Dreaming Big: The United States of Bucket Lists
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 04/09/2024
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In celebration of National Bucket List Day on April 24, we dive into the dreams that span the vast and diverse landscape of the United States. From Maine’s rocky shores to California’s sun-kissed beaches, every state harbors a unique bucket list dream that embodies the passions, desires, and creativity of its people. What makes each state’s ultimate bucket list item so distinct, and why are these dreams tethered to specific locations?
Key Takeaways
- The most common bucket list item for Americans is early retirement, followed by building a dream home or seeing the Northern Lights.
- Nearly 40% of Americans dream of some sort of adventure or travel, showing a national thirst for exploration.
- 65% are held back by finances, underscoring money as a major dream deterrent.
Each State’s Top Bucket List Dream
Let’s look at the data from across all fifty states to uncover the bucket list items that fuel the heads and hearts of Americans from coast to coast, where everyone dreams big.
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin: We don’t know if it’s the draw of more adventures in nature, more relaxation time, or the desire to get the heck out of dodge, but early retirement is what these states want more than anything as a reward for years of hard work and dedication. Floridians are used to basking in the golden glow of leisure, though – and don’t plan on changing.
California, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, and North Dakota: These states would love nothing more than to gaze upon the awe-inspiring spectacle that is the Northern Lights and promptly check it off their list. Who wouldn’t want to witness a celestial ballet that transcends earthly bounds? It makes a lot of sense for those in the plain-and-farm-filled lands of states like Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.
Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Utah: Building a dream home is the ultimate aspiration in these six states, as these folks cherish having a sanctuary of comfort and contentment that embodies their experiences (even if it overlooks a bustling cityscape).
Alabama, Maine, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming: For these states, hitting a fitness goal is more than a physical achievement— it’s a testament to the enduring strength of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. And with the rugged beauty that exists in them, it makes sense.
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon: The thrill of adventure is in the blood of the respondents from these states – and at the top of their bucket lists is going into the world alone with some solid solo travel. These states embrace the freedom of the open road and the promise of discovery (perhaps of themselves) along the way.
Alaska, Arizona, and Idaho: In the vast wilderness of Alaska, mastering a new language opens more doors to communication in a land of diverse cultures – and those who want to go beyond them. Alaskans, as well as Arizonans and Idahoans, value a cerebral challenge and want to enrich their lives by bridging cultural divides and forging new connections.
Connecticut, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania: In the quaint charm of these states with tiny brick-laden towns and villas by the water, writing and publishing a book is not just a literary ambition but a desire to be part of local lore and have an ongoing legacy.
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia: Amidst the roar of the crowd, attending a major sports event is a thrill like no other for these states (who mostly already have well-documented sports obsessions). Maybe it’s a big matchup on the diamond or a much-anticipated college football game, but feeling the stadium rumble makes the list for all three.
Mississippi and New Mexico: Seeking solace in the quiet of the mind, embarking on a meditation retreat offers Mississippians a journey of self-discovery. It’s likely that those in New Mexico will stick around their native state to do so, as it is known to be a place where seeking inner peace and tranquility in the desert is a possible path to enlightenment.
Nevada and New Hampshire: Residents of the Silver State and Granite State believe that gaining a career-boosting certification or degree opens doors to new opportunities for professional success – and this cornerstone of ambition is at the top of their lists.
Arkansas and Delaware: The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in the these states, where launching a business or nonprofit is a top priority for respondents.
Hawaii: For Hawaiians, exhibiting art is a celebration of culture and creativity. Since many talented people there may not get to share their gifts with others because of where it is located, Hawaiians are driven by the intrinsic need to create and give it away.
Minnesota: Safari dreams come alive on the bucket lists of Minnesotans, as they anticipate an African adventure on the savanna sometime in their futures.
Vermont: Known for their love of the outdoors, this state’s biggest desire is to plant and watch a tree grow: how beautiful! This symbolizes their acceptance of the passage of time and means checking this off of their bucket list requires staying put.
Washington: There aren’t many better states to go trekking through the wilderness in, so it makes sense that Washingtonians say hiking a major trail (think several months on the Pacific Crest Trail) offers them the chance to connect with nature and themselves on deeper levels.
Bucket List or Bust
While this list of dreams may be limitless, financial constraints present a reality check for at least 65% of Americans surveyed, with the remaining 35% believing they can afford to complete their top bucket list item now or in the near future. With economic uncertainties and rising costs of living, many find themselves postponing their dreams in favor of more immediate priorities (noble, if you ask us).
So, would these bucket list items be the things they’d choose to achieve if they could pick only one? The respondents are almost evenly split, with a slight lean towards “no” (54%). This reveals a fascinating insight: while bucket list dreams hold immense significance (with 46% saying they are very important but not at the top), they are only one piece of the complex puzzle that makes up our lives and aspirations.
In essence, our bucket list goals are more than just desires – they’re reflections of who we are, what we value, and how we choose to navigate the unpredictability of life. Whether we’re in hot pursuit of these dreams or content to let them simmer, one thing’s for certain: they hold the power to inspire, motivate, and remind us of the beauty and richness of the human experience.
Methodology
This survey of 2,000 Americans was completed in March 2024. The median age of respondents was 37, with 68% responding as women, 30% men, and 2% non-binary.
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