Pulling data from sources like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau, WalletHub evaluated 100 of the most populated U.S. metro areas across numerous metrics, such as healthcare, fitness and access to green space. You can read the full report and an explanation of the methodology here. We're taking a closer look at this year's 10 healthiest cities.
10. Denver, CO
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The Mile High City may be famous for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, but the capital of Colorado is also one of the healthiest cities in the country. The city ranks fourth in the nation for fitness, which analyzes metrics such as the number of fitness clubs and trainers per capita and the percentage of adults engaged in physical activity.
9. Irvine, CA
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A planned city located in Orange County, Irvine is the one of three California cities to nab a spot on the list. With the second highest percentage of physically active adults in all the cities surveyed and one of the lowest premature death rates, the city is among the best at promoting a healthy lifestyle.
8. Honolulu, HI
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The easy breezes and perfect beaches may be a vacationer's dream, but the outdoor paradise of Honolulu is cherished by its residents as well. The capital city of Hawaii has one of the nation's more enjoyable climates, making it easy to get outside and be active. Honolulu scores high in the food category, meaning residents have regular access to affordable, healthy foods, farmer's markets and restaurants.
7. Scottsdale, AZ
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Scottsdale secures a spot in the top 10 again this year by taking first place in the fitness category--scoring points for a high number of fitness clubs and recreational leagues and boasting as a high percentage of adults who engage in physical activity.
Are the health and fitness clubs few and far between where you live? Don't despair, there are plenty of ways to be active without stepping foot in a facility. According to Audrey J. Burnett, associate professor in the Department of Health Sciences at James Madison University, "health efforts, such as regular physical activity, do not require expensive gym memberships or hours spent in a gym setting. Physical activity may include taking a nature hike through the woods, walking along a sidewalk or at a local school's track."
6. Burlington, VT
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Situated on the beautiful shore of Lake Champlain, this northern city cracks the top 10 this year with high scores in the health care and fitness categories. Burlington's residents helped boost the city's rank with their high fruit and vegetable consumption--the city had the lowest percentage of adults not eating enough fruits and vegetables per day of all the cities surveyed.
5. Washington, D.C.
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The nation's capital is quickly becoming known as a runner's paradise, and it's easy to see why: Washington, D.C. has the most running trails per capita of all cities surveyed, about 67 times more than the cities on the bottom of the list.
With access to public transportation and many walking and running trails to explore, it's easy for residents to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives. According to survey expert Thomas Prohaska, professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University, "the most effective method for promoting health is to make it part of a lifestyle".
4. San Diego, CA
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California makes its second appearance on the list with San Diego. This sunny city scored near the top in both the food and fitness categories, meaning residents have access to healthy restaurants and farmer's markets in addition to fitness facilities and recreational leagues.
San Diego's scenic waterfront and beautiful walking trails lining the city's parks are one of the many ways this west coast city encourages its residents to be active for life. According to survey expert Joan Salge Blake, clinical associate professor of nutrition in the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University, "A city should make it easy for its citizens to be healthy. Walking is one of the best ways to affordably incorporate movement throughout your day and meet the recommended physical activity guidelines daily."
3. Portland, OR
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This northwest city breaks into the top three this year with the third highest percentage of physically active adults and number of healthy restaurants per capita. With over 11,000 acres of parkland and plenty of farmer's markets to give its residents access to fresh, healthy produce, it's no wonder the largest city in Oregon is also one of the healthiest in the country.
2. Seattle, WA
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The rainy, cloudy weather this city is known for isn't enough to deter its residents from improving their fitness, as Seattle has the highest percentage of physically active adults in the county. Ranking 2nd in both the fitness and green space categories, this northwestern city's spot on the list is well deserved.
Seattle promotes a healthy lifestyle in other ways as well; the city ranks fourth in the nation for number of healthy restaurants per capita, and third in number of running trails.
1. San Francisco, CA
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This coastal city holds onto its number one spot for good reasons: beautiful weather, an incredible food scene and a healthy population make it an outstanding place to live. It received the highest ranking in the green space category, which measures quality of parks, recreation access and availability of hiking, running and walking trails.
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