NY ranked one among America’s most enjoyable states. See the place it landed

New York is the fifth-most enjoyable state, in accordance with a brand new WalletHub study.

How does one outline enjoyable? What is taken into account a “fun state” could possibly be very subjective and rely on a wide range of components.

Some may search for enjoyable of their state by nightlife or leisure, whereas others may outline their enjoyable by sports activities groups or entry to public nature spots. Regardless of what your definition of enjoyable seems to be like, dwelling in a state that gives entry to the belongings you love can in the end present a greater dwelling expertise, in accordance with WalletHub.

“Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo mentioned. “These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they’re also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore.”

To decide essentially the most splendid states, “with fun and affordability in mind,” WalletHub in contrast all 50 states throughout 26 indicators of cost-efficient, pleasing actions, starting from film prices to accessibility of nationwide parks to nightlife choices per capita.

Here is what to learn about New York’s rating.

How enjoyable is New York State?

New York is the fifth-most enjoyable state in America, with an general rating of 58.40, in accordance with WalletHub.

The Empire State scored the No. 4 spot for the leisure & recreation rank and No. 3 for the nightlife rank. New York’s excessive rating displays its excessive accessibility to a wide range of actions and locations to discover, together with:

• Tying for first place for many eating places per capita with California, Florida and Texas
• Tying for first place for many marinas per capita with Florida, Connecticut, Maryland and Massachusetts
• Tying for first place for many performing arts theaters per capita with California
• It has the fourth-most golf programs and nation golf equipment per capita
• It has the fourth-most health facilities per capita
• And New York has the third-most film theaters per capita.

WalletHub’s 10 most enjoyable states

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

WalletHub’s 10 least enjoyable states

• No. 50: West Virginia
• No. 49: Mississippi
• No. 48: Vermont
• No. 47: Arkansas
• No. 46: Delaware
• No. 45: Rhode Island
• No. 44: Connecticut
• No. 43: New Hampshire
• No. 42: Alabama
• No. 41: Maine

How WalletHub assessed most and least enjoyable states

To decide essentially the most enjoyable states in America, WalletHub in contrast all 50 states throughout two classes: leisure & recreation and nightlife.

The leisure & recreation class analyzed these components:

• Number of sights
• Variety of arts, leisure and recreation institutions
• Ideal climate
• Restaurants per capita
• Amusement parks per capita
• Golf programs & nation golf equipment per capita
• Movie theaters per capita
• Fitness facilities per capita
• Skiing amenities per capita
• Marinas per capita
• Shoreline mileage
• Beach high quality
• Access to scenic byways
• Number of state gala’s & occasions per capita
• Access to nationwide parks
• Personal spending on recreation companies per capita
• State & native direct common expenditures on parks & recreation per capita

The nightlife class analyzed these components:

• Average beer & wine worth
• Movie prices
• Nightlife choices per capita
• “Access to bars” grade
• Time of final name
• Music festivals per capita
• Performing arts theaters per capita
• Casinos per capita

Data used to create the rating was collected as of July 21, 2026, and was sourced from a number of entities, together with the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Park Service, TripAdvisor, American Gaming Association and WalletHub analysis.

—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, protecting leisure, breaking and client information, and trending matters with a give attention to tales that matter to readers throughout New York State. She additionally has an curiosity in how the system helps or would not assist families with missing loved ones. She will be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.