According to a recent study conducted by personal finance website SmartAsset, California is home to several of the "happiest" cities in the United States, alongside Virginia's Arlington. The study, which analyzed 90 of the nation's largest cities, used a formula to determine happiness, taking into account factors such as high-income earners, life expectancy, marriage rates, and traffic volume.

Taking the top spot in the rankings was Arlington, Virginia, located just outside of Washington, D.C. The city excelled in seven out of the eleven happiness metrics reviewed, boasting the highest life expectancy of 85.3 years and ample space for physical activity. However, Arlington also faced challenges, ranking as one of the most congested cities and being listed as one of the priciest places for a family of four to live.

California proved its happiness quotient with three cities securing spots in the top 10. Fremont, located in the Bay Area, claimed the highest ranking at third place, followed closely by San Jose at fourth place and San Francisco at ninth place. Irvine also made it to the list, securing the fifteenth position.

On the other hand, Texas cities struggled in the rankings, with three cities landing in the bottom 10. Laredo, the border city, came in at the lowest ranking of 89. As for Detroit, Michigan, it ranked last in the study, exhibiting the lowest percentage of households earning $100,000 or more, the lowest marriage rate, and the highest poverty rate.

The study showcased a diverse range of cities from 33 states, with California leading the pack with 16 cities on the list, followed by Florida with 12. However, despite the presence of happiness-inducing cities, the U.S. as a whole experienced a decline in happiness compared to countries across the globe.

The World Happiness Report, released in March, marked the first time in its 12-year history that the United States dropped out of the top 20 happiest countries, ranking 23rd overall. This decline was partly attributed to a significant drop in the well-being of young people, with the U.S. landing in 62nd place for individuals under 30. However, for those over the age of 60, the country ranked a respectable 10th.

While California and Arlington bask in the glory of happiness, this study sheds light on the overall happiness landscape within the United States. As aspiring happiness seekers, it is vital to understand and address the factors that contribute to a happier and more fulfilled life for individuals of all ages.