No. 1 Happiest: North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area reported the highest well-being on Gallup’s survey. Roughly 30% of the area’s population was at least 65 years old, nearly the highest share compared to other metro areas.
Many members of the area’s relatively large elderly population are likely retired. Living in retirement does not guarantee happiness, but more free time and retirement living is likely a major contributor to well-being in the North Port metro area.
It is also a popular destination for migrants, with the population growing 6.4% from the middle of 2010 through July of last year, one of the faster growth rates compared to other metro areas.
Warm weather is strongly associated with metro area growth, and Florida’s favorable climate is both a luxury for residents and an added incentive for Americans looking to relocate.
Strong health indicators also explain the metro’s lead position on Gallup’s Index. The obesity rate of 22.5% in the North Port metro was among the lower rates nationwide.
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