Yahoo Lifestyle The Healthiest Place to Live in the U.S. Isn’t Where You Think
While New York, LA and Chicago might be the most populous cities in the country, that doesn't mean they're considered the healthiest—at least, not according to Niche's 2025 Healthiest Places to Live in America.
That being said, one of the aforementioned home state's is home to a fair share of Niche's healthiest places to live in the U.S., accounting for over half of the top 25.
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As for how Niche calculated its findings? The ranking platform—best known for aggregating data on the best schools, neighborhoods and colleges—used a comprehensive methodology that evaluated both personal health behaviors and access to healthcare and fitness resources. The data was primarily sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census.
More specifically, Niche focused on factors like physical inactivity, obesity rates, smoking, excessive drinking and drug-related deaths, as well as access to doctors, mental health providers, recreational facilities and health insurance. Each factor was assigned a specific weight, with physical inactivity and obesity carrying the most influence.
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The Healthiest State, According to the Rankings
As a native Californian—but sadly not one from one of the most wellness-friendly cities—I can't say I'm that surprised by this finding: The Golden State is home to 13 of the top 25 healthiest cities, as well as the healthiest overall: Berkeley snagged the number one spot.
As for what makes California so healthy in particular? Well, it has low smoking rates, strong public health policies and is the nation’s top agricultural producer, with access to year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This is likely not a coincidence: Studies show that proximity to fresh food sources with better overall health and lower obesity rates.
Further, California is home to natural landscapes and a temperate climate that encourages outdoor activities, which has been linked to enhanced mental well-being and increased energy levels. Oh no, am I convincing myself to move home?
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Most Surprising Healthy States & Cities
Not so fast, Californians! Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Georgia and Virginia aren't too far behind. And surprisingly, neither are New York City or Washington D.C.
Indeed, New York City and D.C. were ranked at 21 and 23. Who would've thought? Definitely not me (and I live in Brooklyn).
My guess? That's likely due to their walkability. After all, a recent University of Washington study did just find that living in a more "walkable" neighborhood means that its residents stay physically active and walk more, which adds up, potentially doubling its inhabitants' lifespans.
That's not to say that driving to Costco and loading bulk purchases in your car trunk isn't great for well-being too; I pretty much consider that therapy. Really, it all balances out, as you'll see from the rankings yourself.
Ahead, see Niche's top healthiest places to live in the U.S., and see if your hometown—or current residence—made the cut.
Related: How Many Minutes of Walking You Need to Add Years to Your Life
Healthiest Places to Live in the U.S. 2025, According to Niche Rankings
Berkeley, California
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Irvine, California
Bellevue, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Torrance, California
San Francisco, California
Boulder, Colorado
Pasadena, California
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Arlington, Virginia
Santa Clara, California
Costa Mesa, California
Glendale, California
Burbank, California
Naperville, Illinois
Alexandria, Virginia
Carlsbad, California
Sunnyvale, California
Oakland, California
New York City
Portland, Oregon
Honolulu, Hawaii
Washington, D.C.
Orange, California
Click here to see the full list.
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Sources
"2025 Healthiest Places to Live in America." Niche.
"Tobacco use in California 2023." Truth Initiative.
"The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes." Environmental Research.
"Association between neighborhood walkability and physical activity in a community-based twin sample." American Journal of Epidemiology.
