These Are the 10 Fittest Cities in the U.S., Health Experts Say

Every year, the American College of Sports Medicine compiles data from 100 of the largest cities in the U.S. to create its ranking of the fittest cities in the country. In tandem with the Elevance Health Foundation, the ACSM uses information on health behaviors, health outcomes, community infrastructure, and local policies to create its list. 

For the sixth year in a row, Arlington, VA took the top spot overall. The D.C. suburb also ranked number one in both personal health and community and environmental factors. The nation's capital, meanwhile, is this year's runner-up. 

"Arlington had the highest percentage of residents exercising in the last 30 days, the lowest percentage of residents with diabetes, no pedestrian fatalities, and tied for cities with the highest percentage of residents who live within a 10-minute walk to a park," the report read of this year's champ. 

Related: Fit Cities: Runners-Up

Meanwhile, D.C. residents rank the best in eating their fruits and vegetables. "They had the highest percentage consuming two or more fruits per day and second for consuming three or more vegetables per day," the report said. "Despite many people still working remotely, they also take advantage of getting exercise on the way to work, ranking in the top 10 in the percentage biking or walking to work and using public transportation."

In a statement accompanying the new list, the ACSM explained that it publishes its science-based ranking in hopes to convince local leaders to "make potentially life-changing decisions in policy, systems, and environmental-change strategies that drive fitness and health improvements in their communities."

Elevance Health's Chief Health officer Dr. Shantanu Agrawal noted that every American can take control of their future by taking control of their condition in the present, regardless of where they live. “No city is immune to chronic disease, but fortunately, every city and every person can take positive steps toward creating healthier lifestyles,” he said. “Proper nutrition, fitness, and health are deeply connected, and when we prioritize all three, we can improve our quality of life.” 

Check out the full list below. 

1. Arlington, VA
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Seattle, WA
4. Minneapolis, MN
5. Irvine, CA
6. Madison, WI
7. San Francisco, CA
8. St. Paul, MN
9. Denver, CO
10. Oakland, CA