If you’re looking for happiness, perhaps moving is the answer. National Geographic ranked the following cities, towns, counties, and metropolitan areas as 10 of the happiest places in the United States. People here are friendlier and smile more; they have access to nature; and they’re up for new and interesting things.
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Boulder, Colorado
While many of the cities are located along the coasts, Boulder tops the list of the happiest places to live in the U.S. Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city is a nature lover’s paradise, and it’s a hotspot for biking with hundreds of miles of trails to explore.
Santa Cruz, California
Several California cities and counties make the list, but Santa Cruz is one of the happiest. Home to beautiful beaches and a vintage amusement park, the city is a coastal paradise. Enjoy access to multiple state parks and nature preserves.
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Charlottesville, Virginia
On the East Coast, Charlottesville, Virginia, tops the list of happy places to live. In addition to being a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, this lovely college town is rich with history. It’s home to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s former home, and the former home of President James Monroe.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Back to Colorado, Fort Collins is another college town that makes the list. Home to Colorado State University, the city is filled with gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area to see the buildings that inspired Disneyland’s Main Street.
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San Luis Obispo, California
The San Luis Obispo, California metropolitan area, which is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Jose, isn’t just happy; it’s relaxing. There are plenty of places within easy driving distance to kick back and let your hair down, such as wineries and sandy beaches.
San Jose, California
Travel farther north along the California coast to San Jose. This sprawling city is a part of Silicon Valley and is home to many technology companies. It’s also a city that can stay sunny for a few hundred days a year.
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Provo, Utah
Part thriving city, part natural paradise, Provo is a popular skiing spot, but there’s so much to do throughout the year. It sits along Utah Lake, one of the largest bodies of fresh water west of the Mississippi River, and it’s home to Brigham Young University.
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford may be a quick drive from New York City, but the town has plenty of culture and exciting things to do in its own right. It sits along the Long Island Sound, and it has its own vibrant downtown scene with restaurants, shops, theaters, museums, and more.
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Barnstable, Massachusetts
Situated along Cape Cod, the town of Barnstable is the picturesque postcard town you envision when you think of the New England coast. Beaches, lighthouses, and villages, like Hyannis, make up the
Anchorage, Alaska
The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, rounds out the top 10. It’s surrounded by water on one side and several state parks and wilderness areas on the other. Enjoy the Alaskan culture in the city or get out and explore the city’s unmatched views along its outskirts.
