The State You Love to Hate: Every State’s Most Hated State

Montana

Least Favorite: Wyoming

Montana and Wyoming, both vast states with a rugged western charm, compete over tourism, especially when it comes to national parks and outdoor adventures. There’s also a friendly rivalry concerning cowboy culture and who truly represents the “Wild West.” Hunting rights and conservation issues also occasionally come into play between the two.

Nebraska

Least Favorite: Iowa

Apart from the aforementioned sports rivalry between Nebraska and Iowa, these states compete agriculturally, especially when it comes to corn production. Residents sometimes banter over which state is the true “heart” of the Midwest. Water rights and resources from the Missouri River can also be a point of contention.

Nevada

Least Favorite: California

Nevada’s relationship with California is multifaceted. While tourism flows freely between the two, there’s competition over who offers the best entertainment, with Las Vegas and Los Angeles being major hubs. Nevadans often express concerns about Californians moving to their state and influencing housing markets and local politics. Water rights from resources like Lake Tahoe also cause disputes.

New Hampshire

Least Favorite: Vermont

New Hampshire and Vermont, while similar in many aspects, have a sibling-like rivalry. They compete over tourism, especially during the autumn months and ski season. Debates over who has the better maple syrup, cheese, or craft beer are common. Political differences, with New Hampshire leaning more libertarian and Vermont more progressive, add to their dynamic.

New Jersey

Least Favorite: New York

New Jersey often finds itself in the shadow of its larger neighbor, New York. The competition is especially evident in areas like finance, entertainment, and sports. New Jerseyans sometimes feel their state is overlooked or unfairly characterized by outsiders, especially in comparison to the cultural juggernaut of New York City. Transportation and infrastructure issues, like debates over bridges, tunnels, and train lines, further the rivalry.