Summary
A new study ranking the healthiest places to live in the United States shows cities with good health outcomes, access to medical care, and opportunities for fitness and outdoor activities. Cambridge, Massachusetts, came in first, followed by Berkeley, California, and Bellevue, Washington, with many top cities facing high housing and living costs.
Key Facts
- Cambridge, Massachusetts, ranked #1 with top scores for family-friendliness, outdoor activities, health, nightlife, and commute.
- Berkeley, California, ranked #2, noted for excellent public schools, weather, outdoor activities, and health, but high living costs.
- Bellevue, Washington, ranked #3 with high marks for schools, outdoor activities, health, and family friendliness.
- Seattle, Washington, came in fourth, excelling in outdoor activities, health, and nightlife.
- Irvine, California, ranked fifth, scoring well on weather, outdoor activities, health, and family factors.
- The ranking combined data on smoking, alcohol use, obesity, access to doctors, gyms, and mental health services.
- Many of the top cities have expensive housing and high rent prices but strong health and lifestyle benefits.
- The study used health statistics from the U.S. Census and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
