Which is the most civilised State in America?

If one had to advise a young person which country to choose as an emigrant which one would it be?  I recently suggested Canada.  That promoted a lively correspondence, some of it coming from disillusioned ex-Canadians, who objected to almost everything from the climate to the taxes.  On the whole, Canada got more praise than criticism.

But supposing one chose the United States.  Which State would one choose?  For the British I think it would have to be Massachusetts – in European terms the State with the longest history and the highest civilisation.  For Australians, probably California, which has the outdoor climate and is, in any case, the closest State to Australia apart from Hawaii.  But which State would Americans choose?  Of course most Texans would choose Texas.  Who would choose New York?

Comments

[Desmond Taylor]

One cannot pick on just one state due to the diversity of states. I use the word 'diversi' in it's proper form, and not the stupid PC version. Here goes-Texas spring/Autumn, Maine for summer. New York to go to the shows for two weeks and drink Martini's at Sardi's. Half of winter, San Francisco (avoiding the weirdo's). Other half American Virgin Islands.

[Marion Stevenson]

Massachussetts has the highest civilization?? Lord Rees-Mogg has got to be kidding. With all those Kennedys running around out there! Has the Lord been to all the 50 U.S. States so as to make an informed choice? I doubt it. Some travelers think they have seen the U. S. if they've been to New York, Boston, L.A. and/or San Francisco.
Being from Wisconsin I naturally think it is the best; but I have been in all of the other states, and each has its good points and bad. Picking the best is an impossible task.

[Susan]

States are big and diverse places. Most states are bigger than the UK.

James Carville said that
"Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between. New York has Manhattan and very rual upstate counties. You would have to choose where in any state you would want to live. Different parts of states even have different climates.

[Bruce Russell]

Those who claim Massachusetts is the most civilized state must have never been to Massachusetts, unless a definition of 'highest civilization' that I am unfamiliar with is in use.

Further, I can't imagine a more ghastly climate. People from there seem to love it, but as has been pointed out, so do the folks from the other 49.

[James]

If it were not so "trendy" and trying so hard to be "pop," Minnesota might rank as # 1. Adjacent North Dakota also has great and manifest civic qualities.

[Shep Evans]

After living in London (Chester Square Mews) and Paris (18eme)for six years, I came back to the US, traveled far and wide, and settled in the extreme south-western part of Massachusetts. The countryside is idyllic, if you take to a culturally endowed rural lifestyle. Rolling wooded hills, lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, low population, extensive protected state forests and parks, relatively high property values, summer home to Boston Symphony, art museums, world famous Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, theater, pretty good fishing, very good hunting, good supply of quite good and varied restaurants. Often compared the Lake District in the UK. Known regionally as the Berkshire Hills, or simply "The Berkshires".
Epicenter is the village of Stockbridge, Google the StockbridgeChamber.org for extensive connections and information.

[Jeff Larsen]

I Think I will stick with Canada. So far they do not fingerprint you like a criminal when you arrive.

[STEPHEN BOWYER]

Its too bad that we CANADIANS are still plagued by pre-colonial neanderthals like you who can neither read a global map, nor understand that your BRITISH colonialism ended well and truly with the great Ghandi, who illustrated so clearly, as the Iran situation does today, that you are finished, and have been, as a colonialist power, for over a century. Let Britain be the 51st state. Not that I would care to revisit it. STEPHEN L. BOWYER