San Francisco is #1?! Guess Why!
If you had to guess the healthiest city in the country, would San Francisco be at the top of your list? Probably not. But guess what? We just snagged the #1 spot. Yep, this city — the one known for sourdough, fog, and stress-inducing parking — was just named the healthiest city in America by Wallet Hub. And the reason why has everything to do with how our city was designed.
One of San Francisco's quiet superpowers is its commitment to equitable access to nature. In 2017, the city became the first in the U.S. where 100% of residents live within a 10-minute walk (half a mile) of a park or green space. This wasn't a happy accident; it was the result of decades of thoughtful urban planning. From expansive parks like Golden Gate Park and McLaren Park to pocket-sized community gardens across the city, San Francisco ensures that nature is woven into the fabric of daily life.
And it matters. Access to green space is one of the strongest predictors of better health — physically, mentally, emotionally. In a place as fast-moving and high-stress as San Francisco can be, having a bench under a tree, a path through eucalyptus, or a view of the bay within a few blocks can be a game changer. We don’t just live in a city; we live in a landscape.
So the next time someone grumbles about the fog (hey, it's part of the charm), just remind them: the real magic of San Francisco is how it weaves nature into city life. It’s this everyday access to parks, trees, and open space that’s helping us live healthier, longer, and happier lives — and it's why we’re topping the wellness charts.
