San Francisco Ranks Among the Elite for Active Living!

With “increasing physical activity” and “shedding pounds” ranking as among the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2025, the personal-finance platform WalletHub has unveiled its report regarding the Best and Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle in 2025, along with insights from experts, to determine where Americans are likely to remain healthy in the upcoming year.

WalletHub evaluated the 100 largest U.S. cities using 35 important metrics. The data collection includes factors such as the average monthly gym fee, the city’s biking score, and the percentage of inactive adults.

 

Top Cities for an Active Lifestyle

Honolulu, Hawaii topped the rankings as the best city for upholding an active lifestyle. New York, NY, secured second place, followed by San Francisco, CA. Completing the top ten were Las Vegas, NV; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; San Diego, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and at number 10, Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

Lowest Rated Cities for an Active Lifestyle

Fresno, California was positioned at number 91, recognized as one of the least favorable cities for maintaining an active lifestyle. It was succeeded by Winston-Salem, NC; Newark, NJ; Garland, TX; Hialeah, FL; Wichita, KS; Corpus Christi, TX; Fort Wayne, IN; Irving, TX; and finally, at the end of the list, at number 100, North Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

“The leading cities for remaining active provide options for individuals of all preferences, from fans of team sports to those desiring to get their daily exercise by walking or biking to work. They are generally large urban areas that remain in close proximity to stunning natural surroundings suitable for hiking and swimming. Lastly, the cities that excel in promoting active lifestyles have populations deeply interested in fitness, which aids individuals in finding workout partners and staying encouraged,” stated Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “Honolulu is hailed as the premier city for an active lifestyle, largely due to its encouragement of community sports over any other city, featuring a remarkably high ratio of baseball fields, skate parks, volleyball courts, and tennis courts per capita. Even for those uninterested in team sports, Honolulu’s closeness to the ocean ensures easy access to swimming and surfing, and it also ranks highest for hiking trails. Moreover, it possesses the third-greatest acreage of parkland per capita. Honolulu is third in the nation for air quality, contributing to better breathing while engaged in outdoor activities.”

 

Best vs. Worst

Orlando, Florida, boasts the highest number of sporting goods stores per capita, 10.5 times more compared to North Las Vegas, Nevada, which holds the lowest count.

Scottsdale, Arizona, has the greatest number of public golf courses per capita, 49.3 times more than Bakersfield, California, which has the fewest.

Denver, Colorado, leads in terms of fitness trainers and aerobics instructors per capita, 5.8 times more than Corpus Christi, Texas, which has the least.

Las Vegas has the highest number of playgrounds per capita, 22.2 times more compared to Hialeah, Florida, which has the least.

To view the comprehensive report, please visit:

 

Expert Insights

How can communities stimulate and support active lifestyles among their residents?

“Robust research indicates that creating or enhancing safe spaces for physical activity in communities, along with coordinating those spaces with programs promoting physical fitness, is vital. Community-wide physical activity initiatives that foster partnerships between diverse sectors can ensure consistent promotional efforts and opportunities across organizations such as schools, workplaces, health departments, clinics, and parks and recreation groups. Forming a coalition with representatives from these sectors, who advocate for physical activity, can formulate a plan ensuring that policies, environments, and programs support increased physical engagement for all demographics in the community. It is crucial to address areas and populations lacking equal access to physical activity resources to ensure changes focus on these groups.”

Paul Estabrooks – Professor and Associate Dean, University of Utah

 

“Activities related to fitness should embed themselves within the social fabric and require widespread support. Initially, if a community enhances access to public transportation, individuals typically reliant on driving can opt to walk to and from bus or train stops. Facilities funded by taxes that grant free access to everyone, such as tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, and indoor gyms, are essential. Certain municipalities open school fitness spaces and pools to community members. Furthermore, a parks and recreation department that offers free access to facilities, alongside possible free public transportation, can promote active living among residents. Organizing regular town or city-wide walking events or races to support local causes is another way to motivate participation. Social networks (such as schools, health centers, and places of worship) can initiate activities like walking groups, hiking clubs, or explorers groups for youths, and fitness classes for seniors. Authorities may need to devise pedestrian master plans to guarantee safe and accessible walking paths.”

Susan Massad, HSD, R.D. – Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics, Framingham State University

 

What suggestions do you have for individuals aiming to sustain an active lifestyle on a budget?

“Consider walking outside when it feels safe to do so. Alternatively, numerous free fitness apps and online videos are available. Check your health insurance plan. Some providers offer reduced-price gym memberships or discounts on exercise equipment and fitness trackers. Establish straightforward goals that can fit into your daily routine. For instance, aim to take the stairs each day rather than using the elevator.”

Jennifer D. Roberts, Ph.D., MPH – Director, Public Health Outcomes and Effects of the Built Environment Laboratory; Associate Professor, University of Maryland

 

“Opt for stair climbing. Park further away to increase the distance you walk. Engage in brisk walking. Play some of your favorite tunes and dance – even if that is within the privacy of your home (it’s better if you feel self-conscious). Utilize household items to enhance arm strength – carefully lift and maneuver various objects. Incorporate arm circles, push-ups, planks, squats, and lunges into your routine. There are many online videos demonstrating how to perform these exercises. Consult your local parks and recreation department regarding available free or low-cost activities. Explore no-cost apps or workout videos – many are accessible on YouTube. The benefit lies in requiring only loose, comfortable clothing – no need for expensive athletic wear. Experiment with various programs – if one becomes uninteresting, switch to another. Some focus on total body toning, while others provide Zumba (dance) routines, low-impact options, or high-impact workouts. Trying various exercises enhances different muscle groups and boosts overall fitness. Consider starting a walking club or obtaining a fitness partner. Social interactions can enhance motivation and accountability towards one another.”

Susan Massad, HSD, R.D. – Professor and Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics, Framingham State University

 

How can parents…

encourage youngsters to be engaged in order to tackle obesity?

“My initial suggestion is to allow children to play! Studies indicate that when kids are granted the liberty to explore their outdoor surroundings, they tend to be more active compared to when they are engaged in organized activities or guided by attentive adults. Frequently, guardians may restrict children’s access to outdoor spaces due to concerns over neighborhood safety or a preference for indoor activities. Simply facilitating outdoor free time for children is the most straightforward and effective method to enhance physical movement. In communities where parental time and financial resources may be constrained, local recreation leaders might opt to send a mobile ‘rolling recreation’ to those areas. Accountable play leaders and essential sports equipment are supplied in the areas where children and adolescents reside to encourage unstructured outdoor play and sports. My second suggestion is to motivate parents to inquire about what their children enjoy. Numerous youngsters commence youth sports and activities based on their parents’ interests. Asking your child about their preferences can lead to a deeper engagement with the activity and a stronger commitment from the child. If the child selects the activity, it is regarded as more appealing than if it is mandated. Children have so little agency in their lives, that how they opt to be active can serve as a means of empowerment.”

Kindal Shores, Ph.D. – Professor, East Carolina University

 

“Children should aim for 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity daily to enhance health and avert obesity (and other chronic diseases). In general, the most effective way to keep children active is to identify physical activities they enjoy and provide ample opportunities for them to engage in those activities frequently. For parents, participate in physical activities with your children. Parents who are active alongside their kids tend to have more active children compared to those who do not. Other beneficial practices include limiting screen time, which involves setting boundaries on how long children can spend on their devices like phones or tablets. Having kids check in their devices at bedtime and limiting recreational screen time to under an hour per day are also advantageous strategies. Lastly, involving children in programs at organizations like the boys and girls club, parks and recreation, or the YMCA can help foster physical activity at a lower expense.”

Paul Estabrooks – Professor and Associate Dean, University of Utah