These cities rank as the very best locations for lively existence in 2026, knowledge finds

As Americans ring in 2026 decided to train extra and shed some pounds, a brand new WalletHub examine exhibits that the place you reside can play a significant position in how simple it’s to take care of an lively life-style.

With New Year’s self-improvement in thoughts, WalletHub in contrast the 100 largest U.S. cities throughout 35 key indicators of an lively life-style, starting from common month-to-month fitness-club charges to bike scores and the share of bodily inactive adults.

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Methodology:

WalletHub analyzed the 100 most populous U.S. cities to establish the very best locations for an lively life-style, evaluating every location throughout two predominant classes: Budget & Participation and Sports & Outdoors.

The rankings have been based mostly on 35 metrics, every weighted and scored on a 100-point scale, with greater scores reflecting extra favorable circumstances for bodily exercise. To forestall inhabitants dimension from skewing outcomes, sure metrics have been adjusted utilizing the sq. root of a metropolis’s inhabitants. WalletHub then calculated a weighted common for every metropolis to provide an total Active Lifestyle Score and ranked cities accordingly, contemplating solely metropolis limits and excluding surrounding metropolitan areas.

What they’re saying:

“The top cities for staying active offer opportunities for all types of people, from those who prefer team sports to people who simply want to get their daily exercise by walking or biking to work,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said in an online statement. “They also tend to be large cities that still have a close proximity to beautiful natural areas for hiking and swimming. Finally, the top cities for an active lifestyle have populations that are highly interested in exercise, which helps people find workout partners and stay motivated.”

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Dig deeper:

Top 5 Cities for an Active Lifestyle

1. Honolulu, HI
2. New York, NY
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Chicago, IL
5. Los Angeles, CA

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu ranks as the very best U.S. metropolis for an lively life-style in 2026, pushed by its sturdy assist for group sports activities and outside recreation. 

The metropolis leads the nation in entry to sports activities amenities, together with baseball fields, skate parks and courts, and provides ample climbing trails, parkland and ocean entry for swimming and browsing. High air high quality and a powerful biking and strolling tradition additional increase its rating.

New York

New York City locations second, thanks largely to its walkability and wide selection of leisure choices. 

Residents profit from in depth entry to sports activities amenities, health packages and playgrounds, making it simple for each adults and youngsters to remain lively. New Yorkers additionally present the very best on-line curiosity in fitness-related actions, reflecting a powerful tradition of bodily exercise.

San Francisco

San Francisco ranks third, with all residents dwelling near locations for bodily exercise. The metropolis stands out for its walkability, bike-sharing entry and abundance of climbing trails and sports activities amenities. Combined with comparatively clear air and scenic outside areas, San Francisco provides ample alternatives to remain match as a part of on a regular basis life.

Well beingLifestyle