Abilene also has a cost of living that is 16 percent below the national average. Climate change is expected to have many impacts on agriculture, forests, and other ecosystems in the Midwest. Expect to pay big time for the fun and sun, though. Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff are all in the top 25 sunniest cities in the US, and Phoenix ranks #1 with an annual sunshine rate of 85.8%. The ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matchin Our list took some time. Tampa has miles and miles of beaches, 150 city parks, and outdoor adventures. If affordable housing is your number one priority, you'll find few places in the Pacific Northwest quite so appealing as Southeast Redmond, Washington. 03-10-2011, 12:34 AM Scott5280 Location: Denver Colorado So, among the 50 states, which are the sunniest? Class D-2's third-place game closes out the day at Northwest at 3 p.m. Odessa has three main industries: medicine, energy and education. It has been the location of the Olympics as well as the World's Fair, both in 1904. One of the most beautiful places in the United States is the endless fields of prairie land in Kansas. If you do not have permission, continuing to attempt to access this site and its resources Its well worth the effort of bundling up and hitting the trails to see the males of nearly 20 different species showing off their iridescent greens and shimmering mohawks as they vie for mates. Dental visits. Like Denver 244 miles to the east, Grand Junction is close to outdoor adventures. Below, we will explore the 12 officially sunniest states in the US and how much sunshine they get every year. Data comes from the Census Bureau's 2019 1-year American Community Survey. Top industries include agriculture, energy, and healthcare. Or you can cool off on a houseboat on Lake Powell. The median household income is $53,368, compared to $78,672 for the state. The Great Plains side of the Midwest is sunnier than the Great Lakes side. Go your own way, or join a naturalist-led historical maple sugar tour. So, why wouldnt you want to move to a one of the nations sunniest cities? Sunny days help make Albuquerque the hot air balloon capital of the world. Writer: Kate Silver Horicon Marsh: Horicon, WI Using our list of the top 10 sunniest states in the country, and with data from Sterlings Best Places, we narrowed down our list and found the three most affordable small towns in each of these 10 states. The Tampa Riverwalk connects you to museums and attractions. Yet, despite having more precipitation than most states in the country, Louisiana is also one of the sunniest states, having annual average sunshine of 4,725 kJ/m. Need a job? We compared cities across eight metrics: Percentage of the population that is 65 and older. And while sunny Florida might immediately spring to mind as a retirement spot that meets those criteria, the Midwestern United States is becoming an increasingly popular place for retirees. For more than 50 years, three glass-and-concrete beehive domes have lent a mid-century modern twist to the landscape near the Milwaukee Brewers ballpark. Thats great news if you want to hike at nearby Red Rock Canyon or camp at Valley of Fire State Park. Discover the Little-Known U.S. River Gorge That's, The 9 Best Books About National Parks for Travelers, worlds highest recorded wind speeds of 302 mph, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 6 Worst Tornadoes in the United States and the Destruction They Caused, Meet the 10 Largest Land Owners in Montana. New Mexico receives an annual average sunlight of 5,642 kJ/m spread throughout a 293-day average period. Cozy harbors, rolling fields, tree-dense parks, and grand mountain views lend their notes to the symphony that is the San Juan Islands. The quantity of sunshine in Florida is excellent all year, so its no surprise that its known as the Sunshine State. In the summer, the excessive humidity makes the heat unbearable, while there are sometimes instances of extreme heat. Colorado has a dry climate due to its location far inland and far away from any big bodies of water. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Midwest. While the city boasts sunshine 81 percent of the time, it has a moderate climate. From wineries, lavender fields, covered bridges, and more, there are tons of romantic things to do and see there. You can find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio. Of the 30 cities that get the least . 1: Yuma, AZ, 90% No. Along with the Hall of Fame, there is also a museum you can tour. This is in part due to Lubbock being the home of Texas Tech University. But its citizens earn a median household income of $53,620. Yuma, Arizona, is considered the sunniest city in the US, with 320 sunny days on average per year, but even more impressive is that, according to the World Meteorological Organization, it is also the world's sunniest place! Looking for work? But like Phoenix and Tucson, it gets a lot of sun. services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries Get started by comparing moving quotes. With annual average sunshine of 5,296 kJ/m, the states 252-day average of sunny days contribute to its already arid climate. This attractive lifestyle comes at a price, though. 11. The city is home to several historical sites and parks. Even the campus of Purdue University is full of beautiful historic buildings to admire. For the most part, Indiana is a collection of family-friendly small towns. Below, we will explore the ten sunniest places in Oregon. Less than a two-hour drive south of Phoenix, the city of Tucson also enjoys the sun roughly 85 percent of the time, too. This former copper mining town sits in the mountains along the eastern edge of Nevada. Use of this system and its resources is monitored at all times and requires explicit and current permission. SmartAsset found the best places to retire in the Midwest by looking at data on 98 cities with populations of at least 65,000. If youve seen or visited any of these Midwest vacation spots, Id love to hear about it in the comments! It was originally built in 1892 and for over 100 years it has been welcoming visitors. Thus, it is not surprising that Texas is among the states that get the most sunlight, with an annual sunshine average of 5,137 kJ/m. It traveled a distance of 38 miles in 85 minutes. Counties to the west of the Cascade mountains get relatively little sunlight, while counties to the east get considerably more. The downside? So plan ahead! Utah has an average of 238 sunny days per year, which is more than the national average of 205 sunny days. The cost of living is 50 percent higher than the national average. To get around, youll either need to walk, bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The National Preserve consists of over 11,000 acres of beautiful grasses. I never leave home on a trip without myBobble filtration bottle. Midwest Explored Privacy Policy:https://midwestexplored.com/privacy-policy/, 16 Best Things To Do in Madison WI You ShouldntMiss. Ranked by the World Meteorological Organization, the sunniest places on Earth are concentrated heavily in the southwestern United States, northern and western Australia, South Africa, northern. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. Have some feedback for us? Plus, you can escape the heat by driving two hours north to the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine trees in the world. If youre looking for a romantic Midwestern vacation, you cant go wrong with a trip to Door County. As a real estate investor, she wrote extensively for Personal Real Estate Investor. We understand there's a lot of good in every place. However, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center is attracting high-paying jobs to the area. And we evaluated them based on the median listing home price, cost of living, and other important factors. From unique museums, amazing restaurants, and pretty parks there is so much to choose from! Check out these beautiful places to retire that won't stretch your bank account. The land was eventually purchased by the state of Missouri and became a State Park. And beer lovers can sip local brews from the nations best breweries. 17 Romantic Getaways in MichiganCouples Will Love - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Things To Do In Michigan City IN You Shouldn't Miss - Midwest Explored, 15 Small Towns in Iowa You Must Visit - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Places To Go Camping In Illinois - Midwest Explored, https://midwestexplored.com/privacy-policy/. Its off the beaten tourist path west of the Loop but worth a stop to see one of the nations largest conservatories, and admission is free. Chicago, the biggest city in the region, ranks near the bottom in our study, and other major urban centers. Dont Believe The Myths About Light Therapy! And yes, there are some adorable and affordable small towns, but sometimes they rarely see the sun! The counties surrounding Millbrook also tie with the county surrounding Auburn by having 214 sunny days each year. Inside, youll find exhibits on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the years. Its cost of living is 12 percent below the national average and the median sold price for a home is $267,000. Summers in Kansas are generally hot, with mild winters and moderate humidity. The largest city in Central California is also one of the states sunniest. http://www.bestplaces.net Wichita is a fun and vibrant city in Kansas that has something for everyone to enjoy. So here you have it. To learn more about these cities and towns, check out Moving.coms City Profile Report feature. Unlike those cities, Fresno remains affordable. Youll also pay 44 percent more than the national average for a home. Many of them you can easily walk into and explore. Tucson's cost of living is 6 percent below the national average and its median listing home price is $350,000. Still, it may be worth the money to live a short drive from Southern Californias beaches. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack. CEO of TN Nursery. Fort Ouiatenon is another historical park that is built to resemble an 18th-century French fur-trading village. But other things affect it, too, such ascloud cover and air pollution. For an island escape in the Midwest, youll want to plan a Midwest vacation to Mackinac Island. The Midwest is full of amazing vibrant cities to explore. Cordoba, Spain. Since so few weather stations measure sunshine, meaningful state-wide averages aren't available. 10: Sacramento, CA, 78% Youll have to drive about three hours to Wichita for some big city amenities since Dodge City. Although not as expensive as Los Angeles, the cost of living here is well above the national average. Surrounded by pine trees and mountains, Flagstaff doesnt fit the stereotypical image of Arizona. It can be a good time of year to explore Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, just be sure to pack warm clothes for the cold nights. Home | Privacy & Cookies | Contact | About. One of the sunniest cities in the Sunshine State, Tampa boasts 244 days of sunshine per year. Gulf Shores, Alabama. Like many sunny cities, Flagstaff has a hefty price tag. Or plan a romantic diner at one of the many amazing restaurants. The nations second largest city ranks as its 15th sunniest. This beautiful state park beach on the St. Croix River offers calm places to swim and recline on sunny days. Of course, there's more to the city than that in the winter, visitors can snowshoe, snow bike,. Residents cool off on the banks of the Sacramento, American, and San Joaquin rivers. It has a cost of living that is 1 percent below the national average. The median home sales price is $752,500, and the cost of living is 17 percent higher than the national average. Size up fruits and veggies at the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market onSaturday morningsin the Conservatory Annex. For that, youll need to drive 165 miles north to the Miami area. Total Hours is the average number of sunny hours a place normally has in a year. Average sunlight generally diminishes as you head farther north, though you can see that sunlight isn't simply a function of map placement. Are you a fan of sunshine? Its 4,200 residents enjoy sunny days with an average over 80 degrees in the summer. Its the perfect place for an adventurous excursion when youre looking for places to visit in the Midwest. The state gets an average of 222 sunny days each year. The median listing home price is $324,000 or $185 per square foot. Most of these towns arent going to show up on the must see places list when youre planning a trip. Furthermore, nothing revitalizes ones health like a good walk in the sunshine. Yakima residents enjoy four distinct seasons. Badlands National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest. One of the most popular times to visit Chicago is during the magical Christmas season. If you live in the Midwest and desperately need to get out of the house to smell the fresh air and wiggle your toes in warm beach sand, you have options that you have never considered. Tammy enjoys writing about horticulture, life off the grid, and anything outdoors. Or they boat on nearby Folsom Lake. The Sunniest Areas in the U.S. You may be surprised to learn that North Dakota has a Scandinavian Heritage Park. In the winter, they can hit the slopes at acclaimed ski resorts. Even in the winter, particularly at high altitudes of the state, sun protection is necessary when there is less atmosphere to safeguard you from damaging UV radiation. The % Sun number measures the percentage of time between sunrise and sunset that sunshine reaches the ground.Total Hours is the average number of sunny hours the city normally has in a year.Clear Days is the average number of days annually when cloud covers at . The map below isinteractive, so you can mouse over your own county to see how it measures up with everyone else (apologies to Alaska and Hawaii: You guys aren't included in NASA's data). Illinois is actually full of some beautiful waterfalls. The absolute least sunny county in the lower U.S. is Island County, Wash. On an average day, it gets only about 60 percent of the solar radiation of a typical county in Southern California. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will Although Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State, it isnt precisely the sunniest state in the country. The record high temperature in Phoenix is 122 degrees which happened on June 26, 1990. Image is a map by SmartAsset titled "Top 10 Cities to Retire in the Midwest." 1. Californias climate ranges from a sweltering desert to alpine tundra based on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast. Don't leave without checking out some of the fascinating fossils discovered in the park. 12. Its one of the unique things to do in North Dakota that is also an educational experience. The US average is 205 sunny days. These towns are off the radar, quiet, and honestly, theyre kind of perfect! The Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the top attractions in Nebraska. If you have kids, research the schools before you move, though. The Tonti Canyon Creek waterfalls drop 60 feet into a pool of water. The cost of living is 17 percent below the national average. Badlands National Park is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. In fact, Ohio had 8 out of the top 14 worst places in the midwest. There's information by state on the annual averages for percent, hours and days of sun. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Think things cool down at night? Temperatures range from 49 degrees in January to 94 degrees in July. Insolation is affected by some obvious things, like latitude (incoming sunlight gets weaker as you move farther away from the equator)andtime of year (shorter days equal less sun). Nevada receives 26 days of precipitation each year, with an average of 5 inches of rain per rainy day, compared to a national average of 38 inches. The least cloudy place in the record is the Dakhla Oasis. Unfortunately, 20 years later, a fire destroyed the castle and left it in ruins. Just south of Hawaii and east of the Pacific island of Kiribati is a very sunny location. San Juan Islands, Washington. Its 275 days of sunshine per year attracts people from around the world. Lafayette is one of the coolest Midwest vacation spots for history lovers. Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Flower and Garden Show. While there are plenty of bigger cities in the Midwest, smaller locales lead this study. They come through as soon as the ice is gone, says Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife educator Liz Herzmann, but a lot of people miss it because its still chilly.. There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. On average, there are 170 sunny days per year in Michigan. Yuma, Arizona. Miami is home to one of the hottest nightlife scenes in the nation. It's located in the South Central region of Washington in the Yakima Valley. As immigrants began heading west, the Pioneers would also begin using it as a landmark. This time of year, the forecast carries a 100% chance of hopewith a possibility of flurries. My daughter gifted me with thisFugeTek selfie stick and tripodsetup for my birthday. If so, you better get out there and soak it up while you can. But what stood out was the fact that 10 states were on the list more than the rest of the states. Stepping inside Festival Hall at Navy Pier for this annual show (March 1418, 2018) is like walking into spring, complete with teeming koi ponds, pergolas and tens of thousands of blooms bedded in earthy-fresh mulch. But there are some downsides. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Midwest. Great Falls, MT, USA 3. If you are a foodie, there are many mouth-watering restaurants in Lincoln NE for you to choose from after a busy day exploring the city. When March is coming in like a lion, head for this glass-topped botanical haven, where the weather is always in lamb mode. I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day. What Lives At The Bottom of The Mississippi River? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is easily one of the best places to go camping in Michigan. Professionals Movers or Moving Containers? If youre looking for the best places to visit in the Midwest then youve come to the right place! To honor that impact, the Scandinavian Heritage Park was created. Throughout the year the museum also hosts concerts and events that you can attend. Comparative Climatic Data. This sunny city has a lot going for it. 3: Las Vegas, NV, 85% No. One of the best places to admire Minnesotas fall foliage is in Minnehaha Regional Park. It has one of the lowest relative humidity percentages in the country, making it one of the driest states in the US. Its cost of living is 15 percent below the national average. There are also ruins scattered throughout the acres of land. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventures, stunning museums, or vibrant cities, there is a Midwestern vacation just for you. Sandy beaches, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes make it ideal . There is a 6-mile loop trail that can be a bit tricky, but the reward is definitely worth the effort. Percent of Sunny Days per Year: 53% Average Inches of Rain per Year: 8 inches. The oceans and seas may be the place to look for long continuous periods of sunshine. Ann Arbor, MI Carmel, IN Cedar Rapids, IA Columbia, MO Columbus, OH Fort Wayne, IN Madison, WI Naperville, IL Omaha, NE Overland Park, KS Rochester, MN Sioux Falls, SD Ann Arbor, MI Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Southeast Redmond, Washington. So is the housing market, which has a median listing home price of $245,000. Elevations in the state range from less than 500 feet in the sweltering lowlands to more than 13,000 feet in the freezing alpine forests of the north. 305 Followers. Minnehaha Regional Park is close to Minneapolis, and its one of the best things to do in the area. The climate of Arizona, which is located in the southwest, is not uniform and varies widely within the state due to its vast size and varied elevation. Throw in some great schools, an unfeasibly low crime rate, and . (Weather station: Kearney Municipal, USA). If you can adjust to the hot summers, there are plenty of reasons to move, though. Black Point Estate and Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. On the flip side, the least-sunny day of the year is Dec. 26. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when traveling to the coolest places in the Midwest. The median listing home price comes in at a reasonable $392,300. How To Use Light Therapy Only The Facts! Plus, its median listing home price is $222,000 or $122 per square foot. Looking for a summery shopping experience? They are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Lafayette. These are Officially the 12 Sunniest States in the United States. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. Within the park, there are 13 caves that you can explore. This western Colorado city sees the sun 69 percent of the time. It is a unique rock formation that Native Americans once used as a landmark when they were traveling. In deserts, blowing sand can block out the sun, reducing the sunlight hours even without clouds. registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. If youre ready to turn your back on winter, try soaking up sunshine and new life at one of these destinations. 7. . The cost of living is 4 percent below the national average. Photo: Courtesy of Patrick L. Pyszka/City of Chicago. It makes for a fun family vacation in the Midwest, and its one you wont forget. While there, youll learn about early Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finish, and Icelandic immigrants to the area. Fortunately, Moving.coms extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. From here on out it's nothing but a slippery downward slope toward shorter days, polar vortices and pumpkin spice lattes. National Climatic Data Center. Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage in Minnesota when you plan your family vacation in the Midwest. Housing is 130 percent above the national average. But thats not the only benefit of living in New Mexicos largest city. If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the midwest, here are some tips on how to pack lightly. The median listing home price in Midland is $335,000 versus $269,000 in Odessa. Studies show that sunshine can improve your health and mood, boost your immune system, and increase your longevity. Within Ha Ha Tonka State Park youll find some beautiful castle ruins. Charlotte: 74 nice days. Sunlight here is measured viaincoming solar radiation, or insolation (anyone else having flashbacks to earth science class?). Also known as The Hoosier State. Historically, the city sees only 18 days with a heat index of more than 100 degrees. Anchorage, Alaska While on the island, you will find no cars. In 2018, the arch became a national park and continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. SmartAssets There are museums, the best restaurants, shops, and more to explore. If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider anexternal charging battery. Climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a place. At Prophetstown State Park you'll be able to explore a unique living history museum. For instance, youll be able to tour an authentic Sigdal home or the Gol Stave Church. Start with number 50 and work your way down to the towns that really make our hearts flutter. Housing prices are close to the current national average of $507,800, and the economy is strong. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. Read it a few times, make a couple pros and cons lists, and start packing those bags and dont forget your sunscreen! Been to Omaha but not Lincoln, loved it! Miamians cool off in the ocean or embrace the heat on a hike. It has a median home listing price of $248,000. Phoenix gets an average of 300 sunny days every year, while Yuma sees sunshine about 320 days per year, making it the states sunniest city. If youre on a budget but want to live in a sunny city, Amarillo may be a good choice. Thus, the energy and sunlight these states receive also vary depending on location and other factors. Sacramento sees the sun 265 days of the year, or roughly 77 percent of the time. Its high desert climate delivers warm days and cool evenings, making it comfortable year-round. One of the most popular is the Weisman Art Museum. They start at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. New Light Therapy Device : The Valkee Human Charger LED Headset, Best Light Therapy Devices For A College Dorm. Despite the sun, it doesnt get as hot as Phoenix and Tucson. The cost of living is 1 percent higher than the national average, and the median home sales price is $332,000. It's quaint, adorable, and a great place to spend time outdoors. Seattle: 78 nice days per year. For the most sun year-round, Arizona is your best bet, with Yuma, Phoenix, and Tucson taking top spots on the list. Yuma, Arizona takes the cake (and the Guinness World Record) as the official sunniest spot in the world with an average of 11 hours of sun per day, and with so much sunlight, the Southwestern city is a haven for the outdoorsy. Climate of the World. There are nearly 2,000 different species! The cost of living is 43 percent above the national average. Portland: 74 nice days. As an excellent alternative, you might want to visit some of the vintage small towns in Nebraska! The majority of the year is bright and sunny throughout the state, and on average, the state gets 217 sunny days. The Centurions trailed 30-15 in . Red light therapy, light therapy products, light therapy reviews. But it also boasts the first spaceport at a major commercial airport. Gateway Arch National Park is home to the famous metal arch that can be found in St. Louis. Additionally, Albuquerque remains a great value. If youre looking for a unique family vacation in the Midwest, then I suggest going camping! Yakima is one of the best places to live with low humidity. Comparative Climatic Data for the United States Through 2020 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)Local Market Trends Realtor.com Economic Research, Teresa Bitler has been covering moving, real estate, home improvement and home decor for more than 15 years. You will want abackpack or daypackwith you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking Thisfoldable water-resistant backpackwould be great. The city is also windy, making it a hub for wind turbines and renewable energy. According to scientists who study the regions prior climate, the current megadrought is the driest two-decade period in at least 1,200 years, and it is expected to last at least another year, if not longer. Permission and instructions to access this system can be obtained from the SmartAsset access control O-H-I-Oh no! Keokuk, Iowa. Overall, the Southwest gets the most sun in an average day, along with select regions on the Gulf Coast and the southern tip of Florida. Traverse City's proximity to Grand Traverse Bay and blossoming foodie and craft beer scene have made it the chic summer hang in the Midwest. Every spring, more than 2,000 people head to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for one of its biggest events of the year: Maple Sugar Fest (check website for 2018 dates). Chicago is easily one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Homes are also affordable. Further out, Eldorado National Forest offers shady pines and cool waterways. At just $104,553, the cost of a single-family home is $80,000 less than the US average. With 292 of sun per year, Las Vegas earns a spot among the nations sunniest cities. New Mexicos hot climate has long been a draw, particularly for retirees and those seeking respiratory and other ailments treatment. Construction started in 1963 and took about two years. The median listing home price is $230,000. Boise, the capital city of Idaho, is one of the most beautiful places to live in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best places in the U.S. for year-round weather. This Texas city on the U.S.-Mexico border rarely sees a cloudy day, let alone a rainy one. They are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Lafayette. Baby animals might lead the online cuteness parade, but Chicagos legendary (and free!) More often than not, retirees will find the most affordable and sunniest retirement destinations in the southernmost state of the continental U.S. Florida.