From expanding green spaces and revitalizing urban parks to improving access to fitness facilities and quality health care, many communities across the U.S. are placing an increased emphasis on their residents’ well-being. To identify the healthiest American cities, we turned to Wallethub’s 2026 report, which evaluated 182 major cities across four key categories: health care, food, fitness, and green space. The results highlight the U.S. cities leading the way in wellness, where healthy living is built into the fabric of the community.

10. Scottsdale, Arizona

Score: 60.64 (out of 100)

Scottsdale is the only Southwestern city in the top 10 healthiest cities in America, according to WalletHub’s latest findings. Located just east of Phoenix, this desert destination is known for its spa resorts and world-class golf courses. Outdoor living is central to life in Scottsdale, which ranked highly for green space thanks to its abundance of parks, gardens, and recreational trails.

The city ranks first in the report for the physical fitness category in particular, with a higher-than-average percentage of active adults and excellent access to fitness centers and other recreational activities. Residents also benefit from proximity to high-ranking health care, including the Mayo Clinic, making Scottsdale a popular retirement destination.

9. Austin, Texas

Score: 61.11

Known for its live music scene, this capital city blends cultural activities with community wellness. Whether you’re enjoying the 3-acre Barton Springs public swimming area or dancing the night away at one of the city’s many music venues, an active lifestyle often feels like second nature here.

Austin ties with several other U.S. cities for having the most dietitians and nutritionists per capita, reflecting a strong emphasis on balanced living. The city also has a high number of fitness facilities per capita, and outdoor exercise options abound, from biking along Lady Bird Lake to rock climbing at the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

Score: 61.52

Located on Oahu’s south shore, the capital city of Hawaii is America’s eighth-healthiest city in 2026. Honolulu boasts the highest life expectancy on this list, at around 82 years, and ranks third in green space. 

The city’s tropical climate encourages year-round outdoor activity, allowing locals and tourists alike to stay active while enjoying the scenery. And consistently low air pollution levels earn Honolulu top marks in the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, which ranks it among the cleanest cities in the country.

7. Denver, Colorado

Score: 61.65

Ranking seventh this year, Colorado’s capital city is often a starting point for ski vacations and Rocky Mountain excursions — but it’s a great place to live a healthy lifestyle, too. Denver’s residents tend to be highly active, thanks to easy access to urban trails, natural parks, and fitness classes.

The city also reports favorable health outcomes for its residents, with a life expectancy of 78.1 years, which is higher than the national average of 75.8. Additionally, residents have lower-than-average rates of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease. And along with increased rates of exercise, Denver residents spend more on fruits and vegetables and less on soda compared with the average American city.

6. Washington, D.C.

Score: 61.91

Washington, D.C., remains the only East Coast city in the top 10 healthiest cities in America in 2026, climbing three spots from last year to sixth place. The nation’s capital ranks fifth in fitness, reflecting strong participation in physical activity and widespread access to exercise facilities. D.C. also ranks fifth in healthy restaurants per capita, and residents enjoy access to top-tier health care, with higher-than-average availability of hospital beds and primary care providers.

5. Portland, Oregon

Score: 63.21

Rising one spot from last year, Portland, Oregon, is the fifth-healthiest U.S. city in 2026. Set along the Columbia and Willamette rivers, the city offers an abundance of natural parks and recreational areas for walking and hiking, along with an extensive network of bike paths and plenty of walkable neighborhoods. The city ranks first in healthy restaurants per capita and reports lower-than-average instances of diabetes and obesity, signaling that nutrition and emphasis on fresh, local food is important to its residents.

4. Salt Lake City, Utah

Score: 63.26

Salt Lake City holds steady in fourth place again this year. The Utah capital ranks second in green space per capita, offering residents a mix of downtown parks, expansive wetland preserves, and projects like the planned Green Loop — a 5-mile loop with walkable, bikeable, tree-lined greenways.

The mountain-meets-city lifestyle here offers year-round outdoor adventure opportunities, especially for avid hikers and snow sports enthusiasts. Other indications of a healthy population include the city’s low smoking rates (half the national average) and higher-than-average life expectancy (78.8 years).

3. Seattle, Washington

Score: 63.57

Residents in America’s third-healthiest city prioritize sustainability and a clean environment, making it one of the greenest cities in the country. Seattle’s urban forest restoration efforts have enhanced the ecosystem health of nearly 500 parks, and with so many recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder the city’s residents are among the most physically active in the country. Seattle also reports the second-highest life expectancy on the list, at 81.6 years, along with lower-than-average instances of chronic illness.

2. San Diego, California

Score: 65.19

With low obesity rates, miles of coastline, walking paths, and ample healthy restaurants, wellness is part of everyday life in San Diego. Plus, consistent average highs in the 70s and few rainy days allow residents to take advantage of popular outdoor activities like hiking along the coast at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and kayaking with sea lions and seals near La Jolla Cove.

1. San Francisco, California

Score: 70.41

The City by the Bay once again tops the list as the healthiest city in America. San Francisco has one of the highest average life expectancies in the country — 80.8 years — and the second-lowest obesity rate.

The highly walkable city also has an excellent variety of health food restaurants — from organic and farm-to-table eateries to places that cater to specialized diets like veganism and no gluten. SF spends heavily on parks and recreation, too. These green spaces allow for outdoor exercise year-round, whether that’s biking through Golden Gate Park, taking in skyline views at Mission Dolores Park, or exploring Alamo Square, home to the famous Painted Ladies.