Oregon is super fun despite being one of the worst places to live: WalletHub

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A week after WalletHub named Oregon one of the worst places to live in the U.S., the company has declared Oregon one of the most fun states in America.

According to the report, Oregon is the 12th "most fun" state to visit, ranking behind Arizona, Louisiana and Minnesota. Washington ranked 8th on the list, losing out to states like Texas, Illinois and Colorado.

WalletHub organized its rankings by comparing data like the cost of going to the movies, access to national parks and local nightlife and the number of restaurants and performing arts centers per capita.

“We all define fun a bit differently, and where to choose to live should cater to our personal ideas of entertainment,” the report reads. “That’s not always the case, though, which may drive people to move somewhere new. There are certain states where fun is not just an option but also a way of life. These states offer such a variety of activities that everyone will be able to find something that excites them, from people who crave the outdoors and athletics to those who would rather sit down for a film.”

The top five states on the list include Florida, California, Nevada, New York and Colorado. The least fun states in the U.S., according to WalletHub, are West Virginia, Mississippi, Delaware, Rhode Island and Arkansas.

WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe said that living in one of the most fun states in the U.S., like Oregon, has a variety of benefits.

“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,” Happe said. “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.”

WalletHub's Top 20 "Most Fun" States to visit in the U.S.:

1. Florida
2. California
3. Nevada
4. New York
5. Colorado
6. Illinois
7. Texas
8. Washington
9. Minnesota
10. Louisiana
11. Arizona
12. Oregon
13. Pennsylvania
14. North Carolina
15. Ohio
16. Wisconsin
17. Missouri
18. South Carolina
19. Maryland
20. Alaska

Past WalletHub lists:

• WalletHub says Oregon is one of the 10 worst states to be a police officer
• LIST: Oregon annual incomes among worst in the West
• Oregon’s best and worst small cities to live in, according to WalletHub
• Portland ranked in top 15 most fun cities in America: WalletHub
• What is the best-run city in Oregon? Depends on how you rank it, study finds
• Here are the best airlines for 2024, according to WalletHub
• Washington is more ‘independent’ than Oregon, report says
• Portland ranks low among best cities for starting a business
• Portland, Maine outranks Portland, Oregon as summer travel destination