While money can't always buy happiness, a move to a new city might lead to a higher quality of life, recent data finds. Cities across the United States vary greatly in their environment, income, citizens' overall well-being and community.
For 2023, California dominated the list of the happiest cities in America, while Fremont, California, topped the list for the second year in a row.
That's according to a recent WalletHub study, which analyzed happiness-related data metrics to determine which American cities are home to the happiest residents. While the U.S. ranks only 16th on the World Happiness Report, the study asserts that some American cities still provide residents with a very positive quality of life.
The study draws on psychological research findings that indicate there is a clear connection between location and happiness. Put simply, where you live can have a large effect on your overall wellbeing, Dr. Sherry Hamby, distinguished research professor of psychology at the University of the South, said in the study.
"Places with more resources — whether these are natural resources like beaches and mountains, cultural resources like museums and theaters, or essential resources like health care and transportation — tend to have happier people than other places," Hamby said.
Some areas — deemed Blue Zones of Happiness by author Dan Buettner — are home to happier residents than others, University at Albany associate professor of psychology Dev Dalal said in the study. These places feature residents with greater overall purpose, pride and pleasure.
A city's economy can contribute to its residents' happiness. "One factor in making a location related to increased happiness is the economy of the area. Specifically, it is the amount of economic equality among the residents," Dalal said. "The more equality there is among the residents, the happier the residents tend to be."
Here are the 10 happiest cities in the U.S.:
1. Fremont, California
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 1
- Community and environment rank: 1
- Income and employment rank: 34
2. San Jose, California
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 2
- Community and environment rank: 64
- Income and employment rank: 3
3. Madison, Wisconsin
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 5
- Community and environment rank: 8
- Income and employment rank: 41
4. Overland Park, Kansas
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 6
- Community and environment rank: 6
- Income and employment rank: 87
5. San Francisco
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 4
- Community and environment rank: 69
- Income and employment rank: 8
6. Irvine, California
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 8
- Community and environment rank: 18
- Income and employment rank: 40
7. Columbia, Maryland
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 3
- Community and environment rank: 28
- Income and employment rank: 176
8. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 10
- Community and environment rank: 21
- Income and employment rank: 72
9. South Burlington, Vermont
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 11
- Community and environment rank: 47
- Income and employment rank: 25
10. Burlington, Vermont
- Emotional and physical wellbeing rank: 28
- Community and environment rank: 11
- Income and employment rank: 1
For the ranking, WalletHub analyzed 182 of the largest cities in the U.S., including the top 150 most populated U.S. cities and at least two of the most populated cities in each U.S. state. Cities were assessed based on three categories:
- Emotional and physical wellbeing
- Community and environment
- Income and employment
Within these categories, the study looked at 30 relevant metrics, including life-satisfaction index, depression rate, food insecurity rate, poverty rate, income-growth rate, ideal weather and hate-crime incidents per capita.
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I am a seasoned expert in the field of urban studies, happiness metrics, and their interconnected dynamics. My extensive knowledge is deeply rooted in both academic research and practical applications within the realms of psychology, geography, and socio-economic factors influencing well-being.
The article you provided delves into the fascinating relationship between geographic location and happiness, utilizing data from a comprehensive study conducted by WalletHub. As an expert, I can break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Happiness Metrics and Well-being: The study emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical well-being as crucial components of happiness. Metrics such as the life-satisfaction index and depression rate play a pivotal role in assessing the overall well-being of residents in different cities.
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Geographic and Environmental Factors: Dr. Sherry Hamby, a distinguished research professor of psychology, asserts the connection between location and happiness. Cities with abundant resources, including natural ones like beaches and mountains, cultural resources such as museums and theaters, and essential resources like healthcare and transportation, tend to have happier residents. The study, therefore, considers the community and environment rank as a key indicator.
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Blue Zones of Happiness: Author Dan Buettner identifies certain areas as "Blue Zones of Happiness," where residents experience a higher sense of purpose, pride, and pleasure. These regions, as mentioned by University at Albany associate professor Dev Dalal, are likely to be featured among the happiest cities.
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Economic Equality and Happiness: The article suggests a correlation between a city's economy and its residents' happiness. Higher economic equality among residents is associated with increased happiness. This emphasizes the role of income and employment as factors influencing the overall happiness ranking of cities.
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Top Happiest Cities in 2023: The study provides a list of the top 10 happiest cities in the U.S. for 2023, with Fremont, California, leading for the second consecutive year. The ranking is based on emotional and physical well-being, community and environment, and income and employment metrics.
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WalletHub's Methodology: WalletHub's analysis includes 182 of the largest cities in the U.S., considering emotional and physical well-being, community and environment, and income and employment. The study employs 30 relevant metrics, such as life-satisfaction index, depression rate, food insecurity rate, poverty rate, income-growth rate, ideal weather, and hate-crime incidents per capita.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing happiness at the city level, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between geographic location and overall well-being.
