New Methodology Ranks The Most Fun US States

“Fun” is subjective, we all have different perspectives on what counts as “fun”. That subjectivity makes ranking the most “fun” states an impossible endeavor, but it’s still entertaining to try. WalletHub, a financial media outlet, recently released its ranking of the most “fun” states, using a methodology that takes twenty-six key indicators into consideration. These indicators are wide-ranging, including anything from accessibility to national parks, to the average price of beer.

• Related: Healthiest States in the USA: Get Off the Couch and Onto This List

The ten most fun states:

1. California
2. Florida
3. New York
4. Washington
5. Colorado
6. Nevada
7. Minnesota
8. Pennsylvania
9. Oregon
10. Texas

With the most National Parks of any state, miles upon miles of beaches, world-class skiing in the Sierra Nevada, and the cultural center of Los Angeles (along with several other major metropolitan areas), California’s rank as the most fun state isn’t particularly surprising. The top ten states all share something in common, they offer legitimate outdoor opportunities. Eight of the top ten (excluding Florida and Texas) offer skiing/mountains in close proximity to major urban areas.

The ten “least fun” states:

1. West Virginia
2. Mississippi
3. Delaware
4. Rhode Island
5. Vermont
6. Arkansas
7. Alabama
8. Connecticut
9. New Hampshire
10. Kansas

West Virginia’s dead-last ranking serves as a reminder of the list’s subjectivity. The Mountain State might not have much nightlife, but there are nearly unlimited outdoor opportunities in one of the East’s most mountainous states. New Hampshire and Vermont are two other legitimate outdoor destinations that, for some reason, find themselves ranked among the least fun states. Vermont, however, earns the prestige of having the most ski areas per capita, an indicator that the ranking methodology took into account.

States with the most ski areas per capita:

1. Vermont
2. Colorado
3. Montana
4. Idaho
5. Maine
6. Wyoming

For some, “fun” means linking turns down chalky steeps. For others, it means relaxing by a quaint lake with an engrossing book or hitting the nightclubs. Fun isn’t an objective topic, and that’s why this list is more of an entertaining exercise than anything to be taken seriously. Wherever you are, fun can be found.