UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#5. Bridgeport
A plethora of parkland, clean drinking water, easy access to healthy foods and hospitals, along with a high doctor-to-resident ratio make Bridgeport, Conn., one of the Top 10 Healthiest Cities in the country. Fairfield County, which includes Bridgeport, ranks as the top county in Connecticut when it comes to healthy behaviors like eating right, exercising and not smoking, according to County Health Rankings. Healthy eating and exercise help keep the city’s percentage of obese residents low compared to the rest of the nation.
Many Bridgeport residents utilize the city’s 1,300 acres of park space in addition to beaches along the Long Island Sound and walking trails that follow the Pequonnock River to stay active. A handful of private workout facilities in Bridgeport offer CrossFit, Pilates, weight training and various martial arts. The Long Island Sound presents opportunities for sailing, fishing, swimming and scuba diving. Black Rock Harbor bustles with activity on warm sunny days. Families navigate through ropes courses and speed down ziplines at The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum, one of the many things to do in Bridgeport.
Vegetarian restaurants like Shandal’s Cafe and Bloodroot provide healthy options for those counting calories and watching their cholesterol. Residents can easily find fresh fish and seafood, often pulled from the sea just hours before landing in local markets. Nearby farmers markets and farms offer a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables.