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This is the season when individuals globally strive to maintain their New Year’s resolutions—or, in some cases, give up entirely on their commitments to abandon unhealthy habits or adopt healthier ones.
Interestingly, your location can significantly influence your ability to achieve your goals. Certain areas in the U.S. are more (or less) supportive when it comes to helping residents stay true to their New Year’s resolutions. WalletHub analyzed 182 cities nationwide, evaluating them across five main categories: health, finances, education and career, breaking bad habits, and improving relationships.
These categories were broken down into specific metrics, each scored out of 100 points. For instance, the availability of fitness centers per capita was a key factor in assessing health-related resolutions. Using weighted averages, WalletHub compiled a detailed ranking. Below, you’ll find the cities that are most—and least—supportive of keeping New Year’s resolutions.
Top 15 U.S. Cities for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions
- Seattle, Washington
- San Francisco, California
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Austin, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Portland, Oregon
- Orlando, Florida
- San Diego, California
- Irvine, California
- Fremont, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Plano, Texas
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Huntington Beach, California
- San Jose, California
Seattle stands out as the best city for achieving New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s improving fitness, adopting healthier eating habits, or breaking unhealthy routines, Seattle’s impressive statistics support this claim. The city has the lowest percentage of inactive adults, ranks sixth for the lowest obesity rate, and is among the top cities for daily fruit consumption.
San Francisco takes second place. Financially, its residents shine with the lowest median debt-to-income ratio and some of the highest incomes nationwide, making it a prime location for financial growth or personal development. Health goals are also well-supported here, with the second-lowest obesity rate and widespread access to fitness facilities.
The 15 Worst U.S. Cities for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Newark, New Jersey
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Dover, Delaware
- Augusta, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Huntington, West Virginia
- North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Toledo, Ohio
- San Bernardino, California
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
On the flip side, WalletHub identified Jackson, Mississippi, as the most challenging city in the U.S. for maintaining New Year’s resolutions. The city struggles with education quality, ranking among the lowest for schools rated above average by GreatSchools. Additionally, it has one of the highest obesity rates in the country.
Following closely is Newark, New Jersey. Financially, the city faces significant hurdles, including some of the nation’s highest unemployment rates and lowest median incomes, making it harder to achieve savings goals. Health-related resolutions are also tough to sustain here, with some of the lowest percentages of adults who exercise regularly.
Living in a city where challenges abound can be daunting—here are 10 scientifically-backed tips to help you stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions.
