Finding the healthiest, happiest cities
Ever wonder where the healthiest, happiest people in the U.S. live?
Well, me neither. But Prevention magazine did and compiled a list of the 25 healthiest, happiest cities in America.
The magazine evaluated 100 of the nation’s largest cities on 48 measures of health, happiness and well-being to find the healthiest, happiest cities in America.
Among the considerations: access to green space, the number of farmers’ markets (including the inclination to eat five fruits and veggies a day), disease incidence, depression measures and unemployment rates.
Even though Vancouver isn’t on the list, both Portland and Seattle did make the cut.
Since we’re situated between the two cities, surely we must be somewhat healthy and happy, right?
Seattle ranked No. 11 due to the high number of college graduates, optimism levels and the plethora of organic food purchases.
Portland came in at No. 20 for being heart healthy, cheerful and having easy access to affordable produce.
Here’s the complete Top 25 list. Check out the Prevention story for more information on each city.
- San Jose, Calif.
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
- Anaheim, Calif.
- San Diego, Calif.
- Fargo, N.D.
- San Francisco, Calif.
- Madison, Wis.
- Sioux Falls, S. D.
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Seattle, Wash.
- Aurora, Colo.
- Boise, Idaho
- Austin, Texas
- Lincoln, Neb.
- Raleigh, N.C.
- Plano, Texas
- Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Jersey City, N.J.
- Portland, Ore.
- Denver, Colo.
- Virginia Beach, Va.
- Boston, Mass.
- Burlington, Vt.
- Manchester, N.H.
Marissa Harshman
I'm the health reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash. I started at The Columbian -- my hometown newspaper -- in September 2009. Reach me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com or 360-735-4546.