Arkansas

While coincidental, it is truly fitting that Arkansas begins with an A, because this state is about as close to perfect as it can get. First of all, some pretty amazing – we’re talking well-known, world-changing – people have ties to this state. Think American poet, singer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou; country music legend Johnny Cash; former President Bill Clinton; and the creator of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer (pssst… it’s headquartered in Bentonville), Sam Walton.

And that’s just the beginning. The arts – natural and man-made – grace The Natural State, as it is nicknamed, from the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Timberlands and Mississippi and Arkansas rivers to venues like the Walton Arts Center, King Opera House and Arkansas Arts Center (go check out the Rembrandt, Picasso and Degas paintings on display here).

Plus, get your degree on at one of the high-quality education institutions here like the University of Arkansas, the state’s landmark university, and Arkansas State. And if finding a job is on your radar, ping this location, as the state is home to strong agriculture, food processing, forestry, tourism, manufacturing and mining industries.

And did we mention your wallet will thank you here? Arkansas is one of the most affordable states to live in the U.S.