UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#2. Cambridge
Even covered in snow, Cambridge, Mass., remains a highly walkable city. Business owners, residents, and city workers do their best to keep an extensive network of sidewalks and paths clear throughout the year, creating a great opportunity for those looking to get in some exercise on their way to work or while running errands. The city’s walkability is just one of the factors that got it onto our list of the Top 10 Healthiest Cities.
Cambridge offers young professionals plenty of things to do, which helped it earn a spot on our Best Cities for New College Grads list. Middlesex County, which includes Cambridge, ranks as the healthiest county in Massachusetts, according to County Health Rankings. The city’s percentage of smokers and obese individuals are below the national average. More than 95 percent of the city’s population has access to exercise options, and most residents do some type of physical activity. Families take advantage of the numerous parks and playgrounds that are located throughout the city. The Charles River fills with kayaks, canoes and racing shells propelled by college rowers on warm days, while bikers cruise along pathways overlooking the river. Places like The Dance Complex, Baptiste Power Yoga and Redline Fight Sports offer alternatives to the normal gym workout.
Nearly 96 percent of those living in Cambridge have health insurance, and the city’s ratio of doctors to residents is one of the highest in the country. Hospitals in Cambridge are well respected among health-care professionals. Cambridge residents strongly support local farmers and chefs who create healthy, flavorful meals. Among the most popular restaurants in Cambridge are Life Alive and Veggie Galaxy, which serve vegetarian meals. It’s easy to see why Cambridge was selected as one of the 2015 Best Places to Live.