New Hampshire dubbed 'best state to move to' in national ranking

(The Center Square) — A recent ranking of all 50 states landed on New Hampshire as the best for Americans to live in, much to the delight of Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

It's more proof that the Granite State's economy and quality of life outpaces its higher-taxed neighbors, according to the governor.

New Hampshire was named the Best State to Move To in 2026 by ConsumerAffairs in a report released this week, moving ahead of Utah to claim the top spot. The annual ranking evaluated all 50 states based on affordability, economic opportunity, safety, education, health care, and quality of life. 

In the report, the New Hampshire placed second overall for the subcategories of safety and quality of life, and third for healthcare and education. ConsumerAffairs said affordability and safety were two of the top factors it considered in coming up with New Hampshire's top billing. 

New Hampshire also doesn’t have a sales tax or an individual income tax, and its unemployment rate — which is currently 2.8% — is among the lowest in the country, the report authors said.

 Ayotte welcomed taking the No. 1 spot on Tuesday after two years in second place, calling it an example of the so-called 'New Hampshire advantage.' 

More from this section

Pint-sized obsessions: New Hampshire's favorite ice cream flavors and brands, according to Instacart data

"We're a beacon for economic opportunity, the safest state in the nation, and our quality of life is unlike anywhere else," Ayotte boasted in a statement. "Anyone looking for lower taxes, more opportunity, and an unmatched quality of life should look no further than the Granite State — we'd love to have you!"

It's a familiar mantra for the first term Republican, who has sought to capitalize on neighboring states like Massachusetts that have seen exodus of residents fleeing higher taxes and policies targeting wealthy households.

Ayotte, a former U.S. senator, has also sought to lure away disaffected New York City business owners chafing over Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's victory in November's mayoral election. 

Last year, Ayotte dipped into her unused gubernatorial campaign funds to pay for a billboard truck ad to drive around downtown Manhattan, seeking to lure business owners with a similar pitch. 

"NYC BUSINESS OWNERS: MAMDANI GOT YOU DOWN? Come on up to New Hampshire for no Communism, less red tape and less taxes!" Ayotte's ad stated. "We'll help you keep more of your hard-earned money."