Ah, the pursuit of happiness—a fundamental right, conveniently sandwiched between life and liberty, and something Americans chase with the zeal of a Black Friday shopper after the last discounted TV. But happiness? That’s geographically selective, my friends. Here are the 21 states where happiness isn’t just a rumor, and the quirky reasons why. Buckle up; it’s a wildly stereotypical ride.
21. Montana: Where the Cows Outnumber People
Montana’s secret to happiness? More cows than humans. It’s easier to find joy when your biggest traffic jam involves cattle.
20. Maine: Lobster and Lighthouses
Happiness is a fresh lobster roll in one hand, a lighthouse selfie in the other, and not a traffic light in sight. Who needs city life when you have seafood?
19. Utah: Where Everyone’s High… on Mountains
Utah proves happiness is directly proportional to the number of national parks you can visit. Also, skiing down those slopes might as well be sliding into a state of bliss.
18. Hawaii: Aloha Means Happiness
Sure, Hawaii has volcanoes, but it also has endless beaches, poke bowls, and a cost of living that’ll ensure you work till you’re 90. Paradise comes at a price, folks.
17. Vermont: More Maple Syrup Than Blood
Vermonters are so happy because they’re 50% maple syrup by volume. Winter lasts 11 months, but those pancakes keep them warm and fuzzy.
16. Colorado: Rocky Mountain High, Indeed
In Colorado, happiness comes from either the altitude or the attitude—often both. Plus, legalizing marijuana didn’t exactly dampen spirits.
15. Alaska: Happiness in Solitude
In Alaska, happiness comes from not seeing your neighbors for months. It’s the solitude—and the occasional aurora—that lights up their lives.
14. Minnesota: Nice Even in a Blizzard
Minnesota’s secret? Being “Minnesota Nice.” It’s easy to be happy when everyone’s too polite to be miserable out loud.
13. Washington: Coffee and Complaining About Rain
Nothing says happiness like your fifth coffee of the day and the communal bond over how much it rains. It’s the damp dream of every hipster.
12. Oregon: Where Weird Is the Baseline
In Oregon, happiness is a quirky parade away. Keep Portland Weird isn’t just a slogan; it’s a lifestyle choice that surprisingly correlates with joy.
11. California: Sun, Surf, and Silicone
California: where the sun is hot, the celebrities are plastic, and everyone’s dreaming of their big break or a parking spot at Trader Joe’s.
10. New Hampshire: Live Free or Die Happy
New Hampshire takes “live free or die” seriously, but it’s mostly about not wearing seatbelts and avoiding sales tax. Thriftiness equals happiness.
9. North Dakota: Where You Can Actually Afford a Home
Happiness in North Dakota comes from owning a home with a yard bigger than a postage stamp, and the novelty of knowing everyone in the state.
8. South Dakota: Mount Rushmore and… Other Stuff
Visiting presidents carved into a mountain once a year brings a unique joy. For the rest of the year, South Dakotans find happiness in… well, we’ll get back to you.
7. Wisconsin: Cheese and Beer
It’s scientifically proven* that cheese and beer are direct pathways to happiness. Wisconsin has both in spades. *Not actually scientifically proven.
6. Iowa: Corn as Far as the Eye Can See
Nothing says happiness like being the nation’s leading corn producer. In Iowa, they’re just stalks of joy.
5. Nebraska: More Sky, Less Stress
In Nebraska, the sky’s the limit—mostly because there’s nothing blocking your view. The happiness comes from never having to fight for a parking spot.
4. Rhode Island: Small State, Big Hearts
In Rhode Island, you can cross the entire state before your coffee gets cold, and that’s somehow linked to happiness. It’s the little things.
3. Idaho: Potatoes and Solitude
Idahoans find joy in their spuds and the fact that you can go miles without seeing another soul. It’s the carb-heavy solitude that counts.
2. Wyoming: Where the Buffalo Roam Free
In Wyoming, happiness is a vast open space and the freedom to roam with the buffalo. Traffic lights are replaced with wildlife, and frankly, it’s a fair trade.
1. The Happiest State: Your Imagination
Because let’s face it, happiness is less about where you are and more about where you’d rather be—which, during work meetings, is literally any of the above.
The Great American Happiness Quest
In the end, happiness in America is as diverse as its landscapes. From the potato fields of Idaho to the surf of California, it seems joy can be found in the quirkiest of places and practices. Here’s to finding your own slice of happiness, whether it’s in a state not mentioned here or simply in the state of denial about your current location. Cheers!
More From Elpasony
Tapas Tales: Embark on a Flavor-Filled Spanish Adventure
19 Easy and Healthy Toddler Snacks You Haven’t Tried Yet
Indulge Your Culinary Wanderlust: 15 Foodie Paradises for Every Palate
The post The 21 Happiest States in America and Why first appeared on elpasoNY.com.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Santorines.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.