Aine Givens

Best county to live in for every state

What makes a county a great one to live in? Perhaps you're looking for a safe place to raise a family, such as Newton in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, which ranked #3 in U.S. News & World Report 's list of safe places to live in 2025-2026. Or perhaps you would rather save money on taxes. In that case, Honolulu County in Hawai'i might be calling your name, as it is one of the counties with the lowest property tax bills, according to a 2025 report by the Tax Foundation.

However, the appeal of a county tends to also involve a good mix of opportunities for fun outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Throw in some historical sites, good schools, job opportunities, and affordable housing, and the county will be more likely to have

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