The Grand Canyon State is widely admired for its vast and ancient landscapes, famous natural wonders, varied geography, and mild, year-round climate throughout much of the state. Home to some of the country’s greatest golf and recreation, Arizona’s resorts and spas are considered among the best in the world. Arizona’s diverse economy, led by health care, transportation, government, and a growing high-tech industry, offers opportunities to people from all walks of life.
Phoenix
California features a stunning array of landscapes, from its breathtaking coastlines and towering mountains to vast deserts, making it a true haven for outdoor lovers. Whether it’s surfing the waves of Southern California or hiking through the ancient redwoods in the north, the state offers countless opportunities for adventure. Its rich cultural scene is alive with festivals, art galleries, and theaters that celebrate a wide range of influences. Renowned for its diverse cuisine, California’s dining options highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a fusion of global flavors. With iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, the state offers a vibrant lifestyle that draws people from around the globe.
San Diego Sacramento Oakland
One of the jewels of the American Mountain West, Colorado is where residents and visitors get that invigorating “Rocky Mountain High” feeling people have been singing about for decades. Packed full of fun things to do year-round, Colorado is beloved for its multitude of national parks, outdoor adventure, cosmopolitan cities, and quaint and charming small towns. Major parts of the economy include government and defense, mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, but Colorado holds a special place in many hearts as the ideal winter destination, with abundant skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
Denver Colorado Springs
As the only U.S. state with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, and the only state besides Hawaii with a tropical climate, Florida boasts the longest coastline in the contiguous United States. With a variety of unique natural environments such as Everglades National Park, and world-famous amusement parks, beach resorts and endless opportunities for sun and surf, Florida is a major destination for fun-seekers from around the world. It also enjoys a modern, dynamic $1 trillion economy, the fourth largest of any U.S. state, led by tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation.
Tampa Miami Fort Myers Panama City Orlando Daytona Beach Port Saint Lucie
From the iconic capital city of Atlanta to the coastal charm of Savannah, from the rural beauty of its scenic countryside to its awe-inspiring waterfalls, secret lake towns, and miles of trails in the northern mountains, Georgia offers a rich diversity of landscapes and lifestyles. One of the original 13 colonies, it also enjoys a long history as a leading economic engine of the South. Its top industries include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, technology, real estate, film and television, and transportation—it even boasts the world’s busiest airport, as measured by passenger and aircraft traffic.
Atlanta
The quintessential Midwestern state, Illinois sits at the crossroads of America’s diverse regions. Nicknamed The Prairie State, it’s noted for its vast tracts of farmland, forests, rolling hills and wetlands. It’s also home to Chicago, one of the nation’s largest cities, famous as “the City of Tall Shoulders,” with its iconic skyscrapers rising impressively from the shores of Lake Michigan. Owing to its central location and geography, the state is a major transportation hub, by land, water, and air, and it has a highly diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and professional services.
Chicago
With its numerous state parks and picturesque lakes, Indiana provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures, ranging from hiking and fishing to kayaking and camping. The state boasts a rich cultural landscape, highlighted by vibrant cities such as Indianapolis and Bloomington, where a flourishing arts scene, engaging museums, and lively music festivals come to life. Indiana’s unique heritage is celebrated through events like the Indianapolis 500, while its agricultural traditions are reflected in beloved local dishes, including sweet corn, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and the iconic sugar cream pie. With friendly communities and a harmonious blend of urban and rural experiences, Indiana captivates both residents and visitors with its distinctive appeal.
Indianapolis
Iowa is a state characterized by diverse landscapes, from rolling prairies and fertile farmlands to picturesque rivers and serene lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking through the Loess Hills, fishing in the Mississippi River, or exploring the state’s many parks, there are countless opportunities for adventure. Iowa’s rich cultural heritage is showcased through its festivals, art galleries, and historic sites, reflecting a blend of Midwestern traditions and diverse influences. Renowned for its farm-to-table dining, Iowa’s culinary scene highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With friendly cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, Iowa offers a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle that attracts both visitors and new residents.
Des Moines
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, formed in large part by the influences of the Mississippi River, Louisiana enjoys an exceptional diversity of landscape and native habitat throughout the state. New Orleans, its largest city, is known for its colonial-era French Quarter, the fun of the Mardi Gras festival, its distinctive jazz music, and the charm of its regional architecture. Louisiana’s history as a melting pot of peoples is reflected in its unique Creole and Cajun cultures, and its economic diversity is seen in leading industries such as agriculture, oil and natural gas, and the burgeoning medical and technology sectors.
New Orleans
Home to four Great Lakes and 103 state parks, Michigan’s diverse landscape of forests, dunes, and over 11,000 inland lakes offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. From the bustling urban centers of Detroit and Grand Rapids to the charming coastal towns along the Upper Peninsula, Michigan boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by its automotive history, Native American roots, and maritime traditions. The state is known for its vibrant art communities, with a thriving craft beer scene, local galleries, and music festivals. Michigan’s cuisine reflects its unique geography, with beloved dishes like fresh Great Lakes fish, cherry pies from Traverse City, and pasties from the Upper Peninsula.
Detroit
Home to 66 state parks and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota’s diverse landscape of lakes, forests, and prairies offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to smaller towns like Duluth and Stillwater, the state’s rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene are evident in its numerous museums, theaters, and music festivals. Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota embraces a love for water sports, and its cuisine reflects a unique blend of Scandinavian, Native American, and Midwest flavors, with iconic dishes like wild rice soup and walleye.
Minneapolis
Missouri features a rich variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Ozarks to picturesque rivers and dense forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s hiking in the breathtaking Mark Twain National Forest, exploring the numerous caves in the Ozark region, or enjoying water activities on the Lake of the Ozarks, the state provides countless opportunities for adventure. Missouri’s cultural scene is vibrant, filled with music festivals, art galleries, and historical sites that celebrate its diverse heritage. Known for its delicious cuisine, Missouri’s dining options highlight regional favorites like barbecue, toasted ravioli, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With dynamic cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri offers an energetic lifestyle that attracts both residents and visitors.
Saint Louis
With its wide-open spaces and rolling plains, Nebraska offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to wildlife watching and camping in its many state parks. The state is steeped in history and culture, featuring attractions like the Oregon Trail and the historic town of Brownville, along with a thriving arts scene that celebrates local talent. Nebraska’s agricultural heritage shines through in its culinary offerings, with iconic dishes such as corn on the cob, juicy steaks, and the famous Runza sandwich. Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong Midwestern values, Nebraska invites residents and visitors alike to experience its rich blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Omaha
Nevada boasts a stunning landscape of deserts, mountains, and lakes, offering outdoor lovers a playground with 24 state parks and scenic recreation areas. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the historic charm of Virginia City, Nevada blends its Wild West roots with modern attractions. The state is famous for hosting Burning Man, a globally recognized arts festival, and Lake Tahoe, known for its top-tier skiing and water activities. Nevada’s culinary scene is just as diverse, featuring a mix of Basque, Native American, and Mexican influences that create a truly unique dining experience.
Las Vegas
Home to five national forests and 35 state parks, New Mexico’s varied landscape and elevation is a haven for outdoor exploration. From Santa Fe to Albuquerque, a rich cultural scene and multiple World Heritage sites bring a unique flair to life in the state. The state is home to more working artists, galleries and studios than any other state per capita and its iconic cuisine is a truly unique blend of Spanish, Pueblo, Western and Mexican influences.
Albuquerque
From the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains in the western regions, to its 300 miles of barrier island beaches, quaint waterfront towns and endless activities on the eastern coast, and in between, the wine country, bustling cities, golf resorts and natural attractions of the central Piedmont region, North Carolina packs a lot of diversity into one state. Raleigh is the capital, but Charlotte is its largest city, with over two and a half million people calling the area home. You may be surprised to learn North Carolina hosts the largest banking center in the nation after New York City, and it enjoys a diverse economy in industry and agriculture, with a growing technology sector.
Raleigh Charlotte
Known for its long shoreline of beaches and sea islands, with vacation towns like Myrtle Beach and historic cities such as Charleston, South Carolina is a southeastern coastal state steeped in culture and tradition. Here in the Palmetto State, with its subtropical climate and mild winters, you can just as easily take a fun-in-the-sun beach trip as a back-to-nature hike and bike trek through the central Piedmont region or up into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Economically, South Carolina offers opportunity in a variety of industries, including textiles, machinery, automotive products, tourism, and agriculture, to name but a few.
Charleston
Before it became the second-largest U.S. state, The Republic of Texas was a sovereign country, and it retains that proud spirit of individualism as The Lone Star State today. Its rich history and diverse cultures are informed by major cities such as Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, as well as its vast territories, which range from the Gulf Coastal Plains in the southeast, to the gently rolling Interior Lowlands, up through the Great Plains area and on to the Trans-Pecos region in Far West Texas. While the cattle industry first defined the state, it has since developed a broad and diversified economy, leading the nation in tourism, agriculture, petrochemicals, energy, computers and electronics, aerospace and biomedical sciences.
Austin Dallas Houston San Antonio
The Commonwealth of Virginia stretches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, with a long Atlantic coastline and an impressive variety of geological terrain in between, which gives the state a rich natural diversity of scenic foothills, picturesque valleys, mountainous plateaus and salty-air seascapes. While Richmond is Virginia’s historic capital city, Virginia Beach is its most populous, and the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg are living-history museums that reenact Colonial and Revolutionary War life. Virginia’s economy encompasses many sectors, such as agriculture, high tech, and federal government, including the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Richmond
Home to over 15,000 lakes and numerous state parks, Wisconsin’s varied landscape is perfect for outdoor adventures, from hiking and fishing to skiing and snowmobiling. The state is rich in cultural heritage, with vibrant festivals, historic sites, and a thriving arts scene that showcases everything from music and theater to local crafts. Known for its strong agricultural roots, particularly in dairy farming, Wisconsin’s culinary identity features beloved staples like cheese curds, bratwurst, and a variety of local craft beers. With its charming small towns and lively cities, Wisconsin offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that attracts both visitors and residents.
Madison
