When it comes to finding a place where families can thrive, Arlington, Virginia, checks a lot of boxes — and a new national study backs it up.
Financial technology company SmartAsset recently released its 2025 ranking of the happiest cities in America, and Arlington landed the second spot, just behind Plano, Texas. The study looked at 90 of the country’s largest cities and analyzed 11 different metrics across personal finance, physical and mental well-being, and quality of life to determine which cities had the most satisfied residents.
And while happiness can’t always be measured, SmartAsset’s data offers compelling insight into what makes a city feel fulfilling, balanced and supportive of family life.
What the study looked at
SmartAsset used recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and County Health Rankings to evaluate cities across three core themes:
- Personal finance: Percent of households earning over $100,000, poverty rates, and housing affordability (the share of households spending over 50% of income on housing).
- Well-being: Life expectancy, mental health data, physical activity and health insurance coverage.
- Quality of life: Marriage rates, traffic levels, access to physical activity spaces and household overcrowding.
Taken together, these indicators help paint a picture of what communities offer, not just for economic success, but for daily happiness.
The top 10 happiest cities in America (2025)
According to SmartAsset’s latest findings, here are the cities that lead the nation in happiness:
- Plano, TX – High marriage rate, low poverty and strong mental health metrics
- Arlington, VA – Nation’s highest life expectancy and strong across all well-being categories
- Raleigh, NC – Excellent access to exercise and mental health
- Seattle, WA – Top scores in physical activity and insurance coverage
- San Jose, CA – High income levels and great mental health stats
- Boise, ID – Affordable housing and strong well-being scores
- Fremont, CA – Highest percentage of six-figure earners
- Lincoln, NE – High mental health and low overcrowding
- Durham, NC – Great access to healthcare and fitness
- Anchorage, AK – Low poverty and strong marriage rates
Why Arlington ranks so high
Arlington scored exceptionally well across multiple categories:
- Life expectancy: Residents here live longer than in any other city on the list — an impressive 83.9 years on average.
- Health and fitness: With 100% of the population having access to locations for physical activity and 96.4% covered by health insurance, the city supports healthy lifestyles.
- Financial strength: Over 65% of households earn six figures, while the poverty rate remains low at just 6.9%.
- Mental well-being: Residents reported an average of 84.9% mentally healthy days.
- Strong infrastructure: Overcrowding rates are just 3.4%, and even with heavy traffic, access to resources and community amenities is widespread.
While Arlington didn’t snag the top spot overall, its mix of prosperity, public health support and infrastructure make it one of the most balanced places to live, especially for families.
What it means for local families
For parents living in or considering a move to Arlington, this study confirms what many already know: the city offers an exceptional environment for raising kids and building a fulfilling life. Between the career opportunities, excellent public services and opportunities for healthy living, Arlington stands out as one of the most well-rounded places to put down roots.
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