Let’s face it, if there’s one thing that 2020 has made us re-evaluate, it’s where we are living. We saw states that we thought stood for freedom shut down, state governors sell out their residents and become total dictators, businesses forced to close, the muzzle replace several state flags, freedoms become restricted or altogether disappear, and legislators on a power trip use our inability to gather to their advantage — pushing through legislation that would otherwise never have passed.
Add to that the riots, “new normal,” ridiculous changes to our educational system, cancel culture, and covert infringements upon our second amendment rights and it’s no wonder all of us who are “woke” and see Covid19 “version 2.0” (coming to a fall near you) are wrestling with whether we should stay and fight or make it to 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, people 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 criteria scored, which may help you in choosing a state that ranks highly in the areas that are most important to you.
If you’re wondering whether you should stay or go, where you can find your people, or where you’ll be able to safely weather out whatever crazy conspiracy deep state plot is going on behind the scenes to remove your freedoms, this list is for you.
| 1. Oklahoma Pros: Oklahoma is tops in literally every category and there is no other state that even remotely comes close. In Oklahoma, you have 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, an excellent state government, and personal reviews of people living in this state who were polled gave it a “10 out of 10.” Cons: Oklahoma City has a mask mandate put into place by their city counsel, who clearly have not read legitimate research regarding masks. However, even though the governor has faced an immense amount of pressure to socially distance and mandate masks, he has stood firm (thus far) in resisting these mandates. Oh…and there are tornados. 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 (with a religious exemption that is very simple to get), is one of five states with the best second amendment protections, allows midwifery, has great homeschooling and medical freedoms, four seasons and freedom to grow your own food, a very low cost of living with low taxes, has a solid state government, is a red state that didn’t use covid19 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 in Missouri is corrupt. Avoid living in St. Louis or anywhere near a child welfare agency. 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. Arkansas Pros: Arkansas has religious, philosophical, and medical vaccine exemptions, low home schooling 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, has a good governor, and had one of the least restrictive covid19 responses. You’ll have no problem finding a doctor to see your unvaccinated child in this state. Cons: Hot weather, mask mandates in certain places, lots of mosquitos, and not a lot of health food stores or restaurants outside of your big cities. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 8 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 8 Covid19 Response: 8 Personal reviews: 8 Cost of living: 10 |
| 4. South Dakota Pros: South Dakota should be at the top of the list for the sheer fact that its governor (Kristi Noem) has read the United States Constitution and isn’t afraid to follow it. With wide open spaces, this state has had the absolute best covid19 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, scenery is beautiful, and it is the state to go to if you’re down with living off the land or want to reside in a state that represents everything that the United States is supposed to be. Cons: A moderate cost of living, less access to health food stores outside of big cities, moderate homeschool regulations that include assessment requirements, and winters are (very) cold. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 9 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 10 Covid19 Response: 10 Personal reviews: 10 Cost of living: 5 |
| 5. Georgia Pros: Georgia is a conservative state that has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, a highly rated governor that values personal freedoms, and had one of the least restrictive covid19 responses. The cost of living is low, 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. They also have mountains, beaches, and very survivable winters. Cons: Georgia’s weather is hot and humid, and there are more homeschool restrictions compared to your top states. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 7 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 9 Covid19 Response: 9 Personal reviews: 10 Cost of living: 9 |
| 6. 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 (should you choose not to homeschool), 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: 9 Personal reviews: 9 Cost of living: 8 |
| 7. Arizona Pros: Arizona has medical, philosophical, and religious vaccine exemptions, homeschooling is easy, second amendment protections, access to naturopathic physicians and functional medicine doctors, lots of sunshine to grow a garden, 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: This state has a moderate cost of living, hot weather, mask mandates in some cities, and some business closures (bars, gyms, etc). Arizona child welfare agencies are also notoriously corrupt, so do a local dig prior to moving to your desired area. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 9 Second amendment: 9 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 8 Covid19 Response: 8 Personal reviews: 7 Cost of living: 5 |
| 8. Idaho Pros: Idaho has religious, medical, and philosophical vaccine exemptions. It also has 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 some places have mask mandates. *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: 9 Cost of living: 7 |
| 9. South Carolina Pros: South Carolina has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, medical freedoms, no statewide mask mandate, and a very active group of activists who are working to preserve these freedoms. People who live in South Carolina report loving their state. Cons: The only reason South Carolina isn’t higher is because of its homeschooling regulations and second amendment protections (which are good, but not as good as the states above it). “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 |
| 10. Alabama Pros: Alabama has religious and medical exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, festivals, beaches, and a low cost of living. Cons: This state almost beat South Carolina until their governor implemented a state-wide mask mandate. 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 |
| 11. 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 has pushed for masks and business closures. The COVID19 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 |
| 12. 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, your alone time, and colder weather…this may be the state for you. Cons: The cost of living is high and there may shipping restrictions and reduced access to fresh organic produce. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 10 Second amendment: 9 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 7 Covid19 Response: 9 Personal reviews: 6 Cost of living: 2 |
| 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 covid19 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: 5 Personal reviews: 10 Cost of living: 5 |
| 14. 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, and a thriving midwife community. It’s also a great state for homeschooling. Cons: CPS in this state is corrupt, the governor is bought, and cities are becoming more liberal. Many people are moving from California but are still voting blue, and this is concerning too many Texans. *Most common review was that it’s “terrible here” and many are holding out in hopes a new governor will preserve everything they love about Texas. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 9 Second amendment: 8 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 7 Covid19 Response: 6 Personal reviews: 3 Cost of living: 7 |
| 15. Florida Pros: Florida has religious and medical exemptions and great beaches. Residents generally like their governor — who fought hard against the covid19 insanity. As of September 25, 2020, all Covid restrictions have been lifted. Homeschooling is allowed, midwifery is legal, and masks are not required for the general public (though there are requirements in some cities). Florida scored an 8 out of 10 in the personal reviews and residents are staying put. Cons: Homeschooling in Florida is more regulated than some of your top states — requiring notice, maintaining a portfolio, and an annual evaluation. Second amendment protections were also lower compared to higher ranked states. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 5 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 9 Covid19 Response: 9 Personal reviews: 8 Cost of living: 5 |
| 16. Indiana Pros: Indiana has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, is an easy homeschooling state, and allows homebirths. There are beautiful areas (that aren’t corn fields) and common sense drives the decisions that are made in this state. Cons: Mask orders are currently in effect and there are extensive mask requirements for students in grades 3-12. 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: 6 Cost of living: 8 |
| 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 there’s a mask order in bigger cities for both indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as personal care businesses statewide. There may be water problems in parts of Nebraska. Water shortages, pollution, and infrastructure problems range from the state’s western border to Omaha — so be sure to research this issue in the area you intend to move to. 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. 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 |
| 19. Kansas Pros: Kansas has religious and medical exemptions, it’s an easy state to homeschool in, 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 masks are mandated. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 9 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 9 |
| 20. Montana Pros: 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: 1 Governor: 6 Covid19 Response: 7 Personal reviews: 7 Cost of living: 4 |
| 21. Ohio Pros: Ohio has all three vaccine exemptions and that’s what secures it the #20 spot. Described as “having potential,” it scores average to slightly below average in all other areas. Cons: The Ohio governor is described by state residents as a “rhino” and “full-blown paid marxist” who has lost his mind. Homeschooling is more regulated than other states and there are mask mandates. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 3 Second amendment: 5 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 4 Personal reviews: 4 Cost of living: 8 |
| 22. New Hampshire Pros: If you want to live in the northeast side of the United States, this is your best option. New Hampshire is a conservative state with religious and medical exemptions. You can homeschool, but it is moderately regulated. Cons: The covid19 response resembled that of a liberal state, the cost of living is high, second amendment protections are not as strong as your top states, CPS has too much time on its hands, and the state only had average personal reviews. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 6 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 5 Cost of living: 3 |
| 23. Vermont Pros: Vermont has religious and medical exemptions (though vaccine exemptions are often under attack), amazing food, maple syrup, winter sports, great scenery, and access to integrative medicine, functional medicine doctors, and chiropractors. Cons: Despite being considered a “conservative” state, it appears to lean more liberal. Homeschooling is heavily regulated, second amendment freedoms are average, cost of living is high, and the covid19 response was awful with mask mandates in indoor and outdoor places where social distancing isn’t possible. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 3 Second amendment: 5 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 5 Covid19 Response: 6 Personal reviews: 5 Cost of living: 2 |
| 24. North Carolina Pros: North Carolina is described as “not awful, but not great.” 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 are mandated but some sheriffs do not enforce. Homeschooling is more regulated than your top states, raw milk is illegal, and there are only a few certified nurse midwives in the state of North Carolina that 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: 1 Governor: 6 Covid19 Response: 6 Personal reviews: 6 Cost of living: 6 |
| 25. Tennessee Pros: Tennessee has a great growing 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 covid19. Homeschooling is also more regulated and the governor is bunk. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 5 Second amendment: 6 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 3 Covid19 Response: 5 Personal reviews: 6 Cost of living: 9 |
| 26. Mississippi Pros: Mississippi is a conservative state with the best second amendment protections, lowest cost of living, and homeschooling here is easy. Cons: The problem? You do not want to live in this state unless you are willing to homeschool, as Mississippi only has medical vaccine exemptions. It also is one of the most unhealthiest states and is not pro-medical freedoms. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 1 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 10 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 10 |
| 27. 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 farm land, and low property taxes. Cons: Kentucky has a mask order in effect, the governor is awful, and the covid19 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 |
| 28. Michigan Pros: To say Michigan is beautiful would be an understatement. Here you’ll experience a culture that is “woke” when it comes to natural health, medicine, and food. You’ll have religious, philisophical (though it requires a meeting with the health dept.), and medical vaccine exemptions, access to naturopathic medicine, and it’s super easy to homeschool. Cons: Michigan has one of the absolute worst governors in the United States. She held her people hostage during covid19, closed down businesses, restricted the sale of seeds, annihilated the economy, mandated masks, and restricted the travel of her citizens. Personal freedoms and constitutional rights are under attack here, and likely will be until the governor is replaced. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 10 Second amendment: 4 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 6 Cost of living: 9 |
| 29. Wisconsin Pros: There are religious, medical, and philosophical vaccine exemptions with great homeschooling laws. Cons: Wisconsin was doing great for years with the previous Governor. Then there was an election and nobody can figure out how the new guy got elected. He’s a fan of stripping freedoms and people living in this state advise not moving here at this time. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 7 Second amendment: 5 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 4 Personal reviews: 3 Cost of living: 5 |
| 30. New Mexico Pros: New Mexico has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, and a low cost of living, with beautiful scenery, farms, ranches, and deserts. Cons: The people of New Mexico encourage you not to move to this state. The covid response destroyed the economy, people’s lives, food security, and the tourism industry. Many businesses had to permanently close leaving ghost towns behind. The governor is described as a “liberal tyrant” who believes social distancing and masks should be a way of life. Mask mandates apply to people exercising in gyms, taking walks alone, and are to be “aggressively enforced” with violators subject to fines. #ByeFelicia Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 4 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 3 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 10 |
| 31. Delaware Pros: Delaware has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with great homeschooling laws. Cons: The cost of living is high, masks are mandated, and covid19 response is restrictive. Joe Biden lives here (but nobody ever sees him). Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 3 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 4 Personal reviews: 5 Cost of living: 3 |
| 32. Louisiana Pros: Louisiana has medical, religious, and philosophical vaccine exemptions. Cons: Homeschooling is allowed, but it is moderately regulated. Louisiana has an awful governor who is obsessed with face masks. He shut down the economy so that people could not work and is threatening to raise taxes for those left working to ensure there is enough money to pay for unemployment. The lifestyle and culture is unhealthy and people who live in this state are looking to move and encourage others to “stay away.” Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 4 Second amendment: 7 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 6 |
| 33. Maryland Pros: Maryland has religious and medical vaccine exemptions. Cons: Residents feel suffocated by the covid19 restrictions and feel the leaders have lost their “ever-loving minds.” The local governments are overreaching, yet the people welcome more restrictions and “police” their neighbors. The governor recently expanded the statewide mask mandate, which previously included every indoor location, to now include outdoor areas also. Public schools in the state are pushing virtual instruction. Although homeschooling is allowed, it is quite restrictive subjecting parents to substantial oversight. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 4 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 2 |
| 34. West Virginia Pros: West Virginia is a mediocre “supposedly” conservative state that has great gun laws … and that’s about it. Cons: West Virginia is likely a state that you’re not going to want to move to as there are only medical vaccine exemptions and they are incredibly difficult to get. Though homeschooling is an option, it is more difficult to meet the requirements. The West Virginia governor flipped and mandated masks even in indoor spaces. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 1 Homeschooling regulation: 2 Second amendment: 8 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 5 Cost of living: 7 |
| 35. Virginia Pros: Virginia has religious and medical vaccine exemptions. There is also access to health food stores and natural health practitioners. Cons: This state has an awful governor, a restrictive covid19 response, high taxes, and mask mandates. Homeschoolers must follow public school immunization requirements, so if they lose religious exemptions, an exception would need to be made. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 7 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 6 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 5 Cost of living: 5 |
| 36. Nevada Pros: Homeschooling is easy and there are religious and medical vaccine exemptions. Cons: Governor is awful and caters to Las Vegas, understanding pediatricians are hard to find, high cost of living, and poor second amendment protections. * Northern Nevada is the place to be if you choose to move to this state. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 8 Second amendment: 3 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 4 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 3 |
| 37. Colorado Pros: Colorado has medical and non medical vaccine exemptions, a good advocacy group, beautiful scenery, and access to whole foods and natural health practitioners. Cons: Colorado recently passed SB 20-163 which merged the personal belief and religious exemptions into one (harder to get) non-medical exemption. There’s also a plan to make homeschooling more regulated, cost of living is high, and second amendment protections are weak. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 7 Homeschooling regulation: 3 Second amendment: 3 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 5 Personal reviews: 4 Cost of living: 4 |
| 38. Connecticut Pros: Connecticut has medical and religious vaccine exemptions with total freedom for homeschoolers. Cons: Taxes are high, gun laws are awful, medical freedoms are at risk, it’s extremely liberal, the governor is out of control, and the emergency covid orders would scare the wool off a sheep. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 9 Second amendment: 1 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 6 Cost of living: 1 |
| 39. Massachusetts Pros: Massachusetts has religious and medical vaccine exemptions…and that’s about it. Cons: Cost of living is insane, the covid response is ridiculously restrictive, heavily regulated homeschooling, mask mandates, and an extra special governor. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 2 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 10 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 2 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 1 |
| 40. Oregon Pros: Oregon has medical and non-medical vaccine exemptions, allows homeschooling (though it has moderate regulations), has beautiful landscaping, wide open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Cons: Vaccine exemptions are always under attack and there are barriers to obtaining non-medical exemptions. The governor is awful, the covid19 response was very restrictive, there are riots in big cities, and Oregon tends to follow California’s lead. This state also has a weaponized and corrupt CPS known for medical kidnapping. If your child isn’t fully vaccinated and you have to go to the emergency room, it is not a bad idea to have a lawyer you can call and a family practice physician you’re established with. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 7 Homeschooling regulation: 7 Second amendment: 4 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 3 Cost of living: 1 |
| 41. Illinois Pros: Illinois has medical and religious vaccine exemptions (though the religious exemption requires the signature of a physician), unregulated homeschooling, and falls in the middle of the spectrum for cost of living. Cons: This state has high property taxes, one of the worst governors in the United States, a never-ending covid19 response, mask mandates in schools and for anyone in public, a struggling economy, riots and gun violence in big cities, and a corrupt state government. You’ll also have a difficult time purchasing a gun even if you meet all of the requirements and go through the classes — as the state isn’t responding to FOID card renewals. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 7 Homeschooling regulation: 10 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 6 |
| 42. Hawaii Pros: Hawaii has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, fertile land, clean air, year-round sunshine, and organic gardening. Cons: This state has a high cost of living, very restrictive gun laws making it almost impossible to own a gun, a poor covid19 response (with segregated beaches, mandated masks, and fines), follows California’s lead, and is notorious for being a battle ground for genetically engineered crops and pesticides. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 6 Second amendment: 1 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 4 Covid19 Response: 3 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 1 |
| 43. New Jersey Pros: New Jersey has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with an amazing grassroots advocacy group consisting of parents who could knock the socks off the most liberally corrupt legislator, best homeschooling freedoms in the nation, and four seasons. Cons: New Jersey has a corrupt state government, an awful governor who couldn’t care less about the Bill of Rights, obscene property taxes, an alarmingly restrictive covid19 response that stripped the freedoms from its citizens, constant fights against vaccine mandates, a high cost of living, is extremely liberal, is crowded, and has poor second amendment protections. “Don’t move here unless you’re ready to fight Jersey-style, and pay more for your taxes than your mortgage each month.” Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 10 Second amendment: 1 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 2 |
| 44. Minnesota Pros: Minnesota has philosophical, religious, and medical vaccine exemptions…and that’s about all it has going for it right now. Cons: Riots, looting, violently peaceful protests, sub-par homeschooling regulations, an awful governor who is causing everyone to consider trading in their Minnesota residency card. The rumor is that a mask mandate will be in place until there is a vaccine. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 4 Second amendment: 3 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 4 |
| 45. Pennsylvania Pros: Pennsylvania has philosophical, medical, and religious vaccine exemptions. The land is beautiful with four seasons. Cons: The current governor is a dictator, covid19 response is whack with severe lockdowns, masks are mandated, cost of living is high, roads are terrible, taxes are high, schools are dysfunctional, second amendment protections are low, homeschooling is heavily regulated, and everyone from the “freedom-loving woke” community is looking to move. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 10 Homeschooling regulation: 3 Second amendment: 3 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 4 |
| 46. Rhode Island Pros: Rhode Island has medical and religious vaccine exemptions. Cons: Homeschooling can be heavily regulated depending on local district requirements, poor second amendment protections, extremely liberal state, poorly reviewed governor and awful covid19 response. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 4 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 2 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 2 |
| 47. Washington Pros: In Washington, you’ll have access to plenty of health food stores and natural health practitioners. If you homeschool and live on the border of Washington and Idaho, you’ll survive better in this state. Cons: As described by several residents, “Our governor is an idiot and our freedoms are slowly being stripped away.” Medical professionals are infiltrating the political ranks and influencing policy in favor of the pharmaceutical agenda. Philosophical vaccine exemptions need to be signed off on by a doctor. Pediatricians threaten to report parents who have children not up to date on vaccines — after telling parents to avoid well checks due to covid19. Washington has beautiful fresh air, that you wan’t be able to enjoy as you’ll be suffocating on your own carbon dioxide and residents state they are “being held hostage” over covid19. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 8 Homeschooling regulation: 3 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 3 |
| 48. Maine Pros: Nice views, beautiful landscape, and food trucks. (I’m really trying here.) Cons: Maine only has medical vaccine exemptions, heavily regulates homeschooling, has a high cost of living, a tyrannical governor, poor second amendment protections, and isn’t an ideal place for someone who wants minimal government intervention and values medical freedoms to live. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 1 Homeschooling regulation: 4 Second amendment: 2 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 4 Personal reviews: 2 Cost of living: 2 |
| 49. California Pros: It’s a good thing California has decent(ish) homeschool laws, because you’ll need to homeschool if you’re going to live in this state. It’s also a plus that natural health practitioners aren’t hard to find, because you’ll need one if you’re forced to vaccinate. Cons: Land of Pan, Nancy Pelosi, and Adam Schiff. No religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccines. Medical exemptions are very hard to get. Poorly managed government, power outages, high taxes, Hollywood elites, homelessness, drugs, crazy CPS, criminals released on the streets, high cost of living, extremely liberal with a horrible covid19 response. If you move here — you’ll live in a free country, but not a free state. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 1 Homeschooling regulation: 7 Second amendment: 1 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 1 |
| 50. New York Pros: [Insert crickets chirping here…] Cons: No religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions. Flu shots and hpv vaccines for everyone! The second amendment is a joke. Poorly managed government. Awful governor with a covid19 response that should scare anyone over the age of 65. No medical freedoms, corrupt child welfare agencies, awful public school system, highest cost of living, and heavily regulated homeschooling. NY is a testing ground for the most liberal agendas and the state owns your children. Raw Score: Vaccine exemptions: 1 Homeschooling regulation: 1 Second amendment: 1 Political Ideology: 1 Governor: 1 Covid19 Response: 1 Personal reviews: 1 Cost of living: 1 |
Do you have anything to add about your state? If so, put it in the comments below!
Sources:
1. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association
2. The National Conference of State Legislators
3. State-by-State Guide to Face Mask requirements
4. World Population Review
5. National Vaccine Information Center
6. Most Expensive States to Live In – World Population Review
7. Strictest Gun Laws by State 2020 – World Population Review
8. Midwives Alliance of North America
9. The Living Whole “Official Group”
Wonderful. I’m in PA. Governor Wolf’s emergency orders have been found to be unconstitutional. There is a lot of bullying if you don’t want to wear a mask and even though supposedly, there are exemptions for medical reasons, including mental health reasons, however most places have huge signs that no one is allowed in without a mask. My theory is because everyone working there is forced to wear a mask 8 hours a day so they don’t want you to not wear one. I’ve been thinking about moving since Covid. I appreciate all this information. That took a lot of time to compile and I really appreciate it.
Connecticut: Stay Away! Very Blue. Gov Lamont tends to follow Gov Cuomo (NY). He is trying to mandate vaccines and the flu shot for all school kids. This is one of the states where the Health Commissioner was ‘mysteriously’ let go recently. He just upped the mask mandate and if you don’t follow it’s a $100-$5 fine. He’s salivating for a lockdown. Businesses are fast going under. Taxes are ridiculous and will be worse when this is over. Too many handouts. I came to this site to look for another to go to. My friend lives in San Miguel, MX and says most everyone doesn’t mask. Maybe the wall is to keep us in. 😉
FLORIDA: please add that for homeschooling there is the umbrella school option. For instance: Florida Unschoolers is a registered Private school. You enroll and then the only requirement is submitting attendance every 3 months online. Other that that you are free to homeschool as you like. No testing, no portfolio, no nothing. Total freedom like it should be 🙂
Really? Can you tell me more about this option, I originally steered away from Fl partly bc of the homeschooling regulations.
Life long resident of Arkansas here! Proud of our state until a few months ago. We now have a state wide mask mandate and our Governor said we will have it until a vaccine comes out. 🙄 We never shut the state down but now I think our guidelines have gone too far and our businesses our hurting and virtual school programs are overwhelmed.
Do you think Asa is bought by Walmart?
He very obviously is bought by Walmart.
Recently looked at Rhode Island to move to and if I’m not mistaken, they are trying to mandate the HPV vaccine for all high school girls.
For maine i was under the impression they are a constitutional carry state? Guess i need to look more into the constitutional carry vs the amendment? Anyone have info on that already?
Megan (and others),
Do you know any more about the DFS issue in Missouri? Is it a statewide issue or concentrated mostly around St Louis? Any additional info or resources would be greatly appreciated!
I know that there as a proposed state amendment (SJR55) that would, at least on paper, put a damper on the state’s ability to interfere in child upbringing, but it appears to have stalled in the last session.
Thanks
I was surprised to see Missouri Ranked at number two. St. Louis county has mask mandates, and the crime in St. Louis county is getting worse. Not a lot of positive things to say about the governor either.
Oh California. You used to be such a nice, hippie, anything goes state. Who hurt you? Glad my kids are grown. Staying put. Still sad how it flipped so quickly after what… 100 people got measles … including my kids who miraculously survived with the rest of them.
My point is… you can move to a “better state” but it could change over night like CA did.
💜💜💜
Third generation Arizona native here, and while I agree with most of what you have to say I was surprised to see us so high on the list. I have never desired to leave Arizona until this year. Arizona has always been a great state for freedoms and has maintained it for the most part but our governors response to COVID has been terrible. There is a statewide mask mandate (that has been extended indefinitely) and closures of many businesses that have been forced to stay closed (even though we can all funnel into one entrance to crowd into a target or Walmart). There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what he is requiring to close and why, and most of his orders have been extended indefinitely. There are many petitions to recall him, and only time will tell if we will be in a better position after the election. I have many friends and neighbors who have been spending a lot of time in Idaho over the summer because of how much better their COVID mandates are and how it “still feels like America and like they have their freedoms there”. So while I know many factors are in play I was surprised to see us above Idaho. While we are much luckier than most I just wanted to say the info as far as COVID and our governor might be a little nicer than what we deserve right now, and people should take than into account if considering Arizona.
Arizonan here too…. I was confused as to why we are only rated as a 9 for second amendment rights, but Idaho is a 10. We have the same gun laws as Idaho! No permit needed to conceal & we have open carry. I think AZ and ID are the only two states with so loose gun laws.
It also said “Arizona is hot”. Um, have you been to NORTHERN arizona? The entire upper half of AZ…. is COLD. Phoenix and Tucson are the only hot areas. Weird.
Under “Ohio”, you listed the governor as a “rhino”. That is actually spelled “RINO”, and stands for Republican In Name Only.
Massachusetts also has a number of corrupted DCF bureaucracies. Homelessness is a real problem as well.
Ty! I was wondering.
I live in Indiana and I most definitely believe that our governor (Holcomb) is a RHINO. While I mostly agree with the assessment of my state, I cannot figure out why it received a rating of 8 in homeschooling when all that is required is to keep a log of 140 days that home education took place. I believe that this should be reassessed and then upgraded to a 10. With Indianapolis perhaps being the exception, Indiana is a very family-friendly place to live.
I would also substitute the word “boring” for the word “peaceful”….which in my opinion, is an added blessing.😊
Hey, I appreciate this article. It was quite interesting to read. Much of it isn’t a surprise, but I do have some comments on specific state ratings. For reference, I’ve lived in MN, WI and TN.
I very much agree with Oklahoma being in the top 3. They’ve consistently been a state that values freedoms and rights, same with South Dakota. Iowa being 6 is odd to me however. We have family and friends that live there and while it isn’t a bad state per se, their freedoms aren’t high enough to rate 6 in my opinion.
Your Cons for WI are spot on. Evers getting in at the 11th hour with some ballot boxes just found screams fraud. But yeah, before Walker WI would have rated far far worse.
For MN, 2A should be a bit higher. Their rights in that regard are pretty good. Not 10 or anything, but at least a 6… I was homeschooled there and it wasn’t too bad, again not the best, but not too terrible. The rest is spot on though and unfortunately it is getting worse.
Now onto TN. Because of the umbrella school setup, the homeschool stuff is actually very easy and simple here. Just some basic reporting and you can do what you want. Not as good as OK, but I feel better than a 5. Additionally there are options besides the umbrella school if you want to go that route. The homeschool community in TN is very large and well developed as well.
I’m not sure why TN got only a 6 on 2A. Gun ownership is huge here and the restrictions are basically non-existent. The only thing I would knock a couple points down is we don’t have constitutional carry. However, there is a bill being considered to make constitutional carry legal. We have castle doctrine and stand your ground laws as well.
I don’t know what the Political Ideology is supposed to represent, but TN being a 1 is very wrong. TN is a state that values freedoms and we usually elect reps that want to protect our freedoms. Yes, our Governor is currently not great, but I think he blindsided a lot of us. He could be far worse however.. As far as the mandatory checks, that came out of nowhere and was handily shot down within a day or two. Our reps were unhappy with that trying to be pushed as were many many families here. I would argue that it represents a poor governor administration, vs a larger state problem. This wouldn’t have been tried under a different governor for instance. I personally take heart that it was handily shot down basically immediately. Additionally, our reps are trying to limit the executive privileges as people are getting sick of his overreach.
As for TN’s Covid response. It wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t the worst. Kind of average. We locked down for 6 weeks and then with the exception of a few counties, we opened up fully and have been opened fully since then.
At the end of the day, I think it’s important for people to realize that no matter where you end up, you need to be prepared to fight for your freedoms! Get involved in local advocacy groups and PAY ATTENTION to what your elected official are doing. Tell your friends and your family when a official is doing a poor job or going against our freedoms.
Lastly, I’ll leave with this. If anyone is considering moving to TN I’d be happy to talk with you. My wife and I homeschool and are very naturally minded and can give a account of our experience here in that regard.
Hi Anthony, thank you for your thorough input on TN. My family and I are looking to move to TN but we were a little worried about their covid response. It’s good to hear it wasn’t as severe as it sounded from where we are. How is the mask situation? Any areas you would recommend for a young family looking to buy some land?
Thanks again,
Gabrielle
Great article. But I hate to say it… this article is encouraging “woke” people to move out of battleground states to more deeply red states. Which means there will be less woke people voting in battleground states And they will be voting in the new deeply red state they move to where their vote won’t matter. Just my 2 cents.
I cannot figure out how to create my own comment. It only allows me to reply… 🤔
I’d love to see this updated after elections. Maybe January? I’m in NC and plan to move for sure if this gov stays. But had planned to move out of the country a while. Any chance you’d create a country list? I’m working on searching for countries with medical freedoms. I plan to travel 6-12 months then find a like minded community to move to. Starting the travel plans won’t be until mask mandates are gone, I can’t wear one & don’t even own one.
I’m in the same boat. I cannot figure out how to post my own comment either. I hope that someone will tell us how!
Go waaaay to the bottom of the page.
I live in Mx and As far as I know they don’t mandate vaccines. Go on Facebook and join the groups in the state you want to live in and they will explain the regulations. Very few rules on home schooling. Many Americans and Canadians do home schooling. Besides Spanish children learn two other languages.
Following!
It’s true. I guess everyone has their limit on what they can put up with. In California it feels like you need to be ready for anything. Might need to make a run for it.
I’m pretty stoked you compiled a list. My husband and I have been talking about finding something similar for quite some time. I’m in Texas and as blasphemous as it is for a native to say so, Texas has gone mad. The only thing that had me move back home after exiting the military, was my faith in our “way of life”. We are overrun by controlling liberals AND we are a major target for a blue conversion. I’m not all about the Reps vs Dems because our governor is a blatant rhino but the mindset of Texans is changing, and not for the better. Sadly, I would move in a heartbeat at this point.
Thanks for taking alll the hard work out of it for my family. 🤗
I live in Florida and our governor is bomb. He said he will never shut down again. He had so much pressure and had a baby in the middle of the quarantine, got death threats to his family and new baby, and stayed strong! Most importantly, he labeled the churches essential in his executive order. Churches do not have to follow ANY guidelines. Not social distancing, not group limitations. And no city or county can make a law against the churches. Remember right before this the Tamp pastor that got arrested? He passed that executive order right after that.
Also, our 2nd amendment rights are not highly regulated. There is no registry, etc. You can buy/sell guns and the government literally cannot make a list of your gun ownership (written in our laws, learned in our CWP class).
Biggest hinderance are liberal areas/cities… (Miami, Orlando, Jax and Alachua County, etc.)
Also was in OK this past week and Tulsa also has a mask mandate. Some businesses were cool, some were not.
Yes, I’m in Florida and love our governor! I would have rated Florida higher than 15 but I might be biased. I’ve never been so happy to live here as 2020.
Ty for sharing
I’m in WA. I’m not saying this state is great, especially now, but there are a couple of things that weren’t mentioned. We have all three exemptions. No state income tax. And our second amendment seems to be protected for now. Although there is a pause on concealed carry permits. Other than that we plan to leave if Inslee is re-elected come Nov. Voting Culp for Gov and writing in Freed for lieutenant governor! I was surprised South Dakota wasn’t at the top! Wonder if they can bring back philosophical exemptions and limit homeschooling requirements?
Ty!
Another great article Megan!! Thank you!!
Your assessment of MI is good!
CON Freaky indecisive Governor who is following the Rockefeller foundation instead of the laws of her country.
PRO Great homeschool laws. Reason… the state gov’t was sued by homeschool families some years back and won… thus, there are no reporting requirements at all.
MORE CONS… A lot of toxic waste sites… if you move here, do your research on local water sources. With children… Often cannot see a medical doctor if unvax’d. Holistic doctors are pretty expensive, not plentiful everywhere and not always as informed as their title suggests. Also, quite a huge racial divide exists in most cities. It is pretty strange actually.
MORE PROS… beautiful trees & not many tornadoes. Decent soil in many areas to homestead but before buying, check with the local TOWNSHIP on laws concerning animals etc. Some are very strict.
we do have Dr. Neuenschwander in AnnArbor. he has been on VAXXED BUS, the Highwire and at ACIP.
our gov also made prescribing hydroxychloriquine a crime. people have more common sense in the smaller towns.
Awesome. I gotta print this with comments.
Are you sure AZ has all 3 exemptions? Because I really thought we only had religious and medical. But I agree best state to homeschool for sure! The heat is not so bad, just turn on the AC 😂 but I am nervous that a lot of Californians are moving here and morphing our state to be more like theirs, so that is a concern, I’m not at all surprised CA was next to last! Long time AZ residents are very much like an Old West attitude, mind your own business and let me live in my freedoms and don’t mess with it or a fight is going down! So if you move here, don’t try to take that away! 😂
Hey Noelle! I live in AZ as well, we’re seniors so no kids at home, even though our granddaughter is seriously considering home schooling her 3 littles, and she’s a high school teacher in Peoria! And yes, we are very concerned that folks are moving here and trying to turn us blue! Hoping we don’t need to high tail it to OK! Best to you.
The entire state of Arkansas has a mask mandate and the Governor is bought out by Walmart… Yes, it’s better than some others but some of your info is wrong. Initially our governor didn’t do much but as soon as Walmart mandates masks, so did he. Same day. 😉
Have you ever had an AR representative be willing to talk to you And hear your concerns? I’m curious to know if it’s just me.
Your understanding of 2a is skewed in your grading ma’am.
Not sure what Utah resident told you it’s a great time to buy but they were completely wrong. It’s an excellent time to SELL. A house we were under contract and almost bought 2 years ago is now selling for $80,000 more. There have been no updates to it. Utah’s housing market is not in the buyers favor.
Haha…I live in NYC, and laughed when I saw we’re last. Wasn’t sure if Cali would beat us. My husband and I have talked about moving before Covid this is a great reference when we finally move! I homeschool… I think the city is actually slightly better for homeschooling from what I’ve heard. Lots of rules, reports, assessments, but so far very easy to work with the homeschooling office here. Thankful for the little things!
Are you sure AZ has all 3 exemptions? Because I really thought we only had religious and medical. But I agree best state to homeschool for sure! The heat is not so bad, just turn on the AC 😂 but I am nervous that a lot of Californians are moving here and morphing our state to be more like theirs, so that is a concern, I’m not at all surprised CA was next to last! Long time AZ residents are very much like an Old West attitude, mind your own business and let me live in my freedoms and don’t mess with it or a fight is going down! So if you move here, don’t try to take that away! 😂
California: You forgot our idiotic governor as well as the senator who slept her way to the top and now is the Democratic nominee for VP. Fires that make Dante’s inferno look like Club Med.
I was thinking the same thing: our governor needs a shout out for his corrupt move- the-goal- post tactics in our shut down (among other things). When we aren’t burning to the ground, CA is beautiful. Not sure how much more we can take, though.
Ranking crime rate and population density could be beneficial.
Thank you for addressing vaccines and DHS corruption, a very real threat!
Great information, thank you.
We are planning a move for a family compound that benefits the retired and the home schooling grandchildren in our family.
WOULD you mind sharing where you’re moving to?
Which states are you considering? We have the same dynamics in our family and are looking to move next summer.
As a resident of Washington State, your synopsis of our current condition is grossly understated. I was born in this state, but grew up in California, I left that state 11 years because of the “writing on the wall” in CA. Too bad the writing on the wall in Washington was the same, only in invisible ink. My wife was born and raised in Texas and we often joke about moving back to Texas. But if Jay Inslee is re-elected in November, it won’t be a joking matter anymore. South Dakota is a solid second. Thanks for the article!
We live over in Eastern Washington and I agree with everything you said! I feel partially thankful that we live very close to Idaho were people aren’t completely losing their minds. But they did finally make a mask mandate after people were going over to shop in Idaho to avoid the craziness. It’s not as strict though. Dictator Inslee is destroying Washington!!! I’ve lived here 34 years and will most likely move if he get re-elected.
Thank you so much for writing this! Feels like you were reading my mind about where the heck to move to when we’re be able to leave Commifornia!
I hung on to every word! Very interesting article! AAAND, I’m Canadian (Ontario). Ontario is fairly Liberal, and I’ve never felt the need to own a gun here, I believe home schooling is fine (don’t really know), we have all 3 vaccine exemptions (have to attend a seminar to get your philosophical one, but that’s a new thing – I got ours prior to that). I think our COVID response has been fairly restrictive, masks mandatory indoors only, huge benefits to stay home and not work, though that is changing…anyway, different country.
Fellow Canadian here. Ontarian, but now in Alberta. Ontario actually has some of the best homeschooling laws in Canada: the only thing you need to do is notify the local school board that you’ll be homeschooling that year, and that’s that. In fact, if your child has never been registered for school, you don’t technically have to notify anyone, since you’re not withdrawing them, but it’s still often done as a courtesy. That’s the law, but sometimes people do cause trouble. My understanding is that homeschooling families and associations in Ontario fought hard in the 90’s to kick off the government pressure and restrictions, and won. Alberta, on the other hand, has some of the most restrictive laws: all homeschooled students need to be registered with a school board that oversees their instruction. Fortunately, the school board doesn’t have to be local, and there are multiple Christian and secular organizations that function as homeschool facilitators. You have to register your child with one of them and then meet with a representative twice per year, but there’s still no testing, at least for now. Homeschooling here has been under attack. As for the COVID madness, I don’t know about legal responses, but on a basic citizen response level Albertans seem to be more skeptical than the rest of Canadians about the whole thing. They’re used to being attacked in the media, I guess, and see no reason to trust it this time.
Another fellow Canadian! I am currently pregnant with a 3.5 year old and returned to Canada a few months ago from the US to avoid some of the craziness. I opted to go to Alberta thinking it had the least restrictions, but then shortly after I arrived they implemented a mask mandate and I am always the only one not wearing one when I go out. I was fired from my midwife practice for not wearing a mask (even with a medical exemption) and I was also denied an ultrasound for the same reason.
I had never considered homeschooling before, but after enrolling my son in what in what I thought would be a good environment (small, private Reggio school) he has come home with his hands rubbed raw due to constant washing and chemicals, not to mention the constant bleaching of everything in the classroom several times a day. I am also concerned about the indoctrination that is taking place (germs are bad, touching/hugging is bad, masks protect us, etc.)
Baby is due soon and I am trying to figure out the best place to go.
Minnesota used to be fantastic forty years ago. Maybe even as recently as twenty years ago. The economy is great, that is a huge pro. Cost of living is moderate considering what you get. In the past, dealing with the government has been good (drivers licenses, etc). However this year our governor is a complete idiot regarding COVID-19 (which is why I’m considering moving).
The Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul) and surrounding suburbs are over crowded with bad traffic (yes it’s worse visiting Los Angeles or Chicago or any of the other nightmare cities). The Twin Cities has been more or less non-stop “road construction” for the past twenty years.
People here seem to follow orders without thought. Almost nobody has done research about COVID-19 to understand the real situation. COVID has been “gone” for three months and yet our Governor implemented a mask mandate now!
My ratings:
Vaccine exemptions: ? (not sure, not great but used to be okay)
Homeschooling regulation: ? (widely done – many schools are quite terrible)
Second amendment: 4 (carry permits aren’t bad to get)
Political Ideology: 3
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 2
Cost of living: 5
Hello! PA Resident here. I would like to add some things. Homeschool is restrictive but it isn’t hard to get once you jump through the hoops. It is a pain in the butt but most districts are pretty good here and give no issues. Also, all disabled kids in PA, regardless of income get medical assistance. Two of my 4 kids are disable (one severely autistic the other mild). The have primary medical insurance through my husband’s job but their medical assistance picks up whatever the primary doesn’t. My one son lives in a residential and all of his services and education are covered. Even when he had therapy at home, it was all covered. We are constantly on our toes with keeping our vaccine choices, we have a good bunch of people fighting for our medical freedom. The governor lost his mind, I agree. Insane lockdowns and overreach and he threw our state constitution under the bus and then burned it.
Well said Kathleen, couldn’t agree more! There are some hard core freedom fighters in our state, who will never back down from the fight!
As a homeschooler in Florida, I’d say our regulations are pretty bare minimum. Super easy to homeschool… I notify the county (once, at the beginning) that they won’t be entering the school system, and I just keep some a few samples of work through the year to show “improvement” of the child, no matter what grade level they’re on or supposed to be on. We don’t even have to log attendance or keep minimum hours. Then a certified teacher (usually someone I know and is familiar with our co-op) looks over what books we used, our samples of work and we talk about it a little. Then they sign a form. They mostly care about Math, Reading, Language arts/handwriting. I actually feel a little better that there is SOME kind of accountability in terms of you can’t just park your kid in front of cartoons all day and say you home school. Maybe that goes against true home schoolers who want to be able to do do whatever they want without answering to The Man. But here you actually have to do ‘something’. Even if you didn’t finish the textbook, or if you shelved reading lessons for 6 months like I did, or if you don’t teach in a traditional way. So anyway, I just want to say I’m pleasantly surprised how easy it is to home school in FL. 🙂
Sooo…that’s not “bare minimum compared to other states that rank higher in homeschooling. 😉 There are certainly more heavily regulated states though.
I want to add that Minnesota should be lower on the vx exemption because they combined the religious and philosophical exemptions into one “consiencous” exemption and they have a bill introduced to take that away. Our Democrat Representatives have been talking with Richard Pan and besides all that if you homeschooling you still have to submit vx exemptions so if we loose those exemptions there is no options. Our governor is insane and will very likely be re-elected because of the metro voters.. people are leaving MN in droves to move to SD!
Now in Michigan I am pretty sure that Witmer will be voted out next cycle because she has ticked off basically the entire state. There are no homeschooling laws, you don’t even have to report your intent to homeschool! Also the Upper Peninsula is basically its own little haven of rural beauty!
Hi Megan,
With all of the research that you have done, which state would you love to live in?
Ugh…that’s so tough. I’m thinking Alaska or South Dakota. 😉
Don’t forget the sex ratio in Alaska – might be a deciding factor for some people.
Another great article, by the way, thanks again.
I have lived in Illinois my entire life, and I expected it to fall much lower on your list. It is a beautiful state but the governor has singlehandedly ruined many businesses in his Covid dictatorship. It is the state of Chicago more than the state of Illinois. We have the longest running Speaker of the House in Madison and corruption in the state never gets stopped. My husband and I are selling our house this year because we are sick of the taxes to live in a state that won’t send us a FOID card.
I’m a Kansas girl, born and raised. I giggled about the con; it’s not as “flat” as some might think, there are some gorgeous parts of our state (Flint Hills; Smoky Valley!) Hot summers, cold winters, not much of a Spring or Fall. Our Governor is horrible, and I think a lot of that has to do with people from Blue states migrating here. Like any state, big cities tend to be more liberal, but there is a thriving rural community that is 100% conservative. I think the thing people need to realize is, if you’re going to move to a Red state, CHANGE YOUR VOTING HABITS!
Fantastic post. I have a whole spreadsheet of places to move, but I missed some of the aspects you hit in this article. I might ask, why avoid those cities in Montana… is it solely because of political ideology, or also additional, more intrusive issues?
This is Best Laugh I’ve had in Months! Love your sense of Humor Megan! You were too kind with some of the state’s though. E.G..NC Govenor Cooper is PATHETIC!!
Too bad some of the Governors couldn’t have been given a – Score.
Overall I’m impressed with your dissertation on each state.
Totally agree with you about Roy Cooper in NC. He’s had a disastrous effect on the state overall. He’s right up there with Charlie Baker, one reason I moved out of MA a while back.
I lived in AZ many years ago and remember when the state was being ‘invaded’ by the more liberal minded folks from CA who were fleeing the mess they made if their state via their political mentality and voting habits – only to continue their insanity in AZ.
The very same thing has been going on in NC these past few years with so many people fleeing the northern liberal states because it’s become too expensive due to poor liberal leadership they voted in….and then they bring their failed political ideologies with them!
Just want to add that I’ve lived in Nebraska my whole life. I’ve been homeschooling for 17 years and homeschooling has very low regulations here and is a wonderful state to homeschool in.
Hawaii should rank lower on your list since the pandemic. Our governor is so weak, can’t make a decision to save his life and the misuse of federal aid and corruption is insane! Our leadership is determined to destroy the state by keeping us closer to tourism which is our one and only industry. 35% unemployment rate and getting worse every day. He is a liar and a coward. But at least we have beautiful scenery 😞
I’ve been trying to find something like this for sooooo long! Thank you! It would be great if you would add access to homebirth or birth center in the grading criteria. I think a large portion of the natural community utilizes those services and would benefit greatly from a comparison between states. I know I would! Thank you so much for putting this together!
Thanks Meaghan! I was going to add that as a criteria but it got complicated because some states don’t allow midwives, some do, some only allow certified nurse midwives, some have passed legislation but haven’t implemented it, etc. I tried to include home birth info on some states, but when I get a chance I’ll try to include it for all. <3
Home birth allowed in MO! Birthing centers in St Louis as well. One connected to a hospital but has proven itself so enjoys freedoms from too much push from hospital. And there’s a stand a stand alone birthing center as well.
This is a dangerous article and should be labeled opinion. A state who requires you to wear a mask isn’t a con it’s common sense.
Jennifer, this is a blog. I think it goes without saying that it’s my opinion. 😉 I’m not sure there’s an option for it to be anything else. Plenty of states require masks though — just choose a state at the bottom of the list.
Well said! Thank you for this article. Very insightful.
Love your reply!! Thank you for the information.
Hi Megan, thank you thank you for this awesome list!!! My husband and I are Californians who transplanted to north Texas 4 years ago. In June we headed northeast to spend the summer in New Hampshire, just before TX cracked down way more. I have to say, New Hampshire felt very free as masks were not required and we only had an issue at one store-REI, which we won’t be shopping at again until they change their mask policy. We were in the lakes region and there are several local farms to choose from, including raw milk and many different meats, and NH has no sales or income tax. While there we heard about the free state project which is a movement trying to get liberty-minded people to move to NH. We have been back in TX two days and have already been kicked out of more stores for not wearing masks than we did for an entire summer in NH. Just wanted to share that info. I also contacted HSLDA and it sounds like they don’t ever get complaints from NH.
A lot of people who want to work in Boston but want to avoid MA politics will live in NH; however, the commute is horrendous. NH property taxes are also higher, so be certain to look into that if you plan a move there. It is a beautiful state though.
New Hampshire is the most corrupt state on the universe. If you have kids, stay away. NH is notorious for meddling in the private lives of families. A Boston Globe article concluded that 1 in 10 families have unwarranted interaction with CPS there. And NH child workers oppose homeschooling
Having to wearing a mask is definitely a CON in our book! Love this article… thanks for sharing!
Amen!!!!!🙋♀️
👍 It appears Jennifer is not interested in facts. When polls show news reporters vote 93 to 97% Democrat and then say they are unbiased, do not trust your tv set.
In California, they are working on stripping you of your legitimate voting rights by keeping “COVID regulations” in place. Did you cover this in any polling data?
Thanks again for your research!
Dangerous? Seriously! Do you have a spare room in your home all set to welcome big brother?
I have lived in Arkansas my adult life. Oklahoma can’t compare to AR because we don’t have horrible killing tornadoes. Our Governor is a great man and Our 4 seasons are prettier. We are at a higher elevation than OK and the 2000ft difference makes a difference in several areas.
We have excellent medical care and this is a conservative State. Im happy with being #3 but as an AR resident, we are the greatest.
I grew up in Michigan and it’s beautiful there but the crime is high and the Gov they have now is destroying the state minute by minute!
Good blog and good response.
Thanks Jj
The high crime is now even higher. Local TV News said police have to let murderer’s go b/c of covid laws … maybe the murderers will bring covid into the prison? The police sound pretty fed up.
Gov. ….A petition was approved to impeach the Gov. but the man who started the drive received death threats. With small children, he cancelled the drive a few days prior to the first day of signatures. He would have gotten all of his signatures within the first 3 days. People are very disillusioned with this Gov.
No one since has been able to get a petition wording approved. We’ll see if we can get her out.
Wearing mask is Not providing any protection especially when people cough in them and wear them 8 hrs or more a day. CDC also advised this week that mask Do Not provide proper Protection when worn for prolonged periods of time. It also weakens the immune system of a otherwise healthy individual.
The mask mandate was merely a control exercise and many people fell for it.
In Michigan, we did not “fall” for the mask mandate…….not wearing one in stores or restaurants could get you a $500 fine. If a store or restaurant let you in without a mask, THEY got the fine too. WE LOVE OR GOVERNOR!! NOT!!!
Agreed. The human body was designed to breathe in oxygen….from the air (the quality notwithstanding). Masks are basically forcing people to breathe back in their own carbon dioxide. How is that helpful to one’s immune system?!
Have you looked at the research. Masks don’t stop viruses. Viruses are to small to be stopped by masks, especially cloth. What the mask does do is hold bacteria and all other contaminated you come in contact against your face so you are repeatedly breathing these things in. They reduced oxygen flow which makes you more susceptible to illnesses. It reduces the effectiveness of your own immune system. These are not opinions, but scientific facts.
We moved go Oklahoma 16 yrs ago. After searching the country for the best place to retire. We found Oklahoma to have to the nicest people by far. We have only 2 complaints. Country roads are bad and so much litter on the sides of the road.
It’s OK Jennifer, you can stay in Commiefornia or wherever and we won’t bother you any more.
Common sense? You have a 1 in 19 million chance of getting COVID (per a study done by Stanford U,). You have a better chance of getting hit by lightening (1 in 500,000). The whole COVID thing was a political scam designed to wreck the economy in an election year. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist. It does but we’ve never shut down the entire economy over a disease.
Your use of the words “dangerous“ and “common sense” are a bit of a stretch.
Read the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. You’ll learn that medical and other tyranny are unlawful – that includes forcing vaccines, masks, etc. upon people, their families and their animals (property). You’re free to choose to do these things but not to force any of it upon others.
Stay where you are,and where is that so I can avoid it.
What about the five U.S. Territories?
Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Where do they rank?
I’ve always been curious about this too. 😊
Guam is awful. The governor is a nazi. Gov Guam is corrupt…
Hi, Some further info.
Regarding Oklahoma and other top ranked states, people should also consider the topography as it relates to BIG AGRICULTURE. Flat rural land = aerial spraying, some amount of pesticide runoff into your creeks, etc. Better to choose a hilly area in a warm climate where your own food will grow easily- like Ozarks areas in Northern AR or Southern Missouri. There is little to no big agriculture in the hilly areas.
Also to consider; Fluoridation laws. I know in Arkansas the state law allows towns under 5,000 to choose themselves whether they want water fluoridation. My sister’s town has done just that. (If you’re willing to buy a Berkey with arsenic/fluoride add ons then this point isn’t the hugest deal… But it’s super cool to be able to drink and use the tap water again. )
Great points
Hey Megan great compilation of pros & cons. I am in Saint Louis Missouri & you are so right. DFS is scary & corrupt. I would also add a con to the list of toxic waste. One thing I hate about here is it is very toxic especially in North County Saint Louis. I’m sure other states have the similar issues but they used Saint Louis to dump radioactive material decades ago. Also was a place they sprayed toxic chemicals as a sick science experiment in the 30’s. We are planning an exodus out of the city for sure. The RV life is calling our name. Its unreal how crazy everything got in a few short months. At least we have more people waking up then ever before. A silver lining in the madness I suppose. Stay blessed🙌
❤ Kate
Hi Kate,
Is DFS corrruption an issue statewide or mostly a concern around St Louis? We are looking around Springfield but DFS issues terrify me as a parent. Thanks!
I live in North county and we are trying our best to get out. We personally don’t have the ability to home school (2 working parents) so we send our kids to private school.
Hi Kate,
Are the DFS corruption and toxicity issues statewide problems or worse in St Louis (and possibly other larger cities)? Do you know if they are bad down in the Springfield area?
Thanks!
Book and video: Strategic Relocation by Joel Scousen
Hi,
I’m a pediatric acupuncturist in Oregon. I feel like Oregon should have a worse vaccination score. CPS has been so completely weaponized that I literally tell the parents of my unvaccinated/partially vaccinated patients that if they have to take their kids to the emergency room for any reason (for example a broken leg) to have a lawyer on speed dial or to have one meet you at the hospital. Medical kidnapping is rampant here as well and our insane governor ships foster kids out of state or looses them by the tens of thousands per year. It’s a beautiful state and we used to love it here. It’s gone crazy in the last 5 years or so and is now one we are considering fleeing because we don’t believe our son will be safe here. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that the vaccine stuff looks way better on paper than it is in truth and that things are super precarious in that area. Oh, and now even our dentists can vaccinate! Thanks for this guide 💗
Hi Melody, this is very helpful information. I am going to add it to the info. on Oregon.
I agree with Melody. I have lived in Oregon for 25 years and it is not the same state I moved to. The Democratic supermajority legislature has tried to remove vaccine exemptions twice now and we escaped it narrowly by the skin of our teeth last year. The Portland Metro area is still in Phase 1 and won’t move out of it until some ridiculous and ever-changing metric is met. That means 100% online school for the entire state and no youth athletics at all in Phase 1 counties (including Portland Metro). Oh, and we are now required to wear masks not only indoors, but also outdoors, even on hiking trails. People literally stop and put their masks on when passing another group of people on the trails.
Yessss to this. All of it. Especially medical kidnapping and DHS overreach. It’s scary!! 😕
Wow thanks Melody!!! Truth is bold….every parent should know the truth!!
MA is quickly catching up with regard to forced vaccinations and ‘legal kidnapping’ of children through DCF…they mostly want what they perceive as ‘desirable’ children though – those they can quickly adopt out through the totally corrupted foster care system. Why? Because every state’s DCF, DSS, etc bureaucracy gets paid $5,000.00 per child from federal government for every child they adopt out because it’s considered a ‘success’… doesn’t matter HOW they did it.
Also, keep in mind that insurance companies (in conjunction with pharmaceutical companies) actually pay doctors & medical facilities tens of thousands of dollars every year for a high total vaccination percentage. It’s quite alarming.
Oregon did pass a bully bill for vaccine exemptions, i.e. requiring a physician to mansplain to you the error of your ways before you file an exemption, so I wouldn’t give it a 10 for vaccines. Otherwise, this is a great list, and thank you for putting so much time into it!
Having just moved from Illinois back to Michigan with school age children, it is important to note that having to get a doctor signature on the sheet for the Illinois school was VERY simple vs the Michigan process. (Just maybe cross out that part that says you acknowledge you are endangering your child, but it has been 8 years since I saw a sheet.)
Michigan law states a waiver signed by parents. HOWEVER, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has inserted themselves where they do not belong and have pressured schools to believe they are bound by policy about how the waiver should be obtained and that that is more important that the law itself. Some schools will take a parents written waiver, but more and more schools are not. Per a lawyer representing a school district in mid Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services policy is therefore considered an extension of the law and the health department waiver is mandatory.
Which requires you going to your local health department for an “education on vaccination”, in some cases, them recording your kids school, home address, child name, DOB, and your signature or any variation of these things they can try to get away with convincing you they “require”. Then getting that paper signed by them that you completed the education which varies from being interrogated, to talking to a nurse, to watching a movie, to being berated, to a simple few questions. Most sessions end with them demanding they make and keep a copy of the waiver for their files, eventhough it does not say so anywhere in their policy.
There are FERPA laws that are supposed to protect your child’s information from being shared from the school to anywhere else. The health department waiver which they aren’t supposed to be keeping a copy of themselves, is supposed to be for the school to keep on hand and the schools are not allowed to share it even with the health department themselves, as that would violate FERPA, so why even have the ability for the health department to grant the waiver, when legally they aren’t supposed to have access to the information contained in it? Unfortunately Michigan is a mess.
If you move to Alaska, do not choose Anchorage. The joke is that they are “North Seattle”. We lived in Fairbanks for 3 years, and even there the liberals were starting to make inroads. There are a lot of organized and stubborn citizens who are fighting back, however.
The comments are almost as entertaining as the article — people all offended about their state getting low scores for sucking. HAHAHA. Ain’t no one in their right mind would want to move to NY, sorry Lisa, and Charlene, if you can’t see how Kansas is flat as a pancake, you need to visit any state that has actual mountains, which is many states, just not Kansas. Unless the tornadoes dug up some dirt & people started thinking they have hills. Yup. That’s the only way Kansas ever got hills. LOL. Juuuust kidding, Karens. Anyhoo, thanks for a good read! California (where I live) and NY are the worst of the worst. Of course there is lots of beauty and other good things, but the politics are enough for any sane person to pick up and leave.
That’s just insanely rude and idiotic. Lol. I’m the furthest from a Karen. You don’t know me you simple minded child. Keep your nasty uneducated comments to yourself.
I’m not sure why or when Kansas got the tag of being so flat, bu the most flat state is actually Florida. Kansas is actually number 6, I believe. While there are no mountains and there are areas that are very flat, overall it isn’t. For those who think it is, I’ll take a bike ride with you and soon change your mind. 🙂
People have actually studied this. 🤦♀️ 😉
http://www.usu.edu/geo/geomorph/kansas.html
Kentuckian here. I agree with your assessment of my state, except the homeschool score. It is actually extremely easy to homeschool here. The only requirement is to send a letter to your local superintendent to let them know you’re homeschooling. There is zero regulation or over-site. I would consider that at least a 9.
But, the rest is spot on. Our governor is one of the worst in the country!!
I live in NY. The HPV and the Flu vaccine have not been mandated as of yet, so that is false. Also, I homeschool here and it was very easy to get started. Yes, it is regulated but it’s mild. Quarterly reports to your district and end of year assessment which are very basic. Many NY state public schools are great and offer some of the best services for children with disabilities. There are multiple ways to also get benefits and funds for a special needs child through a Medicaid waiver system called OPWDD. You talk about scenery and low taxes in other states. NY has some gorgeous landscapes and not to mention NY City, The Hamptons, Montauk and gorgeous mountains and beaches. High taxes in some areas but VERY low in others. I think you should make some changes to your post.
Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for weighing in. The homeschooling requirements for New York are intense and New York public schools are failing.
https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-new-york-s-homeschool-law
https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/new-york/laws-requirements.html
Hi Meghan, you seem to have ignored most of Lisa’s post. Do you have any proof to back up the fact that New York public schools are failing?
Sure do, but I’m not going to waste my time “citing proof” that’s easily verifiable via a simple online search that she’s fully capable of doing herself. 😉
I don’t need to online search, I live here. Isn’t that enough? Lol
Go to ny.gov and look at their report entitled “The State of New York’s Failing Schools.” Start there. 🙂
As I said, they are not intense. HSLDA are NOT a good source. Many homeschool groups here wouldn’t even talk to them. I also think you should correct your Flu abs HPV mandate comments until they actually become mandatory.
Lisa, NY’s homeschooling statutes are readily available online. The state scores a “1,” and that’s me being generous.
I know SEVERAL people who have moved from NY to AZ simply because the homeschool laws were way too strict!
We’ve been in NYC public schools and are now homeschooling. The requirements for NYC homeschooling are really easy. You submit everything via email and that’s it. Quarterly reports take under 10 minutes. Submitting the IHIP and LOI take little time as well. I don’t think they’re even checking what you write. All the people I know only get an acknowledgement that something was received or approved, if they even get that.
I totally agree about New York. I live in New Jersey and no my property taxes are not higher than my mortgage. 🙄
NYS is known for their high taxes. I’ve lived here my whole life and can not wait to move. I have always homeschooled and it is HIGHLY regulated compared to other states. You have to sent in your LOI, IHIP, quarterly reports, end of year assessment along with testing every other year starting in 4th grade. There is no benefit to living here, especially when you consider the governor, he is a tyrannical psychopath on a mission to kill everyone who doesn’t agree with him. Yes scenery in the country is beautiful but that’s about it.
WOW, I figured this article would be at least mildly interesting, but it’s FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for your research. You forgot to put the negative sign (as in -1) for the gov of CA where I currently am, but just a typo, I’m sure. 🙂
Lol. Thanks Ann! I thought about using negative number for both New York and California.
You also might want to use a negative number for Massachusetts. It’s way down there with N.Y. and California, in my opinion.
Great article!
I live in CA, and I’d give it more than a -1.
Great list, hits so many important items. Are you aware of anything like this list for nations? Maybe delete 2nd amendment and talk about safety and rule of law. Thank you.
Hmm…I’m not. That might be more of a difficult post to write.
I would LOVE that list!!! Please oh please do it!! 😁😁😁
It is illegal to have a home birth in Alabama—CPS will investigate your family if they find out. (Many drive across the border to FL to birth in a birth center rather than brave the hospitals of AL… they held my baby hostage in AL because we wanted to leave AMA after a very quick hospital birth with absolutely NO interventions.)
Also, Texas is extremely hands-off about homeschooling—I’m not sure why it got a score of 9 🤔🤔
Hi Lisa, a “9” is a good score. 🙂 1 is the worst and 10 is the best.
I am so sorry that happened to you! I will research AL birth and midwifery.
I think WA state should have received a higher score for homeschooling regulations. It is very easy to homeschool in WA state. There are so few requirements and the state (for now) has not imposed on us in the least. I do agree that our state is a horrendous place to live, however. Not at all questioning the your results. If I thought there was anywhere that would be “safe” from long term government overstep, I would not hesitate to leave this state where I was born and raised.
Hi Jill, I used the HSLDA for Washington’s homeschool requirements. Is this what you’re referring to?
https://hslda.org/legal/washington
Jill, I agree. I actually LOVE homeschooling in WA…the support and community is incredible, and it is VERY easy to homeschool here. The rest of the items on the list…yeah. It makes me want to pick up and move yesterday. Add the air quality lately/every late-summer (we are in Tri-Cities, where the AQI has been the worst in the world for over a week), and I’m ready to peace out. ✌🏼
Yep, we’re seizing the opportunity to work remotely while idiot Inslee is still keeping the state locked down. Moving away.
Kansas is NOT flat as a pancake. “In reality, Kansas doesn’t even crack the top five when it comes to the flattest U.S. states—Florida wins easily—and close to two-thirds of the state is covered in rolling hills that may cause first-time visitors to wonder if they are indeed in Kansas anymore.
The state is also home to one of the more unique geographical areas in the country, a remnant of a time before the settlers began farming—and creating stereotypes that would last centuries.
The Flint Hills is a region of eastern Kansas and north central Oklahoma that contains the largest intact tallgrass prairie in North America. While tallgrass prairie once consumed more than 170 million acres on the continent, the vast majority of it was eventually plowed under for farming. But because of the rocky soil in the Flint Hills, the area is unsuitable for growing crops. Instead, cattle ranchers were able to dominate the area, which kept the tallgrass prairie intact, for the most part.
Less than 4 percent of that original tallgrass prairie remains—and most of it is in the Flint Hills of Kansas.”
NM’s vaccine exceptions are easily overridden by the public health emergency law that the tyrant of Santa Fe is using to justify her dictatorial actions. The state can mandate a vaccination program and involuntarily confine you to your home indefinitely if you refuse. Also, while 2nd Amendment protections are still pretty good, the governor is dead set on erasing all of them and will likely get her wish next legislative session if neither legislative chamber if flipped in November (both are solidly Democrat right now)
This list is awesome, thank you for creating it! I’m in Ft. Worth, TX and agree with the others that you hit the nail on the head. I keep wondering how the heck my “Don’t tread on me” state has become so liberal?! Everywhere I go, the masks are praised, and I’m just baffled. And our governor is an asshat, he needs to go. Ugh. If it gets much worse, I may be heading to OK…
Unfortunately, hslda is not a reliable source for state homeschooling information. It’s not accurate in its understanding of my state’s laws, which makes me question whether it’s accurate on any information it gives out.
HSLDA is the most accurate source of homeschooling information. Even with that, I verified each state’s homeschooling requirements. 🙂 Is there a state you’d like me to re-assess?
This is fantastic and covers the points that I have been researching. In our family culture we value hiking and skiing, so mountains were a must. That left us with Idaho and South Dakota. Ultimately we ended up buying in South Dakota because they average about 80 more days of sun per year. We cannot wait to leave! And we are excited to have a governor who values hard work and independence.
Which city did you decide on?
Maybe this is why it wasn’t mentioned because it’s “technically” not called homeschooling. This was the option we chose when we lived in Florida for almost 10 years. We were very much homeschoolers 😆
You have access to public school amenities just as you do with the home education option. The only downside is it’s a little harder to get into the dual-enrollment program under this option. My option though, is that Florida should really be ranked higher on this list. We moved to Alabama from Florida 8 months ago and have been very disappointed with religious freedom in the north Alabama area.
Private Schools:
Florida Statute 1003.23 (2)
Parents may choose to register their children in a private school (parochial, religious, denominational or nontraditional). The school is responsible for keeping attendance records and enrollment registers.Students registered in one of these schools are, by law, private school students, not home education students.
Hawaii sounds like a complete Communist country right now!
I moved back to Oklahoma 15 years ago from California. The crazy politics and insane cost-of-living assured that as soon as I retired I would leave the state. I returned to Oklahoma where I had lived in the 1980s. While there is no way that Oklahoma can compete with Californias mountains or beaches, in every other way it is far better.
For disabled veterans there is no state that comes close to matching Oklahoma’s benefits. As a 100% service connected disabled individual I am exempt from all sales tax, property tax on a primary home, and state income tax. Once every three years I receive an excise tax exemption upon purchase of a new vehicle.
With several large military bases in the state veterans have excellent access to PX and commissary and other on-base facilities. Finally, for those living in the Oklahoma City area the VA hospital and outlying clinics do a good job in meeting the medical needs of the veterans.
Yes, Oklahoma is flat, has tornadoes, hot weather in the summer and ice storms in the winter, so it’s not perfect but neither is anywhere else.
Kentucky would be so much higher on the list if our former Governor, Matt Bevin, had won the last election. Kentucky is breathtakingly beautiful and there are a great majority of GOOD, Godloving people here. Make this list again next year ❤
I agree Andrea. I will try to keep it updated.
I totally agree with you. Our governor is a huge problem, but if not for that we have a great state. Our rank will drastically change with a new governor. Maybe Daniel Cameron??
I’ll second that, Andrea!
PLEASE do NOT move to Tennessee if you’re from California, UNLESS you don’t like the laws and nonsense that comes out of CA, are leaving because of the nonsense, and have kind manners. Same goes for those moving from NY and NJ. Please don’t come here and complain that “well, in California we …….”. If you like it that much, please stay there. We are Southern, gracious, kind, expect the best of everyone (yes, even transplants) and will always give the benefit of the doubt and WE WANT IT TO STAY THAT WAY. Don’t move here if you want ANYTHING to change about TN and above all else, DO NOT bring your liberal, marxist, socialist, communist, gun-banning, transgender, ignoring the constitution ideas and votes here. Most Tennesseans wouldn’t dream of moving to your home state and changing it, nor insisting that it should change and be like the state they left. We don’t need your money (that’s a common statement from transplants) and don’t want your rudeness in traffic (we don’t flip people off here or cuss in traffic for the most part), nor do we want you to change how we do things. If you have manners, can show grace and kindness in any situation, if you’ve never met a stranger and and want to be here for all the greatness TN has to offer, then by all means, you’re welcome here.
I am from rural upstate western NY, Truly Amish country. I moved to TN for 8 years. When I first moved there while applying for jobs I was told “just so you know we don’t tolerate certain attitudes”. My husband (who was a successful construction business owner) when we first moved there and hadn’t switched car plates yet was often pulled over by cops and had his vehicle searched. I was a server for a short time and had certain customers not allow me to wait on them once they heard my accent. When we moved to a smaller town outside the city. Two of our neighbors also were new to the area, but from Indiana and Michigan. I found out months later they got welcome greetings from the neighbors. I got nothing, not even a hello. I am a polite, kind, respectful country girl. All this was shocking to me and I found it sad so many people assumed the worst because I was from NY. Your post just brought it all back. I’m pretty sure by what you said you are one of these people who stereotype. I loved TN, but I do not miss the discrimination I received.
Yup. She reminds me of my cousins from Texas.
Currently the only option for homeschooling in the state of California is Private. Unless you were already within a Charter homeschool prior to Governor Newsom’s bill he signed.
Great list. Thank you! Seeing how you described my home and current state of CA, this list appears to be spot on. I will use it well! We want to get out so badly, but are able to “hide” since we are homeschoolers. That’s not long though. I would love to find a state that will not allow liberal Californians in! Thanks again!
Oklahoma’s governor banned state funded travel to California in response to California’s travel ban on Oklahoma. 😂 I’m not sure if the bans are still in effect or not. Unfortunately, California citizens can still move here. Though it was a step in the right direction.
This is a hilarious list and utterly ridiculous! Your pros and cons for each state is unintelligent babble about the coronavirus. Getting the virus under control is a good thing by the way. I’ve lived in California my whole life there’s no way I would live in your top 5 states! No way! Your pros and cons are based on a bias agenda with no substance to them. Illinois also is not riddled with crime just Chicago. I see why people like this are easily brainwashed. This is uneducated, ridiculous, ignorant babble
Maggie, Thanks for your comment. Clearly this post was not intended for you. I think California is an excellent state for you to reside in if that’s your outlook. Sources are at the bottom and are easily verifiable. You can look up homeschooling and exemption laws, gun laws, and covid19 responses all through those links.
Also, I live in Illinois so I am fully aware of what life is like here. 😉
Megan
I live in Kansas and highly recommend it! While the governor did put a mask order in place, each county was able to decide whether to enforce it (most are not enforcing it, including mine 🙌🏻). Our governor is not great, but she is at least balanced out by a legislature who fights against her. And believe it or not, not ALL of Kansas is flat. And we do have beautiful sunsets. 🙂
Bless you Megan. As soon as I was reading about the FOID processing delay, I KNEW you were talking about Illinois. Just today talking to an attorney about my months old application. Chances are bleak to get my FOID card any time in the future. $29 million for the Illinois State Police to process them has been “swept away” to cover other expenses. I’m pissed.
You hit the nail on the head for all the values and freedoms that I appreciate. Would love to be in South Dakota, just don’t think I could start out there all by myself but you never know. Thank you for your insight.
I live in Illinois too and I know soooo many people in this same position! It’s ridiculous.
If you want to move to South Dakota, join the Living Whole Official Group, there are many members who live in SD…and Illinois. 😉
I am a native Californian (60 years) and I agree with you. Maggi is obviously one of our insanely radical liberals who is blind to the truths about California. I am not.
Why is GA marked so low for homeschooling regulations? It is super easy to homeschool here! Nothing has to be reported except that you plan to homeschool. Moved from Florida, and it is MUCH simpler here!
Hi Candace,
Georgia has more homeschooling requirements than just filing a notice of intent. 🙂
Parents must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Parents must submit an annual Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program by September 1 or within 30 days of establishing their homeschool.
The Declaration of Intent must include all homeschooled childrens’ names, ages, address of homeschool and dates of school year.
Parents must provide a basic academic educational program of five subjects (math, science, English language arts, social studies and reading)
Parents must teach no less than 180 days per year of at least 4.5 hours a day (unless child is physically unable to comply with this requirement).
Parents must have their child participate in standardized testing every three years after completing third grade.
Parent or instructor must write annual progress assessment reports for each subject for each student and keep these reports for at least three years.
https://hslda.org/legal/georgia
https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/georgia/laws-requirements.html
My home state, California, really should be last on the list. Everyone I know wants to leave.
Someone shared this article with me and moving has been something we’ve been discussing for over a year.
My husband read the article first and thought, “Surely CA is number 50 on the list with NY following behind.” NOPE! NY is absolutely horrible in every single way possible. I hate that I do love where I live- because there is nothing at all good from this state (besides the 4 seasons and no natural disasters besides possible snow storms.) It has been beyond heartbreaking living in this state (since last year especially) . Time to flee!
Hey, I’m in New York. We’re like cousins. Look at these 1’s on our checklist.
I have to agree with everything about Michigan. I’ve been thankful to have been born and raised here. If you’re tired of the scenary, drive two hours in any direction and it’s like you’re in a different state. However, our businesses/communities are being killed by our govenors response to covid (she is also pro-vaccine), I anticipate our homeschooling freedoms will be under attack here soon, and it’s getting more and more difficult to find a Dr. who won’t push vaccines on you (let alone see a non-vaccinated child).
Oklahoma has horrible roads and aside from the two big cities there are no Starbucks and small businesses have a hard time surviving. You have to drive to one of those cities to find what you need if it’s not sold by Walmart. There’s also drug problems here but I guess that’s everywhere. Just saying if you move here it should be because you’re up for a seriously off the grid life.
I think that’s what most people are looking for. Of all of the people polled, nobody was concerned with roads or access to Starbucks. There isn’t a such thing as a perfect state — but Oklahoma scored highly in all of the most important criteria. 🙂
Oklahoma roads are bad, that’s true. We RV a lot and find most states have bad roads. Our turnpike’s are beautiful. Tulsa and out laying towns have lots of Starbucks.
I don’t know about Oklahoma being the “off the grid life.” I live in 140 acres, have 500 meg internet, out in the sticks and I’m only 20 minutes from an overpriced Starbucks. I would certainly hate to make by health and homeschooling decisions based on roads and locations to starbucks. Granted we all love a 5 dollar cup of hot milk with some espresso in it.
Also born and raised in MI, I feel your pain
To the blog author ,
we should be A LOT lower on the list (Michigan without a doubt ranks lower than Wisconsin 🤣) our state government has ALWAYS been corrupt( did everyone forget about FLINT!?) We’ve had so many political train wrecks in the last 10 years..
the roads are horrible and cheaply repaired, the east side, capital area and TC are becoming more liberal by the day. Our governor is so extreme she has issued OVER 160 EOs (im curious which governor has the second highest amount of EOs ) and She strongly encouraged citizens to be aggressive about mask mandates (what!?! 2 people have been killed over mask mandates here )
I would strongly encourage anyone that can leave MI to get out before you go bankrupt
I forgot to add my additions to MICHIGAN law information in that previous post:
3f restrictions:
“The child is being educated…” even public school law doesn’t designate these words, instead, public school law uses “attend” only (they know they can mandate attendance, but not teaching or learning, even though that’s hopefully a byproduct of attendance!)
3f states “…at the child’s home…” – many of us are community oriented & use learning resources outside of our home.
3f states “… by his or her parent or legal guardian…” – many of us use educators outside of this restriction.
3f states specific subject areas – that list contains more specific areas than even public school law & more than the private 3a “…subjects comparable to … public schools…”
In the ‘80’s & ‘90’s most of my fellow home educating friends chose 3a. –Or- look at (4) – you can choose both! In those early years, some school districts were using 3f against families because it was so new & those contending districts were trying to find their power; hopefully it has gotten better since then.
I am a former home educating Mom, now Gramma to second generation home educated children. MICHIGAN actually has TWO laws from which a home educating family may choose, but the first might not be listed with your source, HSLDA. I suggest you check in with Clonlara School in Ann Arbor Michigan for this detail & home education history (Clonlara will have accurate, up-to-date information for other states & countries also). The tried & true law has been in place for a longer time than the “homeschool” law (3f below) – it is the “private school” – aka “non-public school” law (3a below). We may still consider ourselves a “private school” in Michigan & follow private school mandates. In the ’80’s many of us families spent many hours in Lansing while parents & private schools were in court with the department of education. What came out of that was the newer law that HSLDA uses for “homeschooling” which is actually more restrictive than public education law & the private school law!
From Michigan Dept of Ed, Nonpublic and Home School Information:
(3) (a) The child is attending regularly and is being taught in a state-approved nonpublic school, which teaches subjects comparable to those taught in the public schools to children of corresponding age and grade, as determined by the course of study for the public schools of the district within which the nonpublic school is located.
(3) (f) The child is being educated at the child’s home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.
(4) For a child being educated at the child’s home by his or her parent or legal guardian, exemption from the requirement to attend public school may exist under either subsection (3)(a) or (3)(f), or both.
Good article but Texas should be knocked down a few to maybe #20.
Texas only has two seasons; about one week of spring-like cool temps and the rest is one long, hellish summer. On the coast you are on hurricane watch every year and every 5-10 years will have to rebuild if you are in the wrong place. Border state so the bottom SW 1/3 of the state and major cities have massive illegal immigration problems. So you better learn Spanish as a lot of jobs and some daily interactions require you to be bilingual.
A lot of oil and gas wells built on natural landscapes and the big cities are run by corrupt good ol’ boy networks that you will never be a part of. That includes the state GOP which still has far too many Bush league Republicans in charge that are clueless when it comes to recognizing we are under attack by Socialists. Texas has a target on it from national left-wing political groups and is being flooding with blue state refugees, activists, and money. Big cities turn a darker shade of blue every election cycle.
If you can handle air conditioning bills, property tax inflation creep, and are ready to fight on the front lines to defend liberty Texas is at best a middle of the list option. This lifelong Texan can tell you today’s Texas ain’t the Texas you see in the movies anymore.
Comment from Florida!
I really think DeSantis wants us to fully be functioning, but as always with politics, I think could be and has been persuaded…
Unfortunately this whole thing has hit us hard, as a tourism state, I don’t mind everyone not coming down though. It’s already hard enough with us crazy Florida drivers. Lol
Thanks for the honest work you do Megan, we all really appreciate you! <3
A graphic map of the US with the ranking number on each state would have been very helpful.
It would be nice to add environmental factors to the ratings, such as clean water/air.
Will you revise this post election this yr? Very useful resource – thank you for creating!
Yes! I will try to continuously keep this updated. 🙂
Kristi Noem* not sure if you noticed.
Yes, thank you. Auto-correct. 🤦♀️
Awesome! Thank you 🙂
Who in the world are you talking to in Ohio? Our governor is not a RINO – he has done a wonderful job for the state. Other than that, I would agree with everything you said about Ohio.
Our governor is definitely a full blown RINO! A news station had a poll up and 83% voted that he needs to be impeached. He has schools shut down, but is opening daycares in the same schools for parents to send their kids to because schools aren’t open!
The same thing is happening here in Ny!
The governor of Ohio is a lying little tyrant, who keeps making ridiculous, unhealthy rules for kids in sports. Lots of people have lost their businesses due to his severe restrictions. It’s been proven over and over that he’s dishonest and is not at all concerned with the sex trafficking problem in Ohio.
I am actually thinking that both Indiana and Ohio governors are being controlled by our communists to the south. Beshear is a tyrant. He has overnight turned Kentucky into something akin to China. He was the first state in our area to not allow visitors (which has been illegal since the civil war). I think it’s because he couldn’t blackmail the governor of Tennessee like he did the other neighbors. I’m not sure how much this list will matter after November. They are planning a coup. They are going to use mail in ballots to cheat, cheat, cheat (why do you think they went after the president for it, it was their idea). They thought they could brainwash us into desperately wanting them these last 4 years. It didn’t work. Now, they are going to use other means.
Our governor most certainly IS a RINO. He’s a tyrant with “little man syndrome,” and we’ll be lucky if he ever lifts all of his COVID restrictions (because he’s not going to give up the power he’s seized easily). He was heavily influenced by Amy Acton, but she up and left him to fend for himself after the pressure got to be too much for her–why a supposedly pro-life Republican governor would select an “abortion up until birth” liberal health director in the first place is beyond me. DeWine better not be planning to run for office in Ohio ever again, because most people I know wouldn’t elect him dog catcher at this point.
DeWine is a complete RINO with a god complex. He believes he’s personally saved thousands upon thousands with his edicts. Saw a newspaper impeach poll from usually left leaning N.W. Ohio that had the same high percentage results (80+%) as the radio station. He ignores pertinent updated data to keep every county on some level of emergency alert status. He’s even admitted there is no green clear status possible with him. We want him gone!
Little man syndrome, like Fauci?
Hawaii is most def sucking right now. Closed outdoors (beaches,trails). “Non-essential” businesses closed again. Masks mandated Everywhere.
Hawaii had HAR 11-157 passed last year requiring ALL federal CDC recommendations to be requirements now, adding 5 mandated vaccines to the schedule. They currently do have the religious and medical (although very difficult to get), but they have been anticipating a fight to keep their religious exemption as Sarah Park, Director of HI DOH, has indicated on multiple occasions she wants to take it away. The governor, Lt. governor, and Honolulu mayor have been very restrictive with the corona virus mandates; masks mandated everywhere, people are not allowed on beaches, hiking trails, contact tracing, citizen reporting, and residents are feeling very trapped in their homes. They are also concerned that the covid vaccine will be mandated for everyone. I left 2 years ago, but many longtime residents are considering leaving now.
New Jersey – Yes this state is very liberal, but Ocean County, especially Toms River area is way more Republican then the rest of the state. Still no reason to move here. It is very crowded in this area. North West Jersey is way nicer, but still, a liberal state.
Disappointed Texas is so low, but deserves to be lower. Abbott’s Covid response has been awful! He continues to say restrictions will only be lowered when a vaccine is available. San Marcos has closed ALL parks, all playgrounds, ALL river access. It sucks here! San Antonio is worse and Austin is pretty bad. If RINO Abbott has his way there will be forced vaccines.
Nevada- if you’re planning moving to Navada, don’t move to Las Vegas or surrounding cities. Houses are getting very expensive for the salaries of people who live here. The only sources of incomes are the casinos and hospitals. Very hot which get up to 120 degrees and electric bills are outrageously high during summer. If you love gambling , be warned! Don’t bring your credit cards in the casinos if you don’t want to lose your house. And if you don’t know how to cook and rely on buffet, watch out for Heart problems and stroke and lung problems. They’re not your friends. Our governor sucks.
While Georgia is still considered a Red State, we unfortunately have “changing demographics.” The movie/film industry is big here and with it came liberal voters. Our governor signed the heartbeat bill and the Hollywood types went crazy threatening to leave the state, etc. which would have eliminated thousands of jobs related to that industry. We also have a large population of low skilled immigrants who vote blue. We have the same problem as Texas with people moving in from awful blue states and then continue to vote blue. Many thanks, Megan, for your hard work and time spent on this project.
Yes as Jan said above, Georgia seems like it would be great but many liberals moving in, especially near Atlanta and its suburbs. Though the governor never mandated masks, he eventually said everyone should mask up to be a good citizen. And pretty much every business has signs that say masks are required. But homeschooling is really pretty relaxed. Just fill out declaration of intent online each year, and then they say to do standardized testing every three years. But according to everyone I’ve talked to who has lived here longer than i have, no one checks on those or audits homeschool families.
I’m not sure where you got your info about Nebraska homeschool laws from… Or why you gave it a 4 and Florida’s laws a 7?? All you have to do in Nebraska is fill out a questionnaire online that tells them which curriculum you intend to teach for each subject, and who will be teaching the children. That’s it. They don’t have to “approve” anything. They don’t require any kind of state testing, vaccination requirements for homeschoolers, no specific curriculum requirements (other than covering the 5 major subject areas annually) and there is no portfolio needed and no annual checks from a monitor/teacher. So again I ask…. How on earth does it get a 4 when florida (which has WAY more requirements) has a 7?!?
https://hslda.org/legal
I’m a first-time homeschooler in Nebraska and while I’m a member of HSLDA, the info on their graphic is not accurate. You do not have to have teacher qualifications, you do not have to do assessments, and if you say you’re homeschooling for religious reasons, there are no vaccination requirements.
Thanks Mindy! Updated for NE: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/nebraska/laws-requirements.html
You’re right on with NY. It sucks. I feel like I’m living in a jail cell and have contemplated moving many times to run away, but I have family here. Had a taste of South Dakota in July for a family road trip. I cried while driving back to my “jail cell”… I mean home. “Cuomo’s gotta go!” is the new motto for us freedom fighters. Thankfully, we homeschool and live in a rural area. So my little world is not so bad. I food shop at an Amish farmer’s market with all local produce who do not pressure you to wear a mask, but I am pressured every where else, so I don’t go anywhere else. Sometimes I just feel plain trapped here. NYC is what causes most of the damage for the rest of us NY-er’s. Anyways, NY ranking at 50? Not surprised in the least!
Awww Jamie. I’m so sorry. <3
Thank you <3 It is what it is! We originally moved here from Jersey… BLEHHH… back in 2017 (FYI, the only thing good about Jersey is the shore by where I grew up. Yep, I'm a born and raised Jersey Girl!)…wanted to move west or south for the wide open spaces back then, but I knew it wasn't the right time and settled for the beautiful hills and woods of Central NY where there are wide open spaces also. Little did we know how bad the government would get here. "Man makes his plans, but God directs his steps." God's got a plan for us being here, and that's what keeps me going and gives me hope!
Hi Jamie,
I’m stuck in NY as well. I woke up 8/11/19 to about 50 text on my phone friends all saying did you see what Cuomo did? I thought oh no this isn’t good! He took away my religious freedoms and my 3 children were not allowed back in school. I became a home school mom all because of a corrupt politician. Anyone but Andy 2022! I pay $840.00 a month for school taxes ( yes just school taxes) for a school I can’t use. NY no longer has the arts, theater, restaurants. The beautiful libraries are too dangerous to travel to. And one final note about King Cuomo he named the bridge after his dad and the NY library after his mom and after 136 years he is changing the NY flag.
I just wanted to say thank you for this article. In the last year or so i have done searches on couple different platforms searching for the best states to live in and none of them compares to yours in all the points that you stated which is also the ones we are interested in. God bless you in a special way for this!
Great article. Is there any information on Autism and special needs supports and services?
Look into the United Cerebra Palsy report for 2020 or 2019. They have a really comprehensive report on each state. Last year AZ was the top of the list.
Thanks for the list! Some great info 😊 but I have to say that homeschooling is definitely not ‘highly regulated’ in Louisiana. You must notify the state of your intentions every year, but if you register as a private school, then you don’t even have to list student’s names. Registering as a ‘homestudy’ requires submitting test scores from previous year, but that’s about it.
Most of what was said about NY is very accurate- except the fact that Upstate is beautiful and has great good and agriculture. Otherwise, agree with everything that was said.
I agree! I live in Upstate NY and have family here, so we feel “tied” to NY. But it is a very beautiful state. We home school, so at least there is that…we don’t have to deal with the schools…
May I ask where you live in upstate? I am seriously considering a move from Brooklyn ASAP. Not perfect, and I will consider other states as things unfold…but at least living in beauty with access to good food is appealing for now as I regroup.
Comment regarding Illinois (all of it sadly true, Horrible Governor and horrible mayor of Chicago (my hometown) destroying it swiftly). I did want to comment about the FOID card though. I cannot speak about renewals but my son and his friend did receive their newly applied for cards a month ago.
I have been homeschooling in Louisiana for 20 years. There are two legal paths for homeschooling. One may send in an annual letter saying he/she is operating a private school with x number of students and be left unbothered. We only need register under the home study option and submit work or test scores during Junior and Senior years of high school if the student wishes to qualify for state college grant money. I renewed my HSLDA membership two days ago. It mentions vaccine regulations, but then in their get started section there is no mention of it. My youngest attended public school for two years. It was easy to claim philosophical exemption for vaccines with a parent note on file with the school.
Our community has a plethora of farmers markets, small health food stores and alternative health care practitioners.
Granted, we consider ourselves an oasis within the state in Regards to healthy living.
I live just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. I certainly feel South Carolina doesn’t deserve the homeschooling rank it received. Yes we do require registering with a homeschool Association for record purposes, but we don’t require State Testing. We have three homeschooling options for families that would like to choose that. The most commonly used is our option three. Many homeschool associations are extremely inexpensive. The one I belong to cost me $30 a year for both of my children. Gives me the option for my oldest to file all of their grades and have a high school transcript available to me without me having to do all of the calculations. We have a ton of co-ops and have a growing natural community.
Hi Gretchen,
Thanks for your comment! I am always willing to re-assess and/or keep this list updated. All of the homeschooling information was gathered from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. There are 3 options (as you pointed out). #2 and #3 vary based on homeschooling association and SCAIHS. Here is what is required to homeschool in South Carolina under the homeschooling statute:
1. Obtain approval from the district board of trustees.
Contact the board of trustees of your local public school district for information about their homeschool application process, and submit an application. The board “shall approve” your application (it has no discretion) if you include in your application assurance that you have completed or will complete the steps listed below.
*Right out of the gate, depending on where you reside within SC, this could be a difficult one for parents. In fact, I’ve known several who gave their input in creating this post that had difficult school districts and/or had to submit to an appeals process.
2. Teach the required subjects for the required time.
Your curriculum must include the required subjects listed above. You must teach your child for at least 180 days per school year. A school day is at least 4.5 hours, not counting lunch or recesses.
*This isn’t a huge deal in and of itself. Many states have this.
3. Maintain records.
As evidence of regular instruction, you must maintain the following records for inspection upon reasonable notice by a representative of the school district:
A plan book, diary, or other written record indicating subjects taught and activities in which you and your child participate.
A portfolio of samples of your child’s work.
A record of your child’s academic progress assessments.
4. Submit a semiannual progress report.
You must submit a semiannual progress report including attendance records and assessments of your child’s progress in each of the required subjects to your school district.
*This is exhaustive (especially with having to comply with the last point), and let’s hope you have a school district that’s easy to work with.
5. Ensure your student has access to library facilities.
*No problem, but another requirement.
6. Test your child annually.
Make sure your child participates in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program. The tests must be administered by a certified school district employee.
If your student does not perform well enough on the test to meet the public school standard for advancing to the next grade, the school district will decide if your child should be put in a public school, receive handicapped services, or have instruction support for homeschooling at your expense.
*This is another issue — from standardized testing to having to deal with the school district.
I can’t possibly rate SC’s homeschooling higher than a 5 or 6 when the states that rank higher have less restrictions. Illinois for example, only requires that you teach the mandated subjects. Other states only require that notice be submitted to the state. Although some parents may find it harder to easier in a particular state to homeschool, I feel in an effort to be objective, I have to use the HSLDA statutes. In addition, with the way the education system is headed in this country, states that do not require parents to submit to the public school district are going to rank higher.
If the HSLDA is wrong on the statues, I am happy to change this post! 🙂
Megan
Hi, we moved from NY to FL seven years ago. BEST DECISION EVER!
I just wanted to say that in FL, although you are correct about the homeschooling requirements, you are missing a few key details.
It is true that those who homeschool via notification to the district must maintain a portfolio and have their children’s work reviewed at the end of the year.
However, people in Florida can also home educate their children under an umbrella school which requires none of that.
In addition, diplomas issued by parents to their home educated children in FL are considered valid by the state.
I agree that there are other states that have even less restrictive homeschooling regulations, but FL is very, very doable with lots of flexibility.
Lastly, in regards to cost of living, I think that depends on where one lives in FL. True, there are very expensive communities, but there are also plenty of small towns that are quite affordable. We ourselves live much more cheaply here in Florida than we ever did in NY.
Wow I was certain NJ was ranked worse than 43 bc although medical exemptions are listed, there is a better chance of winning the lottery. Thank you for this list. This took time, energy and is very informative. May we all United Rise!
Illinois is going after religious exemptions, and they consider homeschooling as a private school so if the bill goes through homeschoolers will have to also follow the vaccine schedule.
Colorado should rank even lower since SB20-163 passed this year removing all 3 vaccine exemptions and replacing them with a single non-medical exemption that is now tracked through a database and requires an interactive 3 hour video to be watched and signed. The homeschool freedom mandates squeaked through at the last second making them exempt from tracking but make no mistake it will be under attack going forward because it always is a fight. The governor is a tyrannical dictator who has locked down the entire state with mask mandates, forced business closures and bars and restaurants can’t serve alcohol after 10pm.
Totally agree! Maybe since sb163 doesn’t officially start until next year….. And the fact that homeschool laws are more restrictive than CA is ridiculous.
I live in Wa on the ID boarder. We are not as bad over here. I homeschool and it’s easy to do with no push back. My kids are vaccine exempt with out issues with the doc ( you just have to find the right one) YES! Our governor sucks!! But it’s beautiful here. Oh! I have not worn a mask once. Don’t put all of WA in the Seattle boat. It’s not all like that and but if we are not careful and stand up and fight and be heard it will be.
We moved from California to Hawaii because of SB277 after considering several of the states at the top of the list. One thing that wasn’t considered: a lot of those places are REALLY racist. We had negative experiences there and realized it wasn’t for us. The government and cv19 response here has been awful, but honestly you would be hard pressed to find anywhere healthier to live in the US. Even with all the negatives, we are ridiculously happy. Also, the information about gun ownership isn’t true. It is nearly impossible to get a CCW permit, but fairly easy to get a firearm for hunting or personal protection. You can also walk into a sporting goods store and put ammo in your basket right off the shelf unlike California. I believe Hawaii is in the top 5 states for gun ownership in the US. Bottom 5 for guns licensed. Draw your own conclusions (but they are probably true)!
I would like to see more criteria included b/c I value the things listed, but also need a place that does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender and believes that equality is a must for ALL citizens. I thought the same thing as you did – wondering if these top states would be safe for a person of color or LGBTQ folk.
Kansas is not a liberal state, it’s mostly conservative except in the largest cities in the east. The governor is awful but she only got elected because the republicans ran someone that was controversial to all but the most conservative voters. Raw milk is legal if you go to the farm to get it, homeschooling is pretty relaxed, never had an issue getting religious vaccine exemption. 2A pretty well protected here (open carry state) I’ve always enjoyed living here but would like to get out of the heavily populated KC metro area. Plenty of farmers markets, not enough affordable knowledgeable natural health practitioners.
Side note – my cousin briefly lived in Arizona & had a run in with CPS due to vindictive crazy in – laws & apparently that organization is extremely corrupt there.
Thanks Brandy for catching that! I changed and adjusted the ranking of KS shortly after this posted. I also added in the section about AZ and CPS because you are right, it is notoriously corrupt.
While we agree with NY being dead last, as of right now flu and hpv are not mandated for school. I’m sure they will try this year. Massachusetts mandated flu shot last week.
It’s not mandated for schools (yet), but it is always being pushed as an initiative.
That’s awful about Mass!
I don’t know how Massachusetts ended up with a 10 for Political Idealogy. We’ve got a straight-up communist travel order, mandated flu vaccine, consistent push to remove religious exemptions, mandated masks even in our own yards, and a re-tightened gathering size limit. We really ought to be in the bottom 5.
10 is for red states and 1 is for blue. I have to keep the scoring consistent. Otherwise I would have to subjectively determine whether a red state is really acting blue (and vice versa) and to what degree. The political ideology of a state tells you a lot about its policies and agenda. The travel order and mandates etc. have to do with the governor and covid19 response — two criteria I included in this list. (Also, political ideology is lower in importance than the covid19 response.)
Yes, but they are also mandating the flu vaccine for all school age kids this year — They just had a big protest about it as your probably know
I’m recently widowed living in beautiful WA rural area. No children, so homeschooling, education not a factor … other than the alarming increase in Marxist curriculum on state & local level. I’ve managed to avoid old-age-vax (flu, shingles). No health issues because I also avoid pharma-influenced MDs & their reliance on drugs as treatment of choice. My closest family lives on East Coast & all their states are among the worse. Observation: don’t move before Nov 2020. Some of those awful governors, senators, etc may be gone by then … God willing!
Totally agree! I live in the worst state – NY – but NY is a beautiful place to live – in upstate there is more good than bad but we are out numbered by the population downstate. I had the same thought, wait until after the election. Hopefully people are fed up enough to change and vote out the marxists and freedom stealers!
We’re praying Cuomo is gone and exiled to Siberia by December 2020!!! 🙏🏼
The pros to NY is that is it beautiful! The rural is very family friendly. As well as conservative. But NYC rules the entire state.
I’ve lived in NY my entire life. We have definitely been feeling the urge to leave for several years, but chose to fight as long as possible. Protesting , calls, letters, emails, and standing up for years. It has come to the point that we have to leave. I love our weather, the beauty of the 4 seasons, and no real natural threats. Gorges, waterfalls, skiing, beaches, apples and pumpkins. Ahhh. Also. Wegmans. Haha! Unfortunately, it’s gotten so bad that I do fear for my childrens freedoms and well being. I’m also afraid that when we leave(in 2 weeks. Because I sold my home), if I turn around, I will turn into a pillar of salt. We have Cuomo for another 2 years. Please warned, I have every reason to believe he will run and could win presidential election in 2024.
You’re wrong on a couple points in Maine. How can having constitutional carry be poor second amendment protections?? And actually homeschooling is definitely not highly regulated either. Think you need to confirm some facts
I did.
For homeschooling regulations in Maine — go here: https://hslda.org/legal/maine
For gun laws by state — go here: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/strictest-gun-laws-by-state
I was going to say the same thing. I’ve homeschooled in 3 states and ME has been a breeze, and you do not even need a license to conceal carry in ME. Check your sources.
Maine Homeschool Requirements
Maine homeschool laws require parents to do the following:
1. File an initial notice of intent to homeschool with your local superintendent.
2. Submit an annual letter that states your intention to continue homeschooling by September 1.
3. Teach the following required subjects: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies in at least one grade from grade 6 to 12, and computer proficiency in one grade level from grade 7 to 12.
Submit the following:
3. Year-end assessments
Results of a standardized test
Results of a test developed by local school officials, OR
Letter stating child’s progress from a Maine certified teacher
Parents are required to homeschool for a minimum of 175 days. This must be acknowledged on the notice of intent that you can either submit online or by mail.
https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/maine/laws-requirements.html
https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-maine-s-homeschool-law
We are leaving N.Y. where we were born and raised. The political agenda is terrifying. I agree with all of the stuff except there are good things!
We live in the Finger Lakes region where beauty is everywhere. It is just gorgeous and the people in this area are not anything like ones wwho run the state. It is a sad shame.
We head for state number 3.
Hello from Maine! If you enjoy personal freedom from illness this state is for you! Vaccines flow like lobsters and we have very low COVID rates due to our understanding of public health! Yay!
Michigan has philosophical exemption too, but you have to meet with the health department and be told all the “risks” you are subjecting your child to before they give you the form for school.
This is true. 🙂
This is great! I love that you pointed out not to mess with New Jersey parents! We do fight hard and WE WILL NEVER COMPLY!!! Thanks for all the info! I am seriously considering leaving NJ so this is very helpful 🙏
Colorado doesn’t technically have religious and personal exemptions anymore. They have changed them to “non medical” and the non medical exemption now has to be submitted to a practicing physician or have to watch a re-education module online. We can no longer submit our own exemption form. Thankfully homeschool are currently excluded because we fought very hard to make sure of that. Sb163 also allows the cdhpe to add any vaccine to the schedule they want any time which means they can and will add the covid 19 vaccine to the schedule. And likely flu and hpv. Their main goal is to take away non medical and it’s nearly impossible to get a medical exemption. So I would rate the vaccine exemptions a 4/5.
Thank you for putting so much time into this. We are currently looking at Missouri.
Nebraska pros: good amount of farmer’s markets, plenty of space to grow your own food, most towns allow for raising chickens, there are mask orders in both Omaha and Lincoln, but Omaha does allow for exemptions. I don’t know much about the 2nd amendment, but I do know a lot of people who have quite a few guns. I know a lot people who hunt every year.
Cons: The bigger cities, Omaha and Lincoln, are “turning blue” – the rural areas are still very conservative. Taxes are fairly high
We moved to Nebraska from Washington State 16 years ago, and it was like an Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land! We have a wonderful governor who openly speaks out for the unborn and the second amendment. We have the best Catholic diocese in the U.S., with more young men studying for the priesthood than any other diocese. And our kids would tell you that we have Husker football! We also love the Sandhill Crane migration each spring. Overall, it’s been a great state to raise our family in.