Gallup and Healthways have released their annual state-by-state assessment of America's well being. For the fourth consecutive year, Hawaii tops the list.
Ariel Schwartz discusses the recently released findings of the 2012 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which "surveys 1,000 people each day for 350 days out of the year, asking them questions about work environment, physical health, emotional health, lifestyle behaviors like exercise and smoking, access to things like health care and food, and overall life satisfaction."
In addition to Hawaii, "Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Minnesota have also remained in the top 10 for the last four years. Vermont, Iowa, and Nebraska, on the other hand, have jumped from being moderately happy states (Vermont was ranked at 27 in 2008) to the top 10."
At the other end of the list are a collection of Southern and Appalachian states. West Virginia has the dubious distinction of coming in last for the fourth consecutive year.
FULL STORY: The 10 Happiest States In The U.S.
America's Safest Cities
Gallup has published the results of its survey of the cities deemed safest by their residents. The results closely track the FBI's violent crime rates.
Where's Your Happy Place?
Now can you qualify, quantify, and index it? Hazel Borys would like you to do so, and gives this data review to help you get started.
New Study Ranks Most Optimistic Cities
Today, Gallup Wellbeing has released new findings on community satisfaction and optimism, evaluating 190 U.S. metro areas based on how residents feel about where they live and where their community is headed.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity
Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free
Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners