We looked at the top ten happiest cities in the United States in 2021 to find what makes them tick.
Perhaps you can add some of these cities on your “places to visit” in near future.
Miami, Florida
Miami is the happiest city in America, with 70% of people reporting that they are happy.
Miami has topped the list for the second year in a row (supporting happiness pre- and post-pandemic).
Miami is not just the happiest city but also the healthiest and most active. More than 87 percent of the individuals who live there work out once a week or more.
Miami residents spend an average of $74 per month on beauty and grooming services, more than any other city in the United States. It is also the second-most spiritually fulfilled city, with 70% of citizens reporting that they are spiritually fulfilled.
It appears that no matter how difficult the outer conditions are, Miami people have a few strategies for discovering and achieving pleasure.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is our second-happiest city.
This city is also not new to the happiness leaderboard; it has been on the list of the happiest cities for two years in a row. Not only have they kept their position on the leaderboard, but people say they are happier now than they were in 2020. (up 6 percent ).
Atlanta is still doing it right in the midst of an unexpectedly difficult year. Despite the stresses of a worldwide epidemic, they’ve stayed active, with 81 percent of individuals working out at least once a week.
Atlanta is also the most spiritual city in the United States, ranking top in terms of residents feeling the most connected to their neighborhoods and communities. Atlanta has all bases covered when it comes to happiness.
New York, New York
This year was particularly difficult for New York. In the face of substantial lockdowns and severe COVID-19 impact, New York demonstrated the tenacity for which it is known.
Not only do 63 percent of New Yorkers report being pleased most of the time, but happiness levels have risen by 11 percentage points since last year (more than any other city).
Apparently the pandemic has brought New Yorkers together in new ways (65 percent do virtual workouts at least once a week), with residents feeling more in touch with their neighbors and their communities and ranking high in close relationships with friends and family.
There is nothing that New Yorkers with an indomitable spirit cannot accomplish together– genuine happiness is only one of them.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC has been on this list multiple times, with 60 percent of residents in our nation’s capital indicating that they are pleased. So, what makes these residents so happy?
79 percent of inhabitants may exercise once or more each week. They also vary their routines, with 64 percent of consumers engaging in virtual fitness at least weekly.
The capital also ranks second in the country for group Pilates and group dance fitness programs, making various kinds of training entertaining, distinctive, and oriented toward camaraderie.
D.C. is also maintaining up looks; a quarter of D.C. residents devote extra effort to their beauty and grooming regimens. Is it possible that a bit of self-care leads to more happiness?
Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas, has risen to the top of our list this year, with 8% more inhabitants reporting to be happy most of the year.
We’re all wondering the same thing: how can it be? When polled, 69 percent of locals believe they are more concerned with their health and wellness following the implementation of COVID-19. People in this area appreciate community, placing third in group yoga.
Since the epidemic, they have devoted more time to grooming services and have remained well-rested, making them genuine movers and shakers in seeking and obtaining pleasure.
Houston, Texas
While it would be natural and anticipated for happiness levels to drop in the face of adversity, Houston’s place in the top ten has risen two spots from last year.
Houstonians are more involved in their health and wellbeing now; 64% say they are more focused on it since the epidemic began, and more than half have included virtual exercise into their routines.
They are well-rounded and energetic, and they demonstrate how to cultivate unwavering happiness from within.
Oakland, California
Oakland made it to our list, with 59 percent stating that they are generally pleased (up from 52 percent last year).
Despite being the most stressed-out city on the list, Oakland has the largest number of meditation practitioners. Oakland people understand the significance of real connection personally, ranking sixth in neighborhood and community connection and 11th in intimate ties with friends and family.
This city serves as a reminder to all of us of the value of cultivating genuine friendships during a time when the realities of lockdowns and limitations might feel isolated.
This city’s focus on human connection causes us to reconsider the importance of community, family, and friends in creating and maintaining pleasure.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco ranks eighth this year, remaining in the top ten for the second year in a row. What makes this teeming California metropolis happy?
Despite living in a city that was heavily affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, these inhabitants managed to stay active regularly, with 82 percent of residents working out once a week or more.
They maintained their exercise habits, but they also placed eighth in terms of feeling connected to their towns and communities and obtaining a good night’s sleep.
We all need two healthy behaviors to cope with the world’s challenges effectively, working out and good night’s sleep.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee, has been named the ninth-happiest city in America for 2021.
It’s no wonder that it’s the second least stressed city in the country.
Memphis is also ranked second for group exercise with cardio equipment, with participants keeping their heart rates as high as their camaraderie.
This city also includes several levels of well-being into its routine, ranking as the seventh most spiritually fulfilled city, with many residents stating that grooming services are part of their wellness routines.
This city demonstrates how important our everyday decisions are in creating lasting pleasure.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit rounds out our list of the top ten happiest cities in the United States.
The residents of Detroit are physically active, with 67 percent working out once or more each week. Residents are not just busy but also relaxed, with the city rating as the least stressed on our list.
Detroit is ranked tenth in the U.S. for group dance fitness, with individuals physically dancing away their stress.
This city reminds us what relaxing, exercising our bodies, and self-care can do to boost our general happiness. It is active, calm, enjoyable, and well-groomed (54 percent of residents report that beauty and grooming are a large part of their lives).
To Conclude
And there you have it: America’s happiest cities for 2021. While some were new additions to the list and others were repeat winners, each of these cities managed to unleash happiness when the globe was redefining it.
Although we must be realistic about our circumstances, being outside, remaining active, leaning into the community, and nourishing ourselves play an important role in what it means to be happy.