The Happiest States in the US....Where Does Your State Rank?

In a 4 year survey to determine the happiest states in which to live, the top 3 states were Louisiana, Hawaii and Florida. The survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on data collected from 1.3 million people across the country, compared things like climate, air quality, schools and crime rate. The survey also asked how satisfied participants are with their lives. The study began before Hurricane Katrina and continued throughout the aftermath but still Louisiana ranked #1 happiest." Sunshiny and warm states, Hawaii and Florida, ranked the next 2 happiest. An abundance of natural beauty and a year round warm climate make most people happy. However, cold states like Alaska, Maine Wyoming and Montana made the top 12. New York state came in last, at 51.

Below is a list of the happiest states beginning with the happiest, Louisiana and ending with the unhappiest...New York

1.Louisiana, 2.Hawaii, 3.Florida, 4.Tennessee, 5.Arizona, 6.South Carolina, 7.Mississippi, 8.Montana, 9.Alabama, 10.Maine, 11.Wyoming, 12.Alaska, 13.North Carolina, 14.South Dakota, 15.Texas, 16.Idaho, 17.Vermont, 18.Arkansas, 19.Georgia, 20.Utah, 21.Oklahoma, 22.Delaware, 23.Colorado, 24.New Mexico, 25.North Dakota, 26.Minnesota, 27.Virginia, 28.New Hampshire, 29.Wisconsin, 30.Oregon, 31.Iowa, 32.Kansas, 33.Nebraska, 34.West Virginia, 35.Kentucky, 36.Washington, 37.District of Columbia, 38.Missouri, 39.Nevada, 40.Maryland, 41.Pennsylvania, 42.Rhode Island, 43.Ohio, 44.Massachusetts, 45.Illinois, 46.California, 47.New Jersey, 48.Indiana, 49.Michigan, 50.Connecticut, 51.New York

I moved from the 44^th happiest state, Massachusetts to the 3^rd happiest state, Florida. For me, it's all about the weather. After living my entire life in New England and moving to Florida 9 years ago, warmth and sunshine is what my aging body needs. Florida is the "sunshine" state. Sunshine is good for you. It makes vitamin D and keeps your bones healthy. Sunshine keeps you from being depressed. In the 3 happiest states there's no snow or icy slush to shovel. You don't need snow tires. My adopted state, Florida has its problems; but sunshine, warmth, palm trees, beaches and parks make it a happy place in which to live. Come on Down! We're all pretty happy here.

Sources:

St.Pete Times

Personal Experience.