A new study revealed which states Americans find to be the most fun — and the results might just surprise you.
WalletHub, a company specializing in personal finance, analyzed all 50 U.S. states through the lenses of “entertainment & recreation” and “nightlife.” This comprehensive study highlights the unique attributes that make certain places more vibrant and appealing.
To provide a thorough assessment, WalletHub examined 26 additional metrics within each category, assigning scores on a 100-point scale.
Some noteworthy metrics include the abundance of attractions, favorable weather, restaurants available per capita, movie theaters in the area, beach quality, access to national parks, nightlife offerings per capita, and the number of casinos available.
Using diverse data sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, WalletHub ranked the states from the “most fun” to the least, prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences.
Curious if your favorite state made the list? Let’s unveil the rankings.
Here are the ten most enjoyable states in the country:
10. Louisiana
9. Minnesota
8. Washington
7. Texas
6. Illinois
5. Colorado
4. New York
3. Nevada
2. California
1. Florida
Florida shines as the reigning champion for fun in America, according to the findings from WalletHub.
“The Sunshine State boasts a remarkable array of activities, claiming the title for the highest number of restaurants, amusement parks, and arcades per capita,” he noted.
Furthermore, it ranks third in attractions per capita and sixth in variety among arts, entertainment, and recreational venues.
Remarkably, Florida also influences a vibrant social scene with its 12th-rated weather and a rich network of marinas, as noted by WalletHub.
The expert observed, “Florida’s substantial investment in parks and recreational facilities ensures all residents and visitors find myriad opportunities to engage in exciting activities, establishing it as a hotbed for thrill-seekers of every kind.”
California and Nevada followed closely behind, taking second and third place, respectively, in nightlife allure.
The Golden State’s reputation flourishes as it offers an enviable number of performing arts venues and iconic music festivals per capita.
Nevada, fueled by the magic of Las Vegas, showcases an unmatched number of nightlife options, particularly casinos.
Surprisingly, at the opposite end of the spectrum, states like Arkansas, Rhode Island, Delaware, Mississippi, and West Virginia found themselves at the bottom of this engaging list.
Among the tidbits uncovered in the study, California and Texas are tied for the most movie theaters per capita, showcasing a cinematic culture embraced by many.
Additionally, WalletHub revealed that California, New York, Florida, and Texas equally dominate when it comes to the number of restaurants, creating diverse dining experiences for food lovers.
Conversely, states like Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming find themselves lacking in this culinary department.
