I've been thinking a lot about happiness lately, mostly because social media is basically a warehouse sale of unhappiness. That was my first big epiphany when I joined: wow, there are a LOT of unhappy people out there. And I'm not talking about those folks who simply wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they accidentally got happy. You know the type. We're leaving them alone today.
And no, this isn't a theological lecture on happiness versus joy. Today we're going full practical. Roll up your sleeves, let's go.
Most people want to be happy — they just can't figure out the directions from where they're standing. Too many folks believe happiness is a lucky bounce: good genes, good timing, good parking spot. Nope. Happiness is a choice. And the best way to find it is to follow the breadcrumbs of people who already got there.
So here's what I've learned from decades of watching happy people do their thing.
Note: after leaving Washington out, it's seven states in the lower 48. Here's the side-by-side:
| State | Politics | Avg Property Tax Rate | Senior Relief? | Summer High | Winter Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Purple, leaning red | ~0.9% | Homestead exemption + Save Our Homes cap; no income tax on retirement | ~91°F | ~50°F |
| Nevada | Red (was swing) | ~0.5% | Senior property tax abatement program | ~97°F | ~35°F |
| New Hampshire | Purple, leans blue in federal races | ~1.9% (highest here) | Senior exemption varies by town | ~82°F | ~12°F |
| South Dakota | Solid red | ~1.2% | Disabled/senior property tax freeze | ~86°F | ~11°F |
| Tennessee | Solid red | ~0.7% | Tax relief program for low-income seniors (~$47k income) | ~89°F | ~29°F |
| Texas | Solid red | ~1.6% | Over-65 homestead cap (school taxes frozen) | ~95°F | ~38°F |
| Wyoming | Solid red | ~0.6% | Veteran/disabled veteran exemptions | ~85°F | ~13°F |
Quick takeaways:
- Cheapest property taxes: Nevada and Wyoming, and both allow cheap rural land. Wyoming also has low overall tax burden — often ranked the most tax-friendly state in the country for retirees.
- Mildest weather: Florida wins on warmth but brings hurricanes and humidity.
- Coldest winters: New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- Politics filter: If you want red/purple only, that drops New Hampshire, the one blue-leaner on the list.
Property tax figures are statewide averages — actual bills vary a lot by county, and senior exemptions can cut them significantly.
