Plano, Texas Is The Happiest Place In The Country??

According to a new study from SmartAsset, Plano, Texas just snagged the top spot as the happiest big city in the country. That’s right. Not Austin. Not Dallas. Not even the tech-filled streets of San Jose. Plano. And honestly, it kind of makes sense.

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The Surprising Joys of Suburbia

Plano might not have the chaotic nightlife or world-famous skyline of other cities, but what it does have is peace, prosperity, and a whole lot of married couples. The city ranked first in the nation for marriage rates, with nearly 56% of its residents hitched and, apparently, happy about it. It also boasts the fourth-highest number of mentally healthy days reported and one of the lowest poverty rates among major U.S. cities.

While it’s not exactly the cheapest place in Texas, residents aren’t breaking the bank to put a roof over their heads either. With strong incomes and a high quality of life, it’s no wonder folks in Plano are walking around smiling like they just found an extra brisket taco in their takeout order.

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How Did Other Cities Fare?

Arlington, Virginia came in second and, to its credit, leads the nation in life expectancy. At nearly 84 years, people in Arlington are apparently so content they're sticking around as long as possible. Fremont, California also ranked high thanks to its sky-high income levels, over 70% of households there make six figures or more. Must be nice.

But let’s be real. None of them beat Plano’s combo of stability, sunshine, and just the right amount of traffic to complain about without losing your mind on the highway.

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Texas: Still the Place to Be

Sure, California has money, and Virginia has longevity. But when it comes to an everyday kind of happy, the kind you feel sitting on your porch with a sweet tea while your neighbor’s kid learns to ride a bike without training wheels, Texas takes the crown.

So if you’re looking for joy, community, and maybe a pretty decent shot at inner peace, it might be time to head to Plano. Just don’t expect to find it in a margarita bar. It’ll be waiting for you at a backyard barbecue with people who wave when they drive by.