The top states for business and where to live.

When I look into a city or state to live and to start a business want to find several key factors: How strong is the economy there? What is the foreclosure ratio? What is the cost of living? What is the average home income? What is the crime rate?

I began doing research on different locations where I could see my self living and where I could be more or less successful when opening a business. A helpful article by CNBC gave me some numbers and thoughts.

Virginia reclaims the title of America’s Top State for Business this year according to CNBC, squeezing past last year’s Top State, Texas. Texas is still a business powerhouse—the Lone Star State still has the top economy in the nation despite the falling price of oil, and its transportation infrastructure remain second to none. But Virginia, always a solid performer across the board, managed just enough improvement in the right areas—like Economy from 17th to 7th this year to regain the title it won in 2007.

Texas, meanwhile, lost crucial points in our most important category, cost of doing business. Texas office rents rose, perhaps because of its strong economy, and its business taxes went up as a share of the state’s output. Because the economy deteriorated so quickly at the end of 2008, and some metrics are much more current than others, America’s Top States for Business 2009 reflects only the earliest effects of the slowdown on the competitive landscape. But still, the effects are pronounced.

An interesting factor deciding the top areas is the quality of life for the residents of the states. Virginia comes in at number 17 and Texas at number 32. This is basing these numbers off of crime rates, health care, local attractions, ect. A strong point for Utah and Colorado was that they ranked at 7 and 10 best states for quality of living. Ive lived in areas like Los Angeles and Dallas where crime is high, foreclosures are high, and its not comfortable living. I couldn't leave my home without knowing that the alarm was set. I like the thought of raising a family in Utah or Colorado where the quality of life is higher.

After looking more into this article with CNBC "Americas top states for Business" I would have to agree with their top 5.

The top 5 states to do business are

1. Virginia

2. Texas

3. Colorado

4. Iowa

5. Utah