Welcome to San Luis Obispo, California—a city of 44,000 located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. What makes this one of the happiest cities in the United States? The area’s natural beauty is one important factor. The city is close to both the ocean and the mountains, and there are lots of places for residents to hike or bike. San Luis Obispo itself is a very laid-back city. It has a number of parks, cafes, and open areas where people can relax. And even in the downtown area, there are very few cars and almost no traffic. The city is also very safe. Believe it or not, many people don’t lock their doors during the day ... or at night. In addition to these things, San Luis Obispo also has a lively arts scene. Every summer there are free concerts and a number of music and art festivals. And finally, San Luis Obispo is a healthy environment. Fresh fruit and vegetables are all grown locally. And there is no smoking in restaurants and most outdoor public places.Now, what about the people of San Luis Obispo. What are they like? Residents are known for their high levels of emotional well-being. They smile more and experience less sadness than people in other cities in the U.S. Not surprisingly, people here are very active. Many bike to work or school every day. Residents are also very sociable. They spend a lot of time with family and friends. Many also volunteer and help others in the community.