State capitals tend to draw home buyers because of typically low unemployment and a plethora of events and political activity. Personal finance website SmartAsset.com analyzed livability metrics to find the best capitals for putting down roots. To compile its rankings, researchers compared the following factors: disposable income, unemployment rate, the number of dining and entertainment establishments, property, and violent crime rates. Based on those factors, the 10 best capitals to live in for 2017 are:
- Montpelier, Vt.
- Honolulu (tie)
- Pierre, S.D. (tie)
- Bismarck, N.D.
- Concord, N.H.
- Madison, Wis.
- Annapolis, Md.
- Boise, Idaho
- Austin, Texas
- Denver
Source: “The Best State Capitals to Live in – 2017 Edition,” SmartAsset (Sept. 20, 2017)