The Best Cities for Women

The surprising results prove there are plenty of unexpected, awesome locales to lay down roots. But even if your chosen hometown isn't celebrated here (or—yikes!—made the "worst" list), that doesn't mean you can't live healthfully. Read on to see how, and check out this month's issue of Men's Health to discover where the guys have it good.

Keep tabs on your health with these 10 self-checks you should perform.

Find a Great Guy

Plano, Texas

With 139 single men for every 100 available women, this town is great for women's hearts, in every sense. Studies show social interaction cuts the risk of cardiac woes because "companionship reduces stress levels, which then lowers your chances of developing heart disease," says New York City-based cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, M.D. Regardless of whether you're single or coupled up, spend at least one night a week engaging in ample QT with your guy or pals.

Get a Move On

Santa Ana, California

When it comes to being in shape, the women of Santa Ana kick the rest of the country's butt. On any given day, they're out swimming and jogging, taking advantage of year-round sunshine and easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The key to their commitment to fitness? Variety. "Changing up your workout can put new demands on different muscle groups, helping you burn more calories and increase your total-body strength," says WH personal-training expert Rachel Cosgrove, author of The Female Body Breakthrough. And working out isn't just about having a hot bod—it's crucial for overall health. No surprise, then, that Santa Ana residents also rank superlow in incidences of heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Even if you're stuck inside this winter, switch up your routine by alternating among body-weight squats, lunges, and pushups, says Cosgrove.

Transform your body with this fat-burning workout designed by Bob Harper of The Biggest Loser.

Land a Cool Gig (and a long life)

Fargo, North Dakota

While most cities bled jobs, Fargo added 57,000 in the past two years. That could be giving local women a reason to live longer. Employed people suffer less stress, which means a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer, says endocrinology expert Kent Holtorf, M.D., of the Holtorf Medical Group in Torrance, California. Case in point: The city's average life expectancy is 80 years, the second highest in our rankings (kudos for first place, Honolulu!). Hold on to your job, and keep yourself interested in it, by asking your boss for challenging outside-the-box assignments.

Protect Your Breasts

San Francisco, California

Katy Perry was onto something: California girls do have it made. Women in San Francisco scored near-perfect marks for mental health; they were also the least likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The connection? A healthy outlook means you'll take better care of yourself and build up your immune system to be better at fighting disease, says psychosocial oncologist Janine Gauthier, Ph.D., of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Indeed, breast cancer has been associated with sadness and depression. Stay upbeat—and safeguard your girls—by getting at least 30 minutes of endorphin-activating exercise five times a week, and popping a daily 1,000 IU supplement of mood-boosting vitamin D.

Eat Up, Slim Down

Boise, Idaho

The state may be famous for one particular carb (ahem, Idaho potatoes), but its capital city scores huge produce points. Nearly a third of Boiseans eat five or more servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day. Yes, that kind of noshing keeps you trim, but it also helps wards off disease, says endocrinologist Marc Cornier, M.D., of the University of Colorado at Denver. To wit, Boise boasts one of the lowest diabetes rates in the country. "People assume diabetes is just genetic, but 50 percent of it has to do with lifestyle," says Cornier. "A diet of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables greatly reduces your risk and helps keep off extra weight."

Don't see your city? For the complete rankings, go to WomensHealthMag.com/BestCities.

10 Best

1. Plano, TX
2. Fargo, ND
3. San Jose, CA
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Austin, TX
6. Minneapolis, MN
7. Boise, ID
8. Santa Ana, CA
9. Virginia Beach, VA
10. San Francisco, CA

10 Worst

91. Tulsa, OK
92. Memphis, TN
93. St. Petersburg, FL
94. Charleston, WV
95. Birmingham, AL
96. Baltimore, MD
97. St. Louis, MO
98. Toledo, OH
99. Detroit, MI
100. Philadelphia, PA


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