Fortune Well March 29, 2025
Lifestyle
What makes a city the healthiest in America? Health is determined by many environmental factors—not just your personal habits. Moderate weather encourages you to get outside, while plenty of parks and recreational opportunities make it easier to be physically active. Access to healthy food options lowers the barrier to nutritious eating, and a bustling social scene helps you build community—whether you’re a single young adult or raising a family.
Each of these factors is what boosted Berkeley, Calif. to the top of Niche’s list of 2025 healthiest places in America. Read more about what this Northern California city has to offer.
It’s never too hot or cold in Berkeley. The summer only reaches highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s, while the winter highs are in the 60s and lows only get down to the 40s.
You’re also likely to see more sunshine than rain in Berkeley. It averages 256 sunny days per year and only 67 rainy days, while the rest of the U.S. averages 205 sunny days and 106 rainy days. With more sunny, temperate days, residents of Berkeley are likely to get out and move more than in other cities.
Getting outside in Berkeley is made easy by the city’s more than 50 parks and dozens of green spaces—including nature reserves, wildlife environments and urban parks—which play a pivotal role in overall mental well-being. One study found that living in an area with plentiful green space is associated with less mental distress, anxiety, and depression, lower cortisol levels, and lower prevalence of disease.
Berkeley also hosts several adult sports leagues to make the most of those parks, including softball and volleyball—or you can reserve a pickleball court if that’s more your speed. For runners—beginner or experienced—the local Berkeley Run Club already has nearly 5,000 members and is welcoming people of all fitness levels and abilities.
Living in a food desert, or an area lacking access to affordable and nutritious food, can place people at greater risk of multiple chronic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and mental health conditions according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
Residents of Berkeley, however, have several health food stores and farmer’s markets available to them. The city is also home to the Berkeley Food Network, a local nonprofit that works to bring healthy food to the most disenfranchised communities across Berkeley.
Community is a core part of healthy living, and so is feeling like you and your family have a place you can flourish. Not only was Berkeley at the top of Niche’s healthiest cities list, but it also claimed the no. 7 spot on its list of Best Cities for Young Professionals, which was based on the number of millennial residents and access to jobs, affordable housing, and entertainment.
Additionally, Berkeley received top marks for its high median income of $108,558—over 25% more than the national median household income of $80,610. And families will find highly-rated public schools and numerous family-friendly activities, including camps and recreational sports leagues.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Buyer
April 22, 2025
Mortgage applications for new home purchases during March was up 5.5% year-over-year and up 14% month-over-month, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Associati… Read more
Lifestyle
April 22, 2025
It’s official: Traditional turf lawns are getting a botanical makeover, and red creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus') is leading the trend.
Buyer
April 22, 2025
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19.
Buyer
April 21, 2025
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can m… Read more
Lifestyle
April 21, 2025
With all the bad news about how technology affects the brains of kids and teens—as it’s associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, cognitive delays, insomnia… Read more
Seller
April 21, 2025
Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high.
We Guide Homeowners through the complicated process of selling their home using our 4 Phase Selling Process and 3 Prong Marketing Strategy that alleviates their stress and moves them effortlessly to their next destination. Schedule a 15 Minute Complimentary Strategy Session Today