Quote from bond_trad3r:
You bring up an excellent point about Chicago. It is highly taxes and one has to look no further than Blagojevich to see that the state's politicans are fuck heads. The difference is that Illinois has Chicago, one of the greatest cities in the world. Same deal with New York state, high taxes with plenty of downside but it's offset with New York City which is just fucking amazing. IMHO, Michigan has nothing to offset its shittinest.
One of the states I'm really impressed with is Texas. Austin and San Antonio are amazing. Plus taxes are so low! Very little bullshit with very few rights being infringed upon. It's also warm with very little threat of natural disasters outside the occasional hurricane along the coast.
If I had to pick a number one state, it would be Texas. It's cities are no where near Chicago but they're decent and safe for the single young urban professional or if you want to raise a family. I'm also a fan of Louisville, KY. Great town!