Tucson is usually a few degrees cooler in the summer, though. States in the West and upper Midwest clearly lead the nation as best . Although not as expensive as Los Angeles, the cost of living here is well above the national average. I was born and raised in the Midwest and its one of my favorite regions to explore. Cozy harbors, rolling fields, tree-dense parks, and grand mountain views lend their notes to the symphony that is the San Juan Islands. If youve seen or visited any of these Midwest vacation spots, Id love to hear about it in the comments! Doing this gave us 30 towns on our list. World Data Center for Meteorology. Loves junk stores, antiques, and spending time with family. If you decide to move, youll enjoy Elys low cost of living, which is 11 percent below the national average. Traverse City's proximity to Grand Traverse Bay and blossoming foodie and craft beer scene have made it the chic summer hang in the Midwest. The metro area of Millbrook has an overall average of 216 sunny days each year. I never leave home on a trip without myBobble filtration bottle. The median home sales price is $752,500, and the cost of living is 17 percent higher than the national average. They come through as soon as the ice is gone, says Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife educator Liz Herzmann, but a lot of people miss it because its still chilly.. The Midwest is full of amazing vibrant cities to explore. But what stood out was the fact that 10 states were on the list more than the rest of the states. This area of the United States is very underrated, and often passed over when it comes to vacation destinations or corporate events. Soak it up Whats your baby fave? The areas rainfall follows a seasonal pattern, with the most rain occurring between December and March. Life on Earth would not thrive without the suns warmth and light (solar energy). Sunniest Midwest Cities I think Kansas City would be close to Minneapolis in sunshine. Its one of the most popular things to do in St. Louis and Missouri in general. While it certainly gets hot with 64 days of the year climbing above 90 degrees, you'll also reach lows in the negatives and even enjoy up to 9 inches of snow on average. Of the two communities, Midland is more expensive. We compared cities across eight metrics: Percentage of the population that is 65 and older. For instance, youll be able to tour an authentic Sigdal home or the Gol Stave Church. With 54 holes on-site and a casino down the road, the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme offers a perfect home base for golfers. July is the hottest month when temperatures typically range between 100 and 110 degrees. Yakima is one of the best places to live with low humidity. It makes for a fun family vacation in the Midwest, and its one you wont forget. Insolation is affected by some obvious things, like latitude (incoming sunlight gets weaker as you move farther away from the equator)andtime of year (shorter days equal less sun). Climate of the World. Weve made a list of the Top 50 Most Affordable Sunny Small Towns in the U.S. The ruins are of a European-style castle that was built in the early 1900s. Get ready to get sticky. In 2016, zoo fans named baby Otaruin a weeklong vote, continuing a tradition of naming each baby at the Regenstein Macaque Forest after a Japanese city with the same first letter as its moms namein this case, Ono. In the winter, it receives 11 hours of sunlight and 13 hours in the summer. Youll find the city all lit up, with ice skating rinks, massive Christmas decorations and illuminated trees. Items that require climate controlled storage, Preparing Your Vehicle for Auto Transport, Before You Rent a Car Trailer: Cost and Tips, Comparative Climatic Data for the United States Through 2020 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Local Market Trends Realtor.com Economic Research, Moving to Portsmouth, VA: Things to Know Before You Move, Moving to Hartford, CT: Things to Know Before You Move, Moving to Nashua NH: Things to Know Before You Move, Moving to Brighton, NY: Things to Know Before You Move, Heres What Your Money Can Buy in Connecticut Right Now, Moving to Start a Business? It is also known as Bomb City because its home to the nations only nuclear assembly factory. Sunny. The climate is mainly influenced by the low latitudes and proximity to the Gulf. San Diegos cost of living is 51 percent above the national average. Even the campus of Purdue University is full of beautiful historic buildings to admire. Kansas is known for its large sky and broad expanses and its gorgeous, dramatic sunsets. On average, there are 170 sunny days per year in Michigan. But like Phoenix and Tucson, it gets a lot of sun. "One of my favorite warm cities to visit in November is Gulf Shores, Alabama. But its not cheap to live here. 2. Both the cost of living and house prices exceed the national average. New Mexicos hot climate has long been a draw, particularly for retirees and those seeking respiratory and other ailments treatment. No matter what youre interested in, Lincoln Nebraska is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Its impressive Education and Visitor Center is open seven days a week, but the real action this time of year is in the tens of thousands of ducks stopping by the marshlands to fuel up on invertebrates, fish and leftover field corn on their migration from South America, Central America and the southern United States to the northern United States and Canada. If affordable housing is your number one priority, you'll find few places in the Pacific Northwest quite so appealing as Southeast Redmond, Washington. Average hours of sunshine per day: 11 hours. The. administrators. The median listing home price comes in at a reasonable $392,300. But these average numbers don't capture the variation in sunlight an area receives duringa given year. I absolutely love it! Elevations in the state range from less than 500 feet in the sweltering lowlands to more than 13,000 feet in the freezing alpine forests of the north. Size up fruits and veggies at the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market onSaturday morningsin the Conservatory Annex. Abilene also has a cost of living that is 16 percent below the national average. Considering that the median price per square foot is $923, chances are that house will be tiny. Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska. But the city offers a great quality of life and has some of the states best public schools. This western Colorado city sees the sun 69 percent of the time. Are you a fan of sunshine? You can only reach the island via ferry or plane. The city is the eighth largest in Washington State. Odessa has three main industries: medicine, energy and education. Californias climate ranges from a sweltering desert to alpine tundra based on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast. The citys cost of living is 18 percent below the national average. Further out, Eldorado National Forest offers shady pines and cool waterways. Looking for a fun Midwest vacation for families? This city 100 miles south of Denver offers plenty of sunshine at an affordable price. It has a cost of living that is 6 percent below the national average. As an excellent alternative, you might want to visit some of the vintage small towns in Nebraska! Start with number 50 and work your way down to the towns that really make our hearts flutter. Minnehaha Regional Park is close to Minneapolis, and its one of the best things to do in the area. services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. Just south of Hawaii and east of the Pacific island of Kiribati is a very sunny location. 17 Romantic Getaways in MichiganCouples Will Love - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Things To Do In Michigan City IN You Shouldn't Miss - Midwest Explored, 15 Small Towns in Iowa You Must Visit - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Places To Go Camping In Illinois - Midwest Explored, https://midwestexplored.com/privacy-policy/. It also ranks as one of the nations best cities for air quality and is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. [], [] is a popular place to visit in Midwest with its gorgeous countryside scenery and surrounding [], [] And such a cool place to visit in the Midwest! At just $104,553, the cost of a single-family home is $80,000 less than the US average. Commercial space rental rates are cheap. Within the striking building, youll find an impressive collection of art. For that, youll need to drive 165 miles north to the Miami area. Minneapolis is pretty decently sunny. Sponsored Content. In 2018, the arch became a national park and continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. The changing leaves draw thousands of visitors every year to admire them on peaceful hikes. Each coming day will be less sunny than the previous statistically speaking, at least. While average temperatures climb to 87 degrees in August, the humidity ranges from 70 to 75 percent year-round. You may be surprised to learn that North Dakota has a Scandinavian Heritage Park. One of those is the Mitchell Corn Palace. But be careful, as many are best suited for experienced spelunkers to explore. The % Sun number measures the percentage of time between sunrise and sunset that sunshine reaches the ground.Total Hours is the average number of sunny hours the city normally has in a year.Clear Days is the average number of days annually when cloud covers at . Yet, despite having more precipitation than most states in the country, Louisiana is also one of the sunniest states, having annual average sunshine of 4,725 kJ/m. There, sap bubbles and burbles over the fire as its turned into maple sugar, just like pioneers made it in the 1800s (naturecenter.org). And there are actually two waterfalls right next to each other! Like many sunny cities, Flagstaff has a hefty price tag. But you can also find jobs in healthcare, education, and construction. When the sun shines, they visit nearby Great Basin National Park or stroll the citys 11-block art walk. 3: Las Vegas, NV, 85% No. And you can find good jobs in education, healthcare, and government. For six years, I have worked as a professional writer and editor for books, blogs, and websites, with a particular focus on animals, tech, and finance. Sebring . (Weather station: Kearney Municipal, USA). With annual average sunshine of 5,296 kJ/m, the states 252-day average of sunny days contribute to its already arid climate. Sunny days help make Albuquerque the hot air balloon capital of the world. You can also see the effect of landscape features, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. What Not to Pack Inside Your Moving Container. ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matchin First we studied a list made by NerdWallet of the top sunniest cities in the country. Today, visitors can walk through the ruins and they have become one of the most popular places to visit in the Midwest when youre in Missouri. Data comes from the Census Bureau's 2019 1-year American Community Survey. Unfortunately, 20 years later, a fire destroyed the castle and left it in ruins. The US average is 205 sunny days. They have small populations and your mortgage is not going to break the bank. Below, we will explore the ten sunniest places in Oregon. But if you can make it work, it will be worth it. Your next family vacation in the Midwest can be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or spring blooms. It has average annual sunshine of 4,887 kJ/m, ranking it 9th among the sunniest states. Arizona has always been known for its dry, arid climate. Are your bags packed yet? That includes Elvis Presley, Prince, Janis Joplin, and Pink Floyd. The city is home to several historical sites and parks. Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Montana all rank higher in annual sunshine percentages than any other states. Copyright 2017, Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. Kansas is called the Sunflower State because of its acres and acres of sunflower fields. There are a few beaches in the area where you can relax with your significant other. The conservatory houses 2 toasty acres of ferns, palms, cacti and thousands of other heat-loving species. Like Denver 244 miles to the east, Grand Junction is close to outdoor adventures. The Sunniest Areas in the U.S. Whether wobbly zebra colts make you weak in the knees or penguin chicks are your picks, you can time your next zoo visit right by watching the New Arrivals page online (lpzoo.org). It has a cost of living that is 1 percent below the national average. The sunny three: Arizona, Florida and Hawaii. Pioneer Park is 668 acres of tall prairie grass, streams, trails, wetlands, and woodlands. Surrounded by pine trees and mountains, Flagstaff doesnt fit the stereotypical image of Arizona. If youre looking for a unique family vacation in the Midwest, then I suggest going camping! "At over 1,300 acres, Forest Park in St Louis is even larger than Central Park in New York City. http://www.currentresults.com, 30 Most Charming Small Lakefront Towns in America 2017, 30 Most Underrated Spring Break Towns 2017, 30 Great Underrated Sunny Vacation Destinations 2017, 30 Most Relaxing Underrated Beach Towns on the West Coast 2017, How Light Therapy Can Get You Through Daylight Savings, Top 10 Light Therapy Products For Depression Under $100. There is a 6-mile loop trail that can be a bit tricky, but the reward is definitely worth the effort. Within the park, there are 13 caves that you can explore. Yakima residents enjoy four distinct seasons. So, why wouldnt you want to move to a one of the nations sunniest cities? Visiting the Kansas prairies is one of the most unique things to do in Kansas in the Midwest and Kansas. There were a lot of factors to consider. The Great Plains side of the Midwest is sunnier than the Great Lakes side. You cant go wrong spending time at one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Permission and instructions to access this system can be obtained from the SmartAsset access control If you're ready to turn your back on winter, try soaking up sunshine and new life at one of these destinations. Black Point Estate and Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Our list took some time. The city has great restaurants and entertainment and affordable housing. Weather isnt the only reason to move to Las Vegas. The city also . Homes are also affordable. This includes the recently relocated Bureau of Land Management. If you have kids, research the schools before you move, though. For more than 50 years, three glass-and-concrete beehive domes have lent a mid-century modern twist to the landscape near the Milwaukee Brewers ballpark. It is a resort city with great things to do and mild temperatures. She has also written for Su Casa, US News & World Report and local publications about home improvement topics. In addition to informational displays, there are also historically accurate buildings. . What Is a Moving Container & How Does It Work? Yuma, Arizona. The sunniest state of all: Arizona There's a reason why so many people migrate to Arizona and don't fly back for the winter. If you want to see untouched prairies, head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. For starters, it has great museums like the Clinton Presidential Center. Troy, MI. Mackinac Island is extremely charming. And beer lovers can sip local brews from the nations best breweries. With an annual sunlight average of 5,755 kJ/m, it tops the sunniest states in the US. Only 12.6 inches of annual rainfall and 0.9 inches of monthly precipitation fall in the state. Ranked by the World Meteorological Organization, the sunniest places on Earth are concentrated heavily in the southwestern United States, northern and western Australia, South Africa, northern. So make sure you check their calendar of events before you plan your trip. Colorado has a dry climate due to its location far inland and far away from any big bodies of water. San Juan Islands, Washington. Theres a lot of wing flapping and bill snapping, Liz says. If you are a foodie, there are many mouth-watering restaurants in Lincoln NE for you to choose from after a busy day exploring the city. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Midwest. The sun shines approximately half the time in winter and 3/4 of the time in summer. North Dakota actually had a lot of Scandinavian immigrants in the 1800s. As a real estate investor, she wrote extensively for Personal Real Estate Investor. On the flip side, the least-sunny day of the year is Dec. 26. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Energy costs 25 percent less that what others pay, on average, across the nation. Depending on the season, residents spend their days hiking, kayaking, and skiing. Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments. If you do not have permission, continuing to attempt to access this site and its resources The show lasts about two weeks and typically starts in late March or early April, but dates vary from year to year. Finetooth / Creative Commons - License. Home | Privacy & Cookies | Contact | About. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. New Light Therapy Device : The Valkee Human Charger LED Headset, Best Light Therapy Devices For A College Dorm. Clear Days is the average number of days annually when cloud covers at most 30 percent of the sky during daylight hours. Less than a two-hour drive south of Phoenix, the city of Tucson also enjoys the sun roughly 85 percent of the time, too. Check out these beautiful places to retire that won't stretch your bank account. 12. Throughout the city, youll also find some amazing murals. Because the two cities are close, they share a similar climate. There are even 3,750 hours of sunshine each year in El Paso, in the far west, and about 3,300 in Amarillo. Its a charming kitschy Midwestern attraction, and definitely worth a visit. This list included a whopping 174 towns. If youre looking for some of the most beautiful places in the United States to visit, I suggest heading to Scotts Bluff National Monument. But Chicago is probably the most popular. platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. "The idea behind City Egg is that not everyone can do full service for breakfast," owner Brandon Buerk said. The median listing home price is $184,900 or $147 per square foot. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. How much does it cost to rent a storage unit? The arch is now the tallest arch in the world, reaching 623 feet at its top point. Climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a place. SmartAsset does not But tranquil days are ahead for. You can also tour the nearby Visitor Center to learn the full history of the iconic bluff. 45. From beautiful state and national parks, vibrant cities, and unique museums, there is a place to visit in the Midwest for everyone. 6 Sunny Midwest Destinations to Visit this Spring This time of year, the forecast carries a 100% chance of hopewith a possibility of flurries. Studies show that sunshine can improve your health and mood, boost your immune system, and increase your longevity. The city has work available in technology, supply chain management, finance, and healthcare. The median listing home price in Midland is $335,000 versus $269,000 in Odessa. Class D-2's third-place game closes out the day at Northwest at 3 p.m. The city also has a reputation for being a good place to start a small business. And the median sold home price is $389,000. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Is one of the best places to visit in Ohio. But its sunny days warrant another nickname, Sun City. Tampa has miles and miles of beaches, 150 city parks, and outdoor adventures. [1] Some climate-related impacts may provide short-term benefits for agriculture, but negative effects are . She also likes to write about home improvement and getting your home ready for a move. In August, it hosts a Corn Festival, and every year the designs outside of the palace are changed. At Pelindaba Lavender, the scents are as appealing as the sights, where purple flowers paint the landscape. SmartAsset Advisors, LLC ("SmartAsset"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is In Midland, the economy relies on petroleum production. Hines The city of Hines has an average of 214 sunny days annually. Odessas is 10 percent below the national average. Whatever time of year you explore Arkansas, youll find that The Natural State has stunning scenery and plenty of possibilities for outdoor activity. Overall, the Southwest gets the most sun in an average day, along with select regions on the Gulf Coast and the southern tip of Florida. Summers in Kansas are often hot, with mild winters and mild humidity. The sun shines 85 percent of the time in Phoenix, making it the sunniest city in the nation. They are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Lafayette. Its 275 days of sunshine per year attracts people from around the world. Las Vegas: 68 nice days . Plus, it is 75 miles from some of the best ski areas in the country. Youll pay an average $871,500 for a house. Summer is June through September, and winter is November through February. The Cowboy Capital of the World enjoys sun 69 percent of the time. Thus, the energy and sunlight these states receive also vary depending on location and other factors. Every spring, more than 2,000 people head to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for one of its biggest events of the year: Maple Sugar Fest (check website for 2018 dates). The island is full of picturesque Victorian buildings, charming island boutiques and restaurants, and beach views. advisors. Oh, and I love ast Louis, [] one of the most charming places in the Midwest, is home to both big cities and natural [], [] Whether you wander around a winery, spend time in the great outdoors, or just do some shopping you wont be disappointed. Louisiana is located in the Deep South region of the United States, close to the Gulf of Mexico.