We have great news for some Northern Virginians. Niche has ranked Fairfax County as the fifth healthiest county in America.
In addition to scoring an A+ in Niche’s health and fitness assessment, Fairfax County also got high grades in other categories. These include outdoor activities, public schools, nightlife, diversity, and being a good place to raise a family.
Fairfax was ranked as the healthiest county in Virginia and the second best for outdoor activities in the state, behind York County. Loudoun is ranked as Virginia’s third best county for outdoor activities.
“In Fairfax County there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks,” Niche said. “Many families and young professionals live in Fairfax County, and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Fairfax County are highly rated.”
Colorado’s Boulder County was ranked as the No. 1 healthiest county in the country. California’s Santa Clara County came in at No. 2, and Montgomery County in Maryland scored the No. 3 spot.
The rankings are based on statistics taken from U.S. census data and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They take into account smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity rates. Additional factors include access to healthcare and fitness centers, plus housing trends, employment statistics, the quality of local schools, and nearby amenities.
The ranking comes on the heels of Niche recently naming Arlington’s Colonial Village neighborhood as the best place to live in America.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
