The leading 10 most joyful cities in America have been introduced, with half of these located in California.
Fremont, California A WalletHub study has identified as the most joyful metropolis in the United States due to its financial security, elevated levels of contentment among residents, and favorable environmental circumstances.
The financial services firm assesses well-being using 29 indicators which include depression rates, average daily leisure time, income-growth rates and more.
Analysts say an 'ideal city' provides residents with living conditions that 'foster good mental and physical health', such as reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather, caring neighbors and the ability to form strong social connections.
The study also found that cities where a substantial percentage of residents earn annual salaries of at least $75,000 are likely to have greater happiness.
However, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo warns that 'research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you're making at least $75,000 per year – anything more you earn likely won't have an impact'.
'Consequently, when choosing where to reside for optimal happiness, you should select a city that provides more than merely a reasonable median salary,' he noted.
Following the drop of the United States to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report, this study was conducted. This marks the first time that the country has fallen outside the top 20 rankings and achieved its lowest position since the inception of the report twelve years ago.
Fremont, California
Population: 226,208
The study reveals that Fremont, which is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, ranks as the happiest city in America.
The residents boast the top level of life satisfaction, rank fifth lowest for depression rates, and hold the fourth-longest average lifespan in the United States.
Fremont also has the lowest separation and divorce rate in the country, at only 8.9 per cent.
At nearly 80 per cent, the city also has highest share of households earning an income of more than $75,000 annually.
San Jose, California
Population: 969,655
San Jose, also located in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been identified as the second happiest city in the US, according to WalletHub's study.
Residents in San Jose have the longest average life expectancy in the country, with locals having one of the best overall health and wellness scores.
Many San Jose locals say they like where they live, feel safe and have pride in their community.
The city has recorded the fourth-lowest separation and divorce rate and at 72 per cent has the the third-highest share of households with an annual income greater than $75,000.
Irvine, California
Population: 314,621
Irvine, situated in the Orange County region of Southern California, is home to more than 3million people and has the third-highest percentage of healthy residents in the nation.
More than 88 per cent of Irvine residents report having good or better health and nearly 84 per cent participate in physical activities, the study revealed. The city also has the eighth-lowest depression rate.
Additionally, nearly 68 per cent of households in the city earn over $75,000 per year.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Population: 206,410
Sioux Falls is the fourth happiest city in America, recording a total happiness score of 68.66.
The South Dakota city recorded the ninth-highest emotional and physical well-being score.
Overland Park, Kansas
Population: 197,089
Overland Park has ranked fifth in America's happiness scale, the study revealed.
It has consistently been recognized as one of the happiest cities in America due to its low poverty and unemployment rates, and high emotional and physical well-being scores.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Population: 294,757
Lincoln, Nebraska is the sixth happiest city in America, with its amenities, economy, and affordability largely contributing to this ranking.
Lincoln serves as the capital of Nebraska and ranks as the state's second most populous city.
Madison, Wisconsin
Population: 280,305
The Wisconsin capital slotted seventh in WalletHub's latest ranking of the happiest cities in America.
Madison often ranks high in happiness studies due to residents recording a positive quality of life due to the city's strong community, good schools, and access to nature.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Population: 244,394
Scottsdale, a dessert city located east of the Arizona capital Phoenix, is the eighth happiest city in America, according to the report.
Residents have indicated they have a high-quality of life, with many citing factors such as good jobs, friendly communities and beautiful scenery.
San Francisco, California
Population: 808,988
San Francisco is the ninth happiest city in America, according to the report.
The city boasts a low financial stress rates and features a vibrant culture, with locals saying they often make time of leisurely activities.
Roughly 61 per cent of residents reported that they feel happy most of the time.
Huntington Beach, California
Population: 192,129
California, which has dominated the happiest cities list, rounds out the top 10 with Huntington Beach, located in the Greater Los Angeles area.
The so-called Surf City is known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife and vast assortment of leisurely activities.
Huntington Beach is regarded as a wealthy region, with its median household income being 20 percent above the average for the state of California.
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