Arlington Named America's Fittest City for Ninth Consecutive Year

July 15, 2026

Arlington has once again earned national recognition for its exceptional quality of life, ranking as the #1 Fittest City in America in the 2026 American Fitness Index. This marks the ninth consecutive year that Arlington has held the top spot in the annual ranking from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

The American Fitness Index evaluates the 100 largest U.S. cities across a range of indicators, including personal health outcomes, physical activity levels, community infrastructure and environmental factors that support healthy living. Arlington received the highest overall score in the nation, reflecting the community's continued investment in parks, trails, active transportation and resident well-being.

While this recognition highlights Arlington's commitment to health and wellness, it also underscores one of the community's key economic advantages. Today's workforce increasingly prioritizes walkability, outdoor amenities, transportation choices and overall quality of life when deciding where to live and work. The same assets that support healthy lifestyles also help Arlington attract and retain talent, strengthen its business environment and foster long-term economic vitality.

Arlington's extensive trail network, connected neighborhoods, high-quality parks and multimodal transportation system create opportunities for residents and employees to stay active as part of their daily routines. These characteristics contribute to a vibrant community that appeals to businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals across a wide range of industries.

This achievement reflects the efforts of Arlington residents, local businesses, community organizations and public-sector partners who work together to make Arlington one of the most livable communities in the country.

Explore the full 2026 American Fitness Index rankings and methodology on the ACSM website.