New Hampshire ranks 2nd in US News ‘Best States for 2025’

When you live in a state like New Hampshire, it’s always a good feeling to know you live in a very special place. We are surrounded by so much beauty for a very small state, and everything is so convenient. 

It’s good to hear that U.S. News and World Report has released its new list of the Best States for 2025, in which all 50 states are ranked. 

New Hampshire captured the No. 2 ranking in the country for a second consecutive year. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it, considering there’s so much competition throughout our country with so many diverse natural environments and differing economies. 

The Best State Rankings began in 2017. The report ranks all 50 states across eight categories: health care, education, natural environment, opportunity, economy, crime and corrections, infrastructure, and fiscal stability. The report used 71 metrics to analyze every possible attribute. 

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 Best States per the report: 

1. Utah
2. New Hampshire 
3. Idaho
4. Minnesota 
5. Nebraska 
6. Florida
7. Vermont
8. South Dakota 
9. Massachusetts 
10. Washington 

A breakdown of the five lowest-ranking states included: 

50. Louisiana

49. Alaska

48. Mississippi 

47. New Mexico 

46. West Virginia 

New Hampshire was also honored as the No. 1 safest state in America, a category so critical considering what we have seen in our nation the last several years. U.S. News factored in the violent crime rate and property crime rate of all states to create the rankings. 

Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions we make in our lives. People choose where to put down their roots for all sorts of reasons. It might be the chance for a better job, cultural and recreational opportunities, cutting living costs, or being close to nature. Finding the right place isn’t always easy, but the data supplied by U.S. News and World Report makes it a whole lot simpler. It’s good to know that the data supplied leads you to New Hampshire. 

The report indicates New Hampshire's natural beauty stands out more for its valleys, rivers, lakes, mountains, and its mere 13 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Mount Washington stands at 6,288’ and Lake Winnipesaukee is its best-known inland resort. Smart manufacturing and high-tech industries account for much of the state's economy today, per the report. 

Here’s a breakdown of New Hampshire’s ranking in each category and some metrics: 

No. 1 in Crime and Corrections

No. 4 in Natural Environment

No. 6 in Opportunity (for Economic Opportunity, New Hampshire ranked No. 1)

No. 12 in Economy

No. 12 in Health Care

No. 16 in Education (for prek-12 New Hampshire ranked No. 6) 

No. 19 in Infrastructure (for Internet Access, New Hampshire Ranked No. 3)

No. 37 in Fiscal Stability

It’s interesting to read through the comparison of each state’s strengths and weaknesses. Every state has areas they can improve upon. In New Hampshire, we have so much to be thankful for. The state offers strong public safety, a beautiful natural environment with great economic opportunity, a strong economy, excellent healthcare, good schools, and plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. New Hampshire packs a powerful punch. 

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit

rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.