Salinas ranks No. 2 in cities ranking overall “well-being” across the country

A new report finds the Salinas-area tops a list of overall “well-being” among residents. The national study by Gallup-Healthways polls 190 cities across the country and includes Santa Cruz. This report marks the second time in two weeks, Salinas is making national headlines. Last week, Country Living magazine named the city the third “Coziest in America.”

The “Well-Being Index” found Salinas came in second in 2015, compared to 190 other cities. The study specifically names Salinas, but it’s technically the Salinas Metropolitan Statistical Area, including other parts of Monterey County.

Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter said positive attention to a city that struggles with its reputation at times, is always welcome.

“There’s nothing better when your city, or the county of Monterey, get a recognition for being a good place to live. You know we have beautiful weather, we have good, clean air, our water is starting to come back, we grow the best vegetables in the world, we have the best wine industry, and we have the Monterey Peninsula, the ocean is just a short distance away,” Gunter said.

Data was based on hundreds of thousands of phone interviews last year. The study looked at five different categories, asking residents questions about their purpose in life, social relationships, financial stability, community safety and physical health. In the Salinas-area, community ranked the highest, described as liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride.

“You walk around town, most people are friendly, they’ll talk to you, they’ll give you good directions, and I think people are working well as a community,” Gunter said.

Physical health had the lowest score, evaluating having good health and enough energy to get things done daily. The study takes a very holistic approach, saying people who live in high ranking well-being communities thrive in many aspects and are optimistic about their future. The Santa Cruz-Watsonville area, was also named, coming in at 6th place.

“So really, it’s this whole area of the Central Coast. We should all be proud of who we are and what goes on here,” Gunter said.