Did You Know Maine is Ranked Dead Last in ‘Best New England States’?

When it comes to being born and raised in the Pine Tree State, we are an awfully proud people, maybe even to a fault. We're kind of like those people on Facebook marketplace who list something for sale, price it too high, and end the add with 'no lowballs, I know what I got!'.

But, after all, we do know 'what we got' don't we? What 'we got' is a beautiful state, large enough to fit both Connecticut and Rhode Island simultaneously while still having room left over.

What 'we got' is the most beautiful mountain peaks this side of the Mississippi that are full of different ways to enjoy them, from skiing, hiking, zip-lining or even driving up.

What 'we got' is miles of seemingly endless coastline with the perfect mix of jagged rock and fine sands that are perfect for spending a summer day or an entire summer season on.

My point is, when you're from Maine, you're the first to recognize all the endless beauty that Vacationland possesses. So how in the world does Maine rank dead last out of all the other New England states? Let me break it down for you.

According to an article that was published by U.S. News & World Report, they recently released their annual list of 'best states' in the nation. States were ranked from number 1 through 50 with Maine coming in at number 28. That's all well and good, I suppose, but Maine came in last out of all the other New England states.

According to U.S. News,

In addition to health care and education, the rankings take into account a state’s economy; its roads, bridges, internet and other infrastructure; its public safety; its natural environment; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents.

Though Maine did very well with metrics like opportunity and crime, we did not do so hot when it came to other things like education and infrastructure, i.e. our roads full of potholes.

All five of the other New England states beat us with Rhode Island checking in a #26, Connecticut at #20, Massachusetts at #10, Vermont at #7 and New Hampshire at #2.

So even though we didn't event make the top 20, and we were dead last in New England, I guess props are in order for New Hampshire coming in at an unbelievable number 2 in the nation. Good job, I guess.