Massachusetts Named Best State by U.S. News & World Report

[SecularMotion]

Source: iBerkshires

BOSTON — The commonwealth of Massachusetts has been named the best overall state in U.S. News & World Report's inaugural report.

This best state ranking evaluates all 50 states in various categories, with Massachusetts ranked the No. 1 overall state, No. 1 in health care, No. 2 in education and among the top 10 for economy and crime and corrections.

Massachusetts was recognized for having the most accessible health care and is ranked third for pre-K through 12th-grade education.

"Massachusetts is a great place to live, work and raise a family because of the strength and character of all those who call the Commonwealth home," said Gov. Charlie Baker. "Everyone should be proud that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in health care access and public education for all citizens, and our administration will continue to build on these accomplishments to bring more economic success to every corner of Massachusetts."

Read more: http://www.iberkshires.com/story/54035/Massachusetts-Named-Best-State-by-U.S.-News-World-Report.html

[fountainofyouth]

1. As a Bay Stater originally myself, we are not immune from criticism

But I take pride in how the state voted in November. Not only did the liberal, super-educated Boston area support Hillary by wide margins, but so did the rural areas in the western part of the state and the blue collar union strongholds in the southeast. Every county supported her.

But like everywhere else in America, there are still challenges in providing opportunities for everyone. Hopefully there is still enough will to get there.

[Submariner]

2. Sounds good to me

[tenorly]

3. Nine out of the worst 10 states, as usual, are Red states.

With Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana bringing up the rear.

How West Virginia (41), ended up ahead of New Mexico (46) is beyond me.

[George II]

6. One of the first things I noticed - Northeastern and Western states are most of the top rated....

....and the "Deep South" states are way at the bottom.

[FailureToCommunicate]

4. Works for me and mine. (Now can the rest of the country stop hating us for our stupid-

ass football team quarterback, coach, and owner? No? Oh well.)

I mean, how about a little extra credit for inventing fried clams?

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf4.htm

[sheshe2]

5. Born and raised here.

I Massachusetts.

[Yavin4]

7. Obviously, whoever wrote this article has never driven in Boston.

That's for damn sure.

[BringBackBarack]

9. I'll never forget almost being run over by a Boston driver!

[VWolf]

17. I remember it well

I lived in Kenmore Square back in the 80's. There was an exit off of Storrow Drive that came to a light. Three lanes. Didn't matter which one you were in, you could either go straight OR turn right from ANY of them. What a mess.

[Rhiannon12866]

21. I certainly agree with you!

Driving in Boston is a nightmare! The only place that I can think of that's worse is Washington D.C.

[Yavin4]

22. There is no driving in DC.

There's just sitting in your car and cursing.

[Rhiannon12866]

23. It is totally beyond me!

All those lights and one-way traffic. I don't know how anyone keeps track. At least in Boston, traffic moves, often way too fast to figure out what you're supposed to do next...

[sinkingfeeling]

8. Congratulations.

[Stallion]

10. SEC SEC SEC!!!

Oh wait I had list upside down

[reggaehead]

11. Was there for a month

Didn't seem to be too friendly towards West Coasters

[bora13]

14. they

think cali is this whole other country in alot of cases.
But I did turn a few on to some of the greatest things cali has to offer
and educated them.

[VWolf]

18. Rudeness is a badge of honor for us Northeasterners

I suggest you embrace it next time you visit.

Every time I travel west, I actually feel uncomfortable with how polite everyone is.
I can't be the only one.

[Zorro]

12. California nosed out by....Indiana?

Thanks, but I'll take California instead.

[murielm99]

13. But is the housing affordable?

[angrychair]

15. Washington was #5

I feel like it should be higher but it's still great to see my state in the top 5

[meadowlander]

24. The problem with Washington is that it is really two states, divided by the Cascades,

which happen to share a capitol and not much else.

I suspect Western Washington, scored on it's own, would have given Massachusetts a run for its money in most categories.

[angrychair]

27. Totally agree

Very different worlds.

[AngryAmish]

16. Damned Calvinists may be smart but they can't drive.

On edit:. Anyone here ever read Albion's Seed. This is not surprising. Then again the metric were chosen by an American and those regicidal maniacs are the dominant culture in the US.

[Coventina]

19. Surprised to see AZ as high as 34!

We generally suck pretty hard at everything.....

[RedSpartan]

20. Seems like the only thing keeping NJ from being top 10 or higher

is its overall rank of 50 in the category of "Government." As a lifelong Jersey Guy, my only criticism is that it should be lower, but of course we only have 50 states.

[Cha]

25. And, it has a repub gov.. wow

[Lotusflower70]

26. Very nice

Minnesota is number 3. Just sayin. I love my state.

[BlueMTexpat]

28. I see that they have Maryland

ranked as 8th. As an adoptive Marylander, I would quibble with some of those scores, e.g., healthcare and the economy.

The MD county where I reside is consistently voted one of the best places in the US to live. Healthcare (both access to and quality), education, opportunity, infrastructure, the economy and local government are largely responsible for this.

Unfortunately, not all areas of the state are as blessed, which likely accounts for its lower ranking as a state.

[FrenchieCat]

29. My daughter lives there and loves it...

I love visiting her every quarter! I'm from the Bay Area, which I love, but if I could live anywhere else,
Massachusetts would be the place