Maine Ranks Second in Nation For ‘Quality of Life’

You'll see or hear the phrase 'the way life should be' in Maine quite often. Most people relate that phrase to the slower and more relaxed lifestyle people from Maine typically operate with.

Others view it in relation to Maine being called Vacationland, where everyone should live life they are on vacation every day.

But according to a new CNBC study, perhaps 'the way life should be' is more than just a catchy slogan. Perhaps Maine has stumbled upon the secret to having the best quality of life you can find anywhere in the United States.

Quality of Life in Maine Ranks Second in the Entire United States

Unsurprisingly, Maine ranks as the safest state in the entire country with less than 1,500 violent crimes for a population of 1.4 million people.

Another boost to quality of life is environment. Maine ranked among the best states in the nation for air quality thanks to its plentiful tree base and lack of congested cities.

Maine also ranked well in legal protections for workers as well as protections against discrimination.

Maine Ranked Second in 'Quality of Life' Behind Vermont Because of Cost

Where Maine did not get high scores as a state is in cost of living. Maine continues to have some attractive qualities but the cost to simply live with a roof over your head and food on the table continues to be sky high compared to other states based on median salary.

Maine also struggled in healthcare rankings. Rural hospitals in Maine are facing financial problems and there's a shortage of primary care providers statewide leading to long wait times for new patients.

Vermont Ranked as the Best 'Quality of Life' State in the Nation

Many of the same factors that ranked Maine second on the list helped propel Vermont to the top spot. Vermont has tremendous air quality, excellent protective policies for workers, against discrimination and for reproductive rights.

But it was Vermont's better access to healthcare that pushed it to the top spot as the best state in the nation for 'quality of life'.