Why the people of Scottsdale are happy
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A cyclist on a trail in Scottsdale. Photo: Nils Nilsen/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Scottsdale is the third-happiest city in the country, according to a recent survey.
The big picture: Scottsdale's year-round sunshine, accessibility to parks and trails, low crime rates and high household incomes are contributing factors to its top ranking.
How it works: The WalletHub study ranked more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities on a range of metrics, including socioeconomics, job satisfaction, recreation options and mental health.
By the numbers: Scottsdale ranked second for community and environment and 14th in income and employment.
- More than 88% of residents enjoy good health.
- Nearly 87% participate in physical activities.
- About 65% of households earn more than $75,000 per year.
- Roughly 7% of residents report earning below the poverty level.
Zoom out: No. 1 on the list is Fremont, California, followed by Bismarck, North Dakota.
- Arizona had a few other bright spots that made it to the top 30, including Gilbert at No. 9, Chandler at No. 14, Tempe at No. 20, Peoria at No. 23 and Mesa at No. 29.
What they're saying: "Happiness is something people value much more than many other things that officials might focus on (like) GDP," John K. Coffey, a psychology professor at Arizona State University, tells Axios.
- Although Scottsdale scored high on health and income levels, Coffey notes it scored the lowest on the list — tied with Cheyenne, Wyoming — for long work hours.
- Such surveys "can also give cities an idea what to work on," he says.
Flashback: This same study ranked Scottsdale eighth place last year.
The bottom line: "Just moving to Scottsdale from Phoenix or Boston (or from one side of Scottsdale Road to the other) won't make people happier unless there is an overall improvement" within the measured metric levels, says Coffey.
- But, he adds, "happiness and positive factors can be contagious."