Maine Rises to the Top: Most Underrated State in America

Let’s be honest, we spend a lot of time poking and prodding at everything about Maine.

The goal of this activity is to determine the superlatives of this wonderful state: the best restaurant, the best coffee, the best campsite, the best beach, you get the point.

But what if we took a step back and realized that the best thing is simply the entire state of Maine? Maybe many of us already feel this way, but wouldn’t it still be nice to see it written down?

Well, now we can.

Is Maine One of the Most Underrated States in America?

The personal finance site Shebudgets.com put together a list of the 15 most underrated states in America. It's a group that clearly doesn’t get the love and recognition it deserves. And right there, listed at number one, is Maine.

It’s hard to disagree. Maine is a wonderful place to live and raise a family (if that’s your thing). There’s natural beauty all around us, a wealth of educational opportunities, a food scene that’s second to none, and very few people, which might just be our best quality.

Maine Has More Than Enough Reasons to be One of America's Best States

Not enough? Here’s more. The state is home to one of the best national parks, Acadia, and one of the best state parks, Baxter. There are incredible food exports like lobster, potatoes, and wild Maine blueberries. You can enjoy farmers' markets and festivals all year long, and the people here are actually nice — which isn’t always the case in the Northeast.

Plus, how many states let you climb a mountain in the morning and spend the rest of the day at the beach? You’re not climbing many mountains in Florida, and you’re certainly not finding a beach in Colorado.

READ MORE: Baxter State Park in Maine Named Best for Remote Camping

But enough from me, here’s a little from Shebudgets on why it selected Maine for this list.

(Maine) has stunning coastlines, charming small towns, and delicious seafood. Acadia National Park provides breathtaking views, excellent hiking opportunities, and a chance to see unique wildlife such as moose and puffins. Portland, the largest city, is known for its food scene, historic Old Port district with cobblestone streets, and artsy vibe.

Well, that all checks out.

It’s always wonderful to see Maine get this kind of recognition. However, we should all hope it stays underrated. Sure, people should know how amazing it is — but we don’t want too many of them moving here. We Mainers do like our serenity, now don’t we?