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Most of us are proud of the state where we live for many reasons (and not so proud for others). But we don’t usually tend to think of our home territory as "fun" as compared with other places.
California, for example, is ranked the most fun state in WalletHub’s "Most Fun States in America (2026)." Florida is second. It’s hard not to wonder whether a certain mouse has something to do with that.
But it turns out Ohio isn’t doing too badly for itself, either. According to the report, the Buckeye State is the 15th most fun state in the country — 16th for entertainment and recreation, and 13th for nightlife.
West Virginia, on the other hand … well, we know by now how this goes. According to the researchers at WalletHub, the Mountain State is the LEAST fun in the country — 49th for entertainment and recreation, and 43rd for nightlife. West Virginia is also 47th for performing arts theaters per capita; 49th for fitness centers per capita; 48th for variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments; and 48th for personal expenditures on recreation services per capita.
It’s important to remember there is plenty of fun in West Virginia for those who enjoy a certain brand of wild, outdoorsy recreation; and plenty that doesn’t require much personal expenditure. But for purposes of remembering we’re trying to attract and retain residents and improve quality of life for everyone, the results of the study are important.
"Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor," said WalletHub analysts Chip Lupo. "These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they're also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore."
Ohio has some momentum to build on.
West Virginians who have listened to the young people in their lives complain "there’s nothing to do around here,” and then watched those same people grow up to move away to a state where quality of life - that includes fun - is much higher know it is an important factor to consider.