Top 10 state capitals in which residents flourish
The U.S. state capitals are vibrant, thriving places to live.
In addition to being the seats of state governments, these cities boast robust economies and exciting cultural opportunities; many are home to respected universities and major healthcare institutions as well.
Earlier this year, WalletHub, the financial advice website, compiled available data to find out in which capital cities residents enjoy the highest quality of life, quality of education and economic well-being. It also determined which ones are the most affordable.
A panel of experts was consulted as well and asked to weigh in on questions like, “In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators? How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities? Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?”
The result is a ranking of 50 state capitals from most to least desirable to live in. From that list, the top 10 best state capitals – from the perspective of their residents are:
- Austin, Texas
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Boise, Idaho
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Columbus, Ohio
- Denver, Colorado
- Concord, New Hampshire
