Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Keeping them? That’s where many people struggle. While it’s tempting to blame a lack of willpower, new research suggests that where you live can play a major role in whether you succeed. According to a WalletHub study comparing more than 180 U.S. cities, Seattle stands out as the best place in the country to stick to your goals in 2026.
WalletHub evaluated cities using 57 different metrics tied to self-improvement, including exercise access, health habits, income growth, and employment outlook. Seattle topped the list overall, with Scottsdale, Irvine, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City rounding out the top 5.
As WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained:
“Everyone has probably failed to keep a New Year’s resolution at one point, whether it’s losing weight, spending less money, quitting a vice or keeping up with a new hobby… Living in the right city can do wonders for resolutions, though. For example, cities with good access to healthy food and exercise opportunities can make it much easier for people to improve their health. Cities with strong economies and good job markets can expedite finding a better career or improving your income. Finding out what your city excels in can help you set an achievable goal.”
To identify the best cities for keeping New Year’s resolutions, WalletHub analyzed 182 U.S. cities using five main categories: health, finances, school and work, bad habits, and relationships. Each city was scored across 57 weighted metrics on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting more favorable conditions for achieving personal goals. Some data were only available at the state level, and population adjustments were made to prevent small differences from skewing results. WalletHub then calculated a weighted average score for each city to create the final rankings, considering only the city proper rather than surrounding metro areas.
Here are the top 10 cities for keeping resolutions:
- Seattle, WA
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Atlanta, GA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Orlando, FL
- Austin, TX
- Fremont, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Miami, FL
Out of all the categories, Seattle scored highest for health-related resolutions. Whether the goal is exercising more or eating better, the city offers an environment that supports healthy habits. Fewer than 13% of adults in Seattle are physically inactive—the lowest rate in the nation. The city also has one of the lowest obesity rates and ranks among the top cities for daily fruit consumption. These numbers suggest strong access to nutritious food, outdoor recreation, and fitness opportunities, making it easier for residents to turn healthy intentions into long-term routines.
Financial goals are another area where Seattle residents have an edge. The city has the second-lowest rate of delinquent debt payments in the country, and residents generally carry low levels of debt compared to their income. As a result, Seattle boasts the fourth-highest median credit score nationwide, creating a stable foundation for savings, budgeting, and other money-related resolutions.
Seattle also supports those aiming to quit unhealthy habits. The city has the lowest percentage of adults who smoke daily or regularly, reflecting a culture that encourages healthier lifestyle choices.
In short, Seattle’s combination of health-conscious culture, financial stability, and supportive infrastructure makes it the best place in the U.S. to turn New Year’s resolutions into lasting change.