Philadelphia Ranked Among Top 10 U.S. Cities for an Active Lifestyle in 2025
As teh new year unfolds, many Americans are setting their sights on healthier habits. According to Statista, losing weight, exercising more, and eating healthier are among the top five New Year’s resolutions for 2025.For residents of Philadelphia, achieving these goals just got a little easier. A recent study by WalletHub has named Philadelphia the ninth-best city in the U.S. for maintaining an active lifestyle, securing its place in the top 10.
The study evaluated 100 of the nation’s most populous cities across two key dimensions: “Budget & Participation” and “Sports & Outdoors.” Metrics such as “Average Monthly fitness-Club Fee” and “Walk Score” were also factored into the rankings. Philadelphia’s strong performance highlights its accessibility to fitness opportunities, affordability, and outdoor amenities.
“The top cities for staying active offer opportunities for all types of people, from those who prefer team sports to people who simply want to get their daily exercise by walking or biking to work,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.“They also tend to be large cities that still have a close proximity to beautiful natural areas for hiking and swimming.”
Philadelphia’s ranking reflects its vibrant fitness culture and community-driven approach to health. The city’s walkability, affordable gym memberships, and proximity to outdoor spaces like Fairmount Park make it an ideal location for those looking to stay active.
How Philadelphia Stacks up Against Other Cities
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Here’s a quick look at how Philadelphia compares to other top-ranking cities:
| Rank | City | State |
|———-|————————|—————-|
| 1 | Honolulu | Hawaii |
| 2 | New York | New York |
| 3 | San Francisco | California |
| 9 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
| 21 | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania |
| 100 | North Las Vegas | Nevada |
While Honolulu,New York,and San Francisco claimed the top three spots,Philadelphia’s ninth-place finish is a testament to its commitment to fostering an active community. The only other Pennsylvania city to make the list, Pittsburgh, ranked 21st.
What Makes Philadelphia Stand Out?
Philadelphia’s active lifestyle appeal lies in its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. The city boasts a high Walk Score, making it easy for residents to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Additionally, its fitness culture is thriving, with a population that values exercise and wellness.
“The top cities for an active lifestyle have populations that are highly interested in exercise, which helps people find workout partners and stay motivated,” Lupo added.
For those looking to kickstart their fitness journey in 2025, Philadelphia offers a supportive environment with plenty of opportunities to stay active. whether it’s joining a local gym,exploring scenic trails,or simply walking to work,the City of Brotherly Love has something for everyone.
As the year progresses, Philadelphia’s ranking serves as a reminder that maintaining an active lifestyle is not just about personal resolve—it’s also about the community and environment that support it. So, if you’re in Philadelphia, take advantage of the city’s resources and make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
Philadelphia’s Active Lifestyle: A Conversation with Fitness Expert Dr. Emily Carter
As 2025 unfolds, many Americans are prioritizing healthier habits, with fitness and wellness topping New Year’s resolutions. Philadelphia has recently been recognized as one of the top U.S. cities for an active lifestyle, ranking ninth in a WalletHub study. To delve deeper into what makes Philadelphia stand out,we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a renowned fitness expert and urban wellness advocate,to discuss the city’s strengths and how it fosters a culture of health and activity.
What Makes Philadelphia a Top City for an Active Lifestyle?
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Philadelphia has been ranked ninth in WalletHub’s study for active lifestyles. what do you think sets the city apart from others?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! Philadelphia’s ranking is well-deserved, and it comes down to a few key factors. First, the city’s walkability is exceptional. With a high Walk Score, residents can easily incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, whether it’s walking to work, running errands, or exploring neighborhoods.Additionally, Philadelphia offers a wide range of affordable fitness options, from gyms to community centers, making it accessible for people of all income levels.
senior Editor: That’s a great point. The study also highlighted the city’s proximity to outdoor spaces like Fairmount Park.How do these natural areas contribute to an active lifestyle?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Fairmount Park is a gem for philadelphia residents. It’s one of the largest urban park systems in the country, offering trails for hiking, biking, and even kayaking along the schuylkill River. Having such expansive green spaces within the city limits encourages people to get outside, enjoy nature, and stay active. It’s a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
Philadelphia’s Fitness Culture and Community support
Senior Editor: The study also mentioned Philadelphia’s thriving fitness culture. How does the community play a role in promoting an active lifestyle?
dr. Emily Carter: Community is everything when it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle. Philadelphia has a strong culture of fitness and wellness, with residents who value exercise and health. This creates a supportive environment where people can find workout partners, join local sports leagues, or participate in group fitness classes.The city also hosts numerous fitness events, like marathons and charity walks, which bring people together and foster a sense of camaraderie.
Senior Editor: That’s inspiring! How does this community-driven approach help people stay motivated?
Dr. Emily Carter: Motivation is often the biggest challenge when it comes to fitness. Having a community that prioritizes health makes it easier for individuals to stay on track. Whether it’s a neighbor inviting you to a yoga class or a coworker suggesting a lunchtime walk, these small interactions create a ripple effect. People are more likely to stick to their fitness goals when they feel supported and encouraged by those around them.
How Philadelphia Compares to Other Top Cities
Senior Editor: The WalletHub study ranked cities like Honolulu,New York,and San Francisco in the top three. How does Philadelphia compare to these cities in terms of active living?
dr. Emily Carter: While Honolulu, New York, and San Francisco are fantastic cities for active lifestyles, Philadelphia holds its own with a unique combination of affordability and accessibility. For example, while San Francisco might have stunning coastal trails, Philadelphia offers equally impressive urban parks and trails at a lower cost of living. Similarly, New York’s fitness scene is vibrant, but Philadelphia’s community-driven approach makes it more inclusive and approachable for the average person.
Senior Editor: That’s an engaging viewpoint.What about Pittsburgh, the other Pennsylvania city on the list, which ranked 21st?
dr. Emily Carter: Pittsburgh is a great city with its own strengths, but Philadelphia’s walkability and fitness culture give it an edge. Pittsburgh has made strides in recent years, but Philadelphia’s long-standing commitment to health and wellness, combined with its urban design, sets it apart. It’s no surprise that Philadelphia is the higher-ranked Pennsylvania city.
Tips for Staying Active in Philadelphia in 2025
Senior Editor: For our readers in Philadelphia, what advice would you give to someone looking to kickstart their fitness journey in 2025?
Dr. Emily Carter: My first piece of advice is to take advantage of the city’s resources. Join a local gym or community center, explore Fairmount Park, or try one of the many fitness classes offered throughout the city.Second, find a workout buddy or join a group—having accountability makes a huge difference. don’t underestimate the power of small changes. Walking or biking to work, taking the stairs, or even doing a speedy home workout can add up over time. Philadelphia makes it easy to stay active, so embrace the opportunities around you!
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Philadelphia’s active lifestyle ranking is well-earned, and your advice is sure to inspire our readers to make 2025 their healthiest year yet.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic. Here’s to a healthier, more active Philadelphia in 2025!
This HTML-formatted interview is designed for a WordPress page, incorporating key terms and themes from the article. It provides a natural, engaging conversation between the Senior editor and Dr. Emily Carter, offering insights into Philadelphia’s active lifestyle ranking and practical tips for residents.
