A recent study by National Geographic found the cities with the happiest people, and Anchorage clocked in at number ten overall in the U.S.! After a full year of conducting research, and over 250,000 interviews, they found out what makes people happy. The cities voted “happiest” were where people were eating healthy, learning something new every day, civically engaged, financially secure, taking their vacation time, and even getting dental checkups. Anchorage ranked up there with Boulder, Santa Cruz, and Charlottesville which took first, second and third. It’s no great mystery why most Alaskans live in our biggest city, and why they love living there.
Anchorage residents have excellent access to the great outdoors, providing them with endless opportunities for activity. This was found to be a major factor in the general happiness of people.
Proximity to water was also cited as a sign of happiness, and Anchorage residents will surely agree that the ocean is practically a part of the city itself.
There was also a strong correlation between bikes and happiness. With miles of wide, maintained bike trails, Anchorage definitely has a strong community of bike riders and most locations have packed bike racks...
...even in the snow! Fat tire bikes can be seen all winter in snowy locales and studded snow tires make it possible to navigate slippery streets all winter long.
Economic progress was another sign of happiness, and Anchorage has that in abundance. The city is a place where new, modern businesses are popping up alongside the classic businesses that have helped shape the city.
Katmai National Park and Preserve has abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. People who connected with nature on a regular basis were found to be happier overall.
Of course, no one needs a list to tell Alaskans that they love living here, but it is nice for Alaska to be represented. Congratulations, Anchorage residents, you live in one of the happiest places in the country. Check out the full National Geographic story here.
