also says that despite the relatively low traffic congestion in the city of Phoenix, you will encounter plenty of young and inexperienced drivers speeding down the roads.

“I don’t even bother making friendly conversation. Not worth it. I’ve lived in a few places, different states, and I can say without hesitation that the worst restaurant experiences that I’ve ever had have been in Arizona, and more than once. The drivers in Phoenix have a death wish. Get your Mad Max on before heading out on I-17,” writes Lux Tempo on Quora.

Rudeness Score: 44.5

Rudest city: N/A

South Dakotans may not believe they reside in one of the rudest states in America, but the Mount Rushmore state placed fifth in the top polite states, according to You Gov, a global public opinion and data company.

But the state has its fair share of rude drivers and mean customers — it landed 13th in the rude customer ranking which brought its overall rudeness score up.

“No one uses their blinker!! And way too many people run red lights. I know it's a problem everywhere, but in driver’s ed they taught us that SD is one of the worst states for it and Sioux Falls specifically is really bad,” says Redditor gritar_arbusto.

Rudeness score: 44.9

Rudest cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus

The Buckeye State was ranked among the rudest 20 states in America thanks to its high percentage of rude drivers and relatively high ranking for rude customers.

Ohio has ranked among the most foul-mouthed and least courteous states in America in the past, particularly when it comes to swearing at customer service representatives over the phone.

And drivers tend to violate the rules of the road 32% more in Ohio than they do in the rest of the country.

“I’m from a major city area and have found that every person I’ve met in Ohio is flat-out rude and backwards. Stuck in the past or something. It’s very odd here and I can’t wait to get out,” says Amberburry on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 46.13

Rudest city: Chicago

Nearly 4% of Illinois residents are considered rude, says Best Life — and it could be Chicagoans giving the rest of the state a bad rep.

“Chicago drivers are the worst I've seen. There’s the ole ‘I'm gonna freaking drive in the middle of the street until the very last second then swerve back to my side after you slam on the brakes’ move. It gives me a heart attack every time,” says Killgore-Trout on Reddit.

There’s even a Chicago diner that pays its staff to be rude to customers — at Ed Debevic’s, servers respond to your orders with insults, but visitors typically go there for the novelty. Here’s what Tara M. had to say about the restaurant on Yelp:

“This place was so much fun! A little on the pricey side but the quality of the food and the entertainment that the staff provided is well worth it! My youngest stepson couldn't stop smiling and laughing the whole meal. Priceless! Our server, Axel, was absolutely hilarious and so good with the boys.”

Rudeness score: 47.05

Rudest city: Detroit

The Great Lakes State might lie along America’s border with Canada — the country lauded (and sometimes ridiculed) for being “nice” — but it’s still lacking in manners when compared to the rest of the U.S.

Detroit is considered the state’s rudest city and was also ranked the sixth rudest city in America, according to a 2019 study by Business Insider. But to be fair, Motor City’s also considered one of America’s more dangerous areas for crime.

“Growing up in Michigan, I've lived and worked with people who are straight shooters. Sugarcoating feedback or sugarcoating anything is not common. This attitude is also common in New York and Chicago. It is what it is. Things move fast. Keep up or get left behind,” says Lora Tucker on Quora.

Rudeness score: 48.02

Rudest city: N/A

Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S., but many of its odd 580,000 residents aren’t up to scratch in good behavior.

An opinion piece for HighCountryNews suggested that their taciturn natures might have something to do with the state’s isolation, small population and harsh weather.

Wyoming earned the 10th position for rudest customers, and 4.8% of its drivers are considered rude as well. Insurify says Cowboy State drivers are 37% more likely to disregard stop signs.

“I don't like Cheyenne. It seems to have all the negatives of Wyoming (nothing happening, closed-mindedness, rudeness of the populace, etc.) with none of the positives of Wyoming (beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, etc.),” writes uselessjd on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 48.02

Rudest city: N/A

The Treasure State might offer gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and wide-open plains, but its residents aren’t quite as charming.

One coffee shop worker in Montana wrote a piece for HuffPost outlining the difficult time she and her coworkers had during the COVID-19 pandemic, with customers refusing to wear masks indoors despite the government mandate.

“I used to brag about Great Falls’ hospitality, and lately everyone seems a little tweaky and rude. As a cashier for the longest time I met some pretty amazing and nice people, but there have been times that I met people that just deserved a ‘Dude, rude.’ (I never said anything, I just kept beeping away.) EVEN THE DRIVERS. They do some low key dangerous things just to get in front of people. Where's the fire?” says AngieTheCrazy on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 50.83

Rudest city: N/A

You’ll often encounter references to the Garden State’s poor drivers in movies and TV shows — while it’s nowhere near as bad as Idaho or New York, it’s still enough to help drag the state into the top 15 for rudest states.

It’s not known for being a particularly friendly state, either. SnackFlag on Reddit explains, “Different culture; people here are more to the point. They don't care because they don't know you. Small talk can come off as rude, intrusive and unwelcome.”

The consensus isn’t any better on Quora, where New Jersey resident William Mitchell has also experienced the state's rude nature.

“N.J. is not well known for its manners. There are a lot of selfish people in this area and we are a very concentrated State. Having so many people at your disposal for friendship makes it easy to spit on the ones you don't care for. It's really shameful in my opinion!”

Like New York, New Jersey is pricey to live in and densely populated, which may explain why some residents come off as impolite or abrasive.

Rudeness score: 52.24

Rudest city: N/A

“North Dakota nice” could be in danger of dying during the pandemic, reports The Bismarck Tribune.

Bismarck public health director Renae Moch received an onslaught of angry social media posts, emails and phone calls after a COVID-19 task force she is part of advocated for mask mandates.

Moch published an op-ed in the Washington Post expressing the hostility of North Dakotans toward public health restrictions and their refusal of early mask mandates.

This Midwestern state also lags for how it treats employees in customer service jobs.

“It caught me off guard how rude a lot of people tend to be in ND when it comes to people you interact with at gas stations and retail stores,” says one Redditor.

Rudeness score: 52.24

Rudest city: N/A

The First State isn’t the friendliest in the U.S., although it seems to be relatively kind to its customer service representatives.

Drivers fail to stop at red lights almost 60% more frequently compared to the rest of the country. This may partially explain why auto insurance rates in Delaware are 57% higher than the rest of the country as well.

Delawarean electrikskies1 writes on Reddit, “There are too many people crammed into Northern Delaware. Driving in this state is really annoying and aggravating also. I almost get killed at least 3 times a day or more while driving because a lot of people ride your butt, cut you off, don't use turn signals, pull out in front of you, don't know how to use a four-way stop, etc. … I don't know how some people got through driver's ed.”

Rudeness score: 56.82

Rudest city: Milwaukee

According to this study, Wisconsinites have poor etiquette when it comes to both driving and interacting with customer service employees.

They run stop signs 23% more frequently than average and are less likely to say “please” and “thank you” during phone conversations with businesses.

Redditor shaggyscoob says, “When I am being tailgated, it is almost always a Wisconsin driver. When someone fails to stop at a stop sign, it is almost always a Wisconsin driver. They usually sneak through a stop with the car in front of them rather than wait their turn. Wisconsin drivers accelerate into stops and floor it when they go. They pass unsafely, they almost never signal a turn, they pop out in front of oncoming traffic as if they are afraid of having someone in front of them and they seem to always speed.”

Rudeness Score: 57.16

Rudest city: N/A

Idaho ranks second-worst in the nation for rude drivers — Insurify says they run through stop signs almost 30% more frequently than the national average.

“I relate driving in Boise to my high school days when all the kids got their license and school just let out and everyone was racing off campus and around that area … That's what driving in Boise feels like … only, it's not kids … It's everyone everywhere,” writes Gryffindumble on Reddit.

Residents in the Gem State are also known for treating customer service representatives poorly.

Owners of some burger joints in North Idaho last year posted on social media that they had to deal with many rude customers during the pandemic — some even reduced their teenage employees to tears — and would be refusing service to those customers.

Rudeness Score: 58.82

Rudest cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Riverside

Californians are the happy-go-lucky hippies of the U.S., right? It’s easy to get caught up in that misconception — after all, the sunny, beachy state doesn’t seem like it gives its residents too much trouble, at least when it comes to the weather and outdoor activities.

However, California has its fair share of rude drivers, and its rudeness metric only rises in big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, perhaps due to their high population densities.

“People in LA think it's ok to be a jerk because 99.9% of the time you'll never see the other person again. It's like the Internet — jerks write things they wouldn't dream of saying in real life because there aren't repercussions. It seems to me the worst offenders are the ones who haven't ‘made it’ but think they should,” says Its_Kakes on Reddit.

Rudeness Score: 59.17

Rudest city: Providence

Rhode Islanders live in the smallest state in the nation, so perhaps they can be forgiven for their haste on the roads — unless they hit you with a rude hand gesture or a loud honk.

Quora user Ben Bracken writes, “Rhode Island drivers aren't rude, per se, we're just spoiled. We live in a very small state, so when we drive, we like to get everywhere as fast as possible. A drive that takes over 15 minutes is the equivalent to a day trip to us. So if you are in the way of an exit we need to get to, we are going to be mad that we have to spend additional time driving.”

Locals are also considered to be relatively rude toward customer service representatives.

One drive-thru employee told National Public Radio in July that he was “done” with fast food after dealing with so many angry customers.

Rudeness score: 62.13

Rudest city: Boston

Massachusetts isn’t known for being the friendliest of states — or the most affordable, either.

There was a report in NBC Boston about the city's rude nature, which quoted a similar study done in Big 7 Travel.

“Locals aren’t exactly rude, per se, but the overall indifference toward strangers can take its toll … It also takes a long time to be accepted as a true Bostonian, not just a blow-in.”

The bustling, big city of Boston is considered the worst. “I think it partially stems from everyone being stressed out from long commutes, high costs and bad weather much of the year. I myself have had to fight back my bad moods stemming from these things, so in some ways I get it,” says Bernadette Astacio on Quora.

One Cape Cod restaurant shut down for a day in July so staff could enjoy a “day of kindness” after receiving an “an astronomical influx” of rude customers, who swore at employees and threatened to sue.

Rudeness Score: 62.32

Rudest city: Salt Lake City

The Beehive State is notorious for its terrible drivers, especially when it comes to tailgating and speeding infractions.

“They are not just rude and inconsiderate, they are also dangerous. We have several personal stories of drivers that have almost caused an almost certainly fatal car accident because of their selfishness, competitiveness and disregard,” says JakeMacGill on Reddit.

Joseph Morales, the lead star in one of the Hamilton national touring companies, was particularly displeased with the reception in Salt Lake City in 2018, calling out the audience for constantly checking their phones during the performance through his Twitter page.

“SLC, you're killing me. Put your phones away. We can see you. This isn't a movie. What is up with you guys?”

One Twitter user to the tweet simply wrote “deal with it.”

Rudeness score: 63.49

Rudest city: N/A

Residents in the Frontier State are just as frigid as the weather, and to make matters worse, Alaska is considered one of the most dangerous states in the nation, particularly for women.

The state made it to third place for rudest customers — one restaurant in Anchorage even “fired,” or refuses to serve, a certain customer who badmouthed one of its autistic employees in 2015.

“I'm a life-long Alaskan who loves this state, but … I've come to view Alaskans as one of the most entitled groups of people I've ever met … I mean, we pay no state sales or income tax and actually get paid to live here, yet somehow we complain about that too,” says aksnipesnkush on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 64.19

Rudest city: N/A

Though Iowans aren’t perhaps as outwardly or loudly rude as New Yorkers, some say the “Iowa nice” stereotype doesn’t hold up as strongly when residents interact with minorities.

The Hawkeye State also ranked highly for rude drivers and customers. In a 2017 Kars4Kids.org survey, Iowa was ranked among the top 10 in rudest drivers.

“Iowans are not nice to slow drivers but will respect your need for speed if you try to pass them.”

One Mexican restaurant in Iowa was even compelled to post on Facebook in May asking diners to be more respectful toward employees.

“The worst thing about Iowa is the Iowa Nice mentality. The mentality where being two-faced and passive aggressive is good manners. If you’re angry or have something to tell someone, you don’t mention it outright because it’s rude. Instead you drop a bunch of passive aggressive hints,” says You_Artistic on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 67.74

Rudest city: Seattle

The Seattle Freeze is a real thing — 40% of residents in Washington and Oregon said it’s not important for them to make new friends, according to a survey from PEMCO Insurance.

Some believe the reclusive nature of Northwesterners has been accelerated by the rise of technology, while others believe it has something to do with the constant rainy weather.

Redditor 0z79 writes, “Seattle is like Portland; you need to let people just stare at you. If you say anything while they're staring at you, then you are the one who has violated your boundaries. So, if you move to Seattle to stay, don't count on anyone and if you find someone staring at you, don't say anything at all because then, you are the one overstepping your bounds.”

Rudeness score: 77.19

Rudest cities: Virginia Beach, Richmond

The Old Dominion State holds the dubious distinction of having the rudest customers and drivers, putting its ranking close to the bottom of the list.

A report by NBC Washington showed that of the top 10 cities that make up the rudest drivers, three cities in Virginia made the list.

Insurance comparison site Insurify says drivers in Virginia are particularly prone to not stopping at stop signs — in fact, this behavior occurs 40% more frequently in the state than the national average.

“I think of it as an unhealthy way of surviving in Northern Virginia. Considering how expensive and stressful it is to live here, people are way more likely to take out their inner frustration on customer service providers and strangers,” says hanapse on Reddit.

Rudeness score: 100.05

Rudest cities: New York City, Buffalo

It’s a surprise to literally no one that New York takes the cake for rude behaviour — locals have a reputation for pushing their way through crowds (to be fair, it’s a pretty congested area), swearing on the streets and honking their way through traffic.

Best Life says nearly 15% of the state’s population and 4.5% of its drivers are considered rude.

You’ll find plenty of video footage on YouTube of road rage in the Big Apple. In late 2020, an ugly parking spot dispute in Queens led to one driver socking his rival in the face before driving his car through the glass storefront of a bakery.

“‘Rude’ is too mild or too cutesy a word for what New Yorkers are. Most of the population is highly narcissistic, highly judgmental, first rate bullies, and they can be downright evil. They're only ‘nice’ to those exactly like them, or to look ‘good’ in front of certain people so they'll gain something,” writes Jennifer R Fischer on Quora.

If you live in one of these rude states, you may be thinking of leaving — and you're probably not the only one.

See how those mean numbers line up with migration as we outline the states where Americans are packing up and leaving, followed by the ones they’re driving that moving van to.

20. Virginia

Outbound moves: 50.9%

The Old Dominion isn’t faring too badly when it comes to outbound moves, ranking close to the middle of the list.

Almost 38% of movers left Virginia for work-related reasons, while 27% were motivated to reside closer to their family.

Homes also tend to be pricier in Virginia compared to the rest of the country, with the median home value at $348,835, according to Zillow.

“Traffic sucks, especially in the areas where the jobs are. Cost of living is likely high, if you live within a decent distance of the jobs. Taxes are semi-high,” says caelric on Reddit.

From 1991 to 2012 Virginia had more households moving in than out. According to data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that changed in 2013 when there was a net loss of 4,720 households.

In 2013 congress could not agree on a budget regarding sequestration programs beginning that year. It automatically cut domestic and defense spending. As a result many Virginians whose paychecks were dependent on federal spending left the state to find new jobs.

Over the next five years, that pattern continued with Virginia averaging an annual loss of 5,600 families per year.

Outbound moves: 51%

Nevada’s glitz and glam lures plenty of tourists and gamblers to the state temporarily, but how many Americans actually want to spend their lives there?

Work was the top reason for movers to flee the Silver State, while the desire to be closer to family followed as a close second.

Tourism is the main industry in Nevada — no surprises there — but the job market is pretty limited for those who seek other sources of employment. The state also has the second-worst unemployment rate in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Education is awful, income doesn't match how expensive it has become here in Northern Nevada, health care can be hit or miss,” says one Redditor.

In the Quality Counts report card, states are graded and ranked in three categories: Chance for Success, School Finance , and K-12 Achievement. Based on that Nevada received a grade of D-plus when it came to education.

The national average is a C.

Outbound moves: 51.8%

Often saddled with the unfortunate misnomer of “Misery,” the state of Missouri actually ranks somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to inbound and outbound moves.

The slow job market appears to be the top reason for residents packing up their bags. Over 38% of movers said they left the Show Me State to seek new employment opportunities last year.

Some say that one of the biggest downsides to living in Missouri is the weather, however. Resident Martin Mann on Quora says, “Our winters blow. There just is not that much to do. It is bitter cold on some days and at times the overcast may last several days, which is depressing. We also have some of the worst drivers anywhere.”

A YouTube account called “Living in St Louis” points out that residents pay higher local and state taxes than other states — according to Forbes Advisor, people receiving income from a Missouri business can be taxed up to 5.4%.

Missouri is growing more slowly than most in the nation, but in an article published by the University of Missouri, the author points out it is doing all right when compared to other states in the Midwest.

Outbound moves: 51.9%

Surprise, surprise. The Magnolia State was pretty balanced out for its inbound to outbound move ratio.

Mississippi has tanked on several state lists in the past for its high poverty and unemployment rates, so it’s unsurprising that over half of its movers say they left the state for work-related reasons.

Redditor glam270 says that while you can benefit from a slower pace of life and less traffic in the state, they were motivated to leave Mississippi for something bigger and better.

“To show the cons that led me out of the area, this is not the land of opportunity for jobs or expanding businesses, building, educational opportunities for children, etc. that I was looking for at my personal stage of life.”

Mississippi Today says that despite seeing the decline in population, the state’s most powerful elected officials — the ones responsible for setting agendas and passing policies — have failed to even acknowledge the problem, let alone offer up solutions.

Outbound moves: 52.1%

Wisconsin is considered one of the slowest growth states in the country — with declining birth rates and few residents under the age of 18, plus plenty of people leaving for better opportunities.

While employment is cited as the number one reason for movers to abandon Wisconsin, about 3 in 10 also say they left to be closer to their families.

Some left due to the cold climate, choosing to relocate to southern states, such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona, for warmer temperatures.

Living in the Badger State also comes with relatively high property and income taxes for middle class families. With Wisconsin placing an 11% tax on it's residents, many people feel burdened by the extra cost and are choosing to move to states with lower tax rates. According to Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin ranks fifth in the nation regarding taxes.

“Brain drain is a reality here, as many of our brightest and most qualified leave the state for our progressive (and more successful) neighbor, Minnesota,” writes Gene Rick on Quora.

Outbound moves: 52.2%

The Free State fell five spots from its position on last year’s list, although it’s still clear that more people are moving out of the state than in.

The state is notoriously expensive to live in, with pricey homes and rent costs.

And while there’s a strong job market, especially in aerospace, with defense and federal agencies, the unemployment rate is fairly high at 5%. Despite Maryland having one of the strongest job markets in the U.S.. United Van Lines says 39% of people who left Maryland in 2021 did so for better job opportunities.

“I’m a teacher in what’s considered a pretty well-paying district and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to buy a house a reasonable distance from my work. The cost of living is pretty wild,” says Redditor Consistent-Sample880.

With the dynamic of the state changing due to remote work, many people are moving to states that offer more opportunities to work from home.

Outbound moves: 52.5%

The Peace Garden State has long been scrutinized for its sparse population and — much like in other years — in 2021, more people chose to exit the state than enter it.

Work and the desire to be closer to family were the top reasons North Dakotans fled the state last year. That said, the state’s unemployment rate is relatively low, at 3.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More than 60% of North Dakotans also listed lifestyle as one of the primary reasons they chose to move. Seeking places with more moderate weather.

Apparently, the state’s cold winter months are a major deterrent to prospective residents.

“You have to be very adaptable in regards to the weather. Summers are mostly pleasant, but 100 degrees is not uncommon. Winters are cold. Last week we were at a high temp of -25 degrees ... without wind chill,” writes Marv Dorner on Quora.

Outbound moves: 52.6%

Pennsylvania might be well-regarded for its cheesesteak and chocolate — it’s home to the little town of Hershey — but residents aren’t staying put for the iconic food.

One in five Americans moved in 2020, according to a report by Move.org. Of those people who moved, more than 60% of the people were renters seeking either more affordable places to live or upgraded housing. Of those renters, 37% are now homeowners and 63% remain renters.

Movers in the Keystone State were primarily motivated by employment in 2021. Pennsylvania has a relatively high unemployment rate of 5.4%.

Following the coronavirus pandemic many people experienced work related problems, health concerns, a change in housing needs and huge losses of income.

“Pennsylvania is not an awful place to live, but it isn't really paradise either. And if you're living outside of Philly/Philly metro area, Lehigh Valley or Pittsburgh, the job market just isn't that great,” writes explainlikeimfifty on Reddit.

Outbound moves: 54.3%

The North Star State jumped five spots on the list this year, as more residents seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Employment was the biggest reason movers fled Minnesota by a generous margin — about 18 percentage points higher than the second (family).

Aside from the usual reasons for moving out, residents may also be trying to escape the high taxes and harsh winters the state is known for. Along with increased crime rates and pandemic-related job losses.

“We get taxed up the wazoo. We have high income taxes, high sales taxes, and property taxes are up there too. Winter can last a few months and get pretty cold causing potholes, which take all summer to fix,” says Ukrainian_penguin on Reddit.

December 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that close to 13,500 people moved from Minnesota to other parts of the United States from April 2020 through July 1, 2021, making it the eighth highest state for population loss through domestic migration.

Outbound moves: 55.5%

“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy says to get herself back to Kansas in The Wizard of Oz. However, plenty of residents in the state today simply can’t wait to leave.

Despite the low cost of living and affordable home prices, Kansas is undergoing an exodus of young folks for better job opportunities and more progressive laws. For example, the state passed new election laws last year, which critics say make it more difficult for someone to register as a voter or cast a vote.

Like many other states, work was the primary motivation for movers shifting out of the Sunflower State.

“If you want to do a lot of different jobs, you really can't do them in Kansas. Sure, there's indie/start-ups everywhere, but if your dream is to work for a big tech company/game developer, world-class museum or university, stage/dance performance, government, publishing ... Yes, Kansas has these jobs, but few of them and they are really local or they're a place people go through before moving on to something better,” says Redditor felesroo.

Outbound moves: 55.7%

Nebraska made it to the top 10 for states Americans were fleeing last year — KMTV reports the Cornhusker State loses around 2,000 residents a year due to “brain drain.”

College-educated adults are moving out of Nebraska for better jobs and pay, and looking at larger cities with more to offer, according to David Drozd, research coordinator at UNO’s Center for Public Affairs.

Nearly 42% of movers pointed to work opportunities as their primary reason for departing the state.

Some people also find the weather a nuisance. “Our winters are very cold … What is worse than the cold itself is the wind. 20 degrees with a strong wind from the west can chill you to the bone. When it gets into the single digits with a strong wind, it is hard to deal with. I have had to jump start batteries in that kind of weather, and it is not fun,” writes Keith Rockefeller on Quora.

Outbound moves: 56.3%

Ohio didn’t change spots from last year’s ranking, remaining one of the states with the largest outflows.

A new job or job transfer is the number one reason for Ohio’s outbound moves, but 28% of Buckeye movers say it was retirement that prompted them to relocate elsewhere. Most people moving to and from the state were 65 and older.

The state might boast a relatively low cost of living, but some say the erratic weather can be an issue.

“110 degrees in the summer with 90% humidity. Then a couple weeks of autumn weather. I missed the changing foliage. Then straight into frigid winter. We got what they called a polar vortex. It was -10 degrees for six weeks. I had seven feet of snow in my drive. Then a couple weeks of spring weather, and right back into the brutal summer,” recounts Quora user Curtis Williams, who says he used to reside in Elkhorn, Blair and Tekamah.

Outbound moves: 56.5%

Residents in the Pelican State are eager to escape the sweltering heat and low income opportunities.

An overwhelming majority of movers pointed to work as their primary reason for getting out of Louisiana — more than 30 percentage points higher than the second biggest motivator (family). And nearly half of movers were under the age of 45.

“Everyone I know has left. Low pay and not many opportunities especially if you aren't aiming for oil field,” writes cain261 on Reddit.

Louisiana's energy industry has been struggling for years. And the pandemic only made things worse. Falling demand for oil and gas has led to layoffs in the state’s energy sector.

Job loss isn’t the only woe, either. Louisiana is plagued by frequent hurricanes,the most recent being hurricane Ida— a category 4 deadly and destructive hurricane. With each hurricane comes more ravaged lands and a jump in folks leaving the state.

Outbound moves: 57.6%

The Bay State might be renowned for its top educational institutions and charming coastal towns, but it’s also one of the least affordable states to live in the U.S.

The median home value lies upwards of $545,000, according to Zillow, and it’s even worse in cities like Boston. More expensive than the nation's average — according to the Zillow Home Value Index, the typical home price in the United States sits at $293,349.

Jobs, family and retirement were the top three reasons for movers abandoning Massachusetts. Residents headed to less densely populated areas that offered up more remote job opportunities, and that were closer to family.

“Gentrification is going on hardcore and causing rents to skyrocket even more. Kinda runs counter to the whole collegiate environment, as it’s hard for students to find affordable places to live,” writes local resident Thomas Griffin on Quora.

Outbound moves: 57.7%

Michigan is widely considered the center of the American automotive industry, but more residents are packing their bags and driving out of the state than into it.

Although the desire to be closer to family was the primary motivation for almost half the inbound movers, a third of outbound movers said they exited the Great Lake State for jobs.

Michigan also has one of the highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and residents say driving in the colder months can get particularly treacherous. Drivers are required to have personal injury protection coverage, an insurance add-on that is not always required in other states.

In Michigan, it also doesn't matter who caused the accident. The state’s no-fault approach lends to the higher premiums reported.

“The weather is miserable six months of the year. If you're into winter sports, roads so icy that you fear for your life every time you get behind the wheel every winter, and constant gray dreary skies, then Michigan winters might be fine for you,” says one anonymous Quora user.

Outbound moves: 59.3%

California’s home to Disneyland, Hollywood and Silicon Valley — what’s not to love? — but the Golden State can lack luster for those who can’t afford it.

California’s quite expensive to live in, with the highest gasoline taxes in the nation, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

Mass amounts of people are deciding that it just isn't worth the cost. Some residents are outright refusing to pay the premium to live in the state. And others are facing the fact that they cannot afford it.

California has been losing residents to other states for decades. The people moving in tend to be different than the people moving out.

About 35% of movers also said they left the state to be closer to their family.

Quora user and resident Andrew T. Post claims overpopulation is a major problem in the state. “Housing prices are sky high. There’s too little housing and too many people — and too many regulations on the building of new housing. Traffic is insane, even in non-major cities.”

Outbound moves: 60.1%

The Nutmeg State is burdened by high taxes and expensive housing, and its residents simply cannot afford to stay.

According to a new study conducted by United Van Lines, in Connecticut, about 40 percent of those moving were coming into the state, while 60 percent were leaving it. More people fled Connecticut than moved in during 2021.

Connecticut's outmigration was led by those aged 55 and older. About a third of outbound movers cite retirement as their primary motivation for leaving the state. Unlike most other states, all of your retirement income — including Social Security — gets taxed in Connecticut.

Residents contend with high property taxes as well. Others take issue with the weather, choosing to move to warmer and more tax-friendly states..

“Winters are long, cold and usually quite snowy. Night time starts at 4:00 or so in the afternoon in the depths of winter. Go to work with your headlights on, and come home with them on again,” says resident David Dill on Quora.

Outbound moves: 63.1%

The Empire State underwent an exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic with residents fleeing cramped, overcrowded apartments for more open, greener spaces.

New York slid down by one spot in 2021, however it still made the top three for outbound moves.

The top reason for movers exiting New York last year was to be closer to one’s family (29.4%), closely followed by retirement (29%).

Retirees leave the state because it is incredibly expensive to live there. Other droves of New Yorkers flee the state and relocate to Florida, where there is no state income tax, or to Texas to find more affordable housing.

“Most of New York State’s population can be found in the New York City area and, frankly, there’s no more room … The other population centers in New York are suffering from a combination of urban sprawl and a hollow industrial base. Buffalo, for example, has been losing population since 1950 and the growth of the metro area hasn’t kept pace,” says Steven Haddock on Quora.

Outbound moves: 67.2%

Unlike New York, the Prairie State has plenty of rolling hills and open plains — and yet Americans are still fleeing Illinois in droves.

About 3 in 10 outbound movers left Illinois to be closer to their family. Around 28% each cited either retirement or jobs.

The state lacks job opportunities and reached an all-time high for resignations in August last year during the Great Resignation. To make matters worse, Kiplinger named it the least tax-friendly state for middle-class families in 2021.

High crime rates, high taxes, and high houses cost are also amongst the list of reasons Americans are fleeing from the state.

Others say the climate can be off-putting as well. “I just can’t deal with winter or the humidity very well anymore. It used to only be the winter, but as I get older the humidity affects me more and more. We have 11 years until retirement and then we are moving to a cheaper, more temperate area,” says Sloth_grl on Reddit.

Outbound moves: 70.5%

The Garden State holds the dubious distinction of holding the highest percentage of outbound moves — for the fourth year in a row.

About a third of movers said retirement was their main reason for relocating elsewhere.

New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation and the median home value is around $430,000, according to Zillow.

“It's overpopulated, over-regulated and overtaxed. People also tend to hate it because almost every approach to the state drops you right in the middle of an industrial wasteland, and if you drive through it you only see the massively crowded highways,” writes emperorko on Reddit.

So those are the states people are fleeing the fastest. But where are all those people moving to?

The National Movers Study also contains data on the states Americans are flocking to as they seek better prospects and a more comfortable life for their families.

Keep reading as we check out the top states people are moving to.

Inbound moves: 53.5%

The Peach State offers far more than fresh fruit and sweet tea to potential homeowners — it features both gorgeous scenery and fairly reasonable home prices.

The top reason for inbound movers entering Georgia was the desire to be closer to family. The state has moderate sales and property taxes and doesn’t tax Social Security benefits for retirees.

Georgia also boasts affordable housing, and attracts multittudes of new renters and homebuyers. Georgia has a relatively low cost of living as compared to the national average, according to Sperling's Best Places. A one-bedroom apartment in Georgia would cost on average $716, less than the nation's average of $825.

Redditors say the weather down south can be a bit hit-or-miss, but it’s perfect for people who prefer warmth over cold.

“If you hate the cold, you’ll love it here. Lots of people complain about the humidity, but if you live here long enough, it’ll grow on you. I personally refer to it as the warm blanket,” writes thesouthdotcom on Reddit.

Inbound moves: 53.6%

New Hampshire moved five spots up from last year’s ranking — with its low violent crime and poverty rates, it’s been called one of the best states to raise a family in the U.S. by multiple publications.

Close to half of all inbound movers pointed to family as their main reason for relocating to the Granite State.

A study conducted by the University of New Hampshire showed that migration decisions were heavily based on the state’s social, economic, and natural environment.

New Hampshire attracts those movers who are seeking a different lifestyle and higher quality of life. Those looking to raise their families in a more natural environments.

“New Hampshire is green, clean and has abundant natural scenery, including a nice coast, forests, mountains and beautiful lakes,” says Carol Francis on Quora, but also adds that, “Unless you’re a professional in a high-demand industry or run a profitable business, there just aren’t many employment opportunities.”

Jobs were the top motivator for people moving out of the state last year.

Inbound moves: 54.1%

Despite all the dry heat, more Americans moved into the Grand Canyon State than those who exited it last year. That said, it still dropped dramatically from its fifth place ranking in 2021.

Over a third of inbound movers cited retirement as their main reason for switching to Arizona. Snowbirds flock to the state’s stunning parks and sunshine (without all the humidity) during the fall and winter months each year — but some decide to remain there for good.

Arizona doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and its property taxes are relatively low as well.

Arizona is also known for it's mild winters, great weather and beautiful landscapes.

“Arizona is a wonderland of diverse, interesting outdoor environments. On the same day, you could go from snow skiing to water skiing. Arizona has a massive amount of federal, state and municipal parks, preserving our natural wonders, allowing everyone to enjoy the diverse, scenic beauty of this state,” says Gil Flores on Quora.

Inbound moves: 54.4%

The Lone Star State’s affordable cost of living and job market are major incentives for movers — Texas is known for its decent home prices, lack of income taxes and booming oil and agricultural industries.

In comparison to other states, Texas has a very high retention rate. About 82% of people born in Texas still live there, according to a study done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The same study showed that about 3,800 more people move into Texas than leave – every single week.

Most of the domestic migration to Texas comes from California, 42% to be exact.

Just keep in mind that property taxes and home insurance can get pretty expensive if you’re hunting around for new digs in the state.

Some Redditors also warn newcomers to be prepared for the heat.

“The weather gets really hot and it's not very seasonal. This can be a blessing or a curse. You have to be cautious of flooding, tornadoes or hurricanes depending on your location,” says texasforeveryall.

Inbound moves: 55.4%

Believe it or not, the Beehive State has been attracting more residents than usual in the past couple years, perhaps for the low cost of living and hot housing market.

And jobs were the top reason for both inbound and outbound movers in Utah.

The state’s tech industry — affectionately known as “Silicon Slopes” — is growing and generates billions of dollars each year.

“There are jobs, they pay pretty well, cost of living is lowish, and you can access [nature and mountains] on any weekday before or after work. We live well compared to large expensive cities where everyone works 60 hours a week to barely get by and has no escape from the grind,” writes one Redditor.

Utah’s Senate says that a few of its advantages are the natural state architecture — like Arches National Park or Monument Valley — a welcoming business economy and transparent government services.

Inbound moves: 56.1%

The Land of Enchantment still retained its hold on American movers last year — and most newcomers cited either jobs or retirement.

New Mexico is considered moderately tax-friendly for retirees — it partially taxes Social Security and other forms of retirement income, but also has one of the lowest property tax rates in the U.S.

Not to mention, a great quality of life with plenty of recreational activities.

Some residents recommend the state for its scenic beauty as well. New Mexico attracts multitudes of new residents for its beautiful landscape, with U.S. News and World Report saying that the state attracts up to 30 million tourists per year.

It ranks on the mid-to-low end on metrics like health care and economy, but ranks 26th out of 50 states for affordability and 24th for the amount of residents with a post-secondary degree.

“If you're retired and healthy and like to walk, it's great. Price of living is probably cheaper, you have access to culture, parks and whatever it is that retired people do,” says WesternTumbleweeds on Reddit.

Inbound moves: 57.9%

Who wouldn’t want to reside in this coastal state known for its sandy beaches, lobster shacks and gorgeous greenery?

The top three reasons movers flocked to Maine last year were for family, retirement and lifestyle changes — lifestyle could refer to anything from improving their work-life balance, switching to a lower-density area or raising a family.

However, living in the Pine Tree State will also get you taxed heavily on your property and the groceries can be more costly as well.

“Maine is a quiet place, but I like being able to live in a place where I can go to the woods and be away from everyone for a while, or go down to the coast and watch the boats,” writes S. Marcotte on Quora, but also adds that, “the economy sucks, we have a big issue with poverty.”

Tourism website Visit Portland cites Maine’s low crime rate, its bustling economy, reliable public transportation and, in case buses don’t do it for you, the ability to walk anywhere you want as advantages to moving there.

Inbound moves: 59%

The Old North State dropped seven spots from last year’s ranking — but its moderate climate and low property taxes are still drawing more inbound than outbound movers across the country.

That’s not to mention the cheap real estate prices — the median home value is just over $282,000.

The desire to be closer to family was the top reason for movers entering North Carolina last year, however 4 in 10 outbound movers seemed to find the jobs in the state lackluster. Durham County saw a huge spike in job resignations last year, which one commissioner attributed to burnout, reports WRAL.com.

“The weather is usually fairly pleasant, it is not yet too overcrowded, the crime rate is not too high and most people mind their own business … Both beaches and mountains are reasonably close and there are sports events, concerts and other activities available,” writes resident Leonard Roberts on Quora.

Inbound moves: 59.1%

The Diamond State got even more precious for Americans last year, making it to the top 10 for inbound moves. It also happens to be revered by out-of-state shoppers for its lack of a sales tax.

Retirement was the main reason people shifted into Delaware in 2021, with those aged 65 or older making up over half of the inbound population.

The U.S. News and World Report gives Delaware decent scores in terms of its health care, opportunity and fiscal stability, while ranking it in the middle of its sibling-states for education, economy and infrastructure.

That said, younger folks say there’s not much to do in terms of entertainment and job opportunities.

“Delaware is very small so everyone is like two or three degrees of separation away. It can be a little cliquey, but for the most part people will be willing to make new friends,” writes Redditor VicVinegar-Bodyguard.

Inbound moves: 59.1%

Washington, D.C. might not technically be a state — but United Van Lines still includes it on its list every year.

D.C. moved up five spots from the previous year’s ranking, and while it’s considered pretty pricey to live in, the job market’s thriving and you can expect higher-than-average income as well, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Redditor Gumburcules says D.C. also trumps other big cities you might normally compare it to.

“It's so much quieter and more relaxed than NY. It's much more compact and convenient than LA. The weather is miles better than Chicago, and you're not stuck in the middle of the country, which makes travel and weekend getaways a million times better.”

Real estate website Curbed points out that as it is only 68 square miles, the city is immensely walkable. Not only that, but 98% of the city’s residents live within 10 minutes’ walking distance of a park. There is also sports entertainment available for every type of fan, and plenty of museums.

Beyond the living expenses, D.C’s transit game leaves much to be desired, and their summers can be brain-meltingly hot.

Inbound moves: 59.1%

America’s tiniest state has been steadily moving up the ranks of United Van Lines’ national movers list in recent years, jumping into the top 10 for inbound moves in 2021.

Nearly 36% of those entering Rhode Island said the jobs convinced them to relocate to the state. Seeking remote work as a top lifestyle change.

That said, it’s also one of the costliest states to live in the U.S. and half of all inbound movers reported an income of $150,000 or more.

“It's basically the Shire in LOTR, everyone knows everyone, people are generally friendly with each other but distrusting of strangers, and generally the people that live here never leave or want to leave,” says Redditor draqsko.

For some fun facts about Rhode Island, the state government website tells us that it was the site of the first U.S. polo game in 1876.

Also, the first British troops that were sent to quash the brewing American revolution docked in Newport.

Inbound moves: 60.4%

The Gem State wasn’t quite as prized in 2021 as it has been in previous years, plunging from first to ninth place.

Contrary to popular belief, Idaho isn’t all farmland and potatoes — it actually has an IT job market in particular that has been flourishing and the state’s Department of Labor also reported strong population and job growth last year.

The low cost of living and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities can make Idaho attractive to Americans seeking a more affordable lifestyle and open spaces as well.

“There's a lot of positives especially if you're the outdoors type. Huge swaths of wilderness in the state, desert in the south with more mountainous terrain and forests in the central and northern parts of the state. Even in Boise (where traffic can get ‘bad’), an hour of driving will get you into the wilderness,” says stormy370 on Reddit.

Inbound moves: 60.5%

Lush forests and blue rivers delineate the Beaver State — however, its natural beauty wasn’t enough to stop it from slipping down the list.

Oregon took third place in United Van Lines’ last year and before that it held at No. 2 for three years in a row.

A sizable chunk of inbound movers (44%) said they chose Oregon for work-related reasons — and that’s unsurprising considering the state’s thriving tech industry. A number of high-tech businesses are clustered around the Silicon Forest area near Portland.

That said, the state’s high cost of living and ballooning homeless population have become an issue for many.

And with the unemployment rate being so low, there are better job opportunities in other states.

A Redditor posed a question about whether they’d regret moving from NYC to Portland. One response summed up the pros and cons succinctly. The pros include the friendly people, nature, good bar scene and the lack of crowding. The cons are the higher non-violent crime rate, the lower employment rate, the weather and the urban poverty.

Inbound moves: 62%

Tennessee is home to more than just Graceland and fried chicken — plenty of Americans love the state for its low cost of living and affordable homes.

The Volunteer State has fairly low property taxes and won’t tax your Social Security benefits or income. Just be prepared to deal with sky-high sales taxes when you do your shopping.

Tennessee is said to be an ideal place to retire with a high quality of life.

Moving planning company Bellhop says the Smoky Mountains and its network of caves are gorgeous, natural tourist draws. There is also an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is just under the national average.

Tennesseans also don’t need to worry about post-secondary education, as the state provides free community college to adult residents, who can then roll it over into university credits.

The climate can be hit-or-miss for some people, as Larry Gwinn writes on Quora.

“If you hate winter, then Tennessee is a great state for you. Tennessee’s winter is mild and short. But, its summer is long and very humid.”

Inbound moves: 62.1%

Sweet Home Alabama certainly lives up to much of the hype, ranking sixth place on United Van Lines’ list.

Residents in the Yellowhammer State benefit from extremely low property taxes and cheap home values.

However, Alabama’s job market was the top reason for both people moving out and into the state. The unemployment rate is fairly low, but median household income in the state is lower than the national median.

“Travel is easy and cheap in one of the most ecologically diverse states, meaning there is a ton to see and do in nature without spending much. Lots of diverse small/medium cities to visit … Alabama is also a sick hub for great weekend trips. Nashville, New Orleans, Atlanta are all reasonable to go to on a Friday after work and enjoy the weekend in,” says jsm2008 on Reddit.

Inbound moves: 62.3%

Florida’s got a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re hitting up the local beaches and theme parks or just looking for the ideal spot to settle down in your golden years.

Retirees adore the state (retirement was the top reason for almost 39% of inbound movers) for its excellent climate and recreational opportunities, as well as its tax-friendliness. There’s no state income tax, and the sales and property taxes are pretty average compared to the rest of the country.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the Sunshine State, however, according to AdrianArmbruster on Reddit.

“It's definitely not going to be all vaporwave aesthetics and Miami Beach sunsets all the time. Definitely don't go expecting that. The primary industry being tourism both raises prices and depresses wages. Anyone thinking of coming here with a penny to their name may want to keep that in mind.”

Inbound moves: 63%

Those country roads are taking plenty of Americans into West Virginia — the state jumped up eight spots to make it to third place for inbound moves in 2021.

Close to half of those entering the Mountain State cited jobs as their main motivator, but a whopping 72% said they exited the state for the same reason.

Jobcase interviewed a longtime West Virginia resident who recognized the state’s strong sense of community, simple way of living and the improving manufacturing industry as good reasons to live in W.Va.

West Virginia grapples with one of the worst poverty rates in the country, particularly with the decline of its coal industry.

However, Redditor OMothmanWhereArtThou says, “The cost of living in West Virginia is really low and it has so much natural beauty. If you're an outdoorsy person, you can find a lot to get into. If you're a fan of living near very few people, that can be easily achieved in WV.”

Inbound moves: 63.3%

South Carolina boasts a warm climate, friendly residents and outdoor attractions like Myrtle Beach and the salt marshes.

Like in 2020, the top reason for moving to the Palmetto State was retirement, and almost 70% of the new residents last year were 55 or older.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that South Carolina’s unemployment rate in late 2021 was 3.6%, which is identical to the 2022 national average.

South Carolina is well known for its golf courses, beaches and historic buildings — and it’s pretty tax-friendly for retirees as well.

“There are plenty of gorgeous towns around: Beaufort, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston. I would even say that Charleston is perhaps the most underrated city in the U.S. I don't think you can find that sort of wonderful, unique and well-preserved southern British colonial architecture anywhere else in the U.S.,” writes TheWalkingKing on Reddit.

But you’ll most likely need a car to see those things, as even the most walkable cities in SC — identified by Walkscore as Greenville, Myrtle Beach and Charleston — score in the low 40s out of 100.

Inbound moves: 68.8%

The Mount Rushmore State is clearly more than just the massive granite carvings it gets its nickname from — drawing almost 70% of its movers last year.

In fact, the desire to be closer to family was the main motivator for those relocating to South Dakota.

Moving planner and organizer Mover Junction points out that South Dakotans enjoy 213 sunny days a year, on top of a booming job economy and better-than-average health care.

The average commute for an urban South Dakotan is about 17 minutes, which is well under the national average — and outside the cities, the traffic is almost nil.

It is considered millennial friendly and an easy place to raise children.

The cost of living is lower-than-average, plus the state has no income tax and low sales taxes.

“Sioux Falls is consistently rated one of the best places in the U.S. to live. It's got a gorgeous parks system and lively local music scene. As to the rural parts of the state, it's incredibly beautiful, basically the lyrics to ‘America the Beautiful’: beautiful, spacious skies; amber waves of grain; purple mountains majestically rising above a fruited plain,” writes nemo_sum on Reddit.

Inbound moves: 74.3%

Despite being one of the least populated states in the nation, Vermont ranks No. 1 for the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2021.

Over 43% of inbound movers cited the jobs as their main reason for moving. The state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., however it’s also considered quite expensive to run a business there, so it’s not ideal for launching a startup.

Redditor luxorange recommends the Green Mountain State for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

“It's a really outdoorsy state. People are all about being outside, hiking, kayaking, biking, skiing. No matter where you live here, it is beautiful. The seasons are fun, it's almost always a pretty drive, and the air is clean (seriously underrated feature of VT, how good the air smells).”

Only in Your State points out that their annual snowfall is not for the faint of heart, and neither is their cost of living. The 2021 Basic Needs budget issued by the state government confirms that in 2020, the estimated cost of food per month for a single Vermonter was $336.