The Eldorado on the Upper West Side of Manhattan apartment building is seen in the background as a jogger runs past the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park October 21, 2019 in New York. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIM
As Americans ring in 2026 determined to exercise more and lose weight, a new WalletHub study shows that where you live can play a major role in how easy it is to maintain an active lifestyle.
With New Year’s self-improvement in mind, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 35 key indicators of an active lifestyle, ranging from average monthly fitness-club fees to bike scores and the share of physically inactive adults.
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Methodology:
WalletHub analyzed the 100 most populous U.S. cities to identify the best places for an active lifestyle, evaluating each location across two main categories: Budget & Participation and Sports & Outdoors.
The rankings were based on 35 metrics, each weighted and scored on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting more favorable conditions for physical activity. To prevent population size from skewing results, certain metrics were adjusted using the square root of a city’s population. WalletHub then calculated a weighted average for each city to produce an overall Active Lifestyle Score and ranked cities accordingly, considering only city limits and excluding surrounding metropolitan areas.
What they’re saying:
“The top cities for staying active offer opportunities for all types of people, from those who prefer team sports to people who simply want to get their daily exercise by walking or biking to work,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said in an online statement. “They also tend to be large cities that still have a close proximity to beautiful natural areas for hiking and swimming. Finally, the top cities for an active lifestyle have populations that are highly interested in exercise, which helps people find workout partners and stay motivated.”
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Dig deeper:
Top 5 Cities for an Active Lifestyle
- Honolulu, HI
- New York, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu ranks as the best U.S. city for an active lifestyle in 2026, driven by its strong support for community sports and outdoor recreation.
The city leads the nation in access to sports facilities, including baseball fields, skate parks and courts, and offers abundant hiking trails, parkland and ocean access for swimming and surfing. High air quality and a strong biking and walking culture further boost its ranking.
New York
New York City places second, thanks largely to its walkability and wide range of recreational options.
Residents benefit from extensive access to sports facilities, fitness programs and playgrounds, making it easy for both adults and children to stay active. New Yorkers also show the highest online interest in fitness-related activities, reflecting a strong culture of physical activity.
San Francisco
San Francisco ranks third, with all residents living close to places for physical activity. The city stands out for its walkability, bike-sharing access and abundance of hiking trails and sports facilities. Combined with relatively clean air and scenic outdoor spaces, San Francisco offers ample opportunities to stay fit as part of everyday life.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a WalletHub study that analyzed the 100 most populous U.S. cities to determine the best places for an active lifestyle in 2026. This story was reported from Los Angeles.