California plummets in rankings of worst states to move to — as a surprising state takes the lead

Those looking to relocate to the Golden State to seek their fame and/or fortune may want to reconsider, since a new report has California ranked as one of the worst states to move to.

ConsumerAffairs has released its annual report of the best and worst US states to settle in, with California ranking third to last in the nation.

The Golden State ranked 48th out of 50 states, remaining in the same place as it was on last year’s list, with just Louisiana and New Mexico ranked behind in 49th and 50th, respectively.

The report also comes just days after a separate analysis by Wallethub revealing that California is home to six of the least-educated cities in the entire country.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compiled its rankings by analyzing data on each state’s affordability, safety, economic strength, healthcare and education, and quality of life.

California ranks dead last at 50th in affordability, 49th in safety behind New Mexico, and 41st in economic strength. It placed much higher in the last two metrics, at 23rd in healthcare and education, and 14th in quality of life, which likely helped the state avoid the so-called cellar.

“And although California and Oregon rank higher in education and healthcare, their ongoing cost-of-living crises were evident in their affordability rankings, where they place 50th and 44th, respectively,” the study stated.

“Typical housing costs account for 21.1% of the median income for CA residents, exceeding the national average of 17.6%,” the report adds.

“Living in California costs about 10.7% more than the national average — meaning residents pay more for everyday goods and services than most Americans,” the report continued.

While California scored high in healthcare and education and quality of life, seven of the 10 worst states had the lowest quality of life scores, with eight of 10 having the lowest in healthcare and education.

The report also adds that California is the most dangerous state in the union, with 4.9 violent crimes and 20.78 property crimes reported per 1,000 residents.

The national average is 3.6 violent crimes and 17.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents.

Conversely, New Hampshire took the top spot as the best state to move to, jumping into the top spot from second place last year, dropping last year’s winner Utah down to second.

Idaho, Virginia and Maine rounded out the top five states to move to, with Arkansas (47th) and Oklahoma (46th) rounding out the bottom five states.

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