The Best States to Live in and Move to (if You’re Contemplating a Mass Exodus from Your State)

If there’s one thing 2020 made us re-evaluate, it’s where we were living. We saw states we thought valued freedom shut down, governors sell out their residents and become total dictators, businesses forced to close, the muzzle replace several state flags, freedoms restricted or altogether disappear, and legislators use a “pandemic” as an excuse for a power trip designed push through legislation that would otherwise never have passed.

Add in riots, 80 weeks to flatten the curve, a “new normal,” online learning, cancel culture, vaccine mandates and passports, and covert infringements upon our second amendment rights and it’s no wonder all of us who are “woke” see COVID “version 2.0” (coming to a fall near you) and are wrestling with whether we should stay and fight or make it to better ground while we can.

Ranking States from Best to Worst

If you’re confused about whether you should stay or leave your state, look no further than the first ever (best ever) list ranking states from best to worst using the criteria that are most important to parents who value their rights, freedoms, and a healthy lifestyle. These criteria include: vaccine exemptions, homeschooling regulations, second amendment, political ideology (which tells you a lot about how a state is run and the type of agenda and policies you can expect to deal with), governor approval rating, covid19 response, personal reviews, and cost of living.

A large group was then polled to see how these criteria ranked in importance. Numbers from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best) were ascribed to the chosen criteria for each state, and then the automated spreadsheet ranked states first via their raw score and then via importance. For example, those polled stated that the second amendment was super important to them, so a state could score high in every area, but if it scored a “2” under the second amendment category, it was going to drop in the rankings. Make sense?

Under each state, you’ll see the big pros and cons, as well as the “raw score” where you can look and see how each criteria scored, which may help you in choosing a state that ranks highly in the areas that are most important to you.

1.Oklahoma

Pros: Oklahoma is tops in literally every category and no other state comes close. Oklahoma has religious, philosophical, and medical vaccine exemptions, great homeschooling and medical freedoms, the ability to grow your own food, an excellent governor, amazing second amendment protections, the lowest cost of living, access to co-ops, crop shares, and health food stores, and an excellent state government. Businesses are open, masks are not required, and personal reviews of people living in this state who were polled gave it a “10 out of 10.”

Cons: Oklahoma City had ridiculous COVID restrictions, though they have since expired. Residents here suggest preparing yourself for the real possibility you’ll encounter a tornado.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 10

2. Missouri

Pros: Missouri has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, is pro-second amendment, allows midwifery, has low homeschooling regulations, has four seasons and freedom to grow your own food, a low cost of living, a solid state government, is a red state that didn’t use COVID as a license to enslave its citizens, and received a “10 out of 10” on personal reviews from people who live in that state.

Cons: The Dept. of Social Services (CPS) in Missouri is corrupt. Avoid St. Louis. Some public schools are following CDC guidelines instead of common sense.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 9
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 10

3. South Dakota

Pros: South Dakota is at the top of the list for the sheer fact that its governor (Kristi Noem) has read the U.S. Constitution and isn’t afraid to follow it. With wide open spaces, this state has had the absolute best COVID response with a governor that isn’t bought and a government that is focused on the educational, emotional, physical, and social well-being of children. Religious and medical vaccine exemptions are available, there’s no state income tax, second amendment freedoms are high, scenery is beautiful, and it is a great state of you have the desire to live off the land.

Cons: A moderate cost of living, less access to health food stores outside of big cities, moderate homeschool regulations that include assessment requirements, and winters are (very) cold.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 10
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

4. Arkansas

Pros: Arkansas has religious, philosophical, and medical vaccine exemptions, low home schooling regulations, high second amendment protections (though not as protective as your top two states), farmer’s markets, farm schools and Montessori schools, medical freedom and midwifery, low cost of living, and had one of the least restrictive COVID responses. You’ll have no problem finding a doctor to see your unvaccinated child in this state.

Cons: Hot weather, mask mandates in certain places, mosquitos, and not a lot of health food stores or restaurants outside of your big cities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 8
Cost of living: 10

5. Idaho

Pros: Idaho has religious, medical, and philosophical vaccine exemptions, solid health freedoms, almost no homeschooling requirements, wide open spaces, outdoor adventures, and a good economy.

Cons: Depending on where you live, you’ll have to drive to a bigger city to do major shopping, the governor is awful and repealed an executive order that prohibited the enforcement of mask mandates in the state.

*Highest reviews of those living in Idaho reside in small communities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 9
Cost of living: 7

6. Florida

Pros: Florida has religious and medical exemptions, a strong economy, and great beaches. Residents LOVE their governor — who continues to fight back against COVID insanity and has the backbone of a tyrannosaurus rex. All COVID restrictions were lifted in September 25, 2020. Homeschooling is allowed, midwifery is legal, and masks are not required and vaccine passports are banned. Florida scored a 9 out of 10 in the personal reviews and residents love their state.

Cons: Home prices are higher in Florida and are harder to come by with the influx moving into the state. Second amendment protections are lower compared to higher ranked states.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

7. Texas

Pros: Texas has medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions, is the home of “Texans for Vaccine Choice,” has a volunteer organization dedicated to helping parents deal with Child Protective Services, a thriving midwife community, and is a great state for homeschooling. There’s a large population of Texans who are perfectly equipped to protect you from your government, the Attorney General is a fighter, and elections are handled well. On July 30, 2021, Gov. Abbott signed an executive order banning vaccine mandates. He previously did the same with vaccine passports.

Cons: There’s a major border issue, CPS is corrupt, the governor is hit or miss, and cities are becoming more liberal. Many people are moving from California but are still voting blue, and this is concerning too many Texans who don’t want their state to be “Californianed.”

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 7

8. South Carolina

Pros: South Carolina has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, medical freedoms, is opposed to mask mandates and vaccine passports, and has a very active group of activists who are working to preserve these freedoms. The economy is open. People who live in South Carolina report loving their state.

Cons:

“If you’re leaving a blue state, please don’t come here and continue voting like you’re in a blue state.” — Sincerely, a South Carolina resident.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 5
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 10
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 6

9. Iowa

Pros: Everybody who lives in Iowa loves Iowa. There are religious and medical vaccine exemptions, minimal homeschool regulations, one of the best education systems in the country, no mask mandates, access to food co-ops and agriculture, chiropractors and homeopathic doctors are plentiful, and there are a lot of rural places to live.

Cons: Iowa is one of six states that does not have the second amendment codified into their state constitution, there are fewer organic/whole food stores, naturopathy is illegal, there isn’t a lot of culture or diversity, and you’ll have to invest in a pair of overalls (think denim “moo moo” with suspenders).

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 10
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 8
Cost of living: 8

10. Wyoming

Pros: Wyoming has religious and medical exemptions, a low cost of living, no state income tax, wide open spaces, great second amendment freedoms, and low homeschooling regulations.

Cons: Although the state is red, the governor pushed for masks and business closures. The COVID response was more restrictive than other “freedom-loving” states.

* It’s chilly in the winter, but we have gorgeous summers. I mean, if it’s good enough for Kanye…” – Erin K.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 9

11. Alaska

Pros: In Alaska, you’re removed from much of the mainland chaos. Religious and medical vaccine exemptions are available, homeschooling is easy (and the state pays you $2-4K annually to homeschool each child), midwives are legal, there’s no sales or personal tax, and second amendment protections are legit. They have all the fresh fish you can imagine, berry-picking in late summer, and caribou/moose hunting in the fall. People mind their own business when it comes to covid and masks and Alaska was one of the first states to open back up. If you like bears, alone time, and colder weather…this may be the state for you.

Cons: The cost of living is high, reduced access to organic goods, shipping is more expensive, and masks are mandated in schools.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 2

12. Alabama

Pros: Alabama has religious and medical exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, festivals, beaches, and a low cost of living.

Cons: This state loves masks, but not as much as people who are looking to move love clean air.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 9

13. Utah

Pros: If you live in Utah, you’re not leaving. This state has all three vaccine exemptions, is an easy state to homeschool in, provides many educational opportunities, and is highly reviewed by everyone who lives here as being very “anti-everything” friendly.

Cons: Face masks are required in schools, air quality is poor in some locations, the COVID response was restrictive for a red state, and the governor is mediocre.

*According to Utah residents, now is the best time to buy a house!

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 5

14. Indiana

Pros: Indiana has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, is an easy homeschooling state, and allows homebirths. There are beautiful areas (that aren’t corn fields) and common sense drives the decisions that are made in this state.

Cons: During the “pandemic,” mask orders were in effect and there were extensive mask requirements for students in grades 3-12. Colleges are mandating vaccines and love Fauci. Personal reviews of people who live in Indiana describe it as “boring.” If you like “boring,” this may be your state.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 7
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 8

15. Montana

Pros: When this list first published, Montana had an awful governor who was responsible for a ridiculous COVID response and mask mandates. In Nov. 2020, the state elected a new governor who re-appealed mask mandates. Montana has medical and religious exemptions, is big on independence and living off the land, and is a good state for homeschooling. There is also plenty of wildlife, land, and ranches.

Cons: Avoid Missoula, Billings, and Bozeman. Montana also has a higher cost of living and politics are divided based on where you live in the state. (Urban residents are liberal and rural residents are more conservative.)

* The desire to be “self-sufficient” is a must if you live in rural Montana.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 4

16. Arizona

Pros: "Arizona does not allow mask mandates, vaccine mandates, vaccine passports or discrimination in schools based on who is or isn’t vaccinated. We’ve passed all of this into law, and it will not change.” - Gov. Ducey on July 27, 2021

Arizona has medical, philosophical, and religious vaccine exemptions, second amendment protections, access to functional medicine, lots of sunshine, most cities/towns are backyard chicken friendly, diverse eco-system for hiking and outdoor adventures, has co-ops, health food stores, and crop shares, and is a right-leaning red state.

Cons: The border is wide open, the weather is hot, and Arizona child welfare agencies are notoriously corrupt. The Governor is a RINO (according to residents) and the state “turned blue” during the last election, but the legislature is taking on the fraud.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 8
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 5

17. Nebraska

Pros: Nebraska has medical and religious vaccine exemptions, a low cost of living, and is generally liked by those who live there.

Cons: There are some hoops to jump through with homeschooling, lower second amendment protections, and during the “pandemic,” this state loved masks. There may be water problems in parts of Nebraska. Water shortages, pollution, and infrastructure problems span from the state’s western border to Omaha — so be sure to research this issue in the area you intend to move.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 8
Covid19 Response: 7
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 8

18. Tennessee

Pros: Tennessee has a great season/climate for growing your own food, many natural health groups, a low cost of living, and religious and medical vaccine exemptions. Middle Tennessee and rural areas are much better to live in than big cities — which are more liberal. If you live in a rural area, Tennessee is “enjoyable.”

Cons: Tennessee is another state with a child welfare system that is notorious for being corrupt. In fact, this state has been trying to implement “mandatory checks” for families due to COVID. Homeschooling is also more regulated and the governor is bunk.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 5
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 3
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 6
Cost of living: 9

19. North Dakota

Pros: North Dakota has all three vaccine exemptions, strong second amendment protections, beautiful landscapes, wide open spaces, and the ability to “live off the land.” Although the covid19 response could have been better, it was less restrictive than most and masks are not mandated.

Cons: Homeschooling is moderately regulated with assessment and notification requirements, state mandated subjects, notification, teacher qualifications, and immunization requirements. The governor in North Dakota is not even remotely comparable to South Dakota’s amazing governor.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 5
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 7
Cost of living: 5

20. North Carolina

Pros: North Carolina is described as “not awful, but not great,” which secures its spot at #20. This state has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, access to organic food and farmer’s markets, and plenty of natural health practitioners.

Cons: The governor is awful. Masks were mandated during the “pandemic.” Homeschooling is more regulated than your top states, raw milk is illegal, and there are only a few certified nurse midwives who offer home births.

*People who reside in rural areas were more satisfied with their state than those who lived in cities.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 6
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 6
Cost of living: 6

21. Kansas

Pros: Kansas has religious and medical exemptions, it’s an easy state to homeschool in, cost of living is low, and you can easily own a gun.

Cons: Kansas is flat…very flat…pancake flat. The governor is awful and loves masks.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 9
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 3
Cost of living: 9

22. Georgia

Pros: Georgia has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with one of the least restrictive COVID responses. The cost of living is low, land is reasonably priced if you want to be away from the city, but there are plenty of affordable urban areas to settle in also. Georgia also has mountains, beaches, and very survivable winters.

Cons: When this post was first written, the “cons” were few and the “pros” were plenty placing this state in the “top 5.” Since the election, the “cons” have grown. Georgia has a corrupt Governor and Secretary of State who failed to do their jobs and preserve election integrity. As a result, the state turned blue. Though the transition is not complete, if you move to this state, you should be committed to fighting for your freedoms.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 9
Personal reviews: 10
Cost of living: 9

23. Kentucky

Pros: Kentucky has religious and medical vaccine exemptions and it’s fairly easy to homeschool in this state. There’s are legit second amendment protections, plenty of farm land, and low property taxes.

Cons: Kentucky liked mask mandates, the governor is awful, and the COVID response was extreme.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 8

24. Mississippi

Pros: Mississippi is a conservative state with the best second amendment protections and the lowest cost of living. Homeschooling here is easy.

Cons: The problem? You do not want to live in this state unless you are willing to homeschool, as Mississippi only has medical vaccine exemptions. It also is one of the most unhealthiest states and is not pro-medical freedom.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 1
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 10
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 10

25. Ohio

Pros: Ohio has all three vaccine exemptions and that’s what secures it the #25 spot. Described as “having potential,” it scores average to slightly below average in all other areas.

Cons: The Ohio governor is described by state residents as a “rhino” and “full-blown paid marxist” who has lost his mind. Homeschooling is more regulated than other states and there are mask mandates.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 4
Cost of living: 8

26. Louisiana

Pros: Louisiana has medical, religious, and philosophical vaccine exemptions.

Cons: Homeschooling is allowed, but it is moderately regulated. Louisiana has an awful governor who is obsessed with face masks. He shut down the economy so that people could not work and is threatening to raise taxes for those left working to ensure there is enough money to pay for unemployment. The lifestyle and culture is unhealthy and people who live in this state are looking to move and encourage others to “stay away.”

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 4
Second amendment: 7
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 6

27. New Hampshire

Pros: If you want to live in the northeast side of the U.S., this is your best option. New Hampshire is a conservative state with religious and medical exemptions. You can homeschool, but it is moderately regulated.

Cons: The COVID response resembled that of a liberal state, the cost of living is high, second amendment protections are not as strong as your top states, CPS has too much time on its hands, and the state only had average personal reviews.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 3

28. Wisconsin

Pros: There are religious, medical, and philosophical vaccine exemptions with great homeschooling laws.

Cons: Wisconsin was doing great for years with the previous Governor. Then there was an election and nobody can figure out how the current guy got elected. He’s a fan of stripping freedoms and people living in this state advise not moving here at this time. Masks were mandated and the Republicans had to take on the Gov’s mask mandate in court.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 3
Personal reviews: 3
Cost of living: 5

29. Michigan

Pros: To say Michigan is beautiful would be an understatement. Here you’ll experience a culture that is “woke” when it comes to natural health, medicine, and food. You’ll have religious, philosophical (though it requires a meeting with the health dept.), and medical vaccine exemptions, access to naturopathic medicine, and it’s super easy to homeschool.

Cons: Michigan has one of the absolute worst governors in the U.S. She held her people hostage during COVID, closed down businesses, restricted the sale of seeds, annihilated the economy, mandated masks, and restricted the travel of her citizens. On November 16th, Governor Crazy Pants initiated another three-week lockdown that will no doubt be met with a strong movement to impeach her. Personal freedoms and constitutional rights are under attack here, and likely will be until the governor is replaced. If you’re a conservative moving to this state, your vote does not count. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General call the shots despite having a Republican legislature.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 4
Cost of living: 9

30. Delaware

Pros: Delaware has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with great homeschooling laws.

Cons: The cost of living is high, masks are mandated, and COVID response is restrictive. President Biden’s basement resides in this state.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 3
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 3

31. West Virginia

Pros: West Virginia is a mediocre “supposedly” conservative state that has great gun laws … and that’s about it.

Cons: West Virginia only has a medical vaccine exemptions and it is incredibly difficult to get. Though homeschooling is an option, it is more difficult to meet the requirements. West Virginia is a fan of face masks.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 1
Homeschooling regulation: 2
Second amendment: 8
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 3
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 7

32. Virginia

Pros: Virginia has religious and medical vaccine exemptions. There is also access to health food stores and natural health practitioners.

Cons: This state has an awful governor, a horrible COVID response, high taxes, and mask mandates. Homeschoolers must follow public school immunization requirements.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 7
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 6
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 5

33. Nevada

Pros: Homeschooling is easy and there are religious and medical vaccine exemptions.

Cons: The Governor is awful and caters to Las Vegas, understanding pediatricians are hard to find, high cost of living, vaccine passports (at least in LV) and poor second amendment protections.

* Northern Nevada is the place to be if you choose to move to this state.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 3
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 3

34. New Mexico

Pros: New Mexico has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, low homeschooling regulations, and a low cost of living, with beautiful scenery, farms, ranches, and deserts.

Cons: The people of New Mexico encourage you not to move to this state. The COVID response has been more restrictive than any other state and is destroying the economy, peoples’ lives, food security, and the tourism industry. Many businesses had to permanently close leaving ghost towns behind and the population is plunging into poverty. The governor put his state in lockdown not once, but twice.

The Gov. is described as a “liberal tyrant” who believes social distancing and masks should be a way of life. Mask mandates apply to people exercising in gyms, taking walks alone, and are to be “aggressively enforced” with violators subject to fines. #ByeFelicia

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 8
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 10

35. Vermont

Pros: Vermont has religious and medical exemptions (though vaccine exemptions are often under attack), amazing food, maple syrup, winter sports, great scenery, and access to integrative medicine, functional medicine doctors, and chiropractors.

Cons: Despite being considered a “conservative” state, it leans liberal. Homeschooling is heavily regulated, second amendment freedoms are average, cost of living is high, and the COVID response was awful.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 5
Political Ideology: 10
Governor: 5
Covid19 Response: 6
Personal reviews: 5
Cost of living: 2

36. Illinois

Pros: Illinois has medical and religious vaccine exemptions (though the religious exemption requires the signature of a physician), unregulated homeschooling, and falls in the middle of the spectrum for cost of living.

Cons: This state has high property taxes, one of the worst governors, a never-ending COVID response, mask mandates in schools, a struggling economy, riots and gun violence in big cities, and a corrupt state government. You’ll also have a difficult time purchasing a gun even if you meet all of the requirements and go through the classes — as the state isn’t responding to FOID card renewals.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 7
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 6

37. Colorado

Pros: Colorado has medical and non medical vaccine exemptions, a good advocacy group, beautiful scenery, and access to whole foods and natural health practitioners.

Cons: Colorado passed SB 20-163 which merged the personal belief and religious exemptions into one (harder to get) non-medical exemption. There’s also a plan to make homeschooling more regulated, cost of living is high, masks are mandated, and second amendment protections are weak.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 7
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 3
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 5
Personal reviews: 4
Cost of living: 4

38. Oregon

Pros: Oregon has medical and non-medical vaccine exemptions, allows homeschooling (though it has moderate regulations), has beautiful landscapes, wide open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Cons: Vaccine exemptions are always under attack and there are barriers to obtaining non-medical exemptions. The governor is awful, the COVID response was very restrictive, there are riots in big cities, and Oregon tends to follow California’s lead. This state also has a weaponized and corrupt CPS known for medical kidnapping. If your child isn’t fully vaccinated and you have to go to the emergency room, it is not a bad idea to have a lawyer you can call and a family practice physician you’re established with. During the recent election, the state of Oregon decriminalized the possession hard drugs like meth and cocaine…but plastic straws are still banned.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 7
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 4
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 3
Cost of living: 1

39. Minnesota

Pros: Minnesota has philosophical, religious, and medical vaccine exemptions…and that’s about all it has going for it right now.

Cons: This state has riots, looting, violently peaceful protests, sub-par homeschooling regulations, and an awful governor who is causing everyone to consider trading in their Minnesota residency card. Masks were mandatory.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 4
Second amendment: 3
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 4

40. Maryland

Pros: Maryland has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, and currently does not require vaccine passports.

Cons: Residents were suffocated by the COVID restrictions and felt their leaders had lost their “ever-loving minds.” The local governments were overreaching, yet the people welcomed more restrictions and were super excited to “police” their neighbors. Although homeschooling is allowed, it is quite restrictive subjecting parents to substantial oversight.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 4
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 4
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 2

41. Pennsylvania

Pros: Pennsylvania has philosophical, medical, and religious vaccine exemptions. The land is beautiful with four seasons.

Cons: The current governor is a dictator, COVID response is whack with severe lockdowns, masks are mandated, cost of living is high, roads are terrible, taxes are high, schools are dysfunctional, second amendment protections are low, homeschooling is heavily regulated, and everyone from the “freedom-loving woke” community is looking to move.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 10
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 3
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 4

42. New Jersey

Pros: New Jersey has religious and medical vaccine exemptions with an amazing grassroots advocacy group consisting of parents who could knock the socks off the most liberally corrupt legislator, best homeschooling freedoms in the nation, and four seasons.

Cons: New Jersey has a corrupt state government, an awful governor who couldn’t care less about the Bill of Rights, obscene property taxes, an alarmingly restrictive covid19 response that stripped the freedoms from its citizens, constant fights against vaccine mandates, a high cost of living, is extremely liberal, is crowded, and has poor second amendment protections.

“Don’t move here unless you’re ready to fight Jersey-style, and pay more for your taxes than your mortgage each month.”

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 10
Second amendment: 1
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 2

43. Rhode Island

Pros: Rhode Island has medical and religious vaccine exemptions.

Cons: Homeschooling can be heavily regulated depending on local district requirements, poor second amendment protections, extremely liberal state, poorly reviewed governor and awful COVID response.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 4
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 2

44. Hawaii

Pros: Hawaii has religious and medical vaccine exemptions, fertile land, clean air, year-round sunshine, and organic gardening.

Cons: This state has a high cost of living, very restrictive gun laws making it almost impossible to own a gun, a ridiculous COVID response (with segregated beaches, mandated masks, and fines), vaccine passports, follows California’s lead, and is notorious for being a battle ground for genetically engineered crops and pesticides.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 6
Second amendment: 1
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 1

45. Connecticut

Pros: Connecticut has medical and religious vaccine exemptions with total freedom for homeschoolers.

Cons: Taxes are high, gun laws are awful, medical freedoms are at risk, it’s extremely liberal, the governor is out of control, and the emergency COVID orders would scare the wool off a sheep. Masks were mandated, small businesses were either shut down or operating at below 50% capacity, indoor and outdoor events were restricted (even on your own property), masks had to be worn in your home when you have visitors, Thanksgiving restrictions, thermal scanning, virtual or hybrid schooling, and a high number of tattle tales live in this state who like to hotline people for exercising their God-given right to breath fresh air. Need I go on?

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 9
Second amendment: 1
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 6
Cost of living: 1

46. Massachusetts

Pros: Massachusetts has religious and medical vaccine exemptions…and that’s about it.

Cons: Cost of living is insane, the covid response is ridiculously restrictive, heavily regulated homeschooling, mask mandates, and an extra special governor.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 2
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 2
Covid19 Response: 2
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 1

47. Washington

Pros: In Washington, you’ll have access to plenty of health food stores and natural health practitioners. If you homeschool and live on the border of Washington and Idaho, you’ll survive better in this state.

Cons: As described by several residents, “Our governor is an idiot and our freedoms are slowly being stripped away.” Medical professionals are infiltrating the political ranks and influencing policy in favor of the pharmaceutical agenda. Philosophical vaccine exemptions need to be signed off on by a doctor. Pediatricians threaten to report parents who have children not up to date on vaccines — after telling parents to avoid well checks due to COVID. Washington has beautiful fresh air … that you wan’t be able to enjoy as you’ll be suffocating on your own carbon dioxide, and residents state they are “being held hostage” over COVID.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 8
Homeschooling regulation: 3
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 3

48. Maine

Pros: Nice views, beautiful landscape, and food trucks. (I’m really trying here.)

Cons: Maine only has medical vaccine exemptions, heavily regulates homeschooling, has a high cost of living, a tyrannical governor, poor second amendment protections, and isn’t an ideal place for someone who wants minimal government intervention and values medical freedoms to live.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 1
Homeschooling regulation: 4
Second amendment: 2
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 4
Personal reviews: 2
Cost of living: 2

49. California

Pros: It’s a good thing California has decent(ish) homeschool laws, because you’ll need to homeschool if you’re going to live in this state. It’s also a plus that natural health practitioners aren’t hard to find, because you’ll need one if you’re forced to vaccinate.

Cons: Land of Pan, Nancy Pelosi, and Adam Schiff. No religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccines. Medical exemptions are very hard to get. Poorly managed government, power outages, high taxes, Hollywood elites, homelessness, drugs, crazy CPS, criminals released on the streets, high cost of living, extremely liberal with a horrible COVID response. If you move here — you’ll live in a free country, but not a free state.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 1
Homeschooling regulation: 7
Second amendment: 1
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 1

50. New York

Pros: [Insert crickets chirping here…]

Cons: No religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions, flu shots and hpv vaccines for everyone, vaccine passports, mask mandates, and a poorly managed government. Awful governor with a COVID response that should scare anyone over the age of 65 (though he just announced his resignation). No medical freedoms, corrupt child welfare agencies, awful public school system, highest cost of living, and heavily regulated homeschooling.

Raw Score:
Vaccine exemptions: 1
Homeschooling regulation: 1
Second amendment: 1
Political Ideology: 1
Governor: 1
Covid19 Response: 1
Personal reviews: 1
Cost of living: 1

Do you have something to add about your state? Put it in the comments below!

Sources:
1. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association
2. The National Conference of State Legislators
3. State-by-State Guide to Face Mask requirements
4. World Population Review
5. National Vaccine Information Center
6. Most Expensive States to Live In – World Population Review
7. Strictest Gun Laws by State 2020 – World Population Review
8. Midwives Alliance of North America
9. Coronavirus Restrictions and Mask Mandates for All 50 States – NYT
10. Vaccine passports: 50 states with bans, limitations & green lights
11. The Living Whole “Official Group”

Leave a comment