The 10 states in the US where homeowners are happiest
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Sorry, New England: You won’t find the happiest homeowners in your neck of the woods, according to the results from HomeAdvisor’s nationwide study, released Monday.
The nation’s happiest homeowners live in states like California, Oregon and Washington, the home services site found.
HomeAdvisor surveyed nearly 18,000 homeowners representing 39 states and 36 designated marketing areas from March 14 through April 22. According to HomeAdvisor’s site, “a regional grade was assigned for the remaining 11 states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, Maine, Vermont, South Dakota, Nebraska and North Dakota) because they did not present a sample size large enough to report on.”
The survey was sent to more than 1 million homeowners via email, and respondents submitted responses online, through Trifecta Research Group. Using a proprietary calculation, HomeAdvisor’s team of researchers crunched each state’s individual Happy Home Score.
Having access to local attractions and services, a sense of safety and diversity, and an affordable, functional home are keys to a homeowner’s happiness, the survey found. After all, nothing feels better than being able to make ends meet while enjoying your home. (Remember, a good credit score can also help you secure an affordable mortgage. You can see where you stand by viewing two of your credit scores, updated each month, for free on Credit.com.)
Keep reading to see which states have the happiest homeowners.
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10. Idaho
Happy Home Score: B-
Average Home Price (U.S. Census): $172,500
“The Cost of Living Is Reasonable”: 15%
“I Feel That My Community Is Racially Diverse”: 43%
Average Travel Time to Work: 40 minutes
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9. Hawaii
Happy Home Score: B-
Average Home Price (U.S. Census): $499,000
“The Cost of Living Is Reasonable”: 15%
“I Feel That My Community Is Racially Diverse”: 43%
Average Travel Time to Work: 40 minutes
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8. Alaska
Happy Home Score: B-
Average Home Price (U.S. Census): $155,000
“The Cost of Living Is Reasonable”: 15%
“I Feel That My Community Is Racially Diverse”: 43%
Average Travel Time to Work: 40 minutes
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