Here's Where Tallahassee Stands Among Best State Capitals

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida's capital is one of the most prosperous towns in the U.S., experts recently found.

Tallahassee, home to 78 miles of shaded drives under moss-draped live oaks and other trees, is the 25th-best state capital in the U.S., WalletHub experts say.

The city has 700 miles of trails and one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs at Wakulla Springs, where watch manatees and native river otters, according to Visit Tallahassee.

Explore Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's historic campus, founded in 1887, and “strike” a pose at one of the many photo spots. Or, stroll through Florida State University's campus and visit Doak Campbell Stadium, home to Seminole Football and the largest continuous brick structure in the U.S.

The nucleus of Florida, Tallahassee scored well in all four of WalletHub's categories for an overall 50.79 tally.

The score breakdown was as follows: 36 in affordability, 34 in economic well-being, 14 in quality of education and health and 15 in quality of life.

The first Capitol was a log cabin built in 1824 when Tallahassee was named the territorial capital, in large part because it was the midpoint between St. Augustine and Pensacola, the two major cities in Florida at that time, according to MyFlorida.com.

In 1826, a two-story masonry building was built to replace the Capitol. As the state grew, the third Capitol, construction on a brick building began in 1839 and was completed in 1845. This structure is the core of the Historic Capitol. In 1902, two wings and a& dome were added.

In 1972, the Legislature approved money for a new Capitol Complex to include House and Senate chambers and offices, along with a 22-story executive office building, which was completed in 1977.

“A state’s capital city is more than just the seat of its government – it’s also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities and an abundance of attractions," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a news release.

"Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”

1. Madison, Wisconsin
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
3. Boise, Idaho
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. Lincoln, Nebraska
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Denver, Colorado
8. St. Paul, Minnesota
9. Columbus, Ohio
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See the full WalletHub survey.