San Francisco and Oakland have been ranked among the most physically active U.S. cities, according to a new study by BetterDoctor.com. To create the Active City Index, BetterDoctor.com evaluated cities across the U.S. based on important health criteria such as physical activity, healthy weight, and access to quality parks.

San Francisco ranked number two of 85 U.S. cities in the index, while Oakland was number three and San Jose in twelfth spot. The following factors were used to determine how easy it is to have an active lifestyle:

1. Do other people in the city exercise? Percentage of residents who report having had physical activity or exercise in the past thirty days.

2. Are other residents fit? Percentage of residents who are at a healthy weight. If other residents are fit, then the area tends to provide opportunities for physical fitness and healthy eating.

3. Do residents have access to high-quality parks and outdoor spaces? The number of acres of park space per resident as well as the parks spending per resident to ensure that these facilities are high-quality.

San Francisco has more than 220 parks, and nearby Muir Woods offers hiking trails and scenic views. The city spends a lot of money on its well-maintained parks, and almost 83% of residents reported having exercised recently.

Oakland has a temperate climate and a robust park system, and the city has many nearby hiking trails. The metro area has the highest percentage of residents at a healthy weight of any place on the list. In addition, the East Bay Regional Parks District has 65 parks and more than 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding and other activities. It represents a huge number of outdoor activities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

“We’re not at all surprised that Oakland has been recognized for its physically active residents,” says Carolyn Jones of the East Bay parks district. “Oakland has superb weather, beautiful scenery and many gorgeous parks. We’re proud to operate numerous regional parks in Oakland, including Redwood, Sibley, Roberts, Temescal, Huckleberry, Anthony Chabot, Martin Luther King Jr., and Leona, totally nearly 7,500 acres. Oakland is a vibrant, diverse city with thousands of avid hikers, bicyclists, nature lovers and those who just love being outdoors. We’re fortunate to be a part of the city’s thriving fitness scene!”   

Trends and Themes:

• California cities top the list. Five out of the top ten cities are located in California. California’s temperate climate allows for outdoor activities, making it easier to have an active lifestyle.

• Big cities tend to score higher on the list. The average population for the top ten cities is 121,000 more than the average population for the bottom ten cities. Big cities tend to be more walkable and have a younger population.