The leading 10 happiest cities in America have been
introduced, with half of these located in California.
Fremont,
California
A WalletHub study has identified as the most joyful metropolis in the United States due to its financial stability, high levels of contentment among residents, and favorable living environments.
The financial services firm assesses well-being using 29 indicators which include
depression
interest rates, mean daily free time for recreation, earnings growth rates, and additional metrics.
Experts suggest that an ‘ideal city’ offers inhabitants living conditions conducive to both ‘enhanced mental and physical well-being,’ including factors like manageable working hours, brief travel times, pleasant climate, supportive communities, and opportunities for forging robust social bonds.
The research additionally revealed that cities with a significant portion of inhabitants earning yearly incomes of $75,000 or more tend to exhibit higher levels of contentment among their populations.
Nevertheless, according to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, research indicates that increasing wealth boosts happiness only up to an annual income of around $75,000; beyond this amount, additional earnings are unlikely to make a difference.
‘Therefore, when deciding where to live to maximize your happiness, you’ll want to pick a city that offers more than just a decent average income,’ he added.
The study comes after the US dropped to 23rd in the World Happiness Report, falling outside the top 20 for the first time and recording its lowest ranking in the report’s 12-year history.
Fremont, California
Population: 226,208
Fremont, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is the happiest city in America, the report has found.
Residents have the highest rate of life satisfaction, the fifth-lowest depression rate, and the fourth-highest average life expectancy in America.
Additionally, Fremont boasts the lowest separation and divorce rate nationwide, standing at just 8.9 percent.
With almost 80 percent, the city boasts the highest percentage of households receiving annual incomes exceeding $75,000.
San Jose, California
Population:
969,655
San Jose, which is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, ranks as the second happiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub’s analysis.
People living in San Jose boast the highest average life expectancy nationwide, alongside some of the top rankings for general health and well-being metrics.
A lot of people living in San Jose mention that they enjoy their surroundings, feel secure, and take pride in being part of their neighborhood.
The city boasts the fourth-lowest rate of separations and divorces, and it ranks third for having 72 percent of households earning more than $75,000 annually.
Irvine, California
Population: 314,621
Located in the Orange County area of Southern California, Irvine boasts a population exceeding three million people and ranks third nationally for having the highest proportion of healthiest residents.
Over 88 percent of Irvine residents reported enjoying good or better health, according to the study, and almost 84 percent engage in physical activity. Additionally, the city boasts the eighth lowest rate of depression.
Moreover, approximately 68 percent of households in the city have an annual income exceeding $75,000.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Population: 206,410
The fourth happiest city in America is Sioux Falls, with an overall happiness score of 68.66.
The city in South Dakota noted the ninth highest level of emotional and physical wellness.
Overland Park, Kansas
Population: 197,089
The research showed that Overland Park placed fifth on the nation’s happiness index.
It has continually been acknowledged as one of the most content cities in America thanks to its low levels of poverty and unemployment, along with high marks for both emotional and physical wellness.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Population: 294,757
Lincoln, Nebraska ranks as the sixth happiest city in America, thanks mostly to its facilities, economic conditions, and cost of living.
Lincoln serves as the capital of Nebraska and ranks as the second most populous city within the state.
Madison, Wisconsin
Population:
280,305
The Wisconsin capital was placed seventh in WalletHub’s newest list of the happiest cities in America.
Madison often ranks high in happiness studies due to residents recording a positive quality of life due to the city’s strong community, good schools, and access to nature.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Population:
244,394
Scottsdale, a desert city situated to the east of Arizona’s state capital, Phoenix, ranks as the eighth happiest city in America, as per the report.
Residents have indicated they have a high-quality of life, with many citing factors such as good jobs, friendly communities and beautiful scenery.
San Francisco, California
Population:
808,988
According to the report, San Francisco ranks as the ninth most content city in America.
The city has low financial stress levels and is known for its lively culture, where residents frequently find time for relaxing pastimes.
Approximately 61 percent of the residents said they feel happy most of the time.
Huntington Beach, California
Population:
192,129
California, which has consistently topped the list of happiest cities, completes the top 10 with Huntington Beach, situated in the greater Los Angeles region.
The so-called Surf City is known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife and vast assortment of leisurely activities.
Huntington Beach is regarded as a wealthy region, with its median household income being 20 percent above the average for the state of California.
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