10 Healthiest Cities in California

California is known for many things! This state has everything from Hollywood stars and sandy beaches to giant redwoods and beautiful national and state parks. With such a diverse range of landmarks, it’s no wonder this state stays so healthy.

Here are the Golden State’s 10 healthiest cities.

10. Irvine

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 9.2

Physical inactivity rate: 15.0

Air quality rate: 9

Geographically, Irvine is in the southeast region of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, but most Irvinians make no claim of the big city. Irvine’s villages make up safe and family-friendly neighborhoods and the city’s dedication to bike-friendly transportation makes it easy to get from one part of the city to the other. There are over 250 on-road bicycle lanes throughout the city! Irvine is also known for its neighborhood and community parks, especially the innovative Great Park. It is home to many fun activities and has been called one of the most modern metropolitan parks in the world. There are themed playgrounds, space for walking and biking, and a year-round farmers market every Sunday.

9. San Diego

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 8.9

Physical inactivity rate: 13.4

Air quality rate: 14

San Diego is California’s second-largest city. It is widely known for its over 17 miles of coastline and access to the water. San Diego has over 11 beaches open to the public for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water activities. You can even take your furry friends on an off-leash adventure on Dog Beach, located on the north end of Ocean Beach. If you love the water but aren’t a fan of sand, San Diego has over 14 public pools and aquatic centers within the city. Take in San Diego’s natural beauty at one of the many parks, including Balboa Park where you can find various gardens, 15 museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo.

8. San Francisco

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 9.2

Physical inactivity rate: 11.5

Air quality rate: 12

San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and its unique cable car transportation, but did you know it is also considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States? San Francisco has been working to make its streets and neighborhoods more accommodating for bikers by adding protected bike lanes and hundreds of bike racks along its city streets. San Francisco is the second most densely populated large city, so it might feel a little crowded at times. But luckily, there are over 200 city parks where you can step away from the crowds and into the fresh air. Among those parks, you will find 42 community gardens with fresh produce year-round.

7. Newport Beach

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 8.8

Physical inactivity rate: 13.3

Air quality rate: 9

Nestled along the coast of California, Newport Beach is a water lover’s dream! As the largest recreational harbor on the West coast, Newport Harbor hosts a variety of water activities such as sailing, surfing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Residents also enjoy taking a short ferry ride out to Balboa Island where there are shops selling unique art and jewelry, restaurants with the freshest seafood, and iconic desserts like the Balboa Bar and the Frozen Banana. If you are looking for dry land activities, Newport Beach has you covered with six golf courses around town which range from beginner to championship-level courses.

6. Santa Clara

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 8.8

Physical inactivity rate: 14.2

Air quality rate: 4

Santa Clara is in the heart of Silicon Valley and is known as “The Center of What’s Possible” due to its contribution to the Valley’s technological reputation. Even with tech at the forefront of its notoriety, Santa Clara residents still enjoy the great outdoors and over 300 sunny days per year. About 40 parks throughout the city have playgrounds, public pools, and sports facilities. Santa Clara is also one of the first cities in the county to reach Age-Friendly Silicon Valley status. Every April, Santa Clara celebrates our great planet with Earth Month, a month-long community celebration that includes activities for residents of all ages.

5. West Covina

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 5.3

Physical inactivity rate: 19.9

Air quality rate: 15

Sitting in the middle of the San Gabriel Valley, West Covina brings all the excitement of living in a metropolis (it’s about 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles), with the calmness of a small town. This city is all about keeping its residents active. There are 15 parks with playgrounds, sports facilities, walking paths, and picnic areas. Residents can also get moving indoors at the Cameron Community Center which has sports facilities, a game room, a multipurpose room with kitchen access, and a lounge area. And don’t worry! If you don’t mind a drive, West Covina’s inland nature doesn’t cut you off from Southern California’s iconic coastline. Santa Monica Beach is less than an hour’s drive from the city.

4. Oakland

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 7.5

Physical inactivity rate: 12.6

Air quality rate: 6

Oakland is just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. The diverse culture is the perfect match for its diverse topography. Oaklanders can get from “water to redwoods” in 20 minutes! You can get a taste of Oakland’s natural wonders at Joaquin Miller Park. Hikers, cyclists, joggers, and picnickers can explore the 500-acre park and experience the redwood groves, oak woodlands, lush creek sides, and wet meadows. You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the ride! Get to the waterside at Lake Merritt where you can sail, kayak, canoe, or rent pedal boats. Get there early on the weekend to check out the fresh produce from over 40 local farmers. Oakland celebrates their great outdoors every year with the Oakland Running Festival. Participate in full or half marathon, 10k, or 5k races, or send in your times virtually to help raise money for your favorite charity.

3. Santa Monica

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 7.4

Physical inactivity rate: 12.8

Air quality rate: 20

As Los Angeles’ self-proclaimed “coolest neighbor,” Santa Monica is the embodiment of everything you know about Southern California beach towns. Santa Monica Beach is 3.5 miles of beautiful sand and surf. It is surrounded by walkable neighborhoods with hotels, shops, and restaurants. At the center of it all is the Santa Monica Pier where you can fish, shop, eat, or just take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel at the amusement park. If you love the outdoors but want to step away from the water, Santa Monica has over 15 parks. From the busy beachside at Ocean View Park to the quiet walking paths at Mary Hotchkiss Park, you are sure to find one that is perfect for you. Every summer, Santa Monica puts its sunny days to use with the Pier 360 Summer Festival. Compete in paddleboard races, beach volleyball, surfing, skateboarding, and swimming contests or be a spectator and enjoy the live music, pop-up events, obstacle courses, food, and drinks with free entry!

2. San Mateo

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 7.2

Physical inactivity rate: 13.3

Air quality rate: 10

Just west of San Francisco Bay is San Mateo, a suburban area with a great mix of urban space and great outdoors. A walkable downtown offers a bustling restaurant scene and thriving retail community with everything from small boutiques to Michelin-starred restaurants. To get the full bayside experience, visit Coyote Point Park where you can swim, windsurf, boat, sail, or fish in the Bay. Stay on land and enjoy any of the park’s five paved trails for biking, jogging, and walking or just take advantage of the time outdoors and enjoy a picnic on the large lawn areas. Further inland, San Mateo’s Central Park has baseball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds perfect for families. On the weekends, and weekdays during the summer, kids can catch a ride on the mini train that chugs around the park.

1. San Jose

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 7.3

Physical inactivity rate: 13.4

Air quality rate: 4

At the center of Silicon Valley is Northern California’s largest city, San Jose. This city is a unique mix of agriculture and innovation. It has many neighborhoods dedicated to the diverse cultures that make up its large population such as Japantown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Little Saigon. San Jose is full of Californian history and some of its landmarks have been around since 1872! Like the city’s oldest municipal park, Alum Rock Park. This 720-acre park has everything from hiking to horseback riding with 13 miles of trails, including six miles of horse-friendly trails and three miles of bike paths. Families also enjoy the open lawn areas and playgrounds that are scattered throughout the park.

Ready to move to California? Check out the most affordable cities to live in, and look at new listings every day at NewHomeSource.