California Bans State Travel To Florida, 4 Other States, Because Of Laws That Discriminate Against Members Of The LGBTQ Community

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California added five more states, including Florida, to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community, the state attorney general announced Monday.

Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta added Florida, Arkansas, Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia to the list that now has 17 states where state employee travel is forbidden except under limited circumstances.

“Make no mistake: We’re in the midst of an unprecedented wave of bigotry and discrimination in this country — and the State of California is not going to support it,” Bonta said.

Lawmakers in 2016 banned non-essential travel to states with laws that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The 12 other states on the list are: Texas, Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee.

The five states newly added to the list have introduced bills in their legislatures this year that prevent transgender women and girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity, block access to health care and allow the discrimination of the LGBTQ community, Bonta said.

Florida, Montana, Arkansas, and West Virginia passed laws that prevent transgender women and girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.

North Dakota signed into law a bill allowing certain publicly-funded student organizations to restrict LGBTQ students from joining without losing funding.

Arkansas passed the first law in the nation to prohibit physicians from providing gender-affirming healthcare to transgender minors — regardless of the wishes of parents or whether a physician deems such care to be medically necessary.

These lawmakers “would rather demonize trans youth than focus on solving real issues like tackling gun violence beating back this pandemic and rebuilding our economy,” Bonta said.

The state law has exemptions for some trips, such as travel needed to enforce California law and to honor contracts signed before the states were added to the list. Travel to conferences or out-of-state training are examples of trips that can be blocked.

It’s unclear what effect California’s travel ban will have. Bonta did not have information about how many state agencies have stopped sending state employees to the states on the list or the financial impact of California’s travel ban on those states.

Travelore News: The Greenbrier Reopened To Guests

White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.: The Greenbrier reopened July 12, after being forced to close for more than two weeks because of the unprecedented flood waters that significantly damaged parts of the historic resort. “We had some major damage in different parts of the hotel, and it’s taken a lot of work to get The Greenbrier back to the standard that our guests expect,” said Jim Justice, Owner and CEO, The Greenbrier. “But my dad once told me that if you can’t get it done in 24 hours a day, then you’re gonna have to work nights. We’ve worked a lot of nights, because we know just how important it is to have The Greenbrier up and running and guests coming here to visit.” With nearly 2,000 Team Members working during the summer, The Greenbrier’s peak season, America’s Resort is one of the largest employers in southern West Virginia and a major driver for the area’s economy. “For this region and this state to get back on its feet, the people need to be working,” said Justice. “A number of Team Members at The Greenbrier lost everything, and they can’t rebuild if they don’t have a place to work. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to get The Greenbrier’s doors back open as quickly as possible.” “I want to thank Jim Justice for getting me back to work,” said Frank Mosley, The Greenbrier’s legendary ambassador, who has greeted guests at the main entrance for more than 50 years. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Since the flooding that swept through the region on June 23, The Greenbrier has housed and fed more than 700 flood victims, who didn’t have anywhere else to stay. The Greenbrier has been assured that proper food and housing will be provided to each and every one of these devastated individuals. The Greenbrier will continue to do all it can to help the community rebuild, and Justice is asking guests to do the same. “The best way to help out is to come here, enjoy all the amazing people at America’s Resort and help stimulate the economy here in Greenbrier County,” said Justice. “Guests can enjoy a world class vacation and support the community and The Greenbrier’s Team Members at the same time. It’s a win-win for everybody.” “We want to see this place hopping again like it normally is this time of the year,” added Greg Scott, who has been a doorman at The Greenbrier for more than 20 years. “It’s a great way to show the world that West Virginia will recover and is still a wonderful place to come visit.” For more information or to book your stay at The Greenbrier, visit Greenbrier.com. For information on other ways to help flood victims across West Virginia by donating to the Neighbors Loving Neighbors campaign, visit Greenbrier.com/neighbors.

About The Greenbrier The Greenbrier is a distinct and spectacular luxury mountain resort situated in the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It’s best known as “America’s Resort” and is synonymous with world-class, authentic, southern hospitality. The Greenbrier experience, beginning in 1778 offers a luxurious respite to discerning guests from around the world. The grand scale architecture, Dorothy Draper décor, immaculate attention to detail and legendary gracious service set The Greenbrier apart from all others. Guests walk in the footsteps of Presidents, celebrities and generations of families who regard The Greenbrier as a “one of one” destination. The 710 perfectly appointed Signature Resort Rooms, Classic and Historic Suites, Legacy Cottages and Estate Homes are situated on our breathtaking 11,000-acre playground. Play five championship golf courses (including The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s private course) or experience 55+ activities including professional indoor and outdoor tennis, Off-Road Driving and Falconry. The private, guests-only Casino Club features table games, slot machines and simulcast racing. Our full-service, 40,000 square-foot world-renowned spa is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious mineral spas in the world, and our Retail Collection is comprised of 36 boutiques, shops and hand crafted works of art. In addition to The Main Dining Room, The Greenbrier Restaurant Collection is comprised of 19 restaurants, cafés and lounges featuring traditional, award–winning southern-inspired cuisine. The Greenbrier Clinic has been practicing diagnostic medicine since 1948 and in 2014 was expanded to include a full-service MedSpa and Plastic Surgery Center. With the purchase by native West Virginian Jim Justice in 2009 and a $350+ million restoration, The Greenbrier is now once again the leading luxury resort in the world.

Common Whitewater Rafting Misconceptions Identified And Answered

Veteran Rafting Outfitter Western River Expeditions 
Says Don’t Let Fear Interfere
With Lifetime Adventure on a River 
 

With another successful season now in the books, Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) has turned its attention to 2016 and the on-going challenge of attracting first timers to the sport of river rafting. What they have discovered over their 50+ years of outfitting is that simple fear of the unknown often hinders enjoyment of one of the best experiences in life – like river rafting. Over decades of dealing with client concerns and misconceptions, the nation’s leading river company has compiled common questions while offering suggestions to assuage doubts and fears.

Here are some of the top questions asked by first-time river rafters:

If camping is part of a rafting vacation, how rough will it be? It’s really deluxe catered camping on the river. For example, on a Grand Canyon rafting adventure guests sleep on comfortable cots in freshly laundered sleeping bags and sheets in roomy tents. A portable toilet and hand wash system are set up each day in camp in a secluded location that assures privacy.

Going through the whitewater rapids will I fall out of the boat? Whitewater can range from a ripple to a huge splash. The 5 Day Green River – Desolation Canyon trip in Utah is more about playful rapids, petroglyphs and outlaw hideouts than challenges. Here guests (wearing certified PFD, i.e. lifejacket) can paddle a two-person inflatable kayak or relax in an oar boat while Western’s guides take guests down river. Class I to III fun-filled rapids make this Green River rafting trip the ideal getaway for a first time river adventure. The minimum age is just five.

Where and how do I take care of nature’s business?  As stated earlier, camp bathrooms are open air, sanitary, private and scenic. However, one adventure in Oregon, 3 or 4 Day Rogue River Lodge to Lodge, delivers a perfect blend of wildlife and wilderness with the cozy charm of cabin comforts like private rooms and bathrooms. The minimum age is five. No camping required.

I’m not a really great swimmer. How do I deal with that? You are in good company as many rafters aren’t great swimmers. The life jacket and ample hand and foot holds provide security and support on the water; however it is important that you’re at least able to propel yourself through the water with your arms and legs while wearing a life jacket. Another option is to do a package that offers mild rafting as just one of the experiences. Western River’s sister company Moab Adventure Center offers theSouthwest Sampler – Colorado River, Utah, a multi-sport vacation package for guests to raft (2 day trip on very easy stretch of the Colorado River), hike and tour Arches National Park with a sunset Hummer 4x4 adventure to boot.

Am I fit enough for a raft vacation? What’s too young? What’s too old?The wilderness around may be rugged, but that doesn’t mean guests have to be. A trip popular for ages six to 86 is the 5 Day Main Salmon River, Idaho. More moderate whitewater on this stretch of a mile-deep canyon makes this river trip a perfect introduction to rafting and camping without sacrificing any of the grandeur. Oar boats allow guests to just ride along letting the guide do the muscle work while enjoying the passing scenery.

Do I need to plan an entire week for a rafting get-away? Day trips can be ideal for a first-time river rafter. The Utah: Colorado Full Day comes with a riverside BBQ lunch at Red Cliffs Ranch and a choice of boats: a spot in a paddle raft or a two-person inflatable kayak. California: South Fork of the American River satisfies thrill-seekers and families alike. Up in Montana there’s the Flathead River which offers half, full and multi-day trips bordering Glacier National Park. In West Virginia, a half- or full-day trip on the New Rivercan be either challenging or calm, depending on the stretch of river selected.

“The important thing is to not be bullied by your fear of rafting,” says Brandon Lake, CMO of Western River Expeditions. “Rafting can be a life-changing experience for many first-timers willing to set their anxieties aside.” The next important thing may be to book your trip now for the 2016 season. Lake reports limited space already in the Grand Canyon with other destinations looking very popular as well.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2016 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), or visit:http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors ofNational Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for nine consecutive years.

Follow Western River Expeditions:
On Facebook:           http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions
On Twitter:                https://twitter.com/WesternRiver
On You Tube:           http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations?
On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

The Greenbrier Annnounces Plans For New State-Of-The-Art Tennis Stadium

Center Court at Creekside set to debut at America's Resort in June 2015

The Greenbrier, the iconic destination resort set on 10,000 private acres in the foothills of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, announced today that it has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art, 2,500-seat tennis stadium, to be unveiled in June 2015. Set on the banks of Howard's Creek on the resort's grounds, Center Court at Creekside is a 46,000-square-foot tennis facility designed by Detroit-based ROSSETTI architects.  The stadium will be built in a unique U-shaped bowl configuration to maximize the sweeping views of the creek, the historic Old White TPC championship golf course (home to the resort's annual PGA TOUR FedExCup event, The Greenbrier Classic) and the Allegheny Mountains beyond.  The design also allows for a multi-functional plaza between the creek and the stadium court, which can accommodate courtside hospitality tents and additional grandstand seating. The new Center Court at Creekside will be equipped with up to 400 corporate loge seats, professional-grade lighting and broadcast-ready camera areas--making it the ideal venue for premier tennis events such as The Greenbrier Tennis Champions Classic, which kicks off its third annual tournament on September 20 and 21, 2014, featuring Greenbrier Tennis Pro Emeritus Pete Sampras alongside John McEnroe, Andy Roddick and Ryan Harrison. "It's been a real pleasure to match the rich sporting heritage at The Greenbrier with a unique professional-level stadium to enhance the tennis viewing experience for patrons," said Matt Rossetti, President of ROSSETTI.  "The beautiful natural setting is a real asset to the design that we don't normally encounter.  It will be a stand-out experience for Greenbrier guests and players and will continue its tradition as one of the finest sporting resorts in the U.S." "We are so excited to be able to take the already top-of-the-line tennis facilities at The Greenbrier to a whole new level," says Jim Justice, Owner and Chairman of The Greenbrier.  "With folks like Pete Sampras as our resident Tennis Pro Emeritus and such legends as Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe and former World #1 Andy Roddick as our guests, it was only right that The Greenbrier should have the premier resort tennis stadium in the US to call its own!" For more information about The Greenbrier resort and its collection of world-class sporting, dining and spa facilities, please visit: www.greenbrier.com.  ABOUT THE GREENBRIER: Located in White Sulphur Springs in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since 1778. Known as "America's Resort," it encompasses more than 10,000 acres of undulating landscape that includes: five golf courses (including the exclusive Greenbrier Sporting Club's private course); a championship indoor and outdoor tennis facility (including five outdoor clay courts and five indoor courts); a mélange of sporting activities; shops; private homes at The Greenbrier Sporting Club; and, at its heart, a vast and imposing grand hotel. Purchased in 2009 by West Virginia entrepreneur James C. Justice II, The Greenbrier has undergone a $250+ million restoration and is now home to The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR, FedExCup event, and will soon launch The Greenbrier Medical Institute, a state-of-the-art medical complex on the resort's grounds.

For Earth Day, April 22nd, Consider These Destinations To Unplug

 Next Tuesday, April 22^nd, over one billion people in over 190 countries will be taking part in Earth Day celebrations. Celebrating its 44^th anniversary, Earth Day is an annual reminder to appreciate and care for our precious planet. In appreciation of Mother Earth, the travel experts at Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, suggest we stop and really smell the roses this year. The team has compiled a list of Top 10 Places to Unplug to help you disconnect from the noise and toys of the modern world and really connect with the beauty and majesty of nature.

Stop, take a breath and savor our planet at these five places in the Americas to go, unplug and become one with nature.

·         Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile - At the southern tip of South America where the Andes met the sea, the Patagonia region, part Argentina and part Chile, is a world removed from most everyone’s everyday life. With growing glaciers that periodically toss ice chunks into lakes, towering mountain tops and wild, windswept terrain, Patagonia is a testament to the powerful forces of nature. There are six national parks in Patagonia, including Torres del Paine. Though fire swept through much of the park in 2011, the three granite peaks that give the park its name were not damaged. These monolithic peaks, which reach more than 9,000 feet, are joined by waterfalls, glaciers and lakes, all fed by the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. The park is also home to a dozen or more species of birds of prey as well as guanacos, pumas, foxes as more. Out here, in these wilds, the best electronic device to pack is a great camera.

·         Kennebec River, Maine, United States - In the depths of Maine, four hours northwest of Portland, a 12-mile stretch of the upper gorge of the Kennebec River offers a wet, wild and definitely remote adventure. A handful of outfitters offer rafting outings on the Kennebec and nearby Dead and Penobscot Rivers are filled with class two through five rapids. Part adrenaline rush, part splash park, a day or two on the river is a sure fire way to immerse yourself in the moment and truly embrace your surroundings. After all, with high rock walls that cut out most data feeds, a phone-drowning flood of water and the occasional up ended boat that scatters everything and everyone aboard, there is not much point in trying to communicate with anyone or anything else.

·         Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru - The Salkantay Trek may be the long way to the Lost City of the Incas, but it will get you off the beaten path, literally. An alternative to the increasingly popular and crowded Inca Trail, this trek can vary from a five- to seven-day journey and takes you more than 15,000 feet in elevation before dropping down to the cloud forest and then back up to Machu Picchu itself. Make your way through the Salkantay Pass in the shadow of its 20,000 foot summit, pass through the 15 ecosystems, with everything from hanging glaciers to orchids and butterflies, or catch your first glimpse of the ancient mountain-top ruins — just don’t expect to “check-in” unless you have a satellite phone.

·         The lakes of northwestern Ontario, Canada - Why go fly fishing when you can go “fly-in” fishing? Much of upper Ontario is peppered with lakes of all sizes (and not much else). The more remote the lake, the more fish there are. So, for a chance to match wits with a 20-inch walleye or fight the good fight with a 30-pound pike, your best bet may be to board a small float plane and wing off to the wilderness for a week. Outfitters offer cabins and lodges in secluded spots (often the only house on a lake) throughout Ontario, flight included. Many promise you will see plenty of fish, game, great sunrises and peace and quiet but that you won’t hear a car engine the whole time you’re there.

·         Green Bank, West Virginia, United States - To find out about nature beyond our planet, sometimes it requires shutting down the electronic noise in our own backyard. In Green Bank, W.V., the use of cell phones, Wi-Fi or anything else that emits a radio frequency is forbidden. The reason? The town is home to the giant Green Bank Telescope, which uses radio signals to explore space. The telescope is surrounded by a 13,000 square mile National Radio Quiet Zone, which covers the eastern half of West Virginia and into a corner of Virginia. The FCC picked this region in the 1950s in part because the Alleghany Mountains served as a natural shield from signals that would interfere with the telescope’s work. So, whether you want a front row view of space exploration or an extremely quiet trip to the mountains (there are two national parks in the radio-free zone), this is your chance. Just bring some change for the pay phone.

Rounding out our list are five destinations from around the globe where Mother Nature can be experienced in full (and undistracted) splendor. These include: Great Ocean Ecolodge, Cape Otway, Australia; Koh Tonsay, Cambodia; Tarangire National Park, Tanzania; Bardsey Island, Wales; and Khan Khentii, Mongolia. To read the details on these and Cheapflights.com’s complete list of Top 10 Places to Unplug visit www.cheapflights.com/news/top-10-places-unplug.

10 Best States For Retirement

• Contributed By Chris Kahn
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Yahoo! Finance/Getty Images -

What are the best states for retirees? The popular answer seems to be anywhere along the Sun Belt, where retiring Americans have flocked for generations in search of sunshine, swimming pools and year-round golf.

Yet, if you consider other factors that are important for seniors, you'd find that some of the best spots are actually located farther north. Bankrate pored through a slew of key factors, including access to medical care, cost of living, local crime rates, state and local taxes -- as well as climate.

Here, in ascending order, is Bankrate's list of the 10 unexpectedly best states for retirement.

No. 10: North Dakota

Saddako/Shutterstock.comYes, it's frigid there. The 30-year average annual temperature in North Dakota is around 41 degrees, making it the coldest state in the continental U.S.

If you can handle the cold, North Dakota could be an excellent place to settle down. Consider its access to hospital care. There are five beds available for every 1,000 people in the state, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That's tied for second-best in the country.

North Dakota also has the second-lowest crime rate in the nation, and the state and local tax burden, which takes into account income, sales, property and other taxes, is at a relatively mild 8.9 percent of income.

No. 9: Nebraska

Katherine Welles/Shutterstock.comThe Cornhusker State ranks at No. 9 on Bankrate's list for several reasons.

Nebraska residents have excellent access to hospital beds, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, and FBI statistics show that its crime rate is slightly lower than average. Its cost of living also is one of the lowest in the country, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research, which tracks the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and health care in most major U.S. cities.

The state and local tax burden is near the national average at 9.7 percent, according to the Tax Foundation. And its 30-year average temperature is about 49.2 degrees, which is colder than the national average.

No. 8: Alabama

Shackleford-Photography/Shutterstock.comHome of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Alabama boasts a trio of benefits that retirees may find alluring. It has some of the lowest local and state taxes in the nation. Its cost of living also is relatively low, especially for a Gulf Coast state. And its temperatures are among the warmest in the U.S.: Its average annual temperature of 63 degrees compares favorably to the national average, which is more than 10 degrees lower.

However, Alabama has relatively high crime rates, with 4,026 property and violent crimes per 100,000 people (compared to the national average of 3,253). And access to medical care isn't as good as the national average.

No. 7: West Virginia
Steve Heap/Shutterstock.comRetire in the heart of Appalachian coal country? Absolutely. West Virginia ranks No. 7 on Bankrate's list of great retirement states for three main reasons: It has a lower-than-average cost of living, boasts a lower-than-average crime rate, and residents also have better access to hospital beds than the national average.

And then there are the intangibles: The mountain ridges that ripple across the state are home to countless trout streams and hiking trails. Its vistas look like something sketched by Thomas Kinkade. And temperatures are right in the middle range for U.S. states. Last year, temperatures in Charleston, W.V., ranged between a low of 12 and a high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and the 30-year state average is about 52 degrees.

No. 6: Virginia

Alfred Wekelo/Shutterstock.comVirginia isn't just for lovers. It's for seniors looking for an all-around good place to settle down.

The Old Dominion is better than average in most categories that Bankrate considered, including cost of living, warmer temperatures and access to physicians.With only 2,446 property and violent crimes per 100,000 people, Virginia has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

Throw all of that in with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other gems, and you have one of the best states in the U.S. for retirees.

No. 5: Virginia

SNEHIT/Shutterstock.comMississippi is the fourth Appalachian state (including Alabama, Virginia and West Virginia) to make the list so far, and we're only halfway through the ranking. Sensing a trend here?

The Magnolia State is not just one of the warmest in the U.S., it also has relatively low state and local taxes and a lower-than-average cost of living.

Those factors make Mississippi an accommodating place for retirees, even though its crime rate is a little higher than average. It also has only 178 doctors per 100,000 people -- one of the lowest physician-to-resident ratios in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

No. 4: Kentucky

Mark Ross/Shutterstock.comOne of the strongest benefits that Kentucky offers retirees is an extremely low cost of living. The Council for Community and Economic Research, or CCER, which collects data on the relative costs of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and health care in communities across the U.S., found that retirees in Kentucky are paying less than many of their counterparts across the country.

Bankrate, which analyzed CCER's data, found that Kentucky boasts the fifth-lowest cost of living in the nation.

The Bluegrass State also has warmer-than-average temperatures and a crime rate that's slightly lower than average.

No. 3: South Dakota

Jesse Kunerth/Shutterstock.comAnd the third-best state for retirement is ... South Dakota? That's right. The Mount Rushmore State may not be on many retirement wish lists, but it should be. What it lacks in warmth, it makes up for in a variety of ways.

South Dakota has the lowest crime rate in the nation. The Tax Foundation also says South Dakota residents have an estimated state and local tax burden of 7.6 percent, which is lower than every other state except Alaska. Its temperatures are on the chilly side, with a 30-year average of 46 degrees -- about the same as New York and Colorado.

No. 2: Louisiana

pisaphotography/Shutterstock.comBesides jazz and beignets, Louisiana offers retirees an excellent combination of low taxes (the Tax Foundation ranks it as the fourth lowest in the nation) and balmy weather. Louisiana has a 30-year average temperature -- that includes both winter lows and summer highs -- of 66.7 degrees. That's higher than every other state except Hawaii and Florida.

It also has better-than-average access to medical care and a relatively low cost of living.One major knock on Louisiana, however, is a crime rate that's among the highest in the nation. The FBI says there are 4,244 property and violent crimes per 100,000 people in Louisiana.

No. 1: Tennessee

Boykov/Shutterstock.comThat's right, Tennessee hits our No.1 spot. Its cost of living is the second lowest in the country, just behind Oklahoma, according to data collected from the Council for Community and Economic Research. And the Tax Foundation puts Tennessee's state and local tax burden as the third lowest in the nation.

Tennessee also ranked among the best in the country for access to medical care, and its weather is warmer than average.

All of those factors make Tennessee an excellent place for retirees, especially those on a tight budget and fixed income. There is still one main drawback, however. Tennessee's crime rate is among the worst in the U.S.


Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation; U.S. Census; 2011 FBI Uniform Crime Report; the Tax Foundation; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Western Regional Climate Center; Council for Community and Economic Research.

Source methodology: Medical statistics include number of hospital beds per 1,000 people from the Kaiser Family Foundation and number of doctors per 100,000 residents from the U.S. Census. Crime statistics of violent crimes and property crimes per 100,000 people are courtesy of the 2011 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Tax rates are based on an estimate of the state and local tax burden (income, sales, property and other taxes) by the Tax Foundation. Average temperatures over 30 years (from 1981-2010) come courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Western Regional Climate Center. Cost-of-living stats are from the Council for Community