(CU Independent illustration/Adam Milner)
Boulder is officially the happiest city in America, according to a recent study.
Over 353,000 Americans were extensively interviewed in 2009 based on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, according to an article in USA Today.
The index measures people’s overall happiness and well-being based on six different factors: life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, work environment, healthy behaviors and basic access, according to the Gallup-Healthways Web site. Boulder came out on top.
Several factors could play a major role in Boulder’s ranking. Affluent cities tend to score higher on the index, as well as college towns which are “insulated from recession,” according to the USA Today article.
Justin Kever, a 19-year-old sophomore political science major, said he believes the city’s natural beauty and fresh air are what contribute to Boulderites’ overall happiness and well-being.
“It’s a beautiful city and a great place to live, with clean water and clean air,” Kever said.
Erika Hellfritz, an 18-year-old freshman environmental studies major, said she is pleased that Boulder ranked number one in the nation on the well-being index.
“It’s a great compliment,” Hellfritz said. “[Boulder's] such a wonderful location with cool people, and hopefully it will draw more people here.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jennifer De Falco at Jennifer.defalco@colorado.edu.
