Want to experience your best life? Where you live might hold the key.
Financial company WalletHub has found the perfect recipe for happiness: physical, emotional, social, and economic health.
The good news? You can enjoy all these when you’re in the right place.
Below are the 10 happiest cities in the USA. Now, these cities aren’t just happy by chance—they’re crushing it across metrics that matter to everyday life.
1. Fremont, California
Residents have countless reasons to love living in Fremont. This Bay Area city boasts the nation’s highest share of households clearing $75,000+ annually, but that’s just the beginning.
The city claims the country’s lowest separation and divorce rates. People are mentally healthy, as it ranks third-lowest in rates of depression nationwide.
Beyond healthy bank accounts and stable relationships, Fremont’s thriving job market, anchored by Tesla’s largest California factory, keeps unemployment rates low.
Strong community well-being scores reflect a unique cultural fabric, including one of America’s largest Afghan-American communities.
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2. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park is one of those places where happiness comes easy. With one of the lowest poverty rates in the country, a large portion of the population enjoys a higher quality of life.
Jobs are plentiful and housing is affordable—$413,000 can get you a nice place, a steal for a coastal city.
Retail conveniences like big-box stores and restaurants are all just minutes away from most neighborhoods. The streets are clean, and the neighborhoods are well-kept because people actually care. And with smooth roads and light traffic, you won’t waste time sitting in a car.
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3. San Jose, California
San Jose is another happy city in the Golden State. With its mix of big-city energy and laidback California vibe, it’s a place where work and play come together naturally.
As the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s home to tech giants like Adobe, Cisco, and eBay. That means plenty of high-paying jobs and room for career growth.
Nearly year-round sunshine keeps locals in a great mood. And when you need a break from the daily rush, you can easily escape to one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby.
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4. Madison, Wisconsin
The happiness meter in Madison runs high, and it’s easy to see why. For starters, this lakeside capital city has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the US.
Madison is a hub for jobs and education. It’s one of the top college towns in the country, which makes it a fantastic place to jumpstart a career or settle down.
Between its two stunning lakes, locals have adequate space for outdoor recreation. Paddling, fishing, and even ice skating are popular pastimes throughout the year. What’s more, there are endless trails for jogging, biking, and hiking.
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5. Irvine, California
Another Golden State city that has happiness down to a science! Irvine isn’t just collecting Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Google, and Mazda; it’s collecting impressive life satisfaction scores too.
The city’s high job satisfaction rates and strong income growth tell only part of the story. Safety is another big factor in Irvine’s happiness. With a crime rate below the national average, it’s one of the safest cities for singles and families.
The city is designed for ease of living, with well-lit walking paths and bike-friendly streets, as well as parks, shopping, and dining options within walking distance.
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6. Honolulu, Hawaii
Sure, Honolulu has the most stunning beaches and lush rainforests, but that’s only part of the reason residents are so happy here. This Pacific paradise earns its spot through impressive life satisfaction metrics beyond its tourist appeal.
All-year access to the outdoors and a strong focus on work-life balance means that emotional and physical well-being thrive here. And this translates to the city’s low depression rates.
While tourists come and go, locals benefit from high job satisfaction and a diverse economy. The Aloha spirit brings connectedness to people.
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7. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the most populated cities in California, but residents don’t seem to mind the crowds. Why would they when nearly half of the population earns six figures?
Alongside neighboring cities like San Jose, San Diego, and Oakland, SF is the wealthiest among the largest cities in the US.
SF’s job satisfaction rates are through the roof, thanks to its booming tech sector and diverse economy. The abundance of green spaces (hello, Golden Gate Park!) offers ample opportunities for physical activity.
Sure, housing costs can be a bit crazy, but many San Franciscans enjoy excellent health insurance and solid income growth.
With low poverty rates and a vibrant cultural scene, community well-being is thriving. All these things combine to create a high quality of life.
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8. Pearl City, Hawaii
Pearl City proves that island living can be blissful and practical. Residents here enjoy a friendly, close-knit environment, ideal for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a slower pace without sacrificing convenience.
Pearl City has a lower cost of living than many other parts of Hawaii—still a more affordable choice to enjoy the perks of island life.
The Hawaiian climate means unlimited beach days and outdoor adventures to keep a healthy body and mind.
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9. Columbia, Maryland
Columbia is a great example of how thoughtful planning can create a happier community. Each of its ten villages feels like its own little town, complete with parks, schools, and shopping centers.
The schools are excellent, and job opportunities abound with its proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Though Columbia’s cost of living is on the higher side, healthcare here is cheaper than in other parts of Maryland, which helps ease the budget a bit.
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10. Scottsdale, Arizona
In Scottsdale, happiness soars as high as the summer temperatures! One big factor is Scottsdale’s incredible access to nature.
With miles of hiking trails through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, locals can easily recharge in the great outdoors.
A thriving job market in tourism, healthcare, and tech also keeps residents feeling financially secure.
The social scene in Scottsdale is another draw. The downtown area is filled with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shops, giving everyone a fun and friendly place to connect and unwind.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.