5 Best U.S. States for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Massachusetts
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Utah
- Vermont
The healthiest U.S. states have a few things in common.
- They have beautiful natural features like oceans and mountains.
- They have a high level of wealth compared to unhealthy states
- Healthy states have a highly educated population and a large number of white-collar jobs, so college graduates will fit right in.
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1. Massachusetts
With historic Boston and beautiful beaches within hours of each other, Massachusetts is a great place to live. The state’s easy access to seafood offers low-fat, high-protein dinners packed full of healthy vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids. An abundance of colleges and universities means the economy is always adding professional jobs. The state has some of the highest per capita rates of health providers, so residents don’t have to wait long to get the treatment they need.
2. Colorado
It’s impossible for anyone to live in Colorado and not get enough exercise. With the gorgeous Rocky Mountains always visible in the background of day-to-day life, most Colorado residents head to the hills for weekend hiking and skiing. There’s an extensive network of public transportation in major population centers like Denver and Fort Collins. This means locals get in a few extra steps between the office and the light rail stop. Colorado has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Less than three percent of the state is out of work, according to the Denver Post. However, the health benefits of this state aren’t evenly distributed. Rural residents are more prone to chronic issues like obesity and heart disease. Most transplants head straight for the Mile High City and won’t be affected by rural healthcare shortages.
3. Hawaii
Like Colorado, Hawaii’s beautiful natural landscape fuels constant exercise. Like Massachusetts, the state’s convenient access to seafood contributes to healthy diet habits. Unlike the other two states, though, Hawaii is known for universal high prices. There are no suburbs or quiet rural pockets for recent college graduates to find their feet, making it hard for transplants to truly thrive in the Aloha State. Still, for those who don’t mind living with roommates and eating ramen, there’s something magical about the surf and sun of Hawaii.
4. Utah
Utah might seem like a surprising entry on this list of healthiest states in the U.S. It’s politically conservative, unlike its competitors, so social services are limited. On second glance, there are plenty of reasons for the Beehive State to make a top five list of healthy U.S. states. The Mormon Church is a powerful player here, so its ban on smoking and drinking can be observed almost everywhere. That means lower rates of lung cancer, liver disease and other chronic health conditions. Plus, the emphasis on family and community ties contributes to strong mental health among residents. All these factors mean Utah is a great state for college graduates looking for a conservative but healthy new home.
5. Vermont
It’s back to New England for the last entry on this list of the healthiest U.S. states. Vermont might have freezing cold winters, but this rugged state has plenty to offer transplants. New residents love the community-oriented way of living. Those beautiful changing leaves don’t hurt matters, either.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easiest in a health-oriented community. That’s why so many health-conscious college graduates are flocking to the healthiest U.S. states.