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.

Homelessness in the United States remains a pressing issue, especially as rates have surged by 18.1% in 2024—a historic high. Vulnerable populations face rising housing costs, mass migration, and evictions, with many renters categorized as “cost-burdened.” Meanwhile, over 14 million vacant homes exist across the country, a number that far exceeds what’s needed to house every homeless individual.

A study by the Mortgage Calculator team maps this disparity, highlighting states with the highest ratio of vacant homes to homeless individuals. Mississippi tops the list with 187.31 vacant homes per homeless person. Despite high poverty levels, the state’s low cost of living and relatively small homeless population contribute to this striking ratio. Southern states dominate the map’s highest ratios, reflecting the availability of vacant housing in rural areas. However, these areas often lack the economic infrastructure and job opportunities necessary to support new residents, complicating potential solutions.

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The findings reveal stark contrasts: urban areas, where jobs are more plentiful, tend to have higher homelessness rates but fewer vacant homes, while rural states have the opposite challenge. Advocates suggest that leveraging vacant housing could significantly reduce homelessness, but practical barriers remain. Addressing this issue will require not only repurposing unused housing but also creating sustainable economic opportunities to support vulnerable populations.

This study underscores the urgent need for innovative policies and programs to bridge the gap between empty housing and homelessness, offering hope for a more equitable future.

A study by Paper Boss sheds light on the countries generating the most garbage per person, revealing critical insights into global waste production and recycling efforts. The top 10 waste-producing nations are Bahrain, Comoros, Canada, Denmark, the U.S., Kuwait, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Moldova, and Luxembourg.

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Bahrain, despite its small size, leads the list with 907 kilograms of waste per person annually. Rapid population growth and high levels of construction and industrial activity contribute significantly to this figure. Canada, ranking third with 777 kilograms of waste per person, offsets some of its impact by recycling 27% of its trash.

Germany stands out as the global leader in recycling, with an impressive 47% recycling rate. This success stems from a well-established culture of sustainability, where children are taught to separate waste from an early age. Strict regulations, including fines for failing to recycle, further reinforce this commitment.

Interestingly, nations like Switzerland, Denmark, and Luxembourg appear on both the highest waste-producing and top-recycling lists, reflecting a complex balance between consumption and sustainability efforts.

The study underscores the pressing need to address rising waste levels worldwide. Countries like Germany demonstrate how prioritizing education, infrastructure, and accountability can lead to more sustainable practices. By adopting such strategies, other nations could work toward effectively reducing their environmental footprint and combating the global waste crisis.