Our external environment can have a huge impact on our happiness. Things like cultural attractions along with access to nature, essential services, and healthcare are vital to our morale. The U.S. ranks No. 16 on the World Happiness Report, but a study by WalletHub recently analyzed a variety of data to determine which U.S. cities had the happiest residents. They looked at over 180 of the nation's largest cities, analyzing 30 different key indicators of happiness, ranging from how much leisure time one enjoyed on average per day to depression rates and income growth. Whether you're looking to move, or just want to visit a place with plenty of smiling faces, here are the happiest cities in the U.S.
5. San Francisco, California
At No. 5 on the list, San Francisco ranked high for physical and emotional well-being, closely followed by high employment and income scores. It’s frequently ranked among or at the top of the healthiest cities too, which is likely to contribute to happiness levels. Perched on the San Francisco Bay, the city has some of the healthiest restaurants in the country, with menus featuring the area’s bounty of fresh seafood. Additionally, there are many ways to stay active, from trekking the famously steep streets to exploring the city's many beautiful green spaces, like Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.
4. Overland Park, Kansas
Ranking fourth overall in happiness, Overland Park did especially well on community and environment as well as physical and emotional well-being. A southern suburb of Kansas City, Overland Park is known for its green spaces, safe neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and excellent healthcare system. There are lots of ways for residents to immerse themselves in nature, including over 300 acres with nearly five miles of hiking trails at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail runs right through the heart of Overland Park stretching for over 25 miles. The paved path is popular for skating, biking, and hiking with plenty of shade from the summer sun. There are also plenty of cultural attractions to check out, including the Museum at Prairiefire, an architecturally stunning museum featuring exhibits on science, culture, art and natural history.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s state capital came in at No. 3 in the ranking, receiving high scores on physical and emotional well-being as well as community and environment. Madison is often ranked among the best cities in the U.S. for bicycling with a great network of safe paths throughout the city. The Lakeshore path that follows Lake Mendota is especially ideal, with scenic spots for picnicking like Picnic Point. There is a wide range of outdoor activities just minutes from downtown too, including Devil’s Lake State Park with its spectacular views of the Baraboo Range. The city also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene with many galleries, museums, and theaters.
2. San Jose, California
San Jose, another Bay Area city, is the country’s second happiest city with high scores in emotional and physical well-being as well as employment and income. San Jose is particularly known for a wide availability of high-paying jobs, particularly in the tech industry with companies like eBay, Zoom, PayPal, and Adobe all based here. Both visitors and residents can easily enjoy day trips to the beach, or there are many parks situated closer by, including Kelly Park and the adjacent Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Los Gatos Creek County Park includes the paved Los Gatos Creek Trail, one of the best urban bike trails in San Jose, which connects several communities along the nearly 11-mile paved path.
Residents also enjoy easy access to Santana Row, a 42-acre urban district that serves as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the South Bay. You'll find plenty to do, including a fantastic array of museums like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum which displays the extensive collection of Egyptian treasures in the U.S.
1. Fremont, California
While commuting in the Bay Area can be brutal, there must be something in the water here as it’s home to three of the happiest cities in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s study. The East Bay city of Fremont ranked the highest for happiest residents. Middle-class households have high incomes, great levels of physical and emotional well-being, and a deep sense of community. The city has a highly educated population, a very low unemployment rate, and ethnic diversity, attracting people from all over the world to support the global innovations of Silicon Valley.
The food scene in Fremont reflects the diverse population, with the opportunity to eat your way around the world. Indulge in mouthwatering kebabs in “Little Kabul,” home to one of the country’s largest Afghan-American populations. When it comes to nature and getting active, recreational opportunities abound. Just minutes to the east, Mission Peak Regional Preserve is a hiking hotspot with panoramic views and miles of scenic trails. To the west, Coyote Hills Regional Park offers 978 acres with hilly terrain, hiking trails, and wonderful birdwatching opportunities.
