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New Jersey named second-best state to live in despite affordability challenges

WalletHub compared states across 51 key indicators of livability, including housing affordability, income growth, educational attainment, health care access and hospital quality.

News 12 Staff

Aug 11, 2026, 12:26 PM

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New Jersey has earned some bragging rights in a new national ranking.

A WalletHub study has named the Garden State the second-best state to live in among all 50 states.

WalletHub compared states across 51 key indicators of livability, including housing affordability, income growth, educational attainment, health care access and hospital quality.

New Jersey's strongest showing came in safety, where it ranked No. 1 in the nation.

The state also performed well in several other categories, helping it secure the No. 2 overall ranking behind Idaho.

The report did identify one major weakness.

New Jersey ranked 49th for affordability, reflecting the high costs many residents face for housing and other expenses.

Despite those challenges, WalletHub found New Jersey remains one of the nation's most desirable places to live.

The study ranked the top five states as:

  1. Idaho

  2. New Jersey

  3. Wisconsin

  4. Massachusetts

  5. New Hampshire

The bottom five states were:

  1. Arkansas

  2. Alaska

  3. Mississippi

  4. Louisiana

  5. New Mexico

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