Millions of Americans set out to change their habits at the start of each year — but we all know that by summer, or even just February, many of those goals have been abandoned.
While self-discipline plays a role, a new study from WalletHub suggests that a city’s inherent advantages can make sticking to resolutions easier.
For 2026 resolutions, WalletHub evaluated 182 major U.S. cities to see where residents have the best environment to make them a reality. The analysis used 57 indicators related to personal improvement, covering five main categories: health, finances, school and work, bad habits, and relationships. She looked not only at the rate at which people make resolutions, but also at how where they live can help or hinder their ability to keep them.
“Living in the right city can do wonders for resolutions,” said Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub. “Cities with good access to healthy food and exercise opportunities can make it easier for people to improve their health. Cities with strong economies and good job markets can accelerate your search for a better career or improve your income.
“Finding out what your city is good at can help you set an achievable goal,” Lupo added.
Keep reading to discover the 8 cities that topped the list.