Why New York City Was Named the Happiest City in America in 2025
When you think of happiness, does your mind go to sunny beaches or tranquil small towns? If so, then it might be time to shift that image, because, according to the 2025 Happy City Index, the happiest city in the United States is none other than the bustling, noisy, always-awake New York City.
Yes, that New York City—the city of sirens and subways, skyscrapers and street food. And for many the know it as a place that’s more often described as “gritty” than “gleeful.” But this year, it’s taken the crown as the top-ranked U.S. city for overall happiness, outranking peaceful towns and picturesque coastlines alike.
So, what makes New York so happy?
The Happy City Index, published by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life, reviews the level of happiness by focusing on six main areas: citizens, governance, environment, economy, health and mobility.
There are 26 detailed indicators that make up these 6 categories, including inclusivity, access to green spaces, cultural life, public transport and economic opportunity.
The Institute says that happy cities focus on growing and promoting happiness by combining efforts in education, having inclusive policies, a vibrant economy, accessible transport, conservation, parks and nature, all together.
New York performed well in many areas, especially in governance, the economy, environmental sustainability and how satisfied citizens are which gave it 902 points, thus ranking number 17 spot globally and the 1 spot in the U.S. Copenhagen, the city that came out on top, scored 1039.
“Sure, New York may be loud and expensive, but it’s also full of life, opportunity, and community,” said a local resident interviewed for the Index. “People here are driven, passionate, and diverse—we feed off each other’s energy.”
Where To Visit in NYC Right Now?
If happiness lives here, it’s time to pack your bags.
Besides being a mix of cultures and communities, New York City is also easy to reach, with over 100 international airlines flying into JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports. And once you land, there’s no shortage of things to do.
1. Explore the City’s Soul
Every borough in New York City—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island—has something special to offer. You can find serenity by sailing by the Statue of Liberty on the Hudson River, relax on the sand at Coney Island or watch the sunset at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Then there’s the museum circuit. With over 170 museums, New York is a cultural powerhouse. This year marks some landmark reopenings:
- The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Met reopens May 31, spotlighting art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
- The Frick Collection returns after a $220 million renovation.
- The American Museum of Natural History added the awe-inspiring Richard Gilder Center in 2023.
Other can’t-miss institutions include MoMA, Whitney, Guggenheim, and the Brooklyn Museum, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
Want something a bit different? Visit the Tenement Museum, Noguchi Museum, or the glitzy Museum of Broadway – a love letter to the stage that opened in 2022.
Speaking of stage…
2. The Spotlight is Bright on Broadway
Broadway is truly unique and 2025 is making sure we get the best of it. This summer, the Shakespeare in the Park series will feature Twelfth Night, with Lupita Nyong’o, her brother Junior Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Bill Camp in the cast. From August 7 to September 4, this is a show you won’t want to skip.
3. Nature in the Concrete Jungle
Amid all the steel and stone lies Central Park, an 843-acre natural area in Manhattan. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park which has lakes, gardens, a zoo and a new pool and skating rink that opened at the Davis Center this spring.
Beyond Central Park, Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens offer even more urban greenery, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
Where to eat?
New York is a food lover’s playground. Want Michelin-starred cuisine? Try Le Bernardin or Tatiana at Lincoln Center. Want something trendy and global? You’ve got:
- Thai Diner for comfort street eats
- Semma for bold Indian flavors
- Agi’s Counter for Hungarian delights
- Oiji Mi for luxe Korean fusion
- Nami Nori for sushi rolls in minimalist perfection
- And of course, Los Tacos No. 1 for unbeatable Mexican street food
For pizza lovers, you can start your feast party from Lucali to Scarr’s, Una Pizza Napoletana to the Bronx classic Louie & Ernie’s, the slice scene is stronger than ever.
And bakeries? Well, let’s just say you might need to set an alarm. Cult-favorite spots like Radio Bakery, Birdee, and Papa D’Amour (the latest brainchild of cronut-creator Dominique Ansel) have lines before they open.
Where to Stay in the City of Joy
Whether you want timeless elegance or hip minimalism, NYC has your bed ready. Highlights include:
- The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel – Newly reopened, ultra-chic Upper East Side retreat
- Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad – Luxe living with skyline views and peace from the crowd
- Warren Street Hotel – Boutique beauty in downtown Manhattan
- Made Hotel – Sleek, affordable, and stylish
America’s 10 Happiest Cities in 2025
Besides NYC, where do other cities rank?
| Rank (U.S.) | City | State | Global Rank |
| 1 | New York City | NY | 17 |
| 2 | Minneapolis | MN | 30 |
| 3 | San Diego | CA | 34 |
| 4 | Washington, D.C. | — | 43 |
| 5 | Salt Lake City | UT | 56 |
| 6 | Columbus | OH | 63 |
| 7 | Los Angeles | CA | 70 |
| 8 | Seattle | WA | 80 |
| 9 | Baltimore | MD | 84 |
| 10 | San Antonio | TX | 89 |
To Wrap It Up!
The Happy City Index shows that joy can be lively, full of different people and always moving. The report pointed out that “There are many lovely places to live, but some cities really excel at measuring and maintaining happiness.”
New York City may not suit everyone, but for those who love excitement, new ideas and change, happiness is always present in the city’s daily life.
Therefore, if you’re planning a trip or simply interested in what makes a city successful, NYC demonstrates that the most crowded places can also be the most fun.
