The Best States to Live in and Move to (if You’re Contemplating a Mass Exodus from Your State)

Written by Megan Redshaw

If there’s one thing 2020 made us re-evaluate, it’s where we were living. We saw states we thought valued freedom shut down, governors sell out their residents and become total dictators, businesses forced to close, the muzzle replace several state flags, freedoms restricted or altogether disappear, and legislators use a “pandemic” as an excuse for a power trip designed to push through legislation that would otherwise never have passed.

Add in riots, 80 weeks to flatten the curve, a “new normal,” online learning, cancel culture, vaccine mandates, and passports, and covert infringements upon our second amendment rights and it’s no wonder all of us who are “woke” see COVID “version 2.0” (coming to a fall near you) and are wrestling with whether we should stay and fight or make it to the better ground while we can.

Ranking States from Best to Worst

If you’re confused about whether you should stay or leave your state, look no further than the first-ever (best ever) list ranking states from best to worst using the criteria that are most important to parents who value their rights, freedoms, and a healthy lifestyle. These criteria include vaccine exemptions, homeschooling regulations, second amendment, political ideology (which tells you a lot about how a state is run and the type of agenda and policies you can expect to deal with), governor approval rating, covid19 response, personal reviews, and cost of living.

A large group was then polled to see how these criteria ranked in importance. Numbers from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best) were ascribed to the chosen criteria for each state, and then the automated spreadsheet ranked states first via their raw score and then via importance. For example, those polled stated that the second amendment was super important to them, so a state could score high in every area, but if it scored a “2” under the second amendment category, it was going to drop in the rankings. Make sense?

Under each state, you’ll see the big pros and cons, as well as the “raw score” where you can look and see how each criterion scored, which may help you in choosing a state that ranks highly in the areas that are most important to you.

1. Oklahoma

Pros: Oklahoma is tops in literally every category and no other state comes close. Oklahoma has religious, philosophical, and medical vaccine exemptions, great homeschooling, and medical freedoms, the ability to grow your own food, an excellent governor, amazing second amendment protections, the lowest cost of living, access to co-ops, crop shares, and health food stores, and an excellent state government. Businesses are open, masks are not required, and personal reviews of people living in this state who were polled gave it a “10 out of 10.”

Cons: Oklahoma City had ridiculous COVID restrictions, though they have since expired. Residents here suggest preparing yourself for the real possibility you’ll encounter a tornado.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 10

2. Missouri

Pros: Missouri has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, is a pro-second amendment, allows midwifery, has low homeschooling regulations, has four seasons and freedom to grow your own food, a low cost of living, a solid-state government, is a red state that didn’t use COVID as a license to enslave its citizens, and received a “10 out of 10” on personal reviews from people who live in that state.

Cons: The Dept. of Social Services (CPS) in Missouri is corrupt. Avoid St. Louis. Some public schools are following CDC guidelines instead of common sense.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 9
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 10

3. South Dakota

Pros: South Dakota is at the top of the list for the sheer fact that its governor (Kristi Noem) has read the U.S. Constitution and isn’t afraid to follow it. With wide-open spaces, this state has had the absolute best COVID response with a governor that isn’t bought and a government that is focused on the educational, emotional, physical, and social well-being of children. Religious and medical vaccine exemptions are available, there’s no state income tax, second amendment freedoms are high, the scenery is beautiful, and it is a great state of you have the desire to live off the land.

On March 10, a bill was signed into law removing some regulations for homeschooling including mandatory birth certificates, annual filing. The law also provides access to sports and activities in public schools.

Cons: South Dakota has a moderate cost of living, less access to health food stores outside of big cities, and winters are (very) cold.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 10
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

4. Arkansas

Pros: Arkansas has religious, philosophical, and medical vaccine exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, high second amendment protections (though not as protective as your top two states), farmer’s markets, farm schools and Montessori schools, medical freedom and midwifery, low cost of living, and had one of the least restrictive COVID responses. You’ll have no problem finding a doctor to see your unvaccinated child in this state.

Cons: Hot weather, mosquitoes, mask mandates schools, and not a lot of healthy food stores or restaurants outside of your big cities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 10

5. Florida

Pros: Florida has religious and medical exemptions, a strong economy, and great beaches. Residents LOVE their governor — who continues to fight back against COVID insanity and has the backbone of a tyrannosaurus rex. All COVID restrictions were lifted on September 25, 2020. Homeschooling is allowed, midwifery is legal, and masks are not required and vaccine passports are banned. Florida scored a 9 out of 10 in the personal reviews and residents love their state.

Cons: Home prices are higher in Florida and are harder to come by with the influx moving into the state. Second amendment protections are lower compared to higher-ranked states. Some schools are trying to violate the Governor’s executive order giving parent’s the right to decide whether their child should wear a mask in school.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

6. Idaho

Pros: Idaho has religious, medical, and philosophical vaccine exemptions, solid health freedoms, almost no homeschooling requirements, wide-open spaces, outdoor adventures, and a good economy.

Cons: Depending on where you live, you’ll have to drive to a bigger city to do major shopping, the governor is awful and repealed an executive order that prohibited the enforcement of mask mandates in the state. The housing market is insane. People moving to this state are reporting great difficulty in finding a home (so make sure you have a house secured before you move here.)

*Highest reviews of those living in Idaho reside in small communities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 8
Cost of living: 7

7. Texas

Pros: Texas has medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions, is the home of “Texans for Vaccine Choice,” has a volunteer organization dedicated to helping parents deal with Child Protective Services, a thriving midwife community, and is a great state for homeschooling. There’s a large population of Texans who are perfectly equipped to protect you from your government, the Attorney General is a fighter, and elections are handled well. On July 30, 2021, Gov. Abbott signed an executive order banning vaccine mandates. He previously did the same with vaccine passports.

Cons: There’s a major border issue, CPS is corrupt, the governor is hit or miss, and cities are becoming more liberal. Many people are moving from California but are still voting blue, and this is concerning too many Texans who don’t want their state to be “Californianed.”

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 7

8. South Carolina

Pros: South Carolina has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, medical freedoms, is opposed to masking mandates and vaccine passports and has a very active group of activists who are working to preserve these freedoms. The economy is open. People who live in South Carolina report loving their state.

Cons: Second amendment protections are good, but not as good as top-scoring states. Homeschooling is slightly more regulated and masks are required in some places.

“If you’re leaving a blue state, please don’t come here and continue voting like you’re in a blue state.” — Sincerely, a South Carolina resident.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 5
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 10
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 6

9. Iowa

Pros: Everybody who lives in Iowa loves Iowa. There are religious and medical vaccine exemptions, minimal homeschool regulations, one of the best education systems in the country, no mask mandates, access to food co-ops and agriculture, chiropractors and homeopathic doctors are plentiful, and there are a lot of rural places to live.

Cons: Iowa is one of six states that does not have the second amendment codified into their state constitution, there are fewer organic/whole food stores, naturopathy is illegal, there isn’t a lot of culture or diversity, and you’ll have to invest in a pair of overalls (think denim “moo moo” with suspenders).

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 8
Cost of living: 8

10. Wyoming

Pros: Wyoming has religious and medical exemptions, a low cost of living, no state income tax, wide-open spaces, great second amendment freedoms, and low homeschooling regulations.

Cons: Although the state is red, the governor pushed for masks and business closures. The COVID response was more restrictive than other “freedom-loving” states.

* It’s chilly in the winter, but we have gorgeous summers. I mean, if it’s good enough for Kanye…” – Erin K.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 9

11. Alaska

Pros: In Alaska, you’re removed from much of the mainland chaos. Religious and medical vaccine exemptions are available, homeschooling is easy (and the state pays you $2-4K annually to homeschool each child), midwives are legal, there’s no sales or personal tax, and second amendment protections are legit. They have all the fresh fish you can imagine, berry-picking in late summer, and caribou/moose hunting in the fall. People mind their own business when it comes to covid and masks and Alaska was one of the first states to open back up. If you like bears, alone time, and colder weather…this may be the state for you.

Cons: The cost of living is high, reduced access to organic goods, shipping is more expensive, and masks are mandated in schools.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 2

12. Alabama

Pros: Alabama has religious and medical exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, festivals, beaches, and a low cost of living.

Cons: This state loves masks, but not as much as people who are looking to move love clean air.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 9

13. Utah

Pros: If you live in Utah, you’re not leaving. This state has all three vaccine exemptions, is an easy state to homeschool in, provides many educational opportunities, and is highly reviewed by everyone who lives here as being very “anti-everything” friendly.

Cons: Face masks are required in schools, air quality is poor in some locations, the COVID response was restrictive for a red state, and the governor is mediocre.

*According to Utah residents, now is the best time to buy a house!

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

14. Indiana

Pros: Indiana has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, is an easy homeschooling state and allows homebirths. There are beautiful areas (that aren’t cornfields) and common sense drives the decisions that are made in this state.

Cons: During the “pandemic,” mask orders were in effect and there were extensive mask requirements for students in grades 3-12. Colleges are mandating vaccines and love Fauci. Personal reviews of people who live in Indiana describe it as “boring.” If you like “boring,” this may be your state.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 8

15. Montana

Pros: When this list was first published, Montana had an awful governor who was responsible for a ridiculous COVID response and mask mandates. In Nov. 2020, the state elected a new governor who re-appealed mask mandates. Montana has medical and religious exemptions, is big on independence and living off the land, and is a good state for homeschooling. There is also plenty of wildlife, land, and ranches.

Cons: Avoid Missoula, Billings, and Bozeman. Montana also has a higher cost of living and politics are divided based on where you live in the state. (Urban residents are liberal and rural residents are more conservative.)

* The desire to be “self-sufficient” is a must if you live in rural Montana.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 4

16. Arizona

Pros: “Arizona does not allow mask mandates, vaccine mandates, vaccine passports, or discrimination in schools based on who is or isn’t vaccinated. We’ve passed all of this into law, and it will not change.” – Gov. Ducey on July 27, 2021

Arizona has medical, philosophical, and religious vaccine exemptions, second amendment protections, access to functional medicine, lots of sunshine, most cities/towns are backyard chicken friendly, diverse eco-system for hiking and outdoor adventures, has co-ops, health food stores, and crop shares, and is a right-leaning red state.

Cons: The border is wide open, the weather is hot, and Arizona child welfare agencies are notoriously corrupt. The Governor is a RINO (according to residents) and the state “turned blue” during the last election, but the legislature is taking on the fraud.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 5

17. Nebraska

Pros: Nebraska has medical and religious vaccine exemptions, a low cost of living, and is generally liked by those who live there.

Cons: There are some hoops to jump through with homeschooling, lower second amendment protections, and during the “pandemic,” this state loved masks. There may be water problems in parts of Nebraska. Water shortages, pollution, and infrastructure problems span from the state’s western border to Omaha — so be sure to research this issue in the area you intend to move.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 8

18. Tennessee

Pros: Tennessee has a great season/climate for growing your own food, many natural health groups, a low cost of living, and religious and medical vaccine exemptions. Middle Tennessee and rural areas are much better to live in than big cities — which are more liberal. If you live in a rural area, Tennessee is “enjoyable.”

Cons: Tennessee is another state with a child welfare system that is notorious for being corrupt. In fact, this state has been trying to implement “mandatory checks” for families due to COVID. Homeschooling is also more regulated and the governor is bunk.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 5
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 3
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 6
Cost of living: 9

19. North Dakota

Pros: North Dakota has all three vaccine exemptions, strong second amendment protections, beautiful landscapes, wide-open spaces, and the ability to “live off the land.” Although the covid19 response could have been better, it was less restrictive than most, and masks are not mandated.

Cons: Homeschooling is moderately regulated with assessment and notification requirements, state-mandated subjects, notification, teacher qualifications, and immunization requirements. The governor in North Dakota is not even remotely comparable to South Dakota’s amazing governor.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 5
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 5

20. North Carolina

Pros: North Carolina is described as “not awful, but not great,” which secures its spot at #20. This state has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, access to organic food and farmer’s markets, and plenty of natural health practitioners.

Cons: The governor is awful. Masks were mandated during the “pandemic.” Homeschooling is more regulated than your top states, raw milk is illegal, and there are only a few certified nurse-midwives who offer home births.

*People who reside in rural areas were more satisfied with their state than those who lived in cities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 6
Cost of living: 6

21. Kansas

Pros: Kansas has religious and medical exemptions, it’s an easy state to homeschool in, the cost of living is low, and you can easily own a gun.

Cons: Kansas is flat…very flat…pancake flat. The governor is awful and loves masks.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 3
Cost of living: 9

22. Georgia

Pros: Georgia has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with one of the least restrictive COVID responses. The cost of living is low, the land is reasonably priced if you want to be away from the city, but there are plenty of affordable urban areas to settle in also. Georgia also has mountains, beaches, and very survivable winters.

Cons: When this post was first written, the “cons” were few and the “pros” were plenty placing this state in the “top 5.” Since the election, the “cons” have grown. Georgia has a corrupt Governor and Secretary of State who failed to do their jobs and preserve election integrity. As a result, the state turned blue. Though the transition is not complete, if you move to this state, you should be committed to fighting for your freedoms.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 9

23. Kentucky

Pros: Kentucky has religious and medical vaccine exemptions and it’s fairly easy to homeschool in this state. There’s are legit second amendment protections, plenty of farmland, and low property taxes.

Cons: Kentucky liked mask mandates, the governor is awful, and the COVID response was extreme.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 8

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