It’s easy to see why San Francisco is considered one of the more healthy places in the U.S.—and in fact why it scored highest on a study ranking cities and their residents’ wellness, according to personal finance company WalletHub. Off the top of our head? It probably has something to do with the city’s calm weather that lets people hike and cycle year round. Or it’s the huge stretch of Golden Gate Park with its many outdoor activities like yoga on the grass, various beaches to cool your feet or the nice maritime breeze that comes off the bay. Maybe it’s nightlife that keeps you on your feet through the wee hours of the morning.
The study puts some statistical science behind its claim, comparing more than 180 of the most populated U.S. cities across 41 key metrics that foster good health. Those data points constitute everything from the cost of a medical visit, to how much fruit and vegetables residents eat, to what percentage of the population exercises regularly. The average cost of a gym membership is another one of those important metrics.
San Francisco earns the top spot overall, as well as #1 for the amount of green space it offers and for its healthy food. On the other hand, it’s ranked fairly low (#76) for health care and #28 for physical fitness (but let’s not forget that walking some of the famously hilly streets can count as exercise).
The next-healthiest city on the list is Honolulu, followed by Seattle. If you’d like to read more, here are the top 10 most healthy U.S. cities:
1. San Francisco
2. Honolulu
3. Seattle
4. San Diego
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Portland, OR
7. Denver, CO
8. Salt Lake City, UT
9. Scottsdale, AZ
10. Irvine, CA