We're all told it's a good idea to live healthy lifestyle, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes your friend's fresh baked chocolate chip cookies get in the way, or your desk job prevents you from moving all day. Being in the right place at the right time has everything to do with it. Here are the top 15 fittest cities in the U.S. that you should move to for motivation. The cities are ranked based on obesity rates, smoking habits, diabetes rates, and environmental factors such as number of parks and farmers markets.
Washington, D.C.
Ringing in the number 1 spot for the second year in a row, Washington D.C. is the fittest city in the U.S. Over 95% of its residents live within 10 minutes of a park. The city has tons of farmers markets and a decreasing diabetes rates. To top it all off, the city government spends more money per resident to maintain their parks than any other city.
Minneapolis, MN
As the number 2 fittest city in the U.S., Minneapolis has a growing number of farmers markets and increasing walkability. Over 92% of Minneapolis residents live within 10 minutes of a park, making exercise easy and accessible to all.
San Diego, CA
Also in the top 10 since 2009, San Diego is always a top contender for fittest city in the U.S. The city has lowered asthma rates as well as lower death rates from diabetes and heart disease over the past year.
San Francisco, CA
This city has been in the top 10 fittest cities since 2009, due to its smoking ban and promotions for healthy living. Over the past 5 years, the number of farmers markets in San Francisco has doubled.
Sacramento, CA
The city of Sacramento was built for cycling, contributing to its top 5 ranking. There are curved sidewalks for easy riding, and specific bike lanes. The city also boasts a high number of recreational facilities.
Denver, CO
With the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the people of Denver are not reluctant to get outside and be active. Denver has countless farmers markets, adding to its top position on the list. There are also huge communities for people who enjoy running, cycling, and triathlons.
Portland, OR
The west coast seems to be doing it right, and Portland is no exception. The city has an increasing numbers of people biking or walking to work instead of driving, adding to their high level of fitness.
Seattle, WA
The tech-savvy city of Seattle has lots of people walking, biking, and taking public transportation to work. Despite the constant drizzle of rain, the people of Seattle are super into kayaking, hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery around them.
Boston, MA
With over 17 miles of bike paths along the Charles River alone, Boston is a great city for getting outside and staying active. Over the past year, they've poured money into parks and have worked to decrease diabetes and cardiovascular disease rates.
San Jose, CA
Ringing in the top 10, San Jose makes the list for its addition of pools, baseball fields, and tennis courts over the past year. All these outdoor activities are a perfect way to get a tan and get fit.
Salt Lake City, UT
It looks like the people of Salt Lake City are putting their mountains to good use. The city has increased its level of physical activity tremendously, giving them a top spot on the list.
Hartford, CT
With its new baseball diamond, golf courses, and park playgrounds, Hartford offers lots of free fun and fit activities for its residents.
Raleigh, NC
Over the past year, Raleigh has had decreasing numbers of residents living with angina or coronary heart disease. They also have decreasing rates of diabetes and heart disease.
Atlanta, GA
With the year-round warm weather in Atlanta it's no wonder people are more active. Atlanta has kept its place in the list of top fittest cities due to increasing recreational facilities being put in place.
Virginia Beach, VA
With its 14 miles of free beaches, people are always up and moving in sunny Virginia Beach. The city boasts one of the highest levels of fruit and vegetable consumption, placing it on the top 15 list. It also has lots of parkland and an increasing number of recreational facilities.