Charts
Explore the Best States for Car Enthusiasts
Do you have a passion for fast cars, scenic drives, and classic automobiles? If so, you might be curious about which states cater best to car lovers. The experts at Speedway Motors have developed a ranking system that evaluates each state based on the factors most important to auto enthusiasts. Their in-depth analysis reveals which parts of the country offer the best experience for those who live and breathe cars.
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How the Rankings Were Determined
Determining the ultimate destination for car fans isn’t an exact science, but the research team considered a variety of key factors to ensure a well-rounded assessment. Here’s what they looked at:
- The percentage of roads in excellent condition
- The average number of snow days per year
- The frequency of hailstorms annually
- Registration costs and duration
- The price of fuel per gallon
- The percentage of uninsured drivers
- The number of car shows held in the state
- The availability of auto racing venues
Do these factors align with what you’d consider important for an ideal car-friendly state? We think this method covers all the essential aspects—driving conditions, costs, events, and opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the road.
Top States for Car Lovers
Based on this ranking system, the following states earned top spots for their well-maintained roads, favorable weather, affordable fuel, and exciting car culture:
- Florida
- Alabama
- Idaho
- North Carolina
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Arizona
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Kentucky
Florida takes the lead as the best state for car enthusiasts, thanks to its warm climate, minimal snowfall, and well-kept roads. Car lovers will also appreciate the numerous auto events, such as the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where rare and luxury cars take center stage. Racing fans, on the other hand, can enjoy the adrenaline rush of the iconic Daytona 500. Even though fuel prices are slightly above average, Florida’s thriving car culture more than makes up for it.
The State with the Most Car Meet-Ups
This chart’s strength comes from the way it breaks down specific aspects that appeal to car lovers. For example, if you don’t care about driving as much as you care about attending car shows, you can re-evaluate the rankings and bring the states with the highest scores for car shows to the top of your list. This would make California the top state in terms of car shows, with more than any other state. Monterey Car Week alone can satisfy even the most passionate enthusiasts!
The State with the Best Roads
For those who express their love of cars with road trips, you’ll be interested to know that Alabama has the best-kept roads in the nation. 75% of them are well-maintained and in good condition. They’re closely followed by New Hampshire at 74%.
States with Low Gas Prices
It’s hard to enjoy a good road trip if you blow your budget on gas. Oklahoma offers the most value for your money, with average gas prices of $2.53 per gallon at the time of the study. Texas came in second place at $.259 per gallon.