The attractiveness of the cities where people prefer to live does not depend only on aesthetics or climate. This is revealed through a study carried out by Environment of interest, which classifies US cities according to health indicators and access to services.
This analysis evaluates factors such as rates of smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity, combining statistics from the US Census and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It also combines deep health indicators with the availability and proximity of doctors, gyms, and mental health professionals to assess overall health and fitness performance.
The list is made up of 25 places throughout the country, where the state of California takes the privilege of having the most appropriate in 2026.
Leading city: Cambridge, Massachusetts
cambridge It is positioned in first place with a frequent rating of A+. Its strengths include outdoor activities and health services, while housing and cost of living are its weakest marks.
A summary of housing and rental values shows prices exceeding $1 million.
California dominates the score
Berkeleyin California, ranks second with outstanding ratings in schools and health, although it faces cost-of-living challenges. Irvinealso in California, closes the top five with excellent scores in climate and indoor well-being.
Among the 25 healthiest cities in the United States are those in California: Sunnyvale, Saint Clare, Torrance, San Francisco, Pasadena, Costa Mesa, Glendale, Burbank, Oakland and Saint Joseph.
Comparison with cities outside of California
Bellevue and seattlelocated in Washington, complete the top four and five respectively. Both show strong access to outdoor activities and health services, albeit with high housing prices compared to their health scores.
The Environment of interest score highlights the relationship between access to healthy activities and public health outcomes. Despite the high costs of living, the healthiest cities demonstrate a significant connection between their environment and the quality of life of their inhabitants.
Complete list of the 25 healthiest places
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Berkeley, California
- Bellevue, Washington State
- Seattle, Washington State
- Irvine, California
- Boulder, Colorado
- Sunnyvale, California
- Santa Clara, California
- Torrance, California
- Arlington, Virginia
- San Francisco, California
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Naperville, Illinois
- Pasadena, California
- Sandy Springs, Georgia
- Portland, Oregon
- Costa Mesa, California
- Glendale, California
- Burbank, California
- Oakland, California
- Washington, D.C., District of Columbia
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Kent, Washington
- San Jose, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
Access to medical care
Access to health services in cities directly influences the well-being of citizens by improving their quality of life, reducing inequalities and preventing diseases.
Improves physical health. Better access to healthcare, sanitation, and clean water in urban environments reduces infectious diseases and infant mortality, especially in slums. Cities with proper planning, such as green spaces and active transportation, encourage healthy lifestyles that combat obesity and heart problems.
Mental health benefits. Proximity to mental health services minimizes stress and psychological disorders caused by overcrowding or lack of recreational areas. Inclusive urban policies promote social interaction and rest, increasing overall well-being.
Reduction of inequalities. In contexts such as Latin America, urban access exceeds rural access in literacy and life expectancy, but failures in planning generate poverty and gaps in essential services. Prioritizing “health in all policies” maximizes equity and returns in public health.
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