The idea of living to 150 years might have long seemed preposterous, but these cities might be best positioned for extreme longevity
A new study conducted by BestPlaces, in partnership with Medtronic, has identified the factors that influence extreme longevity and the U.S. metropolitan areas best suited to host the world’s first 150-year-old.
The study is based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing aging and longevity research, combined with demographic trends and new developments in health sciences. It identifies variables that contribute to an extended lifespan, including gender, social capital, healthcare resources, wellness metrics and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise.
One of the study’s core findings is that the first person to reach 150 is likely to be female. Women consistently outlive men, with only 7% of U.S. supercentenarians (people who reach 110 years old) being male. The study also finds that strong social connections—measured through family unity, community engagement and civic involvement—contribute to longevity. Additionally, access to high-quality healthcare, a low incidence of chronic diseases and positive lifestyle factors such as plant-based diets and regular physical activity all increase the likelihood of extended lifespan.
The Role of Cities in Longevity
The study focuses on the top 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., evaluating them based on their ability to support long-term health and wellness. Using a ranking system, the research team identified the cities most likely to be home to the first 150-year-old based on five key categories: social capital, life expectancy, vegan lifestyle, wellness metrics and health resources.
Top Cities for Longevity
The findings reveal that Washington, D.C., is the most likely location for the first 150-year-old due to its high ranking in social capital, healthcare access and overall wellness. San Francisco follows closely behind, while Bridgeport, Boston and Seattle round out the top five.
Top 10 U.S. Cities for Longevity:
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV – Strong in social capital and wellness, as well as top-tier healthcare.
San Francisco-San Jose-Oakland, CA – High in physical activity, plant-based diets and healthcare access.
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT – Strong community engagement and low obesity rates.
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH – Leading in healthcare and education but lower in plant-based dietary adoption.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA – High in wellness and plant-based diets, but weaker in social capital.
Madison, WI – Strong civic engagement but high alcohol consumption.
Honolulu, HI – High life expectancy, strong healthcare access and low obesity rates.
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA – High plant-based dietary adoption and healthcare access, but struggles with excessive drinking.
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO – High physical activity and low obesity rates, but lower civic engagement.
Raleigh-Cary, NC – Strong in social capital and wellness, but lower in dietary habits.
