California is the 46th happiest state!
Happiest U.S. States Pinned Down | LiveScience
A new study found that a person’s self-reported happiness matches up with objective measures of state-level happiness.The results are based on an examination of two data sets, one that included personal reports of happiness for 1.3 million Americans and the other that included objective measures, such as how crowded that state is, air quality, home prices and other factors known to impact quality of life.
Click here to learn more about the survey and what it means.
Here are the 50 U.S. states (and the District of Columbia) in order of their well-being:
1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. Mississippi
7. Montana
8. South Carolina
9. Alabama
10. Maine
11. Alaska
12. North Carolina
13. Wyoming
14. Idaho
15. South Dakota
16. Texas
17. Arkansas
18. Vermont
19. Georgia
20. Oklahoma
21. Colorado
22. Delaware
23. Utah
24. New Mexico
25. North Dakota
26. Minnesota
27. New Hampshire
28. Virginia
29. Wisconsin
30. Oregon
31. Iowa
32. Kansas
33. Nebraska
34. West Virginia
35. Kentucky
36. Washington
37. District of Columbia
38. Missouri
39. Nevada
40. Maryland
41. Pennsylvania
42. Rhode Island
43. Massachusetts
44. Ohio
45. Illinois
46. California
47. Indiana
48. Michigan
49. New Jersey
50. Connecticut
51. New York
Thanks to the Burbed readers who pointed this out.
There was lots of great discussion in this thread on Friday about it.
Some of the interesting comments I saw:
# BuyersAreIdiots Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pmTaxes seem to also be a mitigating factor in the ‘unhappy’ states. Most of the ones on the bottom tier are those with the highest personal income and sales tax rates.
I think the unhappy states in the list also have (currently) high unemployment statistics.
and
bob Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 2:20 pmHmmm… Nomadic’s post brings up another possible part of the equation: unhappiness related to debt or loss of money/value. A lot of people In Cali are either in default or own a house that’s worth a lot less then what they paid. Naturally that would make them less pleased. Then again, Nevada and Arizona are “happy” states and they had record foreclosures.
and
# Top Dog Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 3:40 pmHappiness has something to do with ignorance. If you don’t know any better, don’t aspire to much, and don’t get bothered by low achievement, then it’s quite easy to be happy.
and
# Pralay Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm eRegarding the happiness topic.
From my experience those who constantly say “I am happy” are the most unhappy people. They normally say that they are happy but if you dig deeper, you will find out that they normally say it to console themselves. You don’t have go that far. Just look at RealEstater who is too happy with his prestigious zipcode (and don’t forget “I am right all along” phrase too).
There were other good comments (check them out) – but enough copying and pasting!
What are my thoughts? I’m glad you asked!
1. I think that more importantly than anything else, we beat New York and its failing Wall St, we beat Connecticut with its failing hedge funds, and we beat New Jersey with its odd mix of Jersey Shore and nation’s top schools. WOOT! Bay Area trumps Tri-State Area yet again! And this after last week’s smashing victory. It’s like a cherry on top of a sundae.
2. Sure there are a few states ahead of us, but at the same time we don’t really understand the methodology of the survey. Did they ask the right questions? It’s hard to tell. What would be an example of a right question? “On a scale of 1-5, how happy are you despite the fact that you are not in California right now?” Or… “On a scale of 1-5, how happy are you with your non-California home?” See what I mean?
3. We’ve got Happy Cows. Period.
I know stats like this may be dispiriting, but let’s face it, we can’t be #1 in everything like we are in green tech, prius ownership, and intelligent people. But as long as we keep beating the enemy, we’re ok.
So… a question to you: are you happy?
December 20th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I am very happy, and it has little to do with anything unique to the Bay Area.
December 20th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I’m very happy burbed is late to the game and rehashed the discussion from a few days ago. woot!
December 20th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I am very happy, and it has little to do with anything unique to the Bay Area.
—–
Well, if you read the story of Crying Austin Man, you will be convinced that happiness is unique to Bay Area. If you were living somewhere else, you possibly couldn’t be happy. You would cry everyday and fly back to Bay Area every weekend.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Re#3
LOL. Thanks for pointing out that story again Pralay. That was hilarious.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I think Pralay and Realestater are both the same person: burbed.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I’m happier than I’ve been in other places that I’ve been. If I think I’ll be happier somewhere else, I’ll go give it a try.
I know a LOT of people complain about California, in terms of taxes, crime, racial otherness, traffic, and so on. They don’t realize most other places are WORSE.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
What’s your real opinion burbed? I ask this seriously because you’re undoubtedly an intelligent person. I only ask because it would be interesting to see what your real opinions are about the various posts you make. Of course I realize that its a real hassle. I greatly appreciate your efforts.
I personally think that this is one of the more interesting posts we’ve had on here. Its all about human psychology. After having come from a area that was more rural and poor to several areas on both coasts that were more affluent, I can say that from my personal observation that people are definitely a lot less happy in the wealthier areas. I’m not sure if its the result of class warfare, the general sense of easily observed inequality, or the problems you tend to see in wealthier regions. Perfect example: Schools. Both wealthy metros I’ve lived in had awful school systems while the rural area I came from had good ones. It makes no sense. Yet that’s what I’ve seen myself.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Burbed is an intelligent person? you’re giving him too much credit. LOL =P
Happy Christmas, burbed.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I’ve never seen any correlation between wealth (real or perceived) and happiness.
I’m usually pretty happy. I recognize that I’m lucky in many ways.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:06 am
I grew up as a teenager in south Louisiana, and yes, the people are very happy there–the laid back living and “get your dinner by fishing” crowd really are happy with what they have. It’s sort of a zen thing. Annie Dillard said,
“There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises. The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But — and this is the point — who gets excited by a mere penny? … But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted in pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days.”
That describes many, many of the people I knew in Cajun country–catch a great catfish for dinner and life could not possibly be better.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:34 am
The thing about the area I grew up in to do was to wave at people (whether you knew them or not), say hello, open doors for people, say “have a nice day”, or “have a good-un’” and so on. It was sort of expected to have these kinds of mannerisms and by automatic default, people were friendly more often than not. That kind of behavior is infectious and if everyone does it, then most everyone will already be predisposed to be nice. This was especially true in Texas. I’ve seldom met such large quantities of friendly outgoing people.
In Hawaii the people there were about the easiest going, most contended people I’ve ever met. What struck me was that a large chunk of the population is dirt-poor by US standards. We’re talking people living in huts. But on the other hand I no kidding met more than one person who was unemployed, living in tents or shacks along the beach, ate fish, fruit, and all the other things that grow naturally. On top of that the weather was 75 degrees all the time, year-round. Plus it was beautiful. What else do you need?
My experience living in major metros is that you eventually have to create a thicker skin. I’ve gone from having an attitude where I expect most people to be genuine and helpful to having an attitude that expects people to take advantage of any situation. I honestly used to trust just about anyone. After my experiences here I don’t trust anyone period. I think just about any metro is going to create an atmosphere of protectionism. In expensive places like the Bay Area, you also have to throw in extreme competition in order to get the money you need to buy the essentials, then fight to attain a level of basic financial security all the while seeing that there’s a lot of people who are way, way better off than you, and they too are competing with you as well.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
“I’ve never seen any correlation between wealth (real or perceived) and happiness.”
I think happiness is a sense of contentment. While ambition and striving for wealth are fine for some, most people are not asking for massive bank accounts and huge mansions. They just want stability and to be surrounded by good friends. At least, that is my viewpoint.
And therein lies the rub for Californians. Even that most simple feeling of contentment is out of reach by most. I think that is what truly plagues the state. And the giant elephant in the room is housing. Let’s face it. If that survey had actually asked those respondents what aspect of their state made them MOST unhappy, how many would respond ‘housing’?
Oh well. Rather than end of a sour note, how about a nice Seasons Greetings to burbed and all the resident posters.
Hopefully, 2010 will be better.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
The ambitious, shallow and superficial are less happy.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Totally agree with BAI. It really boils down to that one simple issue. In most other states you basically get a job, get married, and buy the house. Not a big deal. Most any job will afford you one. Its just that jobs they pay less means you get a smaller house. In Cali you automatically must have a high paying job just to buy a starter home.
Happy Holidays. As a gift to you all, I didn’t get the job in Austin and instead accepted a higher paying job in SV. So you’re stuck with me and my griping for awhile longer.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
aw, shit. Well, a sincere congratulations on the new job, bob!
I guess greed wins over buying a house though, eh?
Or are you staying because The Wife has a job here still?
.
Hey, if owning a house = happiness, then does anyone want to buy mine at 2006 or 2007 prices? LOL. You really can’t put a price on happiness. Or your health.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:05 pm
my condolences bob for failing to escape the golden cage.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
> So you’re stuck with me and my griping for awhile longer.
I think you are the one stuck with us awhile
December 21st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Bob, my condolences for not getting that job in Austin
December 21st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Advantage pig
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:38 am
“Happy Holidays. As a gift to you all, I didn’t get the job in Austin and instead accepted a higher paying job in SV. So you’re stuck with me and my griping for awhile longer.”
Bob, are you sure its a higher paying job given the cost of living here? Anyway, sorry to hear you can’t leave quite yet but we’ll certainly look forward to reading your griping.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Nothing to do with greed on my part. I made it down to the last couple of finalists. At the same time I was offered something here that was better then what I had. I didn’t make the final cut in Austin so I went with the one here. That’s about all I have to say about it.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Ok, Forrest. Congratulations on the new gig all the same.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
It was a learning experience. First of all, if you’re going to look for jobs in Austin, about 99% of the companies there want you to live there now. Either that or fake it and get a mailbox and a cellphone with a number in that area. I did neither.After talking to a lot of Austin companies I gather that there’s no shortage of people from Cali doing the same thing so there’s actually quite a bit of competition for jobs in Austin period. Much more so than here since so many younger professionals are jumping ship. One recruiter told me almost 40% of the resumes she got were from California. As mentioned- companies want you to live there first. So applying for jobs in Austin if you don’t live there is almost pointless.
Secondly, don’t expect any help as far as moving or being given additional time to relocate. Its just the nature of the economy. Lesson learned: the next time I do this, I’m just going to pack up and move there and start looking, taking a Joe job if I have to until something comes up.
In any regard, I guess you all will have to hear my griping for awhile longer. Happy Holidays just the same. Bah Humbug!
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Wasn’t post 21 “all I have to say about it.”?
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
bob: > That’s about all I have to say about it.
bob: > …FOLLOWED BY HUGE WALL OF TEXT…
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I’m glad I don’t live in Austin. Sounds too competitive out there, as opposed to laid-back SF bay area.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Jesus fucking christ you people just kill me.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
We’re only trying to help…
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
California is the 9th happiest state
I can come up with a study that ranks happiness based on population (because people with lots of friends are happier) and proximity to In N Out Burger (because people like to eat), and California would come in first, hands down.
OMG, California is the happiest place on earth!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Anon,
I overacted, but it does irritate me that you and others like to nit-pick apart posts. Its a forum. Naturally we’re going to agree and disagree. Its very easy to just join the bandwagon and pick on one Poster.I’m sure that’s more fun. I try to be somewhat serious and genuine with many of my posts. I’d appreciate a degree of respect in return. Even if you choose to respectfully disagree, which is better than getting a worthless and meaningless smart-aleck response.
In regards to In-N-Out burger, I’ve never understood the infatuation with them. They’re ok. Not fantastic. They’re cheap which is about the only thing that comes to mind. That and you have to wait out the door. They do take good care of their employees though.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
It’s ok bob. Happy holidays. Regarding your comment, I myself am not really trying to argue with you but rather playfully chide you when you jump to unsupported conclusions.
Happy holidays.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
I think we’ve all tired of having the same “arguments” with bob. Now we bicker like families do when they gather for a holiday. Or like when my poor grandpa with Alzheimer’s would ask “when is dinner?” every ten minutes. Same ol’, same ol’.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
“In regards to In-N-Out burger, I’ve never understood the infatuation with them. They’re ok. Not fantastic. They’re cheap which is about the only thing that comes to mind. That and you have to wait out the door. They do take good care of their employees though.”
Bob — you are priceless!
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 am
Unsupported conclusions? What I mentioned above is what I’ve personally experienced from my efforts trying to move to another city. Its a lot harder and complicated than I imagined. It was as mentioned a useful experience and next time I get ready to do it I’ll have a better idea of how its done. The info I gave was more for the many others who come to this site, many I assume who are making similar decisions as I am. Hopefully they find it useful.
If you want to try and prove me wrong, then I suggest you give it a try and report back to us here with your findings. You accuse me of drawing false conclusions when you have no grounds to say otherwise because you do not know because you haven’t tried what I’ve done. But don’t worry- I’m only teasing you. yes… hilarious.
Nomadic, Its a FORUM. Ever wonder what that’s supposed to mean? Do you wonder why people would come to a forum about real estate and somehow talk about houses, moving, prices, schools, and all the other little things that revolve around it? Hmmmm. I guess on the other blogs I read, like my various auto forums I’ll start talking about my collection of tropical fish instead. You gotta’ mix things up a bit ya know?
Anyhow, let the sea of smart-ass, snide comments start flowing now.I reckon since RE ain’t around as much I’ve become the new favorite whipping boy of the blog.In fact, sometimes I find these comments rather entertaining and even funny on occasion. So Let’s hear em! Let’s show that true Bay Area spirit! rah rah rah!
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
> In regards to In-N-Out burger, I’ve never understood the infatuation with them.
It takes a mortgage to fully appreciate the burgers. You’re missing out.
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Gosh I bet everything tastes better with “pride of ownership”!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Tropical fishes and auto parts mix up well? I learn something every day on burbed.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I ever tell you all about my stamp collection? Its the most interesting thing. Anyway, I found this stamp the other day and it was done wrong. Had these airplanes on it that were plumb upside down. I figured well damned, it ain’t worth a thing. So I threw it away. Oh well.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
you threw it to the fishes! Now they can dream of flying airplanes.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Guys, can we get back to objective discussions of the awesome benefits of home ownership please?
Seriously.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Just as I thought, Bob never seriously considered living. If he did, why would he be looking for another job in the area he detests? Moral of the story: Silicon Valley has got the jobs. That’s why people come here and stay. The more people stay, the more demand for housing. Cheap places are cheap for a reason. There are no jobs there. There is no life there. Bob’s one dimensional thinking just got smacked by reality.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
>>Just as I thought, Bob never seriously considered living.
Must be a Freudian slip. I meant “leaving”.
December 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I gotta say that bob’s decision makes zero sense to me, even though steve predicted it.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:15 am
“>>Just as I thought, Bob never seriously considered living.
Must be a Freudian slip. I meant “leaving”.”
Nah – probably just a typo by an idiot.
December 24th, 2009 at 8:39 am
There were many complex elements involved with my decision and had I disclosed these, I can guarantee that all of you here would have made the same decision. I don’t care to disclose these details. So make you want of it. I still feel very strongly that the Bay Area is no longer the land of opportunity. Sure- there are jobs here. Yes, innovation still happens around SV. But in regards to where the future is heading, its not going to be here. After experiencing what I’ve gone through I can see that the same kind of growth, with younger people moving to where they can have a fair chance at opportunity will namely be cities that enable them to live at a more reasonable price. I’m not exaggerating that virtually every other person I know in their 20′s and early 30′s is making similar decisions.
So scoff if you want. Tell me I am a fool. Just don’t be at all surprised when it suddenly becomes apparent that the Bay Area has lost its hold on innovation because a good chunk of its younger adults left the building. It won’t happen overnight. But its happening now and unless more is done to correct the problems this area has, these problems will only create more pressure for those like myself to make the kinds of decisions.
Happy Holidays.
December 24th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Bob,
So what you’re saying is you made a decision to stay in land with no opportunity? What about the job you just landed? Isn’t that an opportunity?
Remember what you said before, that housing costs elsewhere is only a fraction of the cost here, so you only need a fraction of the income to sustain the same standard of living. What happened to your logic? Is your situation going to improve by continuing on the same path you disdain?
December 24th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Real Estater,
You numbnut, Bob has some valid points.
Merry fvcking Xmas.
Love,
The Grinch
December 24th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Poor real estater. Can’t even understand bob’s reasoning.
Good thing he doesn’t try to “help” anyone anymore.