The 10 Best Cities for An Active Lifestyle

What are the best cities for an active lifestyle? Many Americans strive for a healthier lifestyle through exercise and weight loss.  While maintaining a fitness routine can be challenging anywhere, living in a city that supports an active lifestyle can make a significant difference. A new study ranks the best cities for healthy living in the United States, with St. Louis claiming the top spot.

Of course, living in one of these cities won't automatically turn you into a fitness fanatic. Dedication is essential. However, being surrounded by like-minded people and having easy access to gyms and outdoor spaces can definitely give you a boost.

The research team at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, a psychotherapy center providing mental health services online and in person, compared the 99 largest U.S. cities based on 20 key indicators of an active lifestyle. These factors were grouped into five main categories: budget, participation, sports, outdoor activities, and environmental conditions. 

1. St. Louis, Missouri (Score: 86.36)

St. Louis, Missouri, has claimed the top spot as the best city for an active lifestyle. The city's impressive ranking is largely attributed to its strong performance in participation.

Searches for "at-home workouts" and "at-home sports equipment" skyrocketed, placing St. Louis at the number one spot nationally. Moreover, with around 16 sports stores per 100,000 residents, the city offers a plethora of retail options for athletic gear and apparel.

Sports enthusiasts will find their haven in St. Louis, with over 80 highly-rated clubs and nearly 30 tennis courts. The city's thriving fitness scene boasts more than 3,400 trainers ready to help you reach your wellness goals.

2. San Francisco, California (Score: 85.39)

San Francisco, California, ranks second. The city's exceptional performance in the outdoor category, where it ranked number one, is the primary factor driving its high ranking.

With a bike score of 72, San Francisco offers approximately 40 bike trails and an impressive 88 bike rental stations. The city's robust bike-sharing program, featuring over 9,000 bikes, further cements its reputation as a bike-friendly destination.

While scoring average or above in most categories, the city's high cost of living is underscored by its subscription services. A steep $106 monthly gym membership and a $26 hourly weekend tennis court rental exemplify the affordability challenges faced by residents.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio (Score: 83.60)

Cincinnati, Ohio, secures the third spot on the list. While ranking sixth in active participation, the city's strong performance in the budget category, coming in at twelfth, significantly contributes to its overall score.

Cincinnati offers an affordable path to an active lifestyle, with average monthly gym memberships of around $28 and hourly weekend tennis court rentals for just $12—a noticeable value compared to other cities.

While the city's air quality of 45 AQI is decent, the average temperature of 55.4°F might deter those who prefer outdoor exercise.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Score: 81.02)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, comes in at number four on the list of best cities for an active lifestyle. The city's strong showing is primarily due to its top ranking in participation, evidenced by high search numbers for home workouts and equipment. 

Pittsburgh also shines in the sports category, offering a variety of sports clubs to cater to different fitness preferences.

While the city enjoys excellent air quality with an AQI of 29, its colder climate, with an average temperature of 52.3°F, might not be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona (Score: 80.30)

Scottsdale, Arizona, rounds out the top five. With over 60 sports clubs boasting three-star ratings or higher for sports like soccer, basketball, and golf, the city secures an eighth-place ranking in sports facilities. 

Scottsdale also boasts an impressive number of swimming pools, with approximately 40 per 100,000 residents, catering to water enthusiasts. 

A Bike Score of 56 makes Scottsdale a cyclist's paradise. The city's 66 rental stations, offering 4,300 bikes, make exploring by bicycle a breeze

6. Seattle, Washington (Score: 78.95)

Seattle, Washington, comes in at number six. The city shines in both the outdoor and sports categories. With 73 hiking trails and a massive 6,400 acres of parkland, Seattle offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking, or running.

For those looking to combine a workout with playtime, the city boasts around 200 playgrounds equipped with exercise amenities or child-friendly features.

7. Miami, Florida (Score: 77.78)

Miami follows in 7th place, with 17 sports stores per 100,000 residents. The city also sees a high volume of searches for "at home sports equipment" and "home workouts," ranking third nationally with nearly 50K searches per 100K residents.

Beyond home workouts, Miami offers abundant outdoor activities, ranking 18th in this category with numerous playgrounds, hiking trails, and bike-sharing programs.

8. Newark, New Jersey (Score: 74.39)

Newark, New Jersey is next in eighth place, a city where staying active is both easy and encouraged. It ranks 2nd in the nation for its extensive sports options, including the highest number of fitness trainers, 23 tennis courts, and a variety of swimming pools, baseball diamonds, and sports clubs. This impressive range of facilities gives Newark residents many ways to stay fit and active.

9. Arlington, Texas (Score: 73.41)

With an index score of 73.41, Arlington takes the 9th spot on the list of best cities for an active lifestyle. The city ranks 6th for outdoor activities, offering numerous options like 122 hiking trails. Additionally, it ranks 16th for affordable activity costs, with weekend tennis court fees at $15 per hour and an average monthly gym membership at $25. 

Arlington's mix of diverse outdoor activities and budget-friendly options makes it a top choice for staying active, without breaking the bank. 

10. Atlanta, Georgia (Score: 72.67)

Atlanta secures a spot in the top 10 thanks to its residents' dedication to staying active, even at home. It ranks 5th in participation, with a high volume of Google searches for home workout equipment and exercises. 

Additionally, it ranks 8th for good air quality and favorable weather, making it a great place to stay fit year-round.

Natalie Buchwald, a spokesperson from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, commented on the findings:

"It can be difficult to get motivated to stay fit, especially when people are busy with work, but living in a city that promotes physical activity can make things a lot easier.

The best cities are easy to navigate by walking or biking, have a lot of athletic fields open to the public, and are in close proximity to natural hiking trails and swimming areas."