Where Love Lasts Most In The U.S.: Happily Ever After Thrives In New England And The Midwest
- Eight of the country’s best states for lasting love are in New England and the Midwest.
- New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine top the list of states where marriages are built to last.
- Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, love in the nation’s capital seems a bit more fleeting—Washington, D.C., holds the shortest average marriage length, at just under 11 years.
- And for those who believe in love again (and maybe again), Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama take the top spots for the highest remarriage rates.
Valentine’s Day comes and goes in a flurry of roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and candlelit dinners – all of which we indulge in wholeheartedly (pun intended). And we’re not just giving love, we’re spending it too – a record-breaking $27.5 billion is expected to be joyfully poured into Valentine’s Day celebrations this year, according to the National Retail Federation, all in honor of the people we hold dear.
But love isn’t just about special occasions and grand gestures—it’s about the quiet moments that happen every other day of the year. And, as it turns out, where you live might have something to do with how long love lasts. Some places across the country have cracked the code for lifelong romance. Maybe it’s the slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, or less financial stress—but certain states set couples up for success far better than others.
In honor of the season of love, we took a deep dive into where romance truly stands the test of time. We analyzed marriage longevity, the share of married people, marriage rates, and divorce trends to uncover which states are best for lasting love.
But love alone doesn’t build a happy home. Friendship and understanding are key—along with a bit of economic stability and enough space, whether at home or in self storage, to fit both partners’ prized possessions. That means making room for baseball bats, prom dresses, and yes—even that mysterious box of tangled cords, the broken-but-still-sentimental college hoodie, and the “essential” collection of obscure hot sauce bottles he swears he’ll use. To see whether a place truly supports couples in saying I do (and staying together), we’ve also looked at affordability and family-friendly surroundings—because nothing dampens romance faster than stress over who’s covering the bills.
New England and the Midwest dominate the list of states where marriages last the longest. Eight of the top ten states for long-term relationships are in these two regions, with a ninth—Pennsylvania—sharing strong cultural ties to New England. The only true outlier in the top ten is, in fact, South Carolina.
So, what’s the secret? A combination of strong communities, family-friendly environments, a relaxed lifestyle, relative affordability, and economic stability seems to be the key to lasting love.
Whether you’re a hopeless romantic searching for your forever home or just curious about where love has the best shot at going the distance, our ranking explores which, and why, some states seem to have mastered the art of happily ever after.
1. New Hampshire
- Median duration of marriages: 22.6 years
- Share of married people: 52.5%
With its charming small towns, relaxed lifestyle, and close-knit communities, New Hampshire provides the perfect backdrop for a slow, meaningful life with a partner. Couples here have long-lasting love figured out, with the state boasting one of the highest average marriage lengths in the country. More than half of the population is in a committed relationship, and a strong marriage rate ensures that wedded bliss remains within reach for many.
New Hampshire couples can spend weekends hiking the White Mountains, sipping coffee in quaint cafés, or having relaxing dinners in cozy restaurants. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that homeownership is actually attainable—with mortgage payments at 26% of the average household income; couples can stress less about finances and enjoy more of life’s little luxuries, from weekend getaways to date nights and well-earned pampering.
2. Vermont
- Median duration of marriages: 23.1 years
- Share of married people: 50.6%
Maple syrup, charming villages, picture-perfect fall scenery and snowy winters – let’s face it, Vermont is a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. It’s difficult to not be in tune with your partner in such an environment. It’s a state where people value simplicity, which translates to relationships too—less stress, more time together, and a strong sense of community that keeps couples grounded.
Vermont’s trademark sustainable lifestyle isn’t just about the environment—it’s about nurturing things to last, including love. Add to that a tourism-driven economy, which means endless options for date nights and thoughtful gift-giving, and it’s easy to see why couples here stay happy for the long haul.
3. Maine
- Median duration of marriages: 22.4 years
- Share of married people: 52.3%
Maine couples know how to weather a storm—literally. Thus, they’re also excellent at getting over relationship storms, ensuring lasting marriages. Small-town life, typical for Maine, means strong communities, and nothing keeps a marriage thriving like a place where everyone knows your name (and reminds you not to take your spouse for granted).
When date nights involve eating fresh lobster rolls by the sea or cozying up by a fireplace in winter, it’s easy to build a love as deep as the Atlantic. And the fact that the fireplace is in a home that didn’t cost an arm and a leg is another plus. In Maine, homeownership is within reach, with mortgage costs at around 26% of the household income, under the national average, and rental prices remaining affordable.
4. Iowa
- Median duration of marriages: 21.3 years
- Share of married people: 52.6%
Iowa may not scream "romantic getaway," but don’t be fooled—this state is all about long-term stability, which just happens to be the secret ingredient to lasting love. With friendly neighbors and a slower pace of life, couples have time to focus on each other instead of stressing over city traffic. Then, there are the state fairs, Friday night football games, and endless starry skies—all perfect ingredients for romance that never fades.
Making it even better, Iowa is also a very affordable state, with the average mortgage taking up just 18% of the household income. This allows couples in the state to put down roots easily and grow their families. In fact, over 26% of the families in the state have children, adding another layer of bliss to married couples’ lives.
5. South Dakota
- Median duration of marriages: 20.9 years
- Share of married people: 52.1%
Apparently, couples thrive in wide open spaces, peaceful surroundings, and a life free of big-city chaos —making South Dakota the perfect place for lasting love. With affordable housing, strong family values, and easy access to the great outdoors for weekend adventures, it’s no surprise that marriages here stand the test of time.
While South Dakotans tend to marry young, with the median age for first marriage at just over 27, they also seem to be making the right choice—the state’s divorce rate is remarkably low at just 10%. So maybe it’s not about rushing into marriage; it’s about getting it right from the start.
6. Wisconsin
- Median duration of marriages: 22.7 years
- Share of married people: 50.5%
If the secret to a happy marriage is sharing good food and even better company, then Wisconsin has it mastered. Couples here enjoy cozy supper clubs, Sunday football traditions, and long walks along the Great Lakes. There’s a strong sense of community and loyalty in this state—whether it’s to the Packers or your lifelong partner. And let’s be honest, a couple that tailgates together, stays together, as proved by the fact that Wisconsin registers the country’s second longest lasting marriages.
Couples in Wisconsin say “I do” at around 30 years old, on average, and are lucky enough to purchase a home with a mortgage that’s only around 22% of the household income, setting them up for long term success right from the start.
7. Nebraska
- Median duration of marriages: 20.8 years
- Share of married people: 53.5%
Vast open skies, rolling farmlands, and just the right dose of college football rivalry to keep things exciting—Nebraska proves that sometimes, a simple life is the best foundation for strong marriages. Couples in this state put down deep roots, build strong families, and enjoy the financial stability to focus on each other rather than worrying about bills.
Homeownership is especially attainable, with mortgage payments averaging just 20% of household income—a far cry from the financial strain seen in many other states. The cost of living is also nearly nine points below the national average. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Nebraska has a higher-than-average share of families with children—27.5% of households—a testament to the state’s family-friendly culture and fulfilling lifestyle.
8. Minnesota
- Median duration of marriages: 21.3 years
- Share of married people: 51.8%
Minnesota might be known for its freezing winters, but relationships here are anything but cold. Married couples are in for the long run, with the average duration of marriages over 21 years. It looks like the state’s high quality of life, strong communities, and love for the outdoors create an environment where couples stay active, connected, and committed.
Whether it's canoeing on one of the 10,000 lakes, cheering on the Vikings together, or just surviving the winter as a team, love in Minnesota is all about being a team and taking on each challenge together.
9. Pennsylvania
- Median duration of marriages: 22 years
- Share of married people: 49.5%
With its friendly towns and beautiful countryside, but also lively cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, couples in Pennsylvania get the best of both worlds. Leisure time and date nights can be quite the experience, as there’s plenty to do here: city breaks, weekend getaways in the Poconos, and vineyard tours, to name just a few.
Even better, the accessible cost of living and housing stretches the budget further, allowing couples to enjoy memorable getaways. But what really makes marriages last here is the strong sense of tradition and family values. When your state is home to some of the oldest communities in the country, it’s no surprise that love here isn’t just a fling—it’s built to last.
10. South Carolina
- Median duration of marriages: 20.6 years
- Share of married people: 51.5%
South Carolina is the only southern state among the top 10 best nationally for lasting love, and it’s easy to see why. The state practically drips with romantic sights. Picture Spanish moss hanging from oak trees, candlelit dinners in Charleston, and long walks on the beach in Hilton Head. The warm weather and relaxed pace of life give couples plenty of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s over a plate of shrimp and grits or a weekend getaway to a historic bed-and-breakfast.
Naturally, affording such treats helps a lot: living costs in South Carolina are significantly below the national average, and a couple purchasing a home dedicates about 24% of the household income to mortgage payments.
Here’s where “forever” has an expiration date
Not every state sets the stage for a fairy-tale ending. In some places, happily ever after comes with an expiration date. Whether it’s the fast-paced lifestyle, high cost of living, or just a little too much temptation to chase those butterflies again, these states rank at the bottom for marital longevity.
In Washington, D.C., for example, relationships face a different kind of gamble—one where ambition and stress can quickly take priority over date nights. Let’s just say, "for better or for worse" doesn’t always hold up under the pressure of round-the-clock political debates and cutthroat career moves. The average length of a marriage in the country’s capital is just under 11 years – with only about a third of people being married.
Getting hitched might be really easy in Nevada. However, when a state specializes in drive-thru weddings, it’s not shocking that some couples also go for the express lane on divorce. On the flipside, marriage rate is the highest in the country —but that’s mostly due to regrettable decisions at 2 AM on the Vegas Strip involving Elvis impersonators.
Alaska makes an unsurprising appearance in this ranking as well. Love here might be an adventure, but so is surviving the months of darkness, extreme isolation, and a very high cost of living. It’s no wonder that after one too many snowed-in weekends together, even the most devoted lovebirds might come up with a getaway plan.
Love, take two: The states that refuse to quit on romance
Some states simply aren’t built for cynics, but for people who, even after a failed marriage, dust themselves off and head straight back to the altar. Southern states are the ones where remarriage rates are the highest, with people here going for second or maybe third chances. And, as it turns out, a youthful "I do" may lead to encore vows. In 9 of the 10 states with the highest remarriage rates, couples also tend to marry younger. While the national average age for first marriages is 29.65, in these states—except Florida—most people say "I do" between 27 and 28.
Arkansas is the reigning champion of “I do… again”, with 23.4% of its residents marrying more than once. It might be the Southern charm, the strong sense of community, or the fact that BBQ is better enjoyed with a lifelong partner. Whatever the case, Arkansas doesn’t believe in giving up on love.
Oklahoma and Alabama, where family values and faith in love run deep, follow suit. These states are about trying at least once more if the first time didn’t work out. The busy social lives of Southerners and entire communities rooting for the next happily-ever-after ensure that people don’t stay single for long.
And let’s not forget Florida, where sunshine and new beginnings go hand in hand. People aren’t just retiring here—they’re rekindling romance. Maybe it’s the golf courses filled with eligible people or the realization that dating apps after 50 aren’t as fun as they sound. Either way, Florida keeps love alive, one remarriage at a time.
How self storage helps love go the distance
Building a lasting marriage isn’t just about love – it’s about compromise, patience, and figuring out what to do with two sets of furniture and far too many coffee mugs. Merging households is more than just combining belongings—it’s about creating a shared space where both partners truly feel at home.
This is where self storage becomes a secret weapon for a happy, harmonious marriage. Instead of rushing to decide what stays and what goes, couples can use storage units to keep sentimental items, duplicate furniture until it’s needed again, and seasonal decorations without cluttering their home. Having extra space means fewer arguments and more room for what really matters—building a life together.
Luckily, many of the best states for lasting marriages also offer affordable self storage, making it easy for couples to live comfortably and harmoniously. In New Hampshire and Maine, self storage costs around $135 per month, while in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska, the price drops to approximately $100 per month—a small investment for a clutter-free, stress-free home.
Below, you can explore self storage street rates and availability across all 50 states to see how different locations help families find space for love, memories, and everything in between.
Self Storage Costs and Availability Across all U.S. States
| State | Self Storage Inventory (sq. ft. per capita) | Self Storage Street Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 9.9 | 135 |
| Vermont | No data | No data |
| Maine | 8.7 | 135 |
| Iowa | 7.5 | 101 |
| South Dakota | 14.5 | 100 |
| Wisconsin | 8.3 | 114 |
| Nebraska | 8.4 | 99 |
| Minnesota | 6.6 | 121 |
| Pennsylvania | 5.0 | 128 |
| South Carolina | 10.3 | 117 |
| Montana | 24.6 | 101 |
| Hawaii | 3.6 | 261 |
| Delaware | 5.8 | 131 |
| Connecticut | 5.5 | 141 |
| Michigan | 6.2 | 118 |
| New Jersey | 4.3 | 152 |
| New York | 3.8 | 174 |
| West Virginia | 7.8 | 101 |
| Wyoming | 15.4 | 95 |
| Illinois | 5.8 | 126 |
| Kansas | 7.3 | 113 |
| Idaho | 18.1 | 102 |
| Ohio | 6.4 | 103 |
| Alabama | 11.4 | 108 |
| Arizona | 8.8 | 122 |
| Massachusetts | 4.6 | 155 |
| Missouri | 7.8 | 112 |
| Utah | 10.3 | 122 |
| Florida | 9.3 | 140 |
| Virginia | 8.1 | 139 |
| North Dakota | No data | No data |
| California | 6.5 | 178 |
| Rhode Island | 5.1 | 140 |
| North Carolina | 10.1 | 113 |
| Maryland | 6.1 | 148 |
| Indiana | 8.1 | 99 |
| Arkansas | 15.0 | 97 |
| Tennessee | 9.8 | 115 |
| Colorado | 8.5 | 131 |
| Kentucky | 8.0 | 109 |
| Louisiana | 11.1 | 122 |
| Texas | 11.2 | 117 |
| New Mexico | 9.7 | 114 |
| Washington | 8.4 | 155 |
| Georgia | 9.6 | 118 |
| Mississippi | 12.1 | 117 |
| Oregon | 8.5 | 145 |
| Alaska | 7.3 | 196 |
| Oklahoma | 12.8 | 90 |
| Nevada | 11.5 | 129 |
| District Of Columbia | 2.2 | 161 |
_____________________________
At the end of the day, lasting love isn’t just a matter of chance—it’s built on conscious decisions about where and how you live, how you treat each other, and what you invest in your shared future. Some places simply make it easier to settle in, put down roots, and create a home where love can truly grow.
From the small-town charm of the Midwest to the cozy romance of New England and the sunny, laid-back vibe of the South, certain states provide the perfect backdrop for a happily-ever-after that actually lasts.
Curious to see where love stands the test of time? Explore the full rankings of states based on their lasting love potential, along with all the key metrics and insights we used:
Expert opinions
To learn more about the key ingredients for a lasting, happy marriage, we spoke with experts about the habits and practices that help couples stay together.
Steven Stosny, Ph.D., founder of CompassionPower
What practices or habits do you think help couples stay together through thick and thin?
The lifeblood of relationships is compassion and kindness. Those keep the relationship alive during periods of conflict or diminished love.
Negotiate about specific behaviors, never personality or temperament. Appreciate as many differences as possible and tolerate the ones you can’t appreciate.
Always try to understand your partner’s perspective and support it as much as you can. Never try to prove your partner wrong. Rather, add or ask for more information. Give your partner’s intentions the most benign interpretation realistically possible. To love big, think small - small moments of routine connection.
Replace coping habits of blame, denial, and avoidance with new habits of improving, appreciating, connecting, and protecting.
Melissa Legere, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Co-founder & COO at California Behavioral Health

In your experience, what are the key ingredients for a lasting, happy marriage?
Genuine and open communication. This is such an important thing to have because this is what will help you bridge any gaps, meet each other halfway, and keep things flowing smoothly in your relationship. When you’re assertive in how you communicate - yet open to adjusting and truly listening to one another - it’s much easier to stay on the same page, build trust, and keep the connection strong... even when challenges come up.
Compromise. In a marriage, you can't always expect only to get your way because there are two of you - this means there will be times when you both have different opinions or desires. You need to learn how to find a middle ground that works for both of you. When you learn and are willing to compromise, it shows that you deeply care about each other and are ready to work together. It helps keep the peace, solves disagreements, and ensures that both partners feel valued and heard.
Love with an open mind and heart. People evolve, and you can’t expect your partner to stay the same forever. So, it’s important to be flexible and open to change. When you love with an open mind and heart, you’re more willing to accept each other’s growth, support new dreams, and embrace the changes that come with time. This helps keep the love strong, no matter how life evolves.
What practices or habits do you think help couples stay together through thick and thin?
Find common interests. It’s important to have things you both enjoy and are passionate about doing together. Having this shared enjoyment helps you connect on a deeper level, making your time together more meaningful and fun. It’s also a great way to create memories, strengthen your bond, and keep things fresh, even after years of being together.
Dr. Michael Kane, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Indiana Center for Recovery
In your experience, what are the key ingredients for a lasting, happy marriage?
- Clear Communication:
In relationships, couples that place a premium on healthy and transparent conversations create an atmosphere where each partner is understood. Their willingness to be vulnerable fortifies their bond, as they can freely express their thoughts and feelings without being judged. By taking a proactive approach, they make it possible for solutions to develop before there are issues of resentment or the problem gets out of control.
- Common Aspirations:
Differences are bound to come up; however, being on the same page regarding primary values, be it about raising children, finances, or overall goals, significantly strengthens the relationship. A shared goal makes it a lot easier for couples to stand together against life’s challenges. During these troubling times, the goal of a good partnership clarifies and strengthens direction.
What practices or habits do you think help couples stay together through thick and thin?
- Ability to Manage Conflict:
Maintaining healthy relationships is not avoiding fights but knowing how to constructively deal with them. With effective conflict management skills, relationships can survive the toughest situations and remain intact. These skills foster mutual growth, which means better understanding through conflict instead of division.
- Intentional Quality Time:
Setting aside time for each other, even amidst busy schedules, enhances the romantic relationship. Date nights, meaningful moments during shared routines, and great conversations are some examples of how couples reconnect with each other. Intentionally spending time as a couple strengthens the bond and appreciation each person has for the other.
- Adaptability and Growth:
Partners in long-term relationships need to adjust to the passing career stages, age changes, and personal development. Such partners often have a higher chance of developing a positive and lasting bond. Flexibility in supporting the other's growth builds a sense of collaboration and ensures that the relationship nurtures together with the people in it.
April Crowe, LCSW, LICSW & Therapist | Paramount Wellness Retreat
What are the key ingredients for a lasting, happy marriage?
A happy marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about building something solid together over time. At the core of any great relationship is communication. The ability to talk openly, listen without judgment, and work through issues before they become big problems keeps couples connected. Trust and respect are just as important. Feeling safe with each other, knowing you have each other’s backs, and valuing each other as equals creates a relationship that stands the test of time.
Then there’s quality time—and no, that doesn’t just mean sitting on the couch together while scrolling through your phones. It is about carving out time to connect, laugh, and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place. Shared values also matter. You do not have to agree on everything, but having a similar outlook on big things like family, finances, and life goals makes things much smoother. And finally, forgiveness and flexibility. No one is perfect, and life is full of unexpected twists. The couples who make it are the ones who learn to let go of grudges, roll with the punches, and choose love even when things get tough.
What practices or habits help couples stay together through thick and thin?
One of the biggest game-changers in a marriage is showing appreciation. It is easy to get caught up in routines and forget to acknowledge the little things—like your partner making coffee in the morning or always knowing how to make you laugh after a long day. Saying “thank you” and recognizing their efforts, no matter how small, makes someone feel valued.
Another key habit is fighting fair. Disagreements are inevitable, but it’s how you handle them that matters. Instead of blaming or shutting down, focus on listening, understanding, and finding solutions together. Keeping intimacy alive is also huge—not just physical intimacy but emotional closeness, too. That means checking in with each other, being affectionate, and making sure your connection does not get lost in the chaos of daily life.
Supporting each other’s growth is another must. A strong marriage is not about being inseparable but about being two people who encourage and inspire each other. Whether it is a new hobby, a career move, or personal goals, having a partner who genuinely wants to see you succeed makes all the difference.
Life is severe enough—your marriage should not be. Laugh together, be silly, plan adventures, and do not forget to flirt. The couples who stay happy are the ones who keep finding joy in each other, no matter how many years go by.
Marriage is not about never having problems but learning how to face them together. The strongest couples keep talking, growing, and showing up for each other, even on the hard days. When you build a relationship on trust, respect, and love, you set yourselves up for something truly lasting.
Alex Honigman, Therapist, Mental Health Coordinator/Consultant
What practices or habits do you think help couples stay together through thick and thin?
In my experience, happy, lasting marriages aren’t built on grand romantic gestures or perfectly aligned personalities. They’re built on the day-to-day choices couples make to show up for each other.
Here are some of the biggest factors I see in couples who stay together and genuinely enjoy their relationship:
- Check-ins that actually matter. It’s not just about asking, “How was your day?” It’s about making space for real conversations—fears, frustrations, big dreams, even the little annoyances. Couples who prioritize this don’t just avoid resentment; they grow together.
- Fighting like teammates, not opponents. Conflict isn’t the enemy; avoidance is. The healthiest couples approach disagreements with curiosity, not competition. They ask, “What’s happening underneath this frustration?” rather than just trying to win the argument.
- The small stuff is the big stuff. Grand gestures are great, but it’s the little things—grabbing their favorite snack, checking in before a big day, sending a text just because—that build a foundation of trust and care over time.
- Adapting together. Life throws a lot at us—job changes, health struggles, parenting stress, just the reality of getting older. The strongest couples learn to pivot together rather than letting life’s changes pull them apart.
- Keeping the spark alive isn’t a mystery—it’s a habit. Emotional and physical intimacy don’t just happen; they require intention. It’s about choosing to engage, even when life is chaotic, and making sure the relationship doesn’t take a backseat to everything else.
Aaron Anderson, Clinical Director and Therapist, The Marriage and Family Clinic

In your experience, what are the key ingredients for a lasting, happy marriage?
I know most couples’ counselors will probably say communication, but honestly in my 15 years of experience, I must say trust and commitment. When couples can trust each other that they will show up for each other and be a partner through thick and thin, this is where couples really last and thrive together. This also shows a level of commitment to each other that is beyond just putting up with annoyances. This is a commitment to help each other thrive and be each other’s best.
What practices or habits help couples stay together through challenges?
Displays of affection are critically important. Whether that's through verbal statements of affection, doing silly things with each other, or practical displays of affection like making their favorite coffee in the morning or giving thoughtful gifts. Displays of affection for each other are critically important for a couple to stay together and not just be roommates.
Dr. Terri Orbuch (aka, The Love Doctor®), Author of "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great" and Distinguished Professor at Oakland University in Michigan

What practices or habits help couples stay together through thick and thin?
From my research and experience, here are the key ingredients for a strong, enduring marriage:
- Do and say small things often to make your partner feel special.
Making your spouse feel valued and loved with simple words, acts and behaviors is critical to a long lasting marriage. Examples: Fill her tank with gas, give a five-minute back-rub, say I love you, tell him he looks great in his new jeans, send a middle-of-the-day text, or help with the dishes.
- Practice the 10-minute rule.
Most couples think they talk to each other all the time. But how often do you talk about things that really deepen your understanding of your spouse? Couples in strong, enduring marriages share intimate thoughts, dreams and goals with each other (e.g., stressors, values). Set aside 10-minutes a day to talk to your spouse about anything other than work, family, the household, or the relationship. This simple change will give your marriage new life and energy.
- Fight fair.
All couples have disagreements and differences. But happy healthy marriages resolve the disagreements/differences in healthy ways. They apologize to each other. They find the right time to bring up a source of conflict. They are ready to compromise. They don't dismiss each other's feelings. They don't name call. You and your spouse can disagree, but you need to do so fairly.
Methodology
This analysis was done by StorageCafe, an online platform that provides storage unit listings across the nation.
With this report, we examined the best states for long-lasting marriages, ranking all 50 states and Washington, D.C. based on the following metrics:
To better understand why some states foster longer marriages than others, we incorporated additional data sources:
Marriage & demographic data: The median age at first marriage was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Housing & income data: Home prices, rent prices, and median household income per state were also sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, while cost-of-living data came from COLI (Cost of Living Index) via RentCafe.
Affordability ratios:
- The mortgage-to-income ratio was calculated using median household income and home prices, assuming a 20% down payment and a 6.52% mortgage rate.
- The rent-to-income ratio was based on statewide median rent and household income figures.
Local business availability: The number of restaurants, florists, and jewelry stores per 1,000 residents was calculated using data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Data on self storage rates and inventory came from our sister division Yardi Matrix, a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self-storage sectors.
Fair use and distribution
This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.
How to Store Hats the Right Way
Growing up is realizing that there’s a wrong and a right way to store your hats. It’s up to you whether they stay sharp or end up crumpled, discolored, and linty. Back when hats were an everyday essential and travel didn’t involve A/C, leather hat boxes were such a hit that even panettone boxes borrowed their iconic design. So let’s honor the tradition and get serious about hat storage.
How to Store Pillows Long-Term Without Ruining Them
Pillows are one of those household items we don’t think much about until we pull one out of a closet and it smells stale, feels flat or looks oddly misshapen. Whether you’re rotating seasonal bedding, setting up a spare bedroom for guests, moving homes, or just trying to declutter, knowing how to store pillows properly makes a real difference.
Best States for EVs in 2026: The West Leads, But North Carolina Is Closing Fast
Rising oil prices are hitting American households hard — and nowhere more than among the long-distance commuters who fled big cities during the pandemic in search of cheaper housing, only to trade rent savings for higher fuel costs. For that group — and for a growing number of cost-conscious drivers — the case for going electric has rarely been stronger.
How to Store Wine the Right Way for Long-Term Enjoyment
How to store wine properly depends on what you’re storing and how long you plan to keep it. A few bottles you’ll open soon don’t require the same conditions as wine meant to age for a year or more. The good news is that proper wine storage isn’t complicated. With a few simple adjustments, you can protect flavor, balance and aging potential. Whether you’re keeping a modest collection at home or exploring specialized self storage options, understanding the basics ensures your bottles remain in good condition until you’re ready to open them.
How to Make Living with Roommates Work in Real Life
Living with roommates can save you thousands of dollars a year. In many cities, it is the only realistic way to afford a decent apartment in a good neighborhood. That is one reason shared housing continues to grow, especially among young professionals and renters in high-cost markets.
How To Find Cheap Storage: 8 Easy Steps
Cheap storage becomes much easier to secure when you focus on one clear goal: pay only for the space and features you truly need. Small units, non-climate-controlled space, move-in promotions and facilities outside the highest-priced neighborhoods often provide very attractive value, while careful comparison across providers helps you locate the lowest rates for both small loads and sizeable household contents.
Best Websites For Finding Storage Units (Without Overpaying)
If you’re looking for a storage unit, you likely want two things: to see what’s available near you and to avoid overpaying.
Small Apartment Storage Ideas: How to Maximize Space and Make It Feel Like Home
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean settling for cramped or chaotic. With the right systems in place, even limited square footage can feel organized, functional and surprisingly comfortable.
10 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space
Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used areas in your home, which makes it especially prone to clutter. Toiletries build up quickly, towels multiply, and laundry bins can easily overwhelm the room, particularly in a compact layout. If you’re working with limited square footage, the right small bathroom ideas can help you stay organized without sacrificing style.

