These are the happiest cities in America, according to a new study

A new study shows that location can play a significant role in shaping happiness. 

The study, conducted by WalletHub, showed that certain U.S. cities may foster better well-being than others. 

180 cities studied to determine happiest places

By the numbers:

Drawing from 29 key happiness indicators, WalletHub analyzed more than 180 of the largest U.S. cities, measuring factors like mental health, income growth and average leisure time.

What they're saying:

"Research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you’re making at least $75,000 per year – anything more you earn likely won’t have an impact," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, told FOX Television Stations. "Therefore, when deciding where to live to maximize your happiness, you’ll want to pick a city that offers more than just a decent average income. The ideal city provides conditions that foster good mental and physical health, like reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather, and caring neighbors." 

Califoria cities rank highest for happiness

The study found that Fremont, California emerged as the happiest city in America, largely due to a combination of financial stability, high life satisfaction, and healthy living conditions. 

Nearly 80% of households in Fremont earned over $75,000 annually, a key threshold linked to greater happiness. 

The city also boasted the highest rate of life satisfaction, the fifth-lowest depression rate and the fourth-highest average life expectancy in the country.

Following closely behind was San Jose, California, known for its long life expectancy. San Jose also had the fourth-lowest separation and divorce rate and one of the best scores on the Well-Being Index, which measures how much residents like where they live, feel safe and have pride in their community.

To top things off, San Jose had the third-highest share of households whose annual income was above $75,000, at over 72%. 

Another California city, Irvine, rounded out the top three, with residents enjoying excellent physical and mental health. Nearly 90% of adults reported good or better health, and the city had the seventh-highest life expectancy, as well. 

Irvine was also found to have one of the lowest depression rates in the country. For example, the city had the third-lowest percentage of adults who reported having 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month.

Happiest cities in the US ranked

1. Fremont, CA
2. San Jose, CA
3. Irvine, CA
4. Sioux Falls, SD
5. Overland Park, KS
6. Lincoln, NE
7. Madison, WI
8. Scottsdale, AZ
9. San Francisco, CA
10. Huntington Beach, CA
11. Bismark, ND
12. Omaha, NE
13. Seattle, WA
14. Charleston, SC
15. San Diego, CA
16. Columbia, MD
17. Plano, TX
18. Honolulu, HI
19. South Burlington, VT
20. Garden Grove, CA
21. Nashua, NH
22. Raleigh, NC
23. Burlington, VT
24. Portland, ME
25. Pearl City, HI
26. Gilbert, AZ
27. Chula Vista, CA
28. Fargo, ND
29. Durham, NC
30. Anaheim, CA

See the full report here.

Last year, Hawaii ranked as happiest state in US

Big picture view:

Last year, another study by WalletHub found that Hawaii was the happiest state, living up to its reputation as an island paradise, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the lowest depression rate.

RELATED: These are the happiest states in America, according to new study

In addition, 86% of Hawaiian adults reported that they were in good or better health, the second-best percentage in the nation. Residents also had the longest life expectancy in the U.S., and nearly 72% of adults in the state reported being active and productive on a daily basis.

Hawaii was followed by Maryland and New Jersey.