Traffic congestion can be frustrating. However, some states make driving easier for locals, and Georgia is one of them, according to WalletHub.
» RELATED: New report finds Atlanta drivers aren’t as bad as you’d think (but they still suck)
Researchers from the personal finance site compared the 50 states using 17 key metrics, including lowest percentage of rush-hour traffic, fewest days with precipitation and lowest car theft rate. Those factors were then categorized into four major sections: cost of ownership and maintenance; traffic and infrastructure; safety; and access vehicles and maintenance.
Texas and Kansas took first and second place, respectively, but Georgia wasn’t too far behind at No. 7.
While it was No. 30 for traffic and infrastructure as well as safety, it was No. 8 for access to vehicles and maintenance and No. 2 for cost of ownership and maintenance.
» RELATED: Atlanta has the fourth-longest commute in the nation
Here’s a closer look at The Peach State’s findings:
Auto maintenance costs - No. 3
Road quality - No. 10
Car dealerships per capita - No. 14
Average gas prices - No. 15
Auto repair shops per capita - No. 19
Share of rush hour traffic congestion - No. 27
Although Georgia ranked high on the list, the publication named Atlanta as one of the worst cities to drive in, according to a July report. It was No. 70 out 100 thanks to the traffic and infrastructure.
As for the most recent study, several of the southern states were among the top 10, including North Carolina (No. 5), Alabama (No. 8) and Arkansas (No. 9).
Want to know how other locations fared? Take a look at the map of findings below.
» RELATED: Metro Atlanta's 10 most consistently awful traffic hotspots
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