California cities dominate list of happiest in US: study

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• Whereas California cities made up six of the highest 10 slots, two cities in Texas ranked fifth and sixth total.

• Researchers primarily based the rankings on 13 totally different metrics together with life expectancy and % of adults residing beneath the poverty stage.

• Sunnyvale, Calif., was ranked because the happiest metropolis total whereas Birmingham, Ala., took the underside spot. 

Six of the highest 10 happiest cities in the US are situated in California, a state recognized for its laid-back angle and thriving expertise sector.

That’s in response to a brand new rating from SmartAsset that assessed 13 totally different metrics associated to non-public finance, wellbeing and high quality of life. The group weighed out there information for 164 of the biggest 200 cities within the nation.

Sunnyvale, Calif., got here out on prime of the listing, adopted by Arlington, Va.; Bellevue, Wash.; Fremont, Calif.; and Frisco, Texas. 

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California cities tended to attain highest within the high quality of life class, with decrease percentages of individuals residing in poverty, larger marriage charges and decrease crime charges total, information confirmed.

Extra metrics measured included the proportion of adults with medical health insurance, common commute occasions and violent crime charges.

Plano, Texas; Roseville, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; Santa Clarita, Calif.; and Irvine, Calif., rounded out the highest 10 happiest cities. 

Except for Arlington, Va., married {couples} make up the vast majority of the opposite 9 happiest cities’ populations. In Arlington, the wedding charge is 44 %. Frisco, Texas, had the best marriage charge of all U.S. cities at 62.6 %.

Sunnyvale, situated in Silicon Valley, was bumped to the highest spot partly as a result of it’s dwelling to the biggest variety of people making $100,000 or extra annually. It’s additionally dwelling to the third-lowest proportion of adults residing beneath the poverty stage. 

Analysis has proven larger incomes are linked with improved day-to-day wellbeing and total life satisfaction.

On the opposite facet of the nation, Arlington, Va. got here in second, rating within the prime seven for private funds, wellbeing and high quality of life. Almost half of town’s residents earn $100,000 per 12 months or extra, whereas residing prices account for lower than 35 % of town’s median family earnings. 

Compared, Birmingham, Ala., ranked because the least joyful metropolis within the evaluation, popping out within the backside 5 amongst private chapter filings per capita, life expectancy and proportion of residents residing in poverty. 

It was joined by Newark, N.J., and Memphis, Tenn., which ranked because the second and third least-happy cities within the evaluation.