10 of the Best and Worst U.S. Capital Cities, According to Americans
18 days ago
State capitals are supposed to be the heart of important political decisions, business hubs, and education centers. You'd think they would represent the very best of what each state has to offer, right? But in reality, every capital has its ups and downs. Some are fantastic places to live, while others have their fair share of issues.
I was born and raised in the United States and have a college degree, but if you ask me to name all fifty state capitals right now, I probably won't get them all right (Does that say something about the quality of the American public school system? That would require an entirely separate article!). But there are a few that I will never forget, thanks to personal experiences, media portrayals, and, of course, some good old-fashioned hearsay.
So, what about your capital city? Is it one of the best, or does it fall into the "worst" category? A recent online discussion had people sharing their opinions, and they don't hold back! Check out what folks are saying, and see if you agree.
State capitals are meant to showcase the best of a state, and Austin delivers. With a high median household income, a strong education system, and more restaurants per capita than most cities, it's a great place to live. Don’t forget Austin is home to world-renowned music and art festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits.
You'll find plenty of parks, hiking spots, and the best live music scene in Texas. Plus, it's a haven for book lovers, with tons of bookstores where you can meet fellow reading fanatics.
Madison, home of the Badgers, summer lake life, and the Memorial Union, snagged the title of second-best U.S. state capital to live in. Great schools, 4.5-star or higher restaurants, and super-low foreclosure rates? Check, check, and check.
This charming isthmus city, set between two lakes, perfectly blends quintessential Wisconsin vibes with its own unique flair. Try visiting Dane County Farmers Market or strolling down State Street—you'll likely fall in love and want more!
Best: Santa Fe, New Mexico
As the oldest capital city in the U.S., Santa Fe sits beautifully in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It’s known for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant arts scene. The downtown plaza has everything a tourist would want, all within a walkable area, plus 300+ days of sunshine a year! In short, it is an excellent travel and living destination.
Updates to Santa Fe’s infrastructure have been improving the city over the years, like the Rail Runner Express commuter train, which opened in 2006.
Maryland's capital has long been called the "Athens of America" for its rich cultural activities, vibrant social scene, and intellectual charm. Thanks to its East Coast spot near Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a hub for fishing, crabbing, and sailing. Being one of the original 13 colonies, it played a role in shaping the U.S. and even gave up land to create Washington, D.C.!
Though it offers a peaceful, small-town vibe, Annapolis is just a short drive from the action of D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia—giving you the best of both worlds!
What's cool about Boston? It's a city of "firsts"—the first public school, park, subway system, and even the first telephone (yep, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful call in his Boston lab). Plus, its neighborhoods feel like stepping back in time, full of historic landmarks and breathtaking architecture.
Living in Boston means you're surrounded by world-class educational institutions and can reach anywhere on the East Coast in just a few hours. No matter where you find a place to live, you'll enjoy a high quality of life in this history-packed city.
Worst: Trenton, New Jersey
WalletHub ranked all 50 state capitals based on affordability, quality of life, education, health care, and economic well-being. And guess which city came in dead last? You guessed it–Trenton, New Jersey. While it's rich in early American history, let's be real—it's not exactly a top pick for a weekend getaway.
When people talk about the worst U.S. capitals, Trenton is often the benchmark for "avoid at all costs." One commenter even said it's not even a place worth visiting for a weekend trip—ouch!
Worst: Jefferson City, Missouri
Jefferson City isn't the worst, but it's definitely not the most exciting compared to other Missouri cities. It's one of those state capitals that doesn't stand out as a major hub or economic powerhouse. In fact, a recent study found it to be the most forgotten state capital in the U.S.
People who grew up in Jefferson City during the '90s say it used to be a great place, but it's lost its spark over the years. These days, the fun factor seems to be missing entirely.
Worst: Springfield, Illinois
Most people are surprised that Chicago isn’t the capital of Illinois, considering its notoriety. And many people aren't big fans of Springfield, calling it small and in the middle of nowhere. With violent crime at 7.92 and property crime at 42.54 per 1,000 residents, recent FBI stats show it's now the second most dangerous city in Illinois—55% more violent crime than Chicago, believe it or not.
Once known as a quiet, safe place to raise a family, Springfield's reputation has shifted. And there's not much to do in winter, as most historical sites are outdoors and often closed for the season.
Worst: Albany, New York
Photo byC. Storm // Shutterstock.com
The issue in Albany isn't crime or the economy—it's something deeper. According to a report from the Urban Institute, Albany ranks among the worst U.S. cities for racial segregation and poverty gaps affecting people of color. "We're a deeply unequal city," says Alice Green, executive director of The Center for Law and Justice.
While Albany's racial diversity has grown—about 50% of the population are now people of color, compared to 30% in the 1980s—these inequalities remain a significant challenge for the city.
Worst: Providence, Rhode Island
While the capital of the smallest state in America ranks high as a place to visit, living there isn't so rosy. College graduate levels are low, and Providence was ranked as one of the worst cities for people with disabilities. The city's aging infrastructure is a big issue, as Bob Cooper from the Governor's Commission on Disabilities points out—some updates are happening, but problems remain.
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