STUDY: Happiest Cities in America

You can sometimes get the feeling that not a lot of people are happy these days.

Of course, it’s understandable with what is and has been going on during the last couple of years.  The pandemic, the shutdowns, the politics, inflation and gas prices…and now a war, thousands of miles away but hitting home emotionally and economically.

Being happy may be harder but a new study says that where you live can determine how happy you are.

The study by WalletHub surveyed close to 200 of the largest cities un the U.S. to determine where the happiest people live. They say they looked at 30 key indicators of happiness, ranging from the depression rates to income-growth to the amount of leisure time on average per day.

Six of the top 10 happiest cities in which to live are in California. San Diego is #10. Huntington Beach 9th, Irvine 5th, San Jose 4th, San Francisco 3rd and Fremont California #1. And several other cities in California are in the top 25 for happiness including Chula Vista.

Researchers talk about the science of happiness that includes a positive mental attitude, a healthy body, strong social connections, and financial well-being. But they’ve found that making more money is only one factor and that job satisfaction is at least as important if not more so to a lot of people.

So at least according to this study, we’re happier than those in a lot of other states, but then a lot of people in those other places, will probably argue that.

(Photo Getty Images)

READ MORE about the study.