And #8 in the U.S. Let’s Celebrate! 🎉🌵
Ahwatukee, it’s official—our neighbor to the north, Scottsdale, has been crowned the eighth happiest city in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s annual ranking of happy cities. And let’s be real, if happiness had a zip code, Scottsdale might just claim it! But what makes this “West’s Most Western Town” so gosh-darn cheerful? Spoiler alert: It’s not just because Scottsdale is one of the wealthiest parts of the Valley (though that doesn’t hurt). Let’s dive into why Scottsdale is grinning from ear to ear—and why you might want to borrow some of their sunshine for yourself.
What Makes Scottsdale So Happy?
WalletHub didn’t just throw darts at a map to decide who’s happy—they crunched numbers using 29 happiness indicators, including income growth, emotional well-being, leisure time, and even divorce rates. Cities were scored on a 100-point scale across three big categories: emotional and physical well-being , employment , and income. And guess what? Scottsdale crushed it:
- Income & Employment: Scottsdale snagged 10th place in the income category, proving that those desert sunsets aren’t the only thing shining bright in this city.
- Emotional & Physical Well-Being: Coming in at 22nd, Scottsdale residents are clearly feeling good—inside and out.
- Leisure Time: With its year-round sunny weather, world-class golf courses, and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Scottsdale knows how to relax and have fun.
In short, Scottsdale is living its best life—and taking the rest of us along for the ride.
How Other Arizona Cities Stack Up
While Scottsdale steals the spotlight, other Arizona cities made appearances on WalletHub’s list—but not all of them were smiling about it. Here’s how the competition shook out:
- Gilbert (#26): Gilbert flexed its relationship muscles with the fifth-lowest separation and divorce rate in the country. Love really is in the air here!
- Chandler (#40): Chandler held its own in the top 50, proving that this booming suburb isn’t just about shopping and sports teams.
- Peoria (#64), Tempe (#71), Mesa (#83): These cities landed outside the top 50 but still showed up as solid contenders in the happiness rankings.
- Phoenix (#106), Glendale (#120), Tucson (#161): Oof. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to happiness. Phoenix, Glendale, and especially Tucson found themselves lower on the list. Maybe it’s time for a group therapy session—or a road trip to Scottsdale?
Why Should We Care About Happiness Rankings?
Let’s face it: Happiness matters. A happy city means healthier residents, stronger communities, and maybe even fewer cranky drivers on the road (cough Loop 101 cough ). WalletHub’s study highlights the importance of factors like financial stability, work-life balance, and access to leisure activities—all things Scottsdale seems to have nailed down.
But don’t worry if you’re not living in Scottsdale or Gilbert. You can still steal a page from their playbook to boost your own happiness. Here are a few ideas inspired by Scottsdale’s success:
- Get Outside: Scottsdale’s residents take full advantage of their stunning desert landscape. Whether it’s hiking Camelback Mountain or enjoying a sunset cocktail on Main Street, they know how to soak up nature’s beauty.
- Invest in Relationships: With low divorce rates and a strong sense of community, Gilbert reminds us that connection matters. Grab coffee with a friend or plan a family game night—it’s the little things that count.
- Prioritize Wellness: From yoga studios to farm-to-table restaurants, Scottsdale prioritizes health and self-care. Why not try a new workout class or meal prep for the week?
- Celebrate Local Culture: Scottsdale thrives on its arts scene, festivals, and cowboy charm. Supporting local businesses and attending events can give any city a happiness boost.
So What’s the Secret Sauce?
Is it the luxurious resorts? The vibrant arts scene? The fact that everyone looks amazing in cowboy boots? While we can’t pinpoint one exact reason, it’s clear that Scottsdale has mastered the art of living well. And hey, if you’re feeling down, maybe a visit to Old Town or a spa day at the Phoenician is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Spread the Joy
At the end of the day, happiness isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live. So whether you call Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, or somewhere else home, take a cue from our happy neighbors and focus on what brings you joy. Spend more time outdoors, nurture your relationships, and don’t forget to treat yourself once in a while.
And if all else fails, head to Scottsdale for a weekend getaway—you might just catch some of that happiness magic for yourself!
What do you think, Ahwatukee? Are you surprised Scottsdale made the list? Or do you think another Arizona city deserves the title of happiest? Let us know in the comments below! 😊🌟
