Gov. Kelly Ayotte is maintaining the trend set by her Republican predecessor, Chris Sununu, keeping the Granite State near the top of the rankings as one of America’s best places to live and work.
During Sununu’s time in office, U.S. News & World Report routinely placed New Hampshire in the top tier of its “Best States” category.
On Tuesday, Ayotte took to social media to tout the latest U.S. News ranking, naming New Hampshire the number one state for public safety and economic opportunity, and number two on the “best places to live” list.
It’s a repeat in the standings from a year ago.
“It’s no surprise that our state was once again named one of the best in the country – New Hampshire is the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ayotte said in a statement. “Today’s ranking is a testament to our dedicated law enforcement officers, hardworking business leaders, and energetic, independent people.”
New Hampshire earned the top spot in the country for economic opportunity, public safety, and corrections outcomes — which covers statistics like a state’s incarceration rate and percentage of juvenile offenders.
Two other New England states joined New Hampshire in the top 10, including Vermont at number seven and Massachusetts at number nine.
Yet no other state in the region came close when it comes to economic opportunity.
“Together, we’ll protect what makes our state exceptional and work to deliver an even brighter future for all of New Hampshire,” Ayotte added.
Other categories that saw the Granite State receive high marks include internet access (#3), low pollution rates (#2), economic equality (#3), and natural environment (#4).
“The state’s natural beauty stands out more for its valleys, rivers, lakes, and mountains than its mere 13 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline,” U.S. News commented regarding New Hampshire’s ranking. “Its highest peak, Mount Washington, stands at 6,288 feet in the White Mountains, and Lake Winnipesaukee is its best-known inland resort.
“Today, the old mills and warehouses lining the Merrimack in Manchester have gone high-tech. ‘Smart manufacturing’ and high-tech industries account for much of the state’s economy today, much of this concentrated along the seacoast and Merrimack and Upper Valleys.”
Ayotte has made public safety a top priority since taking office in January, and she gave the state’s law enforcement community a shoutout on Tuesday.
“I’m proud that New Hampshire once again ranks #1 for public safety — a testament to the dedicated men and women at every level of law enforcement,” Ayotte said. “Together, we will continue to protect our communities, recruit and retain the best officers, and ensure New Hampshire remains the safest state in the nation.”
