3 min readMany factors impact the overall happiness of our communities. Everything from weather to wealth gaps plays a part in defining our quality of life. A recent study run by WalletHub found that only 44 percent of surveyed Americans say they are satisfied with their everyday lives, as increased economic uncertainty, the impending concerns surrounding climate change, and the rising cost of living crisis continue to keep the pressure on.
The personal finance company evaluated 182 of the largest U.S. cities on the key factors of emotional and physical wellness, income and employment status, and community and environment initiatives. It found that the state of California holds the key to happy living, as the state’s 10th-largest city earned the title of happiest city in the nation.
Below, we break down why the top five cities in the study ranked a cut above the rest.
1. Fremont, California
Home to just over 227,000 residents, 1,250 miles of hiking trails, 85 parks, four farmers’ markets, and three performing arts centers, Fremont, California, was named the happiest city in the U.S., according to this study.
The fourth-largest city in Silicon Valley, it cites the lowest divorce rate, the fifth-highest average life expectancy, and the lowest share of adults experiencing prolonged feelings of poor mental health of all other locations surveyed.
2. Bismarck, North Dakota
Perched on the banks of the Missouri River, Bismarck, North Dakota, is steeped in history. The state capital houses the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and the former governor’s mansion, originally built in the 19th century.
But the factor that places this midwestern city in second place among the happiest cities in the U.S. is its dedication to rest. Bismarck boasts the largest average amount of leisure time per day, according to the data, as well as the 13th lowest share of folks getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Well-rested residents are happier residents!
3. Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert city of Scottsdale is no stranger to luxury. Once coined the West's most western town, in reference to the city’s rich 19th-century ranching history, the cactus-lined landscape is now known for its expansive golf courses and five-star spas.
A whopping 88 percent of the Arizonans calling the city home reported having good or better health, marking the third-highest percentage in the country. This could be because it happens to be home to the largest national park in the United States—the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a 35,000-acre protected desert habitat with over 230 miles of trails and sunset-drenched views of three mountain ranges.
4. South Burlington, Vermont
By far the most residential city to rank in the top five, South Burlington, Vermont, is known as a commercial hub. It’s home to University Mall, the largest mall in the state, which has over 75 shops. The city ranked fourth for emotional well-being and wellness, as well as ninth in income and employment ratings. South Burlington is also home to Lake Champlain, the nation’s “unofficial” sixth Great Lake, a 120-mile-long waterway nestled between the Adirondack Mountains.
5. Fargo, North Dakota
The namesake of the 1996 blockbuster, Fargo, isthe second North Dakota city to hit the list and the last to round out the top five ranking. It also comes in at number five in community and environment, taking into account factors like acres of parkland, divorce rates, and ideal weather.
North Dakota’s largest city is also known for its access to the replica of the ninth-century Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a full-scale replica of a Norwegian burial ship that made the journey from the North Star State to Norway in 1982. The replica sits across from the city on the Minnesota banks of the Red River.
Of course, the famous Fargo wood chipper is another city attraction—the original movie prop is on year-round display at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center.
