A little less than half of the states in the U.S. experience all four seasons, this means that they have leaves change color in the fall, get snow in the winter, have mild springs, and have warm summers.
It is not surprising that these states are located in the northern half of the country.
It is almost unheard of to see leaves changing colors in the fall in states like Arizona and almost no one would be shoveling multiple inches of snow from their driveway in Florida in January.
There are some states that are particularly good choices for those who wish to live in a state that experiences all four seasons.
Best States to Live in to Experience All 4 Seasons
Many homeowners aspire to live in a region where they can enjoy all four seasons. From the dog days of summer to the snowy winter nights, plenty of states on the Northern East Coast offer the best of all four seasons.
Whether you are looking for real estate in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts or Maine, we will break down the best locations for seasonal nature lovers.
Keep reading to learn more about the best states to live in to experience all four seasons!
#1. New Hampshire.
While New Hampshire is a diverse state, plenty of cities offer fun activities throughout all four seasons.
Natives enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in the warm summer months. If you enjoy the mountainous regions, you can spend the summers hiking and biking along nature trails.
In the autumn, many people flock to areas like Chesterfield to enjoy the fall foliage, apple picking, local wineries, scenic photo ops and antique hunting.
Areas of New Hampshire like Portsmouth and Albany are known for enduring the longest winter seasons.
For lovers of cool weather, this region is the best place to live in New Hampshire to enjoy copious activities.
Snow lovers will travel to partake in snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and more. Around the holidays, residents can enjoy winter sleigh rides, hay rides and themed parades.
Once the winter months come to a halt, residents of the Granite State will pull out their canoes and kayaks for spring.
During this time, businesses will open rentals for mountain bikes, boats and more. Horseback riding, tennis, and hiking are also popular in the spring.
#2. Massachusetts
While many young professionals in New Hampshire enjoy the bustling cities, there are also plenty of great locations to settle down in Massachusetts, like Boston.
This state is known for its cold winters and warm summers. Similar to all states in the New England region, the climate will vary depending on your proximity to the ocean, rivers, lakes and mountains.
The humid continental climate makes experiencing all four seasons in Massachusetts enjoyable for residents and tourists alike.
The weather in spring is usually mild and warm between the months of March to May. Many people will visit in the spring to enjoy warm weather sports and seasonal events.
The summer months bring a humid subtropical climate near the coastal regions, with frequent precipitation to be expected.
During autumn in Massachusetts, residents enjoy a vibrant burst of fall colors as the leaves begin to change.
The temperature will begin to cool down gradually as more people enjoy fall festivities, hiking, and more.
Once the winter months take shape, snowfall is common in the months of December and January. For lovers of a White Christmas, this is a great area to settle down; however, some real estate in New Hampshire is more affordable with a similar environment.
#3. Vermont
In Vermont, you can always expect the seasons to change like clockwork. With every season comes a transformation in the landscape, recreation and way of life.
Residents can enjoy a classic winter by the fireside with the snow-covered hills of Vermont.
Many people travel to this region to participate in activities amongst renowned skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.
The spring months usually bring cold nights and warm days. As the season unfolds, flowers begin to blossom, and warmer outdoor activities popularize.
Vermont comprises 75% forestry and 800+ lakes and ponds, which means it’s a beautiful summer location.
Natives enjoy cooling off in the swimming holes, followed by picnics with local-crafted maple creemees.
Like other states we have highlighted, the fall months send foliage into a full bloom of red, orange and yellow hues.
A scenic drive through backroads or a cool mountain hike is a great way to get into the autumnal spirit.
#4. Maine
Maine is a perfect four seasons destination with activities and climates that suit anyone’s taste. The state is known for having one of the largest fall seasons in the nation, with almost six weeks of vibrant color from Ft. Kent to York.
Similar to some of the real estate in New Hampshire, Maine real estate can provide a similar experience with a wide variety of housing opportunities.
Maine has everything from rocky coastlines on the Atlantic to beautiful mountainous peaks of the Appalachian mountains.
There are also bustling cityscapes like Portland that allow for shopping and entertainment options year-round. After a beautiful fall season, ski resorts start to open up in the winter for everyone to enjoy.
Once the cold months come to a close, the spring and summer in Maine are ideal times to fish, hike, canoe, and spend time outdoors in the warm climate.
Maine is a lively place to live year-round for anyone that enjoys a lifestyle change with every season.
States with 4 seasons and mild winters
1. Illinois.
The United States is a vast landmass that covers many different time zones, regions, and climates. Because each state is the size of a country, it is difficult to know exactly where each distinct season starts and stops.
The best way to experience a milder and more appropriate version for these seasons is to look towards the dead center of the country, in such states as Illinois.
Due to the latitude and longitude, and the distance from large bodies of water and mountains, the state of Illinois usually follows the pattern of quarter years for their seasons, including similar temperatures in the spring and fall, and summers and winters are hot and cold, but nothing remarkable.
Generally, any state north of Illinois would have much more frigid temperatures throughout the year, with extremely hot summers for those states that are located inland.
This is common for central regions, as large bodies of water are effective for producing much more temperate summers and winters.
2. Indiana.
Indiana, due to its proximity to Illinois, has four distinct seasons. Much like Illinois, it has a lack of elevation or proximity to large bodies of water.
States that have wide open and flat plains can usually depend on the weather not being noticeably different from the norm.
For example, Texas and other southern states do not experience cold temperatures very often.
Florida, for example, has a near-tropical climate that replaces certain seasons, such as autumn, with periods of heavy rainfall.
Texas, on the other hand, mimics certain places in Mexico which have a dry and sweltering heat.
For nearly two months of the year, southern parts of Texas experience heavy rainfall during the start of the autumn season, which helps to keep the drought at bay.
Indiana is a great choice for those who wish to experience every outdoor activity that comes with each season.
Indiana has a nice mix of rural, suburban, and urban centers, which helps to balance it out from the rest of the country.
Furthermore, it is very predictable, as homeowners know to prepare for each season specifically. This is opposed to other states, which need to have their heating, cooling, or anti-flood measures active at most periods throughout the year.
Many travelers frequently visit Indiana in their peak seasons to experience the splendor of the many activities it has to offer year-round.
3. Michigan.
Although the weather may not be as “normal” as the other two states, Michigan is a great contender to view all seasons.
It has some of the greatest concentrations of lakes in the country while being considered extremely inland when compared to many of the western and eastern states.
The availability of the great lakes makes the winter warmer and the summer cooler, which helps to regulate the four seasons.
If Michigan did not have access to such large bodies of water, it would have a much colder climate than is to be expected of a northern state.
Cheap Places to Live and Experience all Four Seasons in States
#1. Greensboro, North Carolina.
North Carolina in general is a beautiful and inexpensive option that’s been growing in popularity over the last ten years.
Asheville would be most ideal if you want the picturesque blue mountain seasons, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Therefore, Greensboro is another great choice that offers best of both worlds of affordability and all four seasons.
The winter isn’t a brutal one, only averaging about three-to-five inches of snow per year, so if you like getting all the seasons, but not too extreme, Greensboro may be the place for you.
#2. Erie, Pennsylvania.
Known for the scenic Lake Erie shoreline and located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie offers all four seasons at a great price.
With a summer average high of 81°F, and a winter average low of 20°F , this city makes for more of the colder lovers than the warmer ones, due to spring and autumn being on the slightly chillier side at about 60°F on average.
#3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Offering a rich history, beautiful hills, cheap living, and all four seasons. Another city more on the slight colder side due to high winds making the winters more brutal than most.
But that’s just what makes it distinct. Averaging a high 85°F summer with humidity, a low 20°F winter, and a perfect 74°F September and 60°F October to make you want to walk around and admire the changing leaves of autumn time.
#4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Cedar Rapid’s weather is best in September, June, and August, offering five months of comfortable conditions where high temperatures hover between 70-85°F.
July stands out as Cedar Rapids’ warmest month, boasting an average high of 84°F, positioning it as relatively typical for Iowa’s climate.
It wouldn’t be a distinct seasonal city without a distinct winter with December accumulating an average of 8.1 inches of snow, and averaging a low of 11°F.
#5. Concord, New Hampshire.
The state of New Hampshire is known as a four season state, and Concord is no different with an average low winter at 11°F and an average high summer at 81°F.
Spring brings lots of rain with a chilly crisp air, and autumn’s are normally sunny at around 65°F.
#6. Bangor, Maine.
Another state famous for its distinct four seasons. Colorful autumns, dewy springs, warm summers, and cold winters.
Bangor is known to have more of a colder spring and winter if that’s your preference.
Bangor is also a much more affordable options than many other place in Maine, giving you the distinct Maine seasons without the high cost.
#7. Duluth, Minnesota.
Minnesota is a cold state, so expect to bring your biggest coat if you want to live anywhere in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Duluth is no different, yet still offers every season at an affordable price. Expect cold snowy winters, chilly rainy springs, high-70-degree summers and mid-60-degree autumns.
#8. Topeka, Kansas.
For Topeka, the peak of agreeable weather falls in September, May, and June, during which the city enjoys three months of ideal high temperatures ranging from 70-85°F.
Making Topeka not just a four season city, and an affordable one, but also great for people who the autumn season.
July emerges as the warmest month, presenting an average high of 89.0°F, positioning Topeka on the cooler side in comparison to much of Kansas.
The heaviest snowfall occurs in December, with an accumulation of 4.5 inches, and significant snow is observed across five months of the year
#9. Roanoke, Virginia.
Surrounded by the blue ridge mountains makes all four seasons of Roanoke just how they’re supposed to be. The mid-80s summers makes it feel like July, and the mid-30s winters lets you know its the holiday season without it being too harsh. A perfect autumn and spring with affordability included.