Top 10 Healthiest Places To Live in America Revealed
Cities in California dominate a new ranking of the healthiest places to live in the United States, which highlights cities where residents score well across key measures of health, lifestyle, and access to care.
The study by Niche evaluates general health levels among residents by examining rates of smoking, excessive alcohol use, and obesity, alongside access to healthcare services, mental health providers and fitness centers.
According to Niche, the ranking draws on health statistics from the U.S. Census and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), combining personal health indicators with the availability and proximity of doctors, gyms, and mental health practitioners to assess overall performance in health and fitness.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, ranked first overall, earning an A+ score. Located in Middlesex County, Cambridge has a population of 118,796 and ranked as the number 1 city for young professionals in America in another survey by Niche.
The city received its highest grades-A+-for being "good for families," outdoor activities, health and fitness, nightlife, and its commute. Its lowest scores were a C for housing and the cost of living, and a C+ for crime and safety. According to the study, "Homes in Cambridge have a median value of $1,092,100. The median rent price in Cambridge is $2,787, and most residents rent their homes."
Berkeley, California, placed second, also with an overall grade of A+. The city, in Alameda County, has a population of 120,257. Berkeley earned A+ grades for public schools, weather, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and nightlife. Its lowest score was a D+ for cost of living. The study found that homes in Berkeley have a median value of $1,413,900, with a median rent of $2,133, and that most residents rent their homes.
Bellevue, in Washington state, came in third with another A+ overall score. Situated in King County, Bellevue has a population of 151,847. The city's strongest grades-A+-were for public schools, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and being "good for families." Its lowest marks were a C‑ for cost of living and a C+ for housing. According to the study, homes in Bellevue have a median value of $1,340,300, while the median rent price in Bellevue is $2,572. Most residents own their homes in the city.
Seattle, Washington, ranked fourth, also receiving an A+ overall grade. The city's highest scores were for outdoor activities, health and fitness, and nightlife, all of which earned A+ grades. Its lowest scores were for housing, the cost of living, as well as crime and safety, receiving a C‑ for all of these criteria. Homes in Seattle have a median value of $938,600, while the median rent price is $2,030, and most residents rent their homes.
Rounding out the top five is Irvine, California, located in Orange County, with a population of 311,690. Irvine also received an overall score of A+. Its highest grades-A+-were for weather, outdoor activities, health and fitness, and being "good for families."
Together, the top-ranked cities reflect how access to outdoor activities, health and fitness options, and broader healthcare resources can intersect with lifestyle factors to shape overall well-being. While many of the healthiest places also have high housing and living costs, the Niche ranking underscores the strong link between environment, infrastructure, and public health outcomes across the U.S.
See the full ranking of the healthiest places to live in America at the Niche website.
Top 10 Healthiest Places To Live in the U.S.
- Cambridge, Massachusetts (overall grade: A+)
- Berkeley, California (overall grade: A+)
- Bellevue, Washington state (overall grade: A+)
- Seattle, Washington state (overall grade: A+)
- Irvine, California (overall grade: A+)
- Boulder, Colorado (overall grade: A+)
- Sunnyvale, California (overall grade: A+)
- Santa Clara, California (overall grade: A+)
- Torrance, California (overall grade: A)
- Arlington, Virginia (overall grade: A+)
Source: A ranking by Niche, based on rates of smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity, as well as access to healthcare, mental health, and fitness centers
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:31 AM.