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Aging.com, a resource dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the complexities of later-life planning, conducted an in-depth analysis of; each location’s access to whole and plant-based foods, levels of physical activity, sense of community, sleep patterns, and life expectancy to determine which cities aligned with the ideals of other Blue Zones across the world.
According to the latest CDC data, life expectancy in the US is 77.5 years; 74.8 years for males and 80.2 years for females. Aging.com reports America ranks 46th in the world for life expectancy compared to other countries.
As more cities adopt these principles, the potential for a healthier future continues to grow.
Sources: (Aging.com)
See also: Where in the world can you live to 100 and stay healthy?
Florida is also one of the top 25 cities with the healthiest diets, with 75.3% of adults who eat healthy all day, an obesity rate of 19.5%, and only 27.9% of adults with daily reported stress.
Statistically, these cities stood out for their low obesity rates, a high percentage of adults who reported consistently eating healthy, as well as a low percentage of adults who reported daily stress.
Recognized as one of the top 10 happiest cities in the US by the 2017 National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index, Barnstable also stands out for its impressive health statistics, with 75.1% of adults eating healthy all day, only 35% reporting daily stress, and a low obesity rate of 19.9%.
In recent years, San Luis Obispo has made significant strides to improve its environment, implementing anti-smoking policies, banning drive-throughs, and increasing green spaces, farmers markets, and pedestrian-friendly paths, making San Luis Obispo a prime example of a community focused on quality living.
Named the 14th best place to live in 2018, Fort Collins is a prime location for fostering a healthy, happy community. Its combination of outdoor recreation, strong economy, and community engagement makes it an ideal setting for longevity.
Recognized as one of the top 10 Healthiest Small Towns by Healthline, the city offers a vibrant mix of yoga and gym studios, along with popular bike lanes. With an obesity rate of just 25.6%, only 40.5% of adults report daily stress, and 68.7% eat healthy all day long, contributing to the city’s overall well-being.
Additionally, 39.6% of American adults are obese, and nearly 45% suffer from at least one chronic disease. However, the emergence of Blue Zone cities across the country offers hope, showcasing communities where longevity, wellness, and healthy living thrive.
With an obesity rate of 21.4%, 70% of adults maintaining a healthy diet all day, and only 43.1% reporting daily stress, this Connecticut city clearly exhibits the traits of a Blue Zone, reflecting its impressive longevity and high quality of life.
With a life expectancy surpassing 80 years and 585 centenarians, Hawaii is becoming a key player in the Blue Zone conversation. The state is currently participating in the Blue Zones Project, aimed at making healthier lifestyle choices more accessible to all residents.
These cities contain aspects of health and longevity that stand above the rest of the United States and mirror the qualities of established Blue Zones across the world. We countdown from ten to one, with a bonus destination at the end.
The community emphasizes daily exercise, volunteering, and a strong sense of purpose, fostering shared values. With a largely vegetarian population that prioritizes plant-based eating, moderation, and hydration, Loma Linda embodies the core principles of a Blue Zone, earning the top spot on the list.
Ranked as the fifth Most Artistic City in America in 2011 and the second Healthiest City in 2012, Santa Cruz thrives with a vibrant college community and strong tourism. The city boasts an obesity rate of just 20.2%, with 74.2% of adults eating healthy all day and only 44% reporting daily stress.
With the highest percentage of people walking to work in the US, Boulder encourages natural exercise as part of daily life. The city boasts an impressive 13.4% obesity rate, with 69.9% of adults eating healthily all day and only 48.8% experiencing daily stress.
Utah is emerging as a potential Blue Zone, according to an index from NowPatient, which evaluated factors like sleep, physical activity, and community engagement. With a 78.6-year life expectancy and Provo among the 10 happiest US cities in 2017, Utah's outdoor lifestyle and strong community reflect Blue Zone values.
Hawaii is recognized for its strong sense of community well-being and the abundance of health-conscious restaurants catering to its residents. Hawaii stands out for its notably high number of centenarians, with many residents reaching the age of 100 and beyond.
This Florida island city was one of the first in the Southeast to earn a Blue Zones Community® certification, thanks to implementing a "Blue Zones Project" promoting sustainable, healthy living. The project focuses on promoting the ability to “move naturally, eat better, develop healthy social circles, and live with purpose in their communities.”
Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a wealth of natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and a thriving economy. Ranked #4 on the list of the happiest places to live in the US, it is surrounded by an environment that naturally supports the principles of the Blue Zones Project.
Boulder, Colorado, ranked as the happiest city in the United States, is a thriving community that embodies the ideals of a Blue Zone. “Bolstered by a sense of community, access to nature, sustainable urban development and preservation policies, and perhaps even that clean mountain air, Boulderites overwhelmingly feel ‘active and productive every day,’” according to National Geographic.
Ranked among the top 10 happiest cities by the 2017 National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index, Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the United States at 82.1 years.
Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, shares many attractive qualities with other top-rated cities in the United States, including accessible green spaces, a sense of purpose and productivity among residents, and an increase in social interactions.
Santa Cruz, California, stands out as an exemplary Blue Zone city, known for its walkable communities, abundant vegetarian restaurants, and active preservation efforts over the past 50 years.
San Luis Obispo, California, is not only ranked among the top #5 happiest cities in America but also boasts impressive health statistics. With an obesity rate of 24.5%, 72% of adults eating healthy all day, and only 40.2% reporting daily stress, the city shines at promoting well-being.
Loma Linda, California, is one of the five officially recognized Blue Zones in the world as well as in America. Home to a Seventh-day Adventist community of over 9,000 people, it stands out for its residents' longer life expectancy, nearly ten years more than most Americans.
Additionally, Aging.com used the National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index to evaluate happiness levels, walkability, access to nature, cleanliness of the environment, and access to healthy food to ultimately determine the happiest cities in America.
While this city didn’t quite make the top ten, findings from Aging.com suggest it's on track to becoming a Blue Zone in the US.
Given America's reputation as a nation that heavily consumes fast food and drives everywhere, it may come as a surprise that some cities are emerging as beacons of health and longevity. While data from the nonprofit organization KFF Tracking Poll shows that approximately one in eight US adults has taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug for weight management, some communities are proving that a long, healthy life isn’t just about medical interventions, it’s about lifestyle. These cities embrace the principles of global “Blue Zones," regions known for their high concentration of centenarians and exceptional quality of life, by fostering environments that promote natural movement, predominantly plant-based diets, strong social connections, stress reduction, and a sense of purpose.
These communities are proving that longevity isn’t just about genetics, it’s about where and how you live. In this gallery, we reveal the top 10 “Blue Zones” in America, as determined by Aging.com.
The top 10 "Blue Zones" in America for 2025
Exploring America's healthiest cities: where longevity, wellness, and community thrive
HEALTH Longevity
Given America's reputation as a nation that heavily consumes fast food and drives everywhere, it may come as a surprise that some cities are emerging as beacons of health and longevity. While data from the nonprofit organization KFF Tracking Poll shows that approximately one in eight US adults has taken Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug for weight management, some communities are proving that a long, healthy life isn’t just about medical interventions, it’s about lifestyle. These cities embrace the principles of global “Blue Zones," regions known for their high concentration of centenarians and exceptional quality of life, by fostering environments that promote natural movement, predominantly plant-based diets, strong social connections, stress reduction, and a sense of purpose.
These communities are proving that longevity isn’t just about genetics, it’s about where and how you live. In this gallery, we reveal the top 10 “Blue Zones” in America, as determined by Aging.com.