What does it take to be happy? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, one factor, according to an annual report from the personal finance site Wallet Hub, is where you live. Other key components of happiness include health, social connection, and financial security. And when residents report strong levels of each, you get the “Happiest Cities in America.” This survey reveals where the happiest people in America are living. Check out which cities made the top 10 in 2026 — and why travelers may love them, too.

10. San Jose, California

Though it dropped from the No. 2 spot last year, San Jose still ranks as the 10th-happiest city in America in 2026, thanks in large part to its great weather. With San Jose experiencing an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, residents are allowed ample opportunity to enjoy time outside and an active lifestyle, and the city provides plenty of green spaces, parks, and gardens to do so. San Jose’s diversity is also a boon to happiness. In particular, it’s home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations outside of Vietnam, and residents are lucky enough to enjoy excellent restaurants, shops, and grocery stores for and from different cultures.

9. Gilbert, Arizona

A new contender in the top 10 list of happiest cities for 2026, Gilbert is becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Arizona. Gilbert’s popularity can be attributed to a high quality of life, with a strong community and a family-friendly vibe that attracts new residents. A combination of good schools, safe neighborhoods, and more affordable housing makes Gilbert especially appealing for families. Home to restaurants, shops, and breweries, the downtown area serves as the community’s center, with the Heritage District hosting annual events, concerts, and farmers markets.

8. Irvine, California

Even though their city dropped from No. 3 in last year’s happiness report, Irvine’s residents still have plenty to be content about — especially if they care about sustainability. The city’s Master Plan has cultivated one of America’s greenest cities, showing that the local government is concerned not only with current residents, but with future residents as well. Irvine’s conservation tactics include safeguarding watersheds, protecting open spaces, and enforcing proper land management. The city is also home to one of America’s first municipal-scale recycled water systems, which helps protect the state’s most precious natural resource.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a social city, and with the third-highest community ranking in this list, it seems like this is a key factor in keeping residents happy. For locals and visitors alike, the popular coastal city provides no shortage of things to do — from bar hopping to a booming restaurant scene to history everywhere you look. For those seeking quieter experiences, Charleston offers proximity to nature, with opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching in nearby marshes. Beaches, including Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Islands, are also a welcome respite from the higher temperatures in the summer months.

6. Overland Park, Kansas

This unassuming suburb of Kansas City may not seem all that exciting from the outside, but sometimes “exciting” doesn’t always translate to “happy.” With safe neighborhoods, good schools, and high community engagement, Overland Park offers dependability for families. It also has a budding food and art scene, with rotating public art exhibits, community galleries, and permanent art installations found throughout town. 

5. Fargo, North Dakota

In recent years, Fargo has become an increasingly desirable place to live, with many residents appreciating the amenities of a medium-sized city without the hassle of bigger metropolises. Fargo boasts a strong job market and an unemployment rate below the national average, thanks in part to the continued growth of the manufacturing and health industries in the region. The Fargo area is also home to three universities, including North Dakota State University, which creates educational and cultural opportunities and a built-in community, especially for sports fans.

4. South Burlington, Vermont

The small-town New England charm of Burlington is on many travelers’ radars, but in terms of residents’ happiness, its next-door neighbor, South Burlington, has the edge. This suburb is both happier and safer than Burlington, and residents tend to get a little more bang for their buck. Despite having all the trappings of suburbia, South Burlington still has plenty to offer in the nightlife department. The city’s numerous restaurants, music venues, comedy clubs, breweries, and bars keep residents occupied well after the sun goes down, which is quite early during Vermont winters.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona

Jumping from No. 8 last year to No. 3 in 2026, Scottsdale continues to climb the ranks in the happiness department. A favorite destination for snowbirds and year-round residents alike, this desert city boasts mild winter temps and receives an average of only 10 inches of rain per year. Residents get outside and enjoy the sunshine year-round, with bike paths, golf courses, and hiking trails to keep people happy and healthy. It’s also a welcoming community, with plenty of neighborhood programs that encourage people to make connections with other locals and contribute to the community at large.

2. Bismarck, North Dakota

New to the top 10 happiest U.S. cities this year, Bismarck keeps residents happily busy with a packed calendar of art fairs, street parties, farmers markets, and festivals. That has created a vibrant and tight-knit community and contributed to its No. 2 ranking in the 2026 happiness study. Recent economic growth has also attracted young professionals and entrepreneurs, with more small businesses, restaurants, and local shops opening up. Plus, during the warmer months, Bismarck is an outdoor paradise for bike enthusiasts, with paved bike paths, mountain-bike terrain near Harmon Lake, and trails along the river.

1. Fremont, California

Ranked the No. 1 happiest U.S. city for the third year in a row, Fremont is clearly doing something right. According to the WalletHub report, its residents are both emotionally and physically happier than people in any other city in America. It doesn’t hurt that the city’s proximity to tech hubs in Silicon Valley contributes to job security and high household income. Partnership is also thriving in Fremont, which boasts not only a high marriage rate but also a low divorce rate. When you add in excellent schools, access to the outdoors, and cultural diversity, there’s a lot to be happy about in Fremont.