All 51 States, One Traveler’s Honest Ranking From Worst To Best
Are you curious about how all fifty states actually stack up?
Here’s one traveler’s brutally honest, slightly quirky, and deeply personal ranking—no sugar-coating, just real impressions, oddball stories, and some unexpected surprises along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered where your own home state lands, buckle up: this journey goes from flat plains to tropical beauty, historic gems to hidden hills, all with a fresh perspective for each stop.
1. North Dakota Flat Feels
If you’ve ever driven through North Dakota, you know the endless stretches of highway can feel like a trance. There’s a charm in the flatness, but after hours of sameness, my mind begins to wander.
Did you know the sky seems to go on forever out here? The sunsets are wild, painting the ground in orange and purple. Yet, the landscape rarely changes—it’s a place for those who like calm repetition.
Wherever you stop, the wind whispers across empty fields and grain elevators. It’s peaceful, yet almost unsettling in its stillness.
2. Vermont Cozy Escape
When fall arrives, Vermont turns into a warm hug wrapped in plaid. Maple syrup stalls pop up along winding roads, and the leaves are show-offs.
How could anyone resist a pumpkin patch or a small-town bookshop nestled among red barns? Each village feels hand-painted.
Are you into comfort? Vermont’s locals bake the best apple pies and pour the richest maple syrup. I always leave with sticky fingers and a full heart.
3. Texas Big but Busy
How can one state contain both enormous cities and empty desert? Texas sprawls, and every corner feels different.
It’s easy to get lost in Austin’s music scene or Houston’s traffic jams. The BBQ here actually lives up to the hype—just bring napkins.
Where else can you see a rodeo at lunch and a skyscraper at dinner? The scale overwhelms, but Texans wear their pride as big as their hats.
4. Hawaii Pure Paradise
Where does the word paradise truly fit? Hawaii, hands down. Sunlight dances on every wave, and the beaches are poetry.
If volcanic craters and rainforests aren’t enough, the island breezes always smell like plumeria. The locals greet you with genuine smiles—it’s a reminder that aloha is more than a word.
Did you know the stars here blaze brighter than anywhere else? The night sky feels close enough to touch.
5. Mississippi Needs More Shine
Are you seeking hidden gems? Mississippi’s blues roots echo in every guitar riff drifting from a porch.
Though the charm is there, some places seem stuck in time, longing for a fresh coat of paint. The pace moves slow, and not everyone’s in a hurry to catch up.
If you stop for fried catfish, you’ll get hearty portions and even heartier stories. This state deserves more love than it gets.
6. Oregon Nature Lover’s Dream
Did you ever feel lost in the right kind of way? Oregon’s forests swallow you up, with mossy trees whispering secrets.
Waterfalls tumble from unexpected places. In Portland, food trucks and quirky murals keep urban explorers busy.
Wherever you go, rain is almost a guarantee—bring a good jacket and an open mind. Coffee here tastes better after a long hike.
7. Georgia Southern Flavor
When you crave comfort food, Georgia’s tables rarely disappoint. I find something soulful in every bite of peach cobbler or fried chicken.
If you stroll under Savannah’s draping Spanish moss, it feels like walking through a painting. The music scene, alive with blues and gospel, brings the air to life.
How does a state balance so much history with modern zest? Georgia simply makes it part of the recipe.
8. New Jersey Overcrowded Coast
Where’s everyone going in such a rush? New Jersey’s shore bustles with energy—a different kind of wild from the open plains.
How the beaches fill up with families, arcades, and pizza stands is beyond me. There’s no room for quiet moments here.
Even away from the water, everything feels packed. Jersey might be small, but it’s never boring.
9. Alaska Wild and Free
When silence speaks loudly, it’s Alaska calling. Glaciers creak, mountains loom, and caribou wander past without blinking.
Where else can you see the northern lights dance in the thick of winter? The wilderness here doesn’t ask for permission—it just is.
Are you brave enough to face a place this raw? Not everyone can handle the solitude, but adventure thrives at every turn.
10. Missouri Lacking Spark
If Missouri were a color, sometimes it would be beige. The cities have their moments, but something feels missing.
Where the rivers flow, history lingers, but not always excitement. Kansas City BBQ saves the day more than once.
Though friendly faces abound, the scenery rarely calls me back. It’s a state I drive through more than visit.
11. New Mexico Desert Calm
This state feels like a meditation—quiet, warm, and spiritual. Sandstone bluffs glow golden at dawn, and art galleries dot sleepy towns.
Where hot air balloons float above the desert, time slows down. Santa Fe’s adobe charm always makes me linger.
If you need a digital detox, New Mexico welcomes you with a desert embrace and open skies.
12. Florida Fun and Chaos
How do you sum up Florida’s spirit? It’s bright, bold, and buzzing with life. I’ve never seen a state juggle so many personalities at once—spring breakers, retirees, and wild alligators all crowd the stage.
Thunderstorms crash in and out like quick applause. Amusement parks try to outdo the beaches.
If you want calm, you’ll need to search hard. But adventure? There’s plenty around every palm tree.
13. California Overwhelming Variety
When I think of California, my head spins. Coastal cliffs, redwoods, deserts, and packed freeways—everything at once.
Where movie stars and surfers mingle, you never know who you’ll bump into. The food shifts with every county; tacos here, wine there.
Did you know you could ski and surf in the same day? California’s endless options sometimes leave me dizzy.
14. Indiana Forgettable Drives
If boredom had a mascot, some of Indiana’s highways would make the shortlist. Mile after mile of corn, and the scenery rarely changes.
Though friendly, the small towns don’t always leave a mark. Convenience stores become the highlight of the drive.
When you need peace and predictability, Indiana delivers. Just don’t expect fireworks around every bend.
15. Maine Peaceful Shores
Wherever you go, the ocean’s whisper follows. Maine’s coast is all rugged beauty—sharp rocks, cold waves, and lighthouses standing guard.
If fresh lobster is your thing, you’re in for a treat. I’ve spent chilly mornings watching boats return with the day’s catch.
Are you searching for quiet? Maine’s gentle fog and pine forests offer a peaceful retreat from the world.
16. South Dakota Surprise
Did you expect more from South Dakota? I did, and the Black Hills delivered. Mount Rushmore rises from the hills like a strange monument to ambition.
Where bison wander, prairie grass waves softly in the breeze. Caves and quirky roadside stops keep things interesting.
When I left, I realized this state had charmed me without trying too hard. South Dakota—an underdog with bite.
17. Illinois Urban Grind
How do you keep up in Illinois? Chicago’s heartbeat never slows. Sky-high buildings, the rush of the ‘L’ train, and the scent of deep-dish pizza fill the air.
The winters? Brutal—but the locals are tougher. City pride is loud, with plenty of sports banter.
If you crave skyscrapers and grit, this state’s city life rewards the bold. The rest of Illinois keeps things quieter.
18. Washington Rain and Green
Rain drizzles, and somehow the world becomes more alive. Washington’s forests glow deep green, and coffee shops bloom on every corner.
How does so much rain feel cozy instead of dreary? It’s a mystery I happily embrace. Seattle’s skyline peeks through the mist, and markets buzz.
Are you ready for endless green? Bring your rain boots—adventure is always just a few steps away.
19. New York Icon Overload
Where do I even begin? New York’s energy slaps you awake. Skyscrapers scrape the clouds, and you’ll hear ten languages before lunch.
If you need a classic bagel, you’re covered. History, art, and chaos blend into something unforgettable.
Are you hungry for the world? New York satisfies with more than pizza—it’s a cultural feast with sharp edges.
20. Alabama Has Its Moments
Sometimes Alabama wraps you in gentle nostalgia. Early mornings bring dew on cotton fields, and the hum of cicadas keeps time.
If you’re after simple pleasures, sweet tea on a porch fits the bill. Old jukeboxes still play in roadside diners.
Though the state has rough edges, friendly faces pop up where you least expect. Alabama leaves a soft echo behind.
21. Wyoming Wide-Open Bliss
Wyoming’s sky stretches wider than my worries. If you stand in the middle of nowhere, the silence almost hums.
How does a place this wild feel so inviting? Bison wander, and mountain shadows play on endless grass.
When I crave true escape, Wyoming’s space is my answer. You’ll find freedom in every gust of wind here.
22. Louisiana Culture Overload
If you want your senses overwhelmed, Louisiana delivers. Every street corner in New Orleans pulses with trumpet blasts and spicy aromas.
Where Mardi Gras beads hang year-round, it’s impossible not to catch the rhythm. Beignets and street parties happen daily.
Did you know even cemeteries here celebrate life? Louisiana’s culture is wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
23. Utah Visual Masterpiece
When the sun hits Utah’s red rocks, the world transforms. Shadows stretch across canyons, and every view is worth a thousand photos.
If hiking through alien landscapes excites you, this state is a playground. Arches, hoodoos, and salt flats all compete for attention.
Where silence meets grandeur, you’ll find room to think. Utah’s beauty is simply out of this world.
24. Colorado Altitude and Awe
Where the air feels thinner, Colorado’s mountains rise with attitude. Adventure waits on every trail, and wildflowers burst from rocky soil.
If you conquer a fourteener, the view steals your breath. Aspen trees flicker gold in the fall.
Are you ready for altitude and awe? This state rewards every ounce of effort you give it.
25. Arkansas Underrated Outdoors
Why isn’t Arkansas more famous for its outdoors? Quiet trails wind past waterfalls, and fishing lakes hide in emerald valleys.
If you love camping without crowds, this state is a secret worth keeping. The Ozarks offer surprising beauty.
Where the morning fog hangs low, you’ll find peace away from busy highways. Arkansas is low-key magic in green.
26. Nevada Beyond the Strip
If you look past the neon lights, Nevada’s wild side is unforgettable. Red rocks glow at sunset, and wild horses roam nearby.
Las Vegas glitters in the distance, but true adventure lives in the open spaces. Stargazing here is second to none.
Where the desert meets civilization, you’ll find a state that wears many faces. Nevada is more than casinos—trust me.
27. Kentucky Horses and Hills
Are you a fan of horses? Kentucky’s bluegrass fields seem made for thoroughbreds galloping across morning mist.
Derby hats and bourbon form a unique local blend. The countryside rolls on forever, dotted with barns and stone fences.
Where tradition meets gentle beauty, Kentucky charms at every turn. There’s a calm pride here you can’t fake.
28. Massachusetts Full of History
Where history breathes, Massachusetts stands proud. Cobblestone streets blend with coffee shops, and revolution stories echo off old brick.
If you love walking tours, you’ll find ghosts of the past at every turn. College towns buzz with youthful energy.
Did you know the first American lighthouse stands here? Massachusetts packs centuries into every block.
29. Oklahoma Could Be Better
How many times have I driven through Oklahoma and just kept driving? The prairies roll, but little stands out.
Tornado warnings flash on local radios, and the wind never seems to stop. There’s grit here, but it takes work to find.
Where small towns struggle, hope peeks out. Oklahoma could use a little spark.
30. Minnesota Chill and Clean
When I crave cool air and clean water, Minnesota answers the call. Lakes shimmer in the early dawn, and loons cry in the distance.
If winter sports are your jam, snow comes early and stays late. Summer brings fishing trips and berry pie.
Are you looking for a tidy, friendly escape? Minnesota’s sense of order is quietly comforting.
31. Pennsylvania Strong Mix
Did you know Pennsylvania balances grit and charm? Amish buggies share space with city skyscrapers, and small towns nestle beside old factories.
Philadelphia’s cheesesteaks compete with Pittsburgh’s steel pride. Fall colors burn bright in the mountains.
How does one state hold so much variety? Pennsylvania’s blend keeps you guessing at every turn.
32. Michigan Water and Grit
Where water meets resolve, Michigan thrives. The lakes roar in stormy weather, and the beaches feel wild.
Detroit’s grit fuels comeback stories, and cherry orchards dot the peninsulas in summer. Winters bite hard but bring their own fun.
If you want tough beauty, Michigan’s the place. The locals never quit, even when times get rough.
33. Montana Quiet Majesty
How does silence say so much? Montana’s wide valleys cradle morning mist, and rivers snake quietly through fields.
If solitude is your thing, you’ll find it in spades. Elk graze, and snow peaks look close enough to touch.
Are you after majesty without the crowds? Montana’s grandeur feels like a secret whispered just for you.
34. Idaho Wild Simplicity
Are you ready for rugged days? Idaho’s rivers crash and tumble, drawing thrill-seekers and solitude lovers alike.
Where potatoes meet pine forests, the air smells clean and crisp. Small towns feel untouched by time.
If you want nature without frills, Idaho delivers. The beauty here is straightforward and wild, just like the locals.
35. Iowa Heartland Plain
Did you ever drive through Iowa in summer? Corn grows taller than cars, and the sky stretches out for miles.
In small towns, folks wave at every passing car. County fairs fill the air with laughter and the smell of funnel cakes.
Wherever you roam, the land stays gentle. Iowa’s heart beats steadily—no flash, just honest simplicity.
36. Kansas Long Flat Roads
How many horizons can you count in Kansas? The roads run straight and flat, testing your sense of time.
Wheat fields ripple in the wind. Old windmills and grain silos dot the landscape, silent witnesses to passing travelers.
If you crave a clear view and room to think, Kansas obliges. The openness here is almost hypnotic.
37. Connecticut Coastal Charm
When you stroll the harbors of Connecticut, gentle waves and salty air greet you. Colorful houses line cobblestone streets, and sailboats rock quietly in the water.
If you like seafood, local shacks serve up fresh catch daily. Gardens bloom everywhere in spring.
Where history meets seaside calm, Connecticut shines. The pace is easy, but the beauty catches you off guard.
38. Rhode Island Small Wonder
Where do you find outsized charm in a tiny package? Rhode Island proves small can be mighty.
If you wander down to the shore, the breeze smells like salt and possibility. Lighthouses guard every turn of the bay.
When summer hits, festivals and seafood stands fill the days. Rhode Island is proof that size isn’t everything.
39. West Virginia Hidden Hills
When the fog rolls in, West Virginia feels like a secret waiting to be found. Hills rise and fall in endless waves.
If you follow old roads, you’ll cross covered bridges and stumble on ghost towns. Bluegrass tunes drift from porch to porch.
Wherever you go, the hills hold tight to their mysteries. West Virginia keeps its magic tucked away.
40. South Carolina Slower Pace
Are you searching for the opposite of rush? South Carolina’s mornings start with soft sunlight on sandy beaches.
Charleston’s mansions echo with old stories, and the food is slow-cooked with care. Spanish moss hangs in no hurry.
If you like to linger, this is your state. South Carolina savors every moment.
41. North Carolina Balanced Beauty
When balance matters, North Carolina finds it. The mountains roll in from the west, while the coast hugs the east.
Barbecue joints battle for top spot, and college towns hum with energy. Waterfalls hide just off winding highways.
How does one state juggle so much? North Carolina finds the sweet spot between wild and welcoming.
42. Tennessee Music and Mountains
If you love a soundtrack to your travels, Tennessee sings loudest. Neon lights flash down Nashville’s streets, and every bar has a story.
The Smoky Mountains wait just beyond, luring hikers and dreamers. Country roots run deep.
When the music fades, mountain mists roll in. Tennessee always leaves a chorus in my head.
43. Wisconsin Cheese and Charm
Do you know the taste of true cheddar? Wisconsin’s farms are the real deal—rolling fields, curious cows, and red barns dot the hills.
Cheeseheads aren’t just a football thing; it’s a way of life. Farmers’ markets brim with homemade pies and bratwurst.
Where hospitality rules, every meal feels like a family gathering. Wisconsin’s warmth is best served with cheese.
44. Nebraska Just Passing Through
If you blink, Nebraska slips by in a moment. The roads seem to run forever, bordered by endless waves of green.
Truck stops become oases in the monotony. The locals are friendly, but the scenery rarely changes.
Where time feels suspended, Nebraska is a place you remember only in passing. It’s the pause between destinations.
45. Arizona Desert Wonders
Did you ever see a sky so vast it made you feel tiny? Arizona’s deserts stretch in dazzling colors at sunset.
Saguaros stand like sentinels, guarding canyons and hidden oases. The heat can get fierce, but adventure always calls.
If you’re searching for natural marvels, this state overdelivers. Arizona’s beauty scorches then soothes.
46. Delaware Easy to Miss
Where does Delaware hide? Blink, and you’ll miss the low-key charm of its boardwalks and tiny beach towns.
Shops sell saltwater taffy, and the pace never hurries. The beaches don’t grab headlines, but peace is easy to find.
If you need a quick getaway, Delaware fits in your pocket. It’s small, but it sticks with you in gentle ways.
47. Indiana Meh Moments
When I think of Indiana, I remember pit stops more than destinations. The highways hum past endless fields.
Few towns jump out with personality. Most often, it’s just a stretch between bigger adventures.
If you need a break and a reliable drive, Indiana is dependable. Just don’t expect too many surprises along the way.
48. New Hampshire Forested Peace
How quiet can a forest get? New Hampshire’s woods answer with soft footsteps and rustling leaves.
Covered bridges cross cold streams, and every fall the land catches fire with color. The air feels fresher here.
If you want a peaceful walk, this is the place. New Hampshire’s forests always hush the outside world.
49. Ohio Solid but Gray
Where do steady routines shine? Ohio’s neighborhoods buzz with backyard games and football traditions.
Cloudy skies make the autumn leaves pop. There’s a stubborn reliability to this place.
If you want a state that’s solid, Ohio delivers. The excitement might be muted, but the comfort is real.
50. Massachusetts Crowded Yet Classy
Did you ever marvel at a city that squeezes history and hustle into each block? Boston buzzes, with students and tourists weaving through old and new.
The Charles River glints beside glass towers. Crowds can overwhelm, but the city’s energy feels timeless.
If you like your class with a side of chaos, Massachusetts makes it work. This history never gets stale.
51. Illinois Cold City Rush
How do Chicagoans handle the freeze? The answer is grit. Snow piles up, but the city never stops moving.
Commuters hustle beneath the ‘L’, and the coffee shops are packed with thawing fingers. Every street corner tells a story.
Where winter rules, energy never fades. Illinois’ city life is a cold sprint—take a deep breath and run with it.