Planning a vacation in the United States shows just how large and varied the country is. Each region offers unique characteristics, and every state has its own personality. Josh Barzon, a mapmaker and designer, created a map dividing the U.S. into six regions and asked people to choose which area they would prefer to live and travel in for the rest of their lives. This sparked interest among many. The map includes Alaska and Hawaii in the lower-left corner.
Many people might struggle to make a decision if they haven’t experienced all the regions since the average American has only visited about 16 states beyond their own, according to a 2025 YouGov poll. Those in the Midwest tend to visit more states than others, and older individuals usually have traveled to more states as well. This suggests that many choices made in response to Barzon’s prompt may not be fully informed, as personal experience with each region is limited.
To get a better understanding of the options, here’s a brief overview of the six regions and their highlights.
Starting with the West, Region A includes California and Oregon, known for their breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and abundant nature. The Pacific coastline is especially appealing for those who love the ocean. In contrast, Nevada and western Arizona are quite sparse, but they attract desert enthusiasts.
Region B shines with its natural beauty, especially for mountain lovers, although it lacks warm beach areas aside from Kaua’i. Alaska offers stunning scenery, while Washington state provides diverse and beautiful landscapes.
Moving to the Midwest and Atlantic coast, Region C might attract city dwellers and those who enjoy the East Coast. It includes major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, along with vacation spots in Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Prairie and plains fans might also favor this region.
Region D features the Carolinas, with their beautiful coastlines and well-sized cities. Tennessee has its mountains and forests, and it also includes popular Hawaiian islands, Maui and Oahu. If you appreciate certain parts of Texas and Oklahoma, this area might appeal to you as well.
Next, the smallest regions, E and F, each have their attractions. Region E, while not as grand as the West, has its own charm with places like the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Chicago is a notable city, and the region is rich in lakes.
Region F is a paradise for those who love warmth and Disney, featuring the Florida Keys and Hawaii’s Big Island. Cities like Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Miami are also part of this region.
With these descriptions in mind, do they affect which region you would choose? There are no right or wrong answers, and many individuals strongly support their selections.
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Source: Upworthy, by Annie Reneau