For the love of San Diego (By Helena Lopes)

Report Shows That San Diegans Are Happier Than Most Other Americans

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Perhaps it correlates to San Diego topping the list of “10 best climates in the U.S.,” according to data compiled by Camelot Climate Index/Golden Gate Weather Services. Or maybe it’s because of our easy access to beaches and mountains, and art and culture. But something is keeping us locals more cheerful than those living outside of our city.

A study by the Gensler Research Institute, a global research network, ranked San Diego second on a list of 27 major U.S. cities as having the happiest citizens. More than 13,500 residents nationwide were polled.

Climate, of course, factored into the ratings. So did the cities’ economic strengths, neighborhood investments, peace and stability, overall vibrancy, and efforts made in reducing homelessness, which remain a contentious issue locally. But all in all, 76 percent of San Diegans stated they are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their daily lives here. That number fell just below the 78 percent satisfaction rating shown by residents of San Antonio, Texas.