We often tackle the topic of happiness on the program - as in, the elements of life that really have an impact on a person's happiness. One of the topics that comes repeatedly in surprising numbers is the daily commute.
Esurance just came out with their Smart Commuting Index, ranking states based on its residents' commuting experience, and if you live in the Northwest you’re in luck. According to the company, in general, those in the Northwest have the best commutes, with seven of the Top Ten states located in that region.
Residents of Alaska have it the best overall, with the shortest commute times, along with a 40% increase in the number of people who walk to work, plus a 20% increase of those working from home over the past 10 years.
Top Ten States With The Best Commute
Alaska
Utah
Montana
South Dakota
Wyoming
Idaho
Wisconsin
Hawaii
Colorado
Minnesota
Folks on the East Coast have the worst commutes, with eight of the bottom ten states landing in the region. Delaware is the state with the overall worst commute. Not only do residents have the worst commute times, but there is also very few alternative transportation options.
Ten States With The Worst Commutes
Delaware
New Jersey
South Carolina
New York
Tennessee
Rhode Island
Maryland
Connecticut
Alabama
New Hampshire
I am SHOCKED that Iowa doesn't make the top 10 of best commutes, while MINNESOTA does. I understand why Alaska would top the list - there's not a WHOLE lot of traffic in that state. But Iowa doesn't have a stressful commute while the roads around Minneapolis constantly LOCK UP.
My guess is Iowans have a longer commute than these states - even if drivers ARE dealing with less traffic.