Which State Is the #1 Best Place to Live and Buy Property Online?

Evan Willoughby

When you wonder United States state is a political division within the U.S. that has its own tax code, schools, and housing market. it's easy to get lost in the noise of rankings, ads, and personal anecdotes. This guide cuts through the hype, shows exactly how experts rank states, and reveals which one consistently lands at the top for people who want to live well and buy a home online.

How We Score a State

To keep the ranking fair, we use eight hard‑numbers that matter to anyone hunting a house on the internet:

1. Cost of Living Index - lower means your paycheck stretches farther.
2. Median Home Price - the sweet spot between affordability and long‑term value.
3. Job Market Strength - unemployment rate and average salary growth.
4. Healthcare Quality - hospital ratings and insurance costs.
5. Education Quality - K‑12 test scores and college graduation rates.
6. Crime Rate - safety matters whether you’re buying a condo or a ranch.
7. Tax Burden - state income, property, and sales taxes combined.
8. Climate Comfort - average temperature, precipitation, and extreme‑weather days.

Each metric gets a score from 1 (worst) to 10 (best). We then average the eight scores for a final rating out of 10. The data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Care Cost Institute, and reputable real‑estate analytics firms as of 2025.

The Top Contenders in 2025

After crunching the numbers, five states consistently sit near the summit:

• Colorado - mountain views, booming tech jobs, and a balanced tax climate.
• Texas - no state income tax, strong job growth, and a wide range of housing prices.
• Washington - high salaries in tech, excellent health care, but a higher cost of living.
• Minnesota - low crime, top‑ranked schools, and affordable homes in the Twin Cities corridor.
• Virginia - proximity to D.C., strong public‑sector jobs, and solid education scores.

Below is a side‑by‑side snapshot of the most important numbers for each state.

The #1 Best State: Colorado

Putting the numbers together, Colorado edges out the competition with an overall score of 8.6/10. Here’s why it feels like the sweet spot for most home‑buyers:

• Balanced cost of living - the index of 95 is slightly above the national average, but the high median income (average $78k) neutralizes the gap.
• Housing market - while the median price of $420k sounds steep, the state’s steady 4% annual appreciation means you’re building equity faster than in most markets.
• Job growth - tech, aerospace, and renewable energy firms are expanding in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, keeping unemployment under 3.5%.
• Health and education - top‑rated hospitals (e.g., UCHealth) and school districts that consistently beat the national average.
• Outdoor lifestyle - eight‑month sunshine, easy access to the Rockies, and a climate that avoids extreme heat.
• Reasonable taxes - a flat 4.55% state income tax and property tax rates near the national median.

If you’re buying a home online, Colorado’s robust digital‑record system makes the process smoother than many states. County clerks now offer e‑record retrieval, and most title companies provide virtual closings.

Buying Property Online in Colorado: Step‑by‑Step

1. Research neighborhoods using sites like Zillow, Redfin, or local MLS portals. Pay attention to school ratings, walkability scores, and future development plans.
2. Get pre‑approved for a mortgage. Colorado lenders often allow a fully digital pre‑approval, letting you upload tax transcripts and pay stubs through a secure portal.
3. Hire a local real‑estate agent who specializes in virtual tours. Many agents now livestream walk‑throughs, answer questions in real time, and send 3‑D floor plans.
4. Submit an offer electronically. Most counties accept e‑signatures for purchase agreements, and escrow companies can handle the paperwork online.
5. Schedule a remote home inspection. Professional inspectors can perform video walkthroughs and share high‑resolution photos while you watch live.
6. Close the deal using an online closing platform. You’ll verify identity through a video call, sign PDFs, and fund the transfer with a wire or ACH.

After the deed is recorded, you’ll receive a digital copy via the county’s e‑record system. It’s quick, paper‑less, and safe.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Colorado

Pros

• Strong job market, especially in tech and green energy.
• High quality of life: outdoor recreation, low crime, good schools.
• Reasonable tax environment for both renters and owners.
• Digital-friendly property processes.

Cons

• Housing prices are higher than the national median.
• Winter snow can be heavy in mountain towns, though cities like Denver see milder winters.
• Population growth means competition for popular neighborhoods.

Quick Checklist: Is Colorado Right for You?

• Do you earn above $70k annually? (helps offset the cost of living)
• Is remote work an option? (allows you to live in lower‑price suburbs while keeping a high salary)
• Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or mountain biking?
• Are you comfortable with a modestly higher home price in exchange for long‑term appreciation?
• Do you value good public schools and low crime rates?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, Colorado likely tops your list.

What If You Prefer Another State?

Every state has a different blend of the eight metrics. For example, Texas offers the lowest tax burden but scores lower on healthcare and education. Washington shines in salaries and health care but comes with a higher cost of living. Minnesota may be perfect if schools are your priority, while Virginia offers proximity to D.C. and strong job prospects for government or defense jobs. Use the table above to match your personal weightings against each metric.

Common Mistakes When Buying Online

• Skipping a local agent - they know zoning rules and can spot red flags that a remote search misses.
• Relying only on satellite images - a property may have hidden foundation issues not visible from above.
• Ignoring state‑specific taxes - property tax rates vary widely even within a state.
• Not budgeting for closing costs - digital closings still involve title fees, escrow fees, and possible wire‑transfer fees.
• Overlooking HOA rules - many condos and gated communities have strict resale or rental restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you want a state that balances job growth, healthy living, good schools, and a smooth online buying experience, Colorado checks all the boxes. That said, the "best" state is personal - weigh the eight metrics against your own lifestyle, budget, and career goals.