The Big Crabapple?

Should New York City’s nickname be “The Big Crabapple”? I ask because our nation’s biggest metropolis was recently named by researchers as the unhappiest city in America, according to the New York Post.

The research asked respondents “In general, how satisfied are you with your life?”, and New Yorkers are the least happy — followed in their misery by Pittsburgh, Louisville, Milwaukee, and Detroit. But with millions of people and millions of things to do, there must be something more to NYC than just finding happiness?

“Our research indicates that people care about more than happiness alone, so other factors may encourage them to stay in a city despite their unhappiness”

So it seems that for many people, being happy isn’t necessary relevant. For instance, if you have a job you love and you’re at the top of your career, why leave? Getting rid of an opportunity may make you unhappier, even if it means moving out of a town you don’t like.

Whatever the case, the top five happiest places in America are, interestingly, in the South: Norfolk, Virginia; Washington, DC; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve always enjoyed visiting the South — and it appears that living there is the way to go for lots of people.

How about you — are you happy where you live? Would living somewhere else make you happier, less happy, or not make a difference? I’m curious… let me know what you think!