Does money buy us happiness? Well, this all depends on perspective but it can certainly influence it. We decided to compile a list of the 20 happiest cities in the US but we wanted to look at a range of factors. We considered not only the economical data of major US cities such as average household income, employment levels, and house prices, but also we looked at other factors that can indicate happiness, such as the climate year-round, leisure time ratio, depression rates, divorce and separation levels, the range of facilities and cultural activities available year-round and many more indicators.
So here is our list, of the 20 happiest cities in the United States.
The Big Top Ten
Plano – Texas
Located in the north of Texas it has long since been considered one of the safest cities in the US. Plano can be enjoyed year-round as it is hot in the summer and mild in the winter. You can also enjoy many activities such as The Piano Balloon Festival.
Irvine, California
Located in the infamous Orange County, famed for sandy beaches and home to the affluent, Irvine’s residents are one of the happiest. With a lovely year-round warm climate, lots of activities, museums and leisure time to enjoy we can see why its seen as the place to live.
Madison, Wisconsin
The State capital of Wisconsin sits just to the left of Lake Michigan. In the summer locals enjoy a warm sunny day and in the winter look forward to skiing, skating and winter markets. The city also holds an annual free music festival on the summer solstice where people from all around can enjoy the longest day of the year.
Fremont, California
Located in the San Fran Bay area, it is home to huge nature reserves which residents can enjoy hiking and biking trails through and also bird watching and fishing are encouraged Coyote Hills, Regional Park. It has a warm Mediterranean climate that sees little rainfall.
Huntington Beach, California
Situated on the coast, southeast of Los Angeles, Huntington Beach has a warm to mild sunny climate year-round. It attracts world-class surfing competitors and if you enjoy watching the sport you’d be hard pushed to find a more beautiful place to watch.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo is famed for its extreme climate shifts between summer and winter. In July you can look to enjoy hot summer days with impressive thunderstorms and the winter brings cold snow-filled days.
Grand Prairie, Texas
Known for its cowboy style culture, art, and museums, Grand Prairie. It has many beautiful parks and reservoirs when many leisure activities can be enjoyed with friends or family. It has a low separation rate between couples, so love must be in the cowboy boots.
San Jose, California
A large city situated in the hills of Silicon Valley; the major technology hub in the California Bay Area. The architecture is a blend of Spanish Colonial and Modernism. Due to its draw for people in the world of technology its downtown area is seen as up and coming with a blend of cultures and new innovative experiences.
Scottsdale, Arizona
A desert city located in Arizona, east of Phoenix, has a high happiness index due to its appeal to retirees. With a range of golf courses, spa resorts, and leisure activities that cater to all ages. The climate is hot and dry in the summer, falling to milder and more comfortable ranges in the winter.
San Francisco, California
Well known across the world for The Golden Gate Bridge, eerie fog, Victorian-style houses, and tramlines, it’s no surprise it crept into the 20 happiest cities in the US. Offering free entertainment in the streets and parks throughout the summer and enjoying calm cooler winters people here are happy to enjoy the relaxed Californian lifestyle.
The next ten didn’t quite make it into The Big Top Ten, but are certainly up there on the happiness index and are well worth a mention:
