Alabama Ranks In Top Ten Most Desirable States

Yes! Finally, Alabama is on a list of states that is actually a good thing.

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Trust me, I see plenty of these lists ranking cities and states in this great country.

Many times, Alabama is NOT on the good end of the list.

The TIDE is turning.

U.S. News & World Report has released its list of The Most Desirable States To Move To in 2026.

In addition, Madison and Baldwin counties made the list of the most desirable counties to move to.

Here's the overall Top Ten:

1. South Carolina
2. Idaho
3. Alaska
4. North Carolina
5. Maine
6. Tennessee
7. Delaware
8. South Dakota
9. Alabama
10. Arkansas

Granted, I have some questions about some of these states.

Idaho? What is in Idaho other than potatoes?

Maine? Ok, they say it is beautiful up there, and they have all that good lobster.

I take issue with Tennessee being ranked ahead of us on this list.

I'm also a bit surprised to see Arkansas on the list. However, I will add that the South dominated the entire list according to the folks at U.S. News & World Report.

One of the main factors in Alabama's ranking in the top ten is the cost of living.

States with a high cost of living did not do well in this survey.

Many states in the North and Northeast have a very high cost of living.

Another reason for our high ranking?

The warm weather.

Alabama is one of the most desirable states in the USA for relocation.