The 100 Happiest Cities in America

Where high income, high life satisfaction, and low inequality reign.

In his groundbreaking work Happiness by Design, the British economist Paul Dolan defines happiness as the right blend of experiencing pleasure and experiencing purpose. At various points in your life, the pendulum may swing to either side, but his research found that you need feel both to be truly happy. Now, by that measure, the citizens of these 100 cities are indeed having more fun—and enjoying more life satisfaction—than your average American.

We know this because we've crunched the numbers and ranked the happiest locales from coast to coast, drawing on data including household income (according to Princeton researchers, happiness levels increase with rising income up to $75,000 per year), WalletHub's recent Happiest City survey scores, and various "unhappy" statistics, including unemployment data, income inequality, and divorce rates (all of which have been found to contribute to lower levels of life satisfaction.) The cities with a combination of high happiness stats and low unhappiness stats rose quickly on our list—while those with a combination of the reverse plummeted. So read on and learn which cities topped our list. And if you're considering moving, don't just take into account happiness score; be sure to check out The 50 Fittest Cities in America, too.

100
Lubbock, TX

Lubbock, happiest cities

Population: 252,506
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 3.43%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $47,139.00
WalletHub Score: 53.32
Happy City Score: 57.44

And now, learn the best way to earn half a million bucks in your spare time.

99
Modesto, CA

Modesto, happiest cities

Population: 212,175
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.1
Unemployment: 9.51%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $51,949.00
WalletHub Score: 49.95
Happy City Score: 57.66

As an added bonus, Modesto is one of The 100 Best Places to Raise a Family.

98
Spokane, WA

Spokane, fittest cities, happiest cities

Population: 215,973
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.42%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $48,676.00
WalletHub Score: 51.1
Happy City Score: 57.77

For more ways to lead a better, happier life, check out the 25 ways to be happier in an instant.

97
Lexington, KY

Lexington, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 318,449
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 3.92%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $51,963.00
WalletHub Score: 52.11
Happy City Score: 58.28

And if you're in Lexington, check out West Sixth Brewing, one of the best craft beers in Kentucky. For more tourism facts, here's the best craft beer in every other U.S. state.

96
Port St. Lucie, FL

port st lucie, best tax friendly cities

Population: 185,132
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 6.24%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $45,918.00
WalletHub Score: 56.1
Happy City Score: 58.37

For more insight on leading a happier life, take inspiration from how these 8 famous men conquered depression.

95
Stockton, CA

Stockton, happiest cities
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Population: 307,072
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 8.88%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $53,341.00
WalletHub Score: 48.72
Happy City Score: 58.43

For more on maximizing your happiness, learn the 40 ways to master your 40s.

94
Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 638,367
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 3.78%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $49,750.00
WalletHub Score: 51.95
Happy City Score: 58.49

If you're in Oklahoma City, you should also check out Iron Star Urban BBQ, one of The 50 Greatest BBQ Joints in America.

93
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 178,752
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.04%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,624.00
WalletHub Score: 49.38
Happy City Score: 58.60

Before you trek to Florida, be sure to pick up one of the 10 best hats for relaxing in the summer.

92
San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino, happiest cities

Population: 216,239
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 49.22
Happy City Score: 58.73

If you're flying to Cali, be sure you know the single best airplane seat you can snag on any aircraft.

91
Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 287,027
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 5.88%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $48,283.00
WalletHub Score: 54.33
Happy City Score: 59.09

One caveat, however: Greensboro is one of The 50 Fattest Cities in America.

90
El Paso, TX

El Paso, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 683,080
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 5.23%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $43,101.00
WalletHub Score: 58.72
Happy City Score: 59.56

If you're road-tripping to any of these cities, be sure to check out the 10 best new cars hitting the road in 2018.

89
North Las Vegas, NV

North Las Vegas, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 238,702
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 48.64
Happy City Score: 59.68

Whether you're heading to Vegas or not, here's why real men carry cash.

88
Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 264,488
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 4.54%
Income Inequality: 4.1
Median Household Income: $50,017.00
WalletHub Score: 50.07
Happy City Score: 59.85

Consider yourself warned: it's technically illegal to kiss someone if you have a mustache in Indiana, which is one of The 47 Weirdest Laws from Around the World.

87
Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 632,912
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 49.06
Happy City Score: 60.10

If you're going, be sure to learn the best trick for doubling your money in any casino.

86
Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 303,625
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 4.82%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $54,412.00
WalletHub Score: 50.67
Happy City Score: 60.82

Next, check out the 20 craziest side effects of common household drugs.

85
Columbus, OH

Columbus, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 860,090
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 4.07%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,939.00
WalletHub Score: 51.47
Happy City Score: 61.52

While you're in Columbus, be sure to stop by Schdmidt's Sausage Haus, one of The Best Power Lunch Restaurants in America.

84
Ontario, CA

Ontario, happiest cities

Population: 173,212
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 52.57
Happy City Score: 62.08

83
Nashville, TN

Nashville, happiest cities, fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 660,388
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 4.46%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $51,999.00
WalletHub Score: 54.63
Happy City Score: 62.45

FYI: The L.A. Jackson in Nashville is one of The 20 Greatest Hotel Bars in America Right Now.

82
Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 472,522
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.85%
Income Inequality: 6.2
Median Household Income: $59,911.00
WalletHub Score: 52.97
Happy City Score: 63.44

Atlanta also happens to be home to Ted's Montana Grill, one of The Best Steakhouses in America.

81
St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 311,404
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $61,569.00
WalletHub Score: 43.06
Happy City Score: 63.72

80
Houston, TX

Houston, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 2,303,482
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.64%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $56,670.00
WalletHub Score: 49.77
Happy City Score: 63.85

If you're looking to conquer your stress, check out the 10 best non-exercise stress busters.

79
Wichita, KS

Wichita, happiest cities, fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 389,902
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.81%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $50,995.00
WalletHub Score: 51.51
Happy City Score: 64.24

78
Chicago, IL

Chicago, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 2,704,958
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 6.10%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $56,841.00
WalletHub Score: 52.57
Happy City Score: 64.26

If you're planning on visiting Chicago soon, be sure to stay at The Alise, one of Anthony Bourdain's 12 Favorite Boutique Hotels in America.

77
Dallas, TX

Dallas, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 1,317,929
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 52.62
Happy City Score: 64.50

Speaking of Dallas: here's Mavs owner Mark Cuban on how being a bully makes a victim out of everyone in the situation.

76
Pembroke Pines, FL

Pembroke Pines, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 168,587
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.04%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,624.00
WalletHub Score: 55.58
Happy City Score: 64.80

75
Orlando, FL

Orlando, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 277,173
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 4.90%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $50,593.00
WalletHub Score: 56.79
Happy City Score: 65.48

Orlando may be a lovely family vacation, but for a more exotic experience, try one of the 10 secret escapes the one percent are jetting off to.

74
Fontana, CA

Fontana, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 209,665
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 56.03
Happy City Score: 65.54

Fontana is home to the Auto Club Speedway. If you're interested in hitting the track, try stepping behind the wheel of one of the 10 least subtle high-powered cars on the market.

73
Henderson, NV

Henderson, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 292,969
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 54.96
Happy City Score: 66.00

72
San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, happiest cities, fattest cities
iStock

Population: 1,492,510
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.83%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $52,230.00
WalletHub Score: 54.55
Happy City Score: 66.47

71
New York, NY

New York, NYC, happiest cities.
Shutterstock

Population: 8,537,673
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 4.82%
Income Inequality: 8.8
Median Household Income: $75,136.00
WalletHub Score: 54.66
Happy City Score: 66.65

Also, New York is one of The 20 Best Cities to Visit Before You Die.

70
Worcester, MA

Worcester, happiest cities, fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 184,508
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.29%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $65,621.00
WalletHub Score: 46.6
Happy City Score: 66.95

69
Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 264,152
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.26%
Income Inequality: 6.0
Median Household Income: $60,053.00
WalletHub Score: 55.17
Happy City Score: 67.09

68
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, happiest cities

Population: 1,615,017
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 52.67
Happy City Score: 67.53

Of course, Phoenix is oppressively warm, so be sure your closet is stocked with the 10 best ways to stay cool in seersucker.

67
Moreno Valley, CA

Moreno Valley, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 205,499
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.73%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $57,895.00
WalletHub Score: 53.03
Happy City Score: 68.08

66
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, happiest cities, fittest cities
Kit Leong / Shutterstock

Population: 176,534
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 58.69
Happy City Score: 68.20

65
Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral, happiest cities.
Shutterstock

Population: 179,804
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 5.03%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $50,713.00
WalletHub Score: 58.65
Happy City Score: 68.33

64
Portland, OR

Portland, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 639,863
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 4.99%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $58,764.00
WalletHub Score: 56.11
Happy City Score: 68.38

Portland is a biking mecca. If you're going, consider buying one of the 17 best over-the-top luxury bicycles you can buy.

63
Reno, NV

Reno, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 245,255
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.24%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $56,457.00
WalletHub Score: 55.83
Happy City Score: 68.39

62
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 495,234
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.01%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $58,735.00
WalletHub Score: 53.9
Happy City Score: 68.42

Before you embark on your travels, learn the single best way to get your hotel room comped for the night.

61
Glendale, AZ

Glendale, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 245,895
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 53.93
Happy City Score: 68.79

60
Huntsville, AL

Huntsville, happiest cities, fattest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 193,079
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 5.48%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $59,117.00
WalletHub Score: 54.29
Happy City Score: 68.96

And for getting around Huntsville in style, be sure to check out the 10 best new high-performance drool-worthy new trucks.

59
Irving, TX

Irving, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 238,289
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 57.33
Happy City Score: 69.21

58
Durham, NC

Durham, happiest cities

Population: 263,016
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 5.01%
Income Inequality: 5.0
Median Household Income: $53,875.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 69.41

57
Garland, TX

Garland, happiest cities

Population: 234,943
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 57.93
Happy City Score: 69.81

A well-rested mind is a happy mind, so learn the 11 doctor-approved secrets for falling asleep as fast as possible.

56
Riverside, CA

Riverside, happiest cities

Population: 324,722
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.73%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $57,895.00
WalletHub Score: 55.78
Happy City Score: 70.83

55
Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, happiest cities, fattest cities

Population: 196,445
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 3.58%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $54,550.00
WalletHub Score: 56.9
Happy City Score: 71.46

For a great, novel exercise, try rowing on the river, one of 5 luxury exercise classes every fit person needs to try.

54
Mesa, AZ

Mesa, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 484,587
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 57.12
Happy City Score: 71.98

53
Grand Prairie, TX

Grand Prairie, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 190,682
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 60.22
Happy City Score: 72.10

52
Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 470,130
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 72.19

To get yourself ready for the California beach, be sure to check out the ab workouts the will give you a six pack in six weeks.

51
Denver, CO

Denver, happiest cities, fittest cities,

Population: 693,060
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 3.70%
Income Inequality: 5.2
Median Household Income: $57,886.00
WalletHub Score: 59.25
Happy City Score: 72.94

Speaking of Denver, during those colder months, it's one of The 10 Best Late-Winter Weekend Escapes.

50
Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, happiest cities

Population: 3,976,322
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 59.91
Happy City Score: 73.05

Speaking of Hollywood, be sure to brush up on the town's industry trivia: here are The 15 Most Debated Movie Endings of All Time.

49
Tempe, AZ

Tempe, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 182,498
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 59.12
Happy City Score: 73.98

48
Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, happiest cities

Population: 842,051
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 5.36%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $57,029.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 74.39

47
Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, happiest cities

Population: 211,277
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.33%
Income Inequality: 4.1
Median Household Income: $60,168.00
WalletHub Score: 54.14
Happy City Score: 74.87

Tacoma, as it so happens, isn't too far off from the burgeoning Washington wine country, so be sure you know exactly how to spot counterfeit wine from a mile away.

46
Peoria, AZ

Peoria, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 164,173
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 60.86
Happy City Score: 75.72

45
Omaha, NE

Omaha, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 446,970
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 3.28%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $58,405.00
WalletHub Score: 57.27
Happy City Score: 75.87

For maximum happiness, pivot your workouts to the morning: Here's the five-step plan for becoming an early morning exercise machine.

44
Arlington, TX

Arlington, happiest cities

Population: 392,772
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.15%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $60,735.00
WalletHub Score: 54.95
Happy City Score: 76.02

43
Chandler, AZ

Chandler, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 247,477
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 61.68
Happy City Score: 76.54

42
Glendale, CA

Glendale, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 200,831
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 63.43
Happy City Score: 76.57

Glendale, full of A-listers, is where some of the 20 most high-profile Hollywood meltdowns happened.

41
Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 181,972
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 64.79
Happy City Score: 77.93

40
Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 854,113
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.15%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $60,735.00
WalletHub Score: 57.06
Happy City Score: 78.13

If you're flying a lot, chances are, you'll be stopping in DFW—read up on the 15 most genius ways to maximize your airline miles now.

39
Vancouver, WA

Vancouver, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 174,826
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.36%
Income Inequality: 3.9
Median Household Income: $64,282.00
WalletHub Score: 52.27
Happy City Score: 78.46

38
Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 237,133
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 63.87
Happy City Score: 78.73

37
Lincoln, NE

Lincoln, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 280,364
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 2.61%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $54,422.00
WalletHub Score: 61.95
Happy City Score: 78.73

For more happiness coverage, read on to learn the 11 ways that your partner directly impacts your health—and your happiness.

36
Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 246,645
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 64.61
Happy City Score: 79.47

35
Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, happiest cities

Population: 465,101
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $60,050.00
WalletHub Score: 58.41
Happy City Score: 79.63

Colorado may be awesome ski country, but for true shredding, go to one of the 5 most mind-blowing luxury ski resorts in the world.

34
Boise, ID

Boise, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 223,154
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 3.59%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $58,431.00
WalletHub Score: 60.23
Happy City Score: 79.84

33
Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, happiest cities

Population: 215,472
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.59%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $60,436.00
WalletHub Score: 57.9
Happy City Score: 80.19

32
St. Paul, MN

St. Paul, happiest cities

Population: 302,398
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 3.53%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $57,299.00
WalletHub Score: 62.43
Happy City Score: 80.55

31
Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 193,744
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 3.33%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $65,549.00
WalletHub Score: 57.43
Happy City Score: 85.21

Before you hit the slopes in Salt Lake, be sure you know the single best way to fight off post-ski soreness.

30
Washington, DC

Washington DC, D.C., happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 681,170
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 6.91%
Income Inequality: 7.0
Median Household Income: $73,115.00
WalletHub Score: 65.14
Happy City Score: 86.19

And for more coverage of our nation's capital, read why Mark Zuckerberg might be heading there soon—as president.

29
Oceanside, CA

Oceanside, happiest cities

Population: 175,464
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 61.83
Happy City Score: 87.18

28
Chesapeake, VA

Chesapeake, happiest cities
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Population: 237,940
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.55%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $67,296.00
WalletHub Score: 55.33
Happy City Score: 87.33

To fit in with the yacht club crowd at Chesapeake, dress yourself in the 10 most essential items from Brooks Brothers this summer.

27
Austin, TX

Austin, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 947,890
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 3.27%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $65,244.00
WalletHub Score: 63.01
Happy City Score: 88.97

26
Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 452,602
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.28%
Income Inequality: 3.7
Median Household Income: $67,032.00
WalletHub Score: 56.32
Happy City Score: 89.40

Hit the beach in style by wearing one of the 25 best swimsuits for men.

25
Chula Vista, CA

Chula Vista, happiest cities

Population: 267,172
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 64.82
Happy City Score: 90.17

24
Aurora, CO

Aurora, happiest cities

Population: 361,710
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.72%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $67,062.00
WalletHub Score: 61.41
Happy City Score: 90.58

23
San Diego, CA

San Diego, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 1,406,630
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 65.8
Happy City Score: 91.15

If you're in San Diego, chances are, you'll be seeing neon: Just check out the 15 Instagram goddesses that proof neon is back for evidence.

22
Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 175,155
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 4.49%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $66,463.00
WalletHub Score: 65.29
Happy City Score: 91.37

21
Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 174,360
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.5
Unemployment: 2.74%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $55,605.00
WalletHub Score: 67.63
Happy City Score: 91.59

20
Madison, WI

Madison, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 252,551
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.21%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $65,416.00
WalletHub Score: 64.28
Happy City Score: 91.61

Nothing beats running through a bustling downtown: Check out more great cardio workouts for people over 40.

19
Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 413,651
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.9
Unemployment: 3.28%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $68,902.00
WalletHub Score: 62.59
Happy City Score: 92.63

18
Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, happiest cities

Population: 334,217
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 58.42
Happy City Score: 94.69

17
Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 458,880
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.65%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $70,629.00
WalletHub Score: 62.88
Happy City Score: 96.28

16
Yonkers, NY

Yonkers, happiest cities

Population: 200,807
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 5.9
Median Household Income: $85,688.00
WalletHub Score: 57.25
Happy City Score: 96.85

If you live in Yonkers, chances are, you're commuting: Learn the 7 ways to make your commute the best part of your day.

15
Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: #N/A
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 5.00%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $77,791.00
WalletHub Score: 56.08
Happy City Score: 98.45

14
Anaheim, CA

Anaheim, happiest cities

Population: 351,043
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 63.48
Happy City Score: 99.75

13
Oxnard, CA

Oxnard, happiest cities

Population: 207,906
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 5.69%
Income Inequality: 4.4
Median Household Income: $79,285.00
WalletHub Score: 60.56
Happy City Score: 100.18

Before you hit the water in Oxnard, be sure you're clad in the single best boating shirt of all time.

12
Garden Grove, CA

Garden Grove, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 174,858
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 64.35
Happy City Score: 100.62

11
Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 351,792
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.8
Unemployment: 3.40%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $76,544.00
WalletHub Score: 60.35
Happy City Score: 102.55

Hawaii is also one of The Best Exotic Vacations in the World.

10
Aurora, IL

Aurora, happiest cities

Population: 201,110
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.66%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $81,616.00
WalletHub Score: 59.94
Happy City Score: 103.43

9
Huntington Beach, CA

Huntington Beach, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 200,652
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 67.32
Happy City Score: 103.59

Be sure you stay as young as Huntington Beach residents feel, by learning the 25 doctor-approved secrets to staying young forever.

8
Oakland, CA

Oakland, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 420,005
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.74%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $81,462.00
WalletHub Score: 65.52
Happy City Score: 103.91

7
Seattle, WA

Seattle, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 704,352
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.44%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $81,816.00
WalletHub Score: 63.16
Happy City Score: 105.29

While you're in Seattle, be sure to visit the original Starbucks, and order the single best drink there for turbocharging your morning—or afternoon.

6
Irvine, CA

Irvine, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 266,122
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 70.99
Happy City Score: 107.26

5
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 870,887
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.64%
Income Inequality: 7.1
Median Household Income: $90,527.00
WalletHub Score: 69.2
Happy City Score: 107.52

San Francisco is adjacent to the tech capital of the world: We bet you didn't know these 15 crazy facts about tech's most important company.

4
Overland Park, KS

overland park happiest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 188,966
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.7
Unemployment: 3.42%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $83,007.00
WalletHub Score: 63.86
Happy City Score: 113.36

3
Plano, TX

Plano, happiest cities

Population: 286,057
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.9
Unemployment: 3.64%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $86,823.00
WalletHub Score: 63.43
Happy City Score: 115.53

2
Fremont, CA

Fremont, happiest cities, fittest cities

Population: 233,136
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.74%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $81,462.00
WalletHub Score: 77.55
Happy City Score: 115.94

1
San Jose, CA

San Jose, happiest cities, fittest cities
Shutterstock

Population: 1,025,350
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 4.16%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $102,191.00
WalletHub Score: 75.79
Happy City Score: 137.32

And now, read our guide to quitting your job and traveling the world.

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Alex Daniel
A journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. Read more
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