The most fun place to live just happens to be one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, a new analysis shows.
WalletHub ranks Fremont, CA, No. 1 on its Happiest Cities in America list.
“Fremont is within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metro area, one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, with an affordable 0.71,” it said. Anthony Smith, chief economist for Realtor.com®. “Homes across the metro start at around $907,000. If you zoom into the city of Fremont itself, the median listing price goes up to around $1.25 million.”
Smith says the median household income in the United States is $86,867.
“At that income level, the high end of an affordable home price would be around $343,300,” he says. “In Fremont, where the median home price is about $1.25 million, the average home costs about 3.6 times what the average American family could afford.”
Before the pandemic, the city’s median price was about $998,000 in February 2019. Prices have increased significantly since the pandemic, peaking in April 2022 at just under $1.45 million.
Although prices have fluctuated since then, they remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels. As of February 2026, the median listing price sits at around $1.25 million, up 4.2% from one year ago and 25.3% over February 2019.
Affordability challenges are something that local real estate agents see every day.
“Entering the Fremont market can feel like trying to walk back to a sold-out concert,” says a Fremont real estate agent. Kat Sellis For the Great Agent Team at Real Broker.
“Housing is expensive and competition is fierce, so first-time buyers sometimes need to get creative, whether that means starting with a condo, expanding their search area, or moving in with family. In the Bay Area, sometimes buying a home really is a team sport.”
How determined the most happy cities were
To identify where Americans are happiest, WalletHub analyzed more than 180 major US cities using data from positive-psychology research. Each city was evaluated across 29 key indicators of happiness, including stress levels, income growth, and average daily leisure time.
“The results of this year’s Happiest Cities in America survey show that happiness tends to be stronger in cities that have the right balance between economic prosperity and overall quality of life,” said a WalletHub writer and analyst. Chip Lupo he tells Realtor.com.
“Although income and work are important, the data make it clear that money alone does not tell how happy people are, especially when their income reaches about $75,000 a year.”
WalletHub’s top 10 happiest cities are: Fremont, CA; Bismarck, ND; Scottsdale, AZ; South Burlington, VT; Fargo, ND; Overland Park, KS; Charleston, SC; Irvine, CA; Gilbert, AZ; and San Jose, CA.
“Several common threads run through cities that rank among the most pleasant places to live,” Smith said. “Many are high-income regional areas or affluent areas with strong industrial ties to industries such as technology, government, health care, or regional services.
“Many of these cities offer a strong quality of life, which helps make them attractive places to live. In many cases, these are ‘second cities’ with a lot of money, meaning they live just outside the main city center rather than serving as the main city center.”
Lupo says many of the top cities—like Fremont, Bismarck, and Scottsdale—have performed well not only economically but also in areas such as mental and physical health, social well-being, and access to recreation.
“Overall, the results highlight that where people live can have a significant impact on their well-being, and the happiest cities tend to be those that provide a strong mix of economic opportunities, healthy living conditions, and a sense of community,” he explains.
Top 10 happiest cities to live
Here are the cities that made WalletHub’s list.
1. Fremont, CA
Median listing price: $1,250,000
WalletHub ranked Fremont as the happiest city in America, and one contributing factor is that the city has the highest share of households with incomes over $75,000, nearly 80%.
“Fremont has a lot going for it,” Sellis said. “Great schools, tons of parks and walks, diverse communities, and easy access to Silicon Valley activities. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a morning hiking Mission Peak and still be able to get to a tech meeting before lunch. That balance is a big reason families love it.”
2. Bismarck, ND
Median listing price: $484,150
Bismarck has the ninth highest percentage of seniors who report being in good or better health, allowing residents to maintain a high quality of life, according to Lupo.
Bismarck also has the largest average amount of leisure time per day, measured in minutes, allowing residents more opportunities to relax, spend time with loved ones, and focus on interests.
3. Scottsdale, AZ
Median listing price: $1,113,750
“One of the biggest reasons people love Scottsdale is the weather,” says a Scottsdale real estate agent Stacy Miller of Re/Max Fine Properties tells Realtor.com. “With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, residents enjoy outdoor activities nearly every day. From hiking the spectacular McDowell Sonoran Preserve to exploring the beautiful trails of Camelback Mountain, the city makes it easy to stay active and connected to nature. Scottsdale also consistently ranks among the best places in the country for golf, recreation, resorts, and luxury purses.”
4. South Burlington, VT
Median listing price: $661,000
According to WalletHub research, South Burlington topped the charts for sports participation and healthy sleep habits, while also boasting a low unemployment rate.
South Burlington combines small-town charm with easy access to nature, from Lake Champlain to the Green Mountains, making for year-round outdoor activities. It has excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, too.
5. Fargo, ND
Median listing price: $399,175
“Fargo is the largest city in the state, and it continues to grow as young people and families choose to call Fargo home,” Jayci Altenbernddigital marketing manager at Visit Fargo-Moorhead, tells Realtor.com. “This area has a growing economy with a strong presence of high technology, quality health care, outstanding education and entertainment – including easy access to the wonderful North Dakotan outdoors. Fargo is a welcoming community with a perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city fun.”
6. Overland Park, KS
Median listing price: $687,338
Majid Ghavamian Overland Park real estate agent with ReeceNichols Real Estate, tells ReeceNichols Real Estate, “You’ve got great schools, really nice subdivisions, and a lot of amenities throughout the city, like parks and attractions. It’s just a family-friendly community. It’s always been a great place, but with everything they’re building, your South Overland businesses are attracted to come here.”
7. Charleston, SC
Median listing price: $649,438
“Charleston is a very exciting place to be on many levels,” said a Charleston real estate agent Rick Horger of Corcoran HM Properties tells Realtor.com. “First, the weather is great. You can enjoy all the outdoor activities year-round—tennis, golf, boating, and exercise, to name a few. The dining scene is amazing. History and culture abound—and the design and arts scene rivals anywhere else in the U.S. Beaches and waterways are readily available anywhere in the area. Go to the beach, and be on the beach by 9 a.m.”
8. Irvine, CA
Median listing price: $1,762,500
“Irvine is a well-planned city with many parks and many well-planned communities that offer a suburban quality of life with new homes, parks, lakes, trails, and a variety of amenities,” Dear Ameeran Irvine real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, tells Realtor.com. “Irvine has excellent schools, an international airport, and great shopping and dining. It’s convenient for many companies and offices with a short commute. It also has world-class medical care and universities.”
9. Gilbert, AZ
Median listing price: $605,000
“One of the biggest reasons why residents love Gilbert is the strong sense of community,” Miller said. “The town hosts year-round events, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals that bring the neighborhood together. Gilbert also offers exceptional outdoor recreation with beautiful walking trails, lakes, and green spaces. The town is known for excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.”
10. San Jose, CA
Median listing price: $1,149,450
San Jose ranked seventh for emotional and physical well-being.
“What makes San Jose so desirable is the climate, the land, the schools, the prestige of the neighborhood, and the proximity to the employment centers that cannot be moved,” a San Jose real estate agent. Alexander Kala and Keller Williams tells Realtor.com.
