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Considering a relocation? These U.S. cities are currently home to the most content people.
After a lengthy and demanding search, locating the perfect home is a significant achievement. However, finding the ideal home in the right neighborhood within the right city is truly remarkable.
Friendly neighbors and secure communities can enhance your living experience and make your house feel like a true home. To identify which areas of the country have the happiest people, we examined a mix of personal, economic, and community factors to determine where individuals lead the most satisfying lives. Below,Find a Neighborhoodexamines some of the U.S. cities that ranked highest. Let's take a look.
How Our Group Identified the Most Joyful Cities in America
This list was created using data collected from multiple sources—some government organizations, some non-profits—that assessed specific health indicators. Scientists evaluated the 50 largest cities in the country and their surrounding regions.
More specifically, ratings were determined using the following standards and information from sources such as the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Sharecare's Community Well-Being Index:
- Unemployment rate
- Income growth
- Prevalence of Depression Symptoms
- Physical Health
- Caring Index
- Happiness Index
- Well-Being Index
9 American Cities Known for Having the Happiest People (Based on Surveys and Statistics)
Without any more delay, here are the nine happiest large cities in the country according to the methodology and research mentioned, beginning with the happiest one.
1. San Diego, California (jointly)
Head south from Los Angeles along the California coastline, and you'll reach San Diego, a city that shares the title of the happiest in America with three other U.S. cities.
The scientists analyzed the data and assigned San Diego a wellness score of 12—the lowest among the 50 largest U.S. cities. It performed well in categories such as physical and mental health, the happiness of its citizens, and the level of community care. The sole drawback for San Diego is its unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is almost one percentage point above the national average of 4.3%.
1. Boston, Massachusetts (tie)
Thanks to the achievements of its top sports teams and the beautiful views of Massachusetts Bay, it's easy to understand why Boston is considered one of the happiest cities in the country.
Boston has a steady and robust economy, with an unemployment rate around 4.5%. Although housing expenses are among the main difficulties of residing in the city, the people who live there manage to cope.
1. Minneapolis, Minnesota (tie)
Anyone who created the expression "Minnesota Nice" was likely referring to Minneapolis, the state's biggest city.
Residents noted high rates of physical and mental well-being, and the city's unemployment rate of 3.8% is half a percentage point better than the national average. The only factor preventing Minneapolis from winning the title of the happiest city is its perceived shortage of charitable activities compared to other major cities, although the city performs well in this aspect.
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
The sole city from the East on the list, Raleigh, has continually demonstrated itself as a premier location for scientists, biomedical experts, advanced research staff, and academic leaders. With an unemployment rate of 3.2%, it leads the nine cities discussed in this article. The area's gentle winters and outstanding college basketball appear to be keeping inhabitants happy and engaged.
5. San Francisco, California (jointly)
As you see the massive international orange arches rising above the sparkling blue waters, you realize you've reached one of the nation's most joyful places (and one of two California cities on this list).
A significant disadvantage of San Francisco is its unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is marginally higher than the national average but less than California's 5.5% average. Additionally, the median household incomes in the city increased by over 10% in 2024, surpassing its eight rivals mentioned in this article.
5. San Jose, Texas (joint)
San Jose has historically maintained a competitive relationship with San Francisco in the race for the state's (and nation's) wealthiest region. Given that the two cities are situated relatively near each other (approximately 50 miles apart), San Jose's economic statistics frequently align with those of San Francisco. According toRealtor.comHowever, the selling price of the median home in San Jose was higher than any other metropolitan area at $2,138,000. San Francisco ranked third with a price of $1,426,000.
5. Austin, Texas (tie)
The capital of the Lone Star State and the 13th most populous city in the country.
Even though Austin lacks a major professional sports team, locals enjoy a wide range of entertainment choices, such as numerous top-notch music concerts and events. The Longhorns' Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds also provide significant financial support to University of Texas student-athletes, making the city a popular spot for amateur athletic competitions.
As the Austin metropolitan area is among the country's fastest-expanding regions, new housing developments and a quickly changing culture are also attracting attention to this city.
8. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is no longer a quiet town surrounded by cornfields near the middle of the country. It is now the 41st most populated city in America and hosts some of the nation's biggest financial and insurance companies. Even with its expansion, people who live in Omaha still experience a level of seclusion compared to major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. If it weren't for its poor health score from WalletHub, Omaha's residents would be the happiest in the country.
9. Washington, D.C.
The final (and somewhat unexpected) entry on this list of America's happiest cities is the District of Columbia, which serves as the country's capital.
Some could assume that living near busy city streets and significant political events might bring difficulties, yet the people of the District don't appear to be bothered, as they have ample resources to maintain their physical and mental well-being. The area's unemployment rate of 4% is 0.3 points lower than the national average.
Happiness is Personal, but Information Provides Insights
As far as you can determine the happiness level of American cities, it appears that California, the mid-Atlantic region, and a few other areas have the most cheerful inhabitants.
Remember that cities can transform significantly within just a few years, making it essential to do up-to-date research before choosing your new place to live. Utilizing aproperty search toolTo get a closer look at the cities, neighborhoods, and even specific streets or houses that interest you is the most effective way to determine if they will meet your requirements.
Key indicators such as home costs, crime levels, tax rates, and others can all assist you in identifying the ideal city for your way of life — meaning, the city that will make you the most content and healthy person possible.
This story was produced by Find a Neighborhoodand evaluated and disseminated byHealthy urvival.