When it comes to picking the best location to live, people have their own preferences. For some, the standard of living matters most. For others, health is the priority, so they look for places where they can stay healthy. Moving to a new place can help, but it cannot fix health problems on its own. Daily habits still matter most. Here are some places in the United States that people often consider for a healthier life, and what to check before you move.
Places to consider for better health
Here are some of the places people consider when they move for better health.
- Los Alamos County, New Mexico: In the 2021 U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings, Los Alamos County ranked first in the United States. It was the first community to repeat as No. 1 since the rankings began in 2018.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado: Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, a world-class training venue for Team USA athletes.
- Naples, Florida: Naples is in Collier County, Florida. Collier County fares better than the average county in Florida for health and well-being. It loses fewer years of life before age 75 than the Florida average (6,700 years of potential life lost per 100,000 people, compared with 8,300 for Florida). More of its Medicare enrollees have had an annual flu vaccination (51%, compared with 40% for Florida), and 92% of people there have access to places to exercise, compared with 88% for Florida.
Wrapping it all up:
No place is perfect in every way. Housing cost, safety, schools, and health care differ from place to place. The places above are worth considering if you are moving for better health.
What Makes a Place Healthy?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says health is shaped by more than medical care. Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that affect health outcomes. They include the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. Safe housing, clean air and water, access to healthy food, and safe places to walk all matter. A place with good schools, jobs, and health care helps people stay healthy. Moving to a new place can help, but it cannot fix health problems on its own. Daily habits still matter most.
Walkability and Green Space
The CDC says making it easier for people to get to their destinations by walking, biking, or rolling encourages people to be physically active. Walking is an excellent way to be more active and improve your health. Sidewalks, parks, and bike paths help people walk and cycle more. The World Health Organization (WHO) says urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, can promote mental and physical health. Parks give people a place to exercise, relax, and meet others. When you look at a new place, check if there are parks, trails, and safe sidewalks near the home. The CDC says adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, such as brisk walking.
Air Quality
Air quality affects health. AirNow, the air quality site from the EPA and its partners, gives current air quality data for where you live. Before you move, check the air quality in the area. Places with less traffic and industry often have cleaner air. People with asthma or lung disease should talk to a doctor before they move to a place with poor air quality.
Access to Health Care
Having a regular health care provider or a place for routine medical care can provide early detection, treatment, and management of disease. In 2024, about 9 in 10 adults in the United States had a source of usual health care. Before you move, check if there are hospitals, clinics, and doctors near the new home. Check if your health insurance covers care in the new place. The U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings look at 10 categories, including access to health care. In the 2021 rankings, Los Alamos County, New Mexico ranked first in the United States. Note that this ranking covers the United States only, not the whole world.
What to Check Before You Move for Health
First, check the air quality on AirNow. Second, check if there are hospitals and doctors nearby. Third, check if the area is walkable, with parks and sidewalks. Fourth, check the climate. Extreme heat or cold can be a risk, especially for older adults. Heat can cause heat stroke, and cold can cause hypothermia. Fifth, check the cost of living and health insurance. A healthy place is not helpful if it is not affordable. Visit the place first if you can, and talk to people who live there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does where I live affect my health?
Yes. The CDC says non-medical factors, such as where people live, affect health. Safe housing, clean air and water, access to healthy food, and safe places to walk all matter.
Why does walkability matter?
The CDC says making it easier for people to get to their destinations by walking, biking, or rolling encourages people to be physically active. Sidewalks, parks, and bike paths help people walk and cycle more.
How can I check air quality in a new place?
AirNow gives current air quality data for where you live. You can search by ZIP code, city, or state.
Which county ranked first in the 2021 U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings?
Los Alamos County, New Mexico ranked first in the United States in the 2021 U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings.
What should I check before I move for health?
Check the air quality, health care access, walkability, climate, and cost of living. Visit the place first if you can, and talk to people who live there.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. It is not medical advice and it does not replace care from a doctor. This guide gives no medical advice for readers. Talk to a doctor before you make a big move for health reasons, especially if you have a health condition.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026