The U.S. is unique in that its states differ wildly. Other nations have separate regions with unique cultural differences, but none with as much variety. States in the U.S. vary in many key ways, from their economic and industrial makeup to their political leanings, from their landscape to their culture, and, of course, their climates. Life in one state may feel dull to you, but move to a state more closely aligned with your values and suddenly life is good.

This quality goes back to the founding of the nation, when the states were fiercely independent and insisted that they had to be allowed to maintain their autonomy, mostly for economic reasons. As the first 13 states expanded to 48 and then 50, times changed, and the states changed with them. Divisions were created, most dramatically culminating with the Civil War between North and South. State residents support their favorite sports and teams, and certain kinds of music are more or less regionally centered. 

Some differences between states are obvious, like the distinct lack of ski resorts in Florida, while others, such as where one has to live to see an "out-of-town" run of a Broadway musical, are less obvious. 

Think about what lifestyle makes you happy and answer our questions, then we'll tell you the ideal U.S. state that matches your lifestyle!