Are you a fan of sunshine? The ruins are of a European-style castle that was built in the early 1900s. If you live in the Midwest and desperately need to get out of the house to smell the fresh air and wiggle your toes in warm beach sand, you have options that you have never considered. Below, we will explore the 12 officially sunniest states in the US and how much sunshine they get every year. Brimfield was founded in 1731, making it one of the oldest towns in New England. Using our list of the top 10 sunniest states in the country, and with data from Sterlings Best Places, we narrowed down our list and found the three most affordable small towns in each of these 10 states. administrators. Its high desert climate delivers warm days and cool evenings, making it comfortable year-round. If youre looking for some of the most beautiful places in the United States to visit, I suggest heading to Scotts Bluff National Monument. The temperature hovers around 70 degrees, and it is an excellent time of year to escape the crowds. 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. For information on the amount of sunshine at more places in a state, click on the state's name. But since the homes are larger, that works out to $129 per square foot. At Prophetstown State Park you'll be able to explore a unique living history museum. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. The state enjoys all four seasons, with varying temperatures and precipitation. If you do not have permission, continuing to attempt to access this site and its resources There are campsites for traditional camping and RVs, so theres space for every type of camper. Cordoba, Spain. In Midland, the economy relies on petroleum production. This attractive lifestyle comes at a price, though. 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. If youre looking to move to one of the sunniest cities in the U.S., keep reading. Its a really unique Midwest vacation spot that youll talk about for years. Looking for a summery shopping experience? They soak in the suns rays at Southern Californias best beaches. This zoo was a wonderful Midwest surprise (similar to the inland beach), as this zoo is constantly ranked as one of the best on the world and is right here in the middle of the country. Furthermore, nothing revitalizes ones health like a good walk in the sunshine. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The median listing home price is $218,500. "At over 1,300 acres, Forest Park in St Louis is even larger than Central Park in New York City. From here on out it's nothing but a slippery downward slope toward shorter days, polar vortices and pumpkin spice lattes. As an excellent alternative, you might want to visit some of the vintage small towns in Nebraska! Looking for a fun Midwest vacation for families? Clear Days is the average number of days annually when cloud covers at most 30 percent of the sky during daylight hours. Top industries include agriculture, energy, and healthcare. 7: Fresno, CA, 79% No. 6. Sunniest Midwest Cities I think Kansas City would be close to Minneapolis in sunshine. Our reports include city demographics, real estate information, quality of life factors, and more. is in violation of the regulations of this system. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. http://www.bestplaces.net . 03-07-2011, 12:59 PM northstar22 Location: Southern Minnesota 5,988 posts, read 12,860,364 times Reputation: 3328 Probably Rapid City. From wineries, lavender fields, covered bridges, and more, there are tons of romantic things to do and see there. 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. SmartAssets Just south of Hawaii and east of the Pacific island of Kiribati is a very sunny location. If you plan to explore the entire north-central US, June through September is the best time to visit the Midwest.Hot and humid summers offer excellent road conditions to drive across the region with bonus open-air festivals and events such as Twins Days in Ohio and state fairs in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, or North Dakota. Weather. The cost of living is 1 percent higher than the national average, and the median home sales price is $332,000. Tammy enjoys writing about horticulture, life off the grid, and anything outdoors. However, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center is attracting high-paying jobs to the area. As a real estate investor, she wrote extensively for Personal Real Estate Investor. Refresh your winter-weary outlook in the Tropical Domes rainforest microcosm, thick with vines and ferns, or explore the Desert Domes exotic succulents and African pampas grass. The city has great restaurants and entertainment and affordable housing. Homes are also affordable. Living here is not cheap, though. Sunlight here is measured viaincoming solar radiation, or insolation (anyone else having flashbacks to earth science class?). We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial Throw in some great schools, an unfeasibly low crime rate, and . Its the perfect place for an adventurous excursion when youre looking for places to visit in the Midwest. Climate of the World. 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 . Follow. There are nearly 2,000 different species! Although not as expensive as Los Angeles, the cost of living here is well above the national average. If youre looking for a unique family vacation in the Midwest, then I suggest going camping! Time Zone. Or you can cool off on a houseboat on Lake Powell. When people hear "Midwest," they are more likely to think of this kind of picture: The blue areas show destinations to which people from Detroit have moved between 2000 and 2010. 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. One of the most beautiful places in the United States is the endless fields of prairie land in Kansas. The cost of living is 50 percent higher than the national average. Many of them you can easily walk into and explore. Prattville wikipedia The majority of the year is bright and sunny throughout the state, and on average, the state gets 217 sunny days. And beer lovers can sip local brews from the nations best breweries. Gateway Arch National Park is home to the famous metal arch that can be found in St. Louis. Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments. Within the striking building, youll find an impressive collection of art. Soak it upJump into a horse-drawn wagon and head to the Delano Homestead, a wooden farmhouse where Laura Ingalls would have felt right at home. Additionally, Albuquerque remains a great value. Im Linda. There are many unique hidden gems in the Midwest that make for awesome Midwestern vacations. But that sunshine means heat in the Valley of the Sun. If youre looking for Midwestern vacations for families that are full of fun things to do in Kansas, I suggest Wichita. It has a median home listing price of $248,000. The changing leaves draw thousands of visitors every year to admire them on peaceful hikes. Yes, there are some affordable cities that see lots of sun each year, but a city is not a small town. First we studied a list made by NerdWallet of the top sunniest cities in the country. In downtown Wichita, there is a 44-foot tall statue called the Keeper of the Plains. Not to mention the city has incredible restaurants, music, and museums. 6 Sunny Midwest Destinations to Visit this Spring This time of year, the forecast carries a 100% chance of hopewith a possibility of flurries. If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider anexternal charging battery. For instance, youll be able to tour an authentic Sigdal home or the Gol Stave Church. Sports fans can root for the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, and Nuggets. Youll find the city all lit up, with ice skating rinks, massive Christmas decorations and illuminated trees. There are opportunities for fly-fishing and golfing, too. As do Marrakech, Fes, and Tunis. Then run south, until your cross the border into Kentucky. Sebring . There are tons and tons of things to do in Indianapolis! Californias climate ranges from a sweltering desert to alpine tundra based on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast. Yuma, Arizona, is considered the sunniest city in the US, with 320 sunny days on average per year, but even more impressive is that, according to the World Meteorological Organization, it is also the world's sunniest place! The citys cost of living is 18 percent below the national average. Start with number 50 and work your way down to the towns that really make our hearts flutter. The Weisman Art Museum has an iconic brick and steel facade that sets it apart from any of the other art museums. The further east and south, the cloudier and rainier.. for the most part, that is. Yuma, Arizona. But Yuma stands far above the others as the sunniest with 242 days of sunshinethat's two-thirds of the year lookin' at clear skies. For an island escape in the Midwest, youll want to plan a Midwest vacation to Mackinac Island. Keokuk, Iowa. Neutrogena Light Therapy Mask Is Fighting Acne! 1. There are even 3,750 hours of sunshine each year in El Paso, in the far west, and about 3,300 in Amarillo. Las Vegas, Nevada With 292 of sun per year, Las Vegas earns a spot among the nation's sunniest cities. All that maple will fuel your hike around 14 milesof trails at the 1,100-acre propertyone of the largest nature centers in the country. On the final day of the Pac-12 Tournament a year ago, Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis drives against UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell during Arizona's 84-76 tournament championship win. It receives 22 inches of snow per year and 70 days of precipitation. Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage in Minnesota when you plan your family vacation in the Midwest. Further out, Eldorado National Forest offers shady pines and cool waterways. Under an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is best known for skiing and Sundance. Its a charming kitschy Midwestern attraction, and definitely worth a visit. Matter of fact, it is one of the many popular things to do in Iowa! The Northeast and Midwest receive, respectively, 14.7% and 8.9% less daily sunshine than the U.S. average, while the West and South receive 4.8% and 4.7% more. review the ongoing performance of any Adviser, participate in the management of any users account by an But tranquil days are ahead for. If youre looking to stay in a cabin in the Midwest for a glamping experience, you cant go wrong staying near Maquoketa Caves State Park. Average sunlight generally diminishes as you head farther north, though you can see that sunlight isn't simply a function of map placement. While New Mexico is the fifth driest state in the US, it is also the second sunniest. Or they boat on nearby Folsom Lake. The sun shines 85 percent of the time in Phoenix, making it the sunniest city in the nation. And you can find good jobs in education, healthcare, and government. The Weisman Art Museum is located in Minneapolis Minnesota. In 2018, the arch became a national park and continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. But being sunny doesnt mean less wind. Lafayette is one of the coolest Midwest vacation spots for history lovers. But like Phoenix and Tucson, it gets a lot of sun. Boise, the capital city of Idaho, is one of the most beautiful places to live in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best places in the U.S. for year-round weather. The city also has a reputation for being a good place to start a small business. One of the best things to do in Missouri is to take a trip to Gateway Arch National Park. She also likes to write about home improvement and getting your home ready for a move. Because of the countrys massive surface area, the climate in each state differs. On your days off, you can spend those sunny days exploring the citys Old West history. What Everyone Needs To Know About Light Therapy. Now with an on-site lodge and additional 18-hole course, Arcadia Bluffs has matured into an elegant retreat on Lake Michigan . SmartAsset does not Portland: 74 nice days. July is the hottest month when temperatures typically range between 100 and 110 degrees. The cost of living is 11 percent higher than the national average, and the median listing home price is $535,000. Badlands National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest. Would not take up much space at all. of the law. Livingston Jasperdo / Flickr Livingston sees 190 sunny days a year. Even more noteworthy, though, is the citys median listing home price of $224,900. Lake-effect cloud cover makes winter sunshine a rare sight in these places. If so, you better get out there and soak it up while you can. The Great Plains side of the Midwest is sunnier than the Great Lakes side. 03-10-2011, 12:34 AM Scott5280 Location: Denver Colorado Each coming day will be less sunny than the previous statistically speaking, at least. Add to that El Paso is one of the safest cities in the country. New Light Therapy Device : The Valkee Human Charger LED Headset, Best Light Therapy Devices For A College Dorm. CEO of TN Nursery. All of the data are averages based on several decades of weather measurements. 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.. zoo lets you see them for real. This 33,000-acre wetland, known as the Little Everglades of the North, is the countrys largest freshwater cattail marsh. If you move here, youll experience all four seasons. New Mexico receives an annual average sunlight of 5,642 kJ/m spread throughout a 293-day average period. To learn more about these cities and towns, check out Moving.coms City Profile Report feature. They are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Lafayette. Plus, you can enjoy that sunshine hiking, biking, and kayaking nearby. According to the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Dyess Air Force Base employs 15 percent of the population. At Prophetstown State Park youll be able to explore a unique living history museum. So here you have it. Temperatures range from 49 degrees in January to 94 degrees in July. 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). On average, there are 170 sunny days per year in Michigan. It is a statue that marks sacred ground for Native American peoples where two rivers meet. There's information by state on the annual averages for percent, hours and days of sun. Mitchell Corn Palace is located in Mitchell South Dakota. On Earth, the sun is undoubtedly the most significant element. Midland has a higher cost of living, too. So its no wonder why its one of the most popular Midwestern vacation spots. Apart from holding the title as the countrys driest state, Nevada also gets more sunlight than most states. Kansas - 4,890 kJ/m Its exterior is nondescript, except for the sign that reads Dr. Getwell's. Once inside, grab a seat at a booth or table. Last year, three baby snow monkeys arrived, and zoo staffers are crossing their fingers for more this year. 1 for job growth, and the median home sales price is $461,000. Unsurprisingly, the Mitchell Corn Palace is the only palace made of corn in the world. Soak it up Whats your baby fave? Its cost of living is 12 percent below the national average and the median sold price for a home is $267,000. Here I am sharing the Midwest with you to entice you to take advantage of all it has to offer! 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). 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. [1] Midwestern agricultural lands make up two-thirds of the region's land area and produce 65% of the nation's corn and soybeans. Within the city, you can tour museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Illinois is actually full of some beautiful waterfalls. The median home sales price is $752,500, and the cost of living is 17 percent higher than the national average. 10 Sunniest Places in Oregon 10. Thus, the energy and sunlight these states receive also vary depending on location and other factors. 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. Dont think housing is the only issue. Winter brings snow. Read it a few times, make a couple pros and cons lists, and start packing those bags and dont forget your sunscreen! The city has work available in technology, supply chain management, finance, and healthcare. Also known as The Hoosier State. But be careful, as many are best suited for experienced spelunkers to explore. Throughout the year the museum also hosts concerts and events that you can attend. The median listing home price comes in at a reasonable $392,300. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Size up fruits and veggies at the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market onSaturday morningsin the Conservatory Annex. It's fair to say that this area of the Midwest is ideal for Spring Break experiences. The following is a list of cities by sunshine duration.Sunshine duration is a climatological indicator, measuring duration of sunshine in given period (usually, a day or a year) for a given location on Earth, typically expressed as an averaged value over several years. The. reduce returns). Indianapolis is often referred to as just Indy and is the capital of Indiana. Your next family vacation in the Midwest can be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or spring blooms. Whatever time of year you explore Arkansas, youll find that The Natural State has stunning scenery and plenty of possibilities for outdoor activity. Its 275 days of sunshine per year attracts people from around the world. One of the most popular is the Weisman Art Museum. But these average numbers don't capture the variation in sunlight an area receives duringa given year. It's quaint, adorable, and a great place to spend time outdoors. The worst states to live in, in order of just awfulness are Minnesota, Michigan, Alaska, North Dakota, Maine, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho, Montana and Massachusetts. The City Egg is trying to crack open Bowling Green as a new market. At just $104,553, the cost of a single-family home is $80,000 less than the US average. Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, experienced the fastest tornado ever recorded in 1999. July is the hottest month when temperatures typically range between 100 and 110 degrees. Louisiana is located in the Deep South region of the United States, close to the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, Ohio had 8 out of the top 14 worst places in the midwest. It is also known as Bomb City because its home to the nations only nuclear assembly factory. There are a few beaches in the area where you can relax with your significant other. According to 30 years of daily sunlight data tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,we are just coming out of the period of peak sun in the lower 48. So is the housing market, which has a median listing home price of $245,000. The sunniest place in the lower 48 is Imperial County, Calif. All that sunlight makes the region a great place to grow crops or it least it was, when water from the Colorado river was more plentiful. Below are the 12 best Midwest cities based on population, cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, availability of things to do, and more! Sacramento sees the sun 265 days of the year, or roughly 77 percent of the time. To show that, I've made a series of maps showing averagemonthly sunlight levels in the Lower 48, below (note that the color scale here is different than the one in the interactive map above to capture the wider range of solar radiation values.). Apart from being the countrys fifth sunniest, California ranks among the driest states, receiving only 22 inches of rainfall every year. It makes for a fun family vacation in the Midwest, and its one you wont forget. LINCOLN Centura won its first championship Saturday with a 44-38 win over Hastings St. Cecilia in the Class D-1 final of the girls state basketball tournament. For the most part, Indiana is a collection of family-friendly small towns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This Texas city on the U.S.-Mexico border rarely sees a cloudy day, let alone a rainy one. And residents take advantage of it. When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. Baby animals might lead the online cuteness parade, but Chicagos legendary (and free!) Sponsored Content. Kansas is known for its large sky and broad expanses and its gorgeous, dramatic sunsets. Sunny days dominate this West Texas citys calendar. It was originally built in 1892 and for over 100 years it has been welcoming visitors. One of those is the Mitchell Corn Palace. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack. NASA has identified the worlds sunniest locations and an area of the ocean is especially sunny. Thank you for reading! platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. Colorado has a dry climate due to its location far inland and far away from any big bodies of water. These are the top 10 sunniest cities in the U.S., and their annual percent average of possible sunshine: No. And the median sold home price is $389,000. There are museums, the best restaurants, shops, and more to explore. 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. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Midwest. The climate is mainly influenced by the low latitudes and proximity to the Gulf. If you want to see untouched prairies, head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. But there are some downsides. 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. Youll find the park in Minot. It keeps us warm, gives us light and gives life to vegetation on our planet. All of the data are averages based on several decades of weather measurements. The city is home to several historical sites and parks. Think again. Aliens may be Roswells claim to fame, but sunshine should be its draw. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games with friends. Unfortunately, 20 years later, a fire destroyed the castle and left it in ruins. With average annual sunshine of 4,890 kJ/m, Kansas lands in the 8th spot on this list. Then thisset of collapsible silicone foldable water bottleswould work well for you as well. If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, theseRFIDsleeves arethe perfect solution. If you're happy to fly further afield, Tel Aviv makes a great winter city break. Its River Market District features a farmers market, artisan boutiques, and a park. Even in the winter, particularly at high altitudes of the state, sun protection is necessary when there is less atmosphere to safeguard you from damaging UV radiation. The winter months average 50% sunshine, summer months over 70%, which isnt bad. 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. So make sure you check their calendar of events before you plan your trip. While sunny Florida might immediately spring to mind as a retirement spot that meets those criteria, the Midwestern United States is becoming an increasingly popular place for retirees. The hottest month is July, with average hot temperatures reaching 81 degrees. Great Falls, MT, USA 3. Class D-2's third-place game closes out the day at Northwest at 3 p.m. The areas rainfall follows a seasonal pattern, with the most rain occurring between December and March. Its one of the unique things to do in North Dakota that is also an educational experience. For starters, it has great museums like the Clinton Presidential Center. Or you can cool off at Long Branch Lagoon, a western-themed waterpark. Were coming with you! Its importance in American history earned it the title of a National Monument. advisors. You can also see the effect of landscape features, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Dental visits. Michigan gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 131 days per year. Average hours of sunshine per day: 11 hours. See More Top Ten Lists Here. Minneapolis is pretty decently sunny. 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. Most of these towns arent going to show up on the must see places list when youre planning a trip. Summers in Kansas are often hot, with mild winters and mild humidity. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. 12. But Chicago is probably the most popular. I was born and raised in the Midwest. From unique museums, amazing restaurants, and pretty parks there is so much to choose from! 14. Identity thieves are everywhere. "The idea behind City Egg is that not everyone can do full service for breakfast," owner Brandon Buerk said. The quantity of sunshine in Florida is excellent all year, so its no surprise that its known as the Sunshine State. In the summer, the excessive humidity makes the heat unbearable, while there are sometimes instances of extreme heat. It has a cost of living that is 1 percent below the national average. Welcome to Midwest Explored. Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to the Midwest! Houses sell on average for $1 million or price per square foot $651. Its one of the most popular things to do in St. Louis and Missouri in general. And Im from Akron originally (live in Orlando) so Ive gone to Cleveland a bunch. Mackinac Island is extremely charming. Amarillo has a lot of interesting nicknames. . Louisiana is bordered on the north by Arkansas, east by Mississippi, south by the Gulf of Mexico, and the west by Texas. In the winter, they ski at Arizona Snowbowl. Troy, MI. Bonus: Miami has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. States in the West and upper Midwest clearly lead the nation as best . The Tampa Riverwalk connects you to museums and attractions. I never leave home on a trip without myBobble filtration bottle. Its Always Sunny: 25 Sunniest Cities in the U.S. 16 Low-Income Moving Assistance Programs and Resources, What You Need To Know About Rental Truck Insurance, 30700 Russell Ranch Rd, Westlake Village, CA, 91362 |. And there are actually two waterfalls right next to each other! If youre eager to get your hands in the dirt again, stop by the How-To Garden and sign up for one of three daily potting parties. Writer: Kate Silver Horicon Marsh: Horicon, WI The most cloudy places are spread around the world, but the fall into two main groups. The Tonti Canyon Creek waterfalls drop 60 feet into a pool of water. No matter what youre interested in, Lincoln Nebraska is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. 5. Basically, the further north and west you go in the Midwest, the sunnier and drier. Visitors tend to check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and other Midwest attractions specific to Indiana. One of the most popular times to visit Chicago is during the magical Christmas season. Weve made a list of the Top 50 Most Affordable Sunny Small Towns in the U.S. The city is also windy, making it a hub for wind turbines and renewable energy. While there are plenty of bigger cities in the Midwest, smaller locales lead this study.