It might be time to move.
Consider yourself lucky if you live in one of the 10 cities that have been listed as the happiest places to live in America. The list, put together by a WalletHub study, measures happiness based on metrics such as depression rates, income, work-life balance and more.
The Golden State once again is home to many of the cities on the list, with Fremont, California being ranked as the happiest city in America. How does a city make this list? According to the study,
an “ideal city” to live in is one where it has good weather, its residents have both good mental and physical health, an ideal work-life balance and there are friendly neighbors.
If you’re in the midst of moving, you might want to reconsider where you’re going if it’s not on this list. Here are the 10 best cities to live in America, according to WalletHub.
1. Fremont, California
If you’ve never heard of Fremont, it’s because it’s considered one of the smaller cities on the list with a population of 226,208. It’s located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
According to the study, it’s ranked the highest for life satisfaction and low on the list of depression rates. People in Fremont seem to be in happy marriages as it has the lowest separation and divorce rate in the US.
Although money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness, it can make life easier. In regards to income, the average annual salary in Fremont is more than $75,000. People must be happy as a clam there.
2. San Jose, California
A more well-known city in the Bay Area is San Jose, which came in second on the list. With a population of 969,655, WalletHub stated that the people who live here have the longest average life expectancy in the US and genuinely love the city.
San Jose is another city with happy couples, as it has the fourth-lowest separation and divorce rate. It also has the third-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually.
3. Irvine, California
Located in Orange County, with a population of 314,621 Irvine is the third happiest city in California. It’s considered a healthy city with more than 88% of people living there reportedly in good health, and almost 90% of residents are active. Irvine residents are also thriving mentally as it has the eighth-lowest depression rate.
Regarding income, almost 70% of households living here earn more than $75,000 per year, taking some stress off their shoulders.
Irvine is another California city where marriages are intact, considering it has the third-lowest separation and divorce rate in the nation.
4. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
According to the WalletHub study, the 206,410 residents of Sioux Falls are likely to be more well-rested than residents in other cities. This city also has the ninth-highest emotional and physical well-being score in the US.
Lastly, this South Dakota city has a low unemployment rate and a thriving economy — love that for them.
5. Overland Park, Kansas
This happy city in Kansas, Overland Park, has a population of 197,089. This city has a lot of great things going for it — low poverty and unemployment rates, access to good health care, and high emotional and physical well-being scored, according to the study.
Residents here also love taking part in leisurely activities in its many parks and green spaces. Overland Park also has a low separation and divorce rate.
6. Lincoln, Nebraska
With a population of 294,757, Lincoln is Nebraska’s capital and second-largest city. This happy city is considered an affordable one, with a low cost of living.
It also reportedly has a good school system, a family-friendly community, trails, parks, and many historic sites.
What a place to live.
7. Madison, Wisconsin
Another capital city, this time in Wisconsin, is ranked as the seventh happiest city in the US. Madison has a population of 280,305 happy residents who supposedly have a nice quality of life.
It’s considered a great place to raise a family due to its good school districts, strong community feel and access to nature.
It is also considered an inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community.
8. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale might be considered a go-to bachelor and bachelorette party destination but it’s also supposedly a great place to live. It’s on this list because the study said Scottsdale offers its 244,394 residents good jobs, friendly communities, obviously warm weather, and beautiful scenery.
While the cost of living is pretty high in Scottsdale, the US census data indicates that the median household income is above $100,000.
9. San Francisco, California
This might come as a shock to some, but according to WalletHub, San Francisco has one of the lowest financial stress rates in America. The median household income is over $100,000.
Thanks to the mild temperatures and sunshine, the 808,988 residents of San Fran spent a lot of their time enjoying outdoor activities.
10. Huntington Beach, California
The list finishes with Huntington Beach located in the Greater Los Angeles area. This happy city has a population of 192,129 and is known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
While this city is not one of the most affordable places to live in California, the average median income is 20% higher than the rest of the state.
Plenty of tourists visit each year helping make Huntington Beach a desirable place.