To determine the top states poised for blue zone potential, Forbes Health analyzed data on factors including access to whole, plant-based foods, physical activity, a sense of community and sleep. They also looked at life expectancy in all states. Based on a Forbes Health analysis, below are the top 10 states most likely to be considered a blue zone. 

Vermont
The “Green Mountain” state ranked first on our list for multiple factors, including the highest percentage of adults meeting their recommended vegetable intake, the highest number of farmers’ markets per 100,000 people, and a relatively low percentage of inactive adults (19.6%).

New York
Another East Coast state, New York ranks highly for the percentage of people meeting daily fruit intake recommendations (around 15%, which may seems small, but considering only 12% of adults nationwide get the recommended intake of fruit, this is above average) and the percentage of people meeting daily vegetable intake recommendations (14%, which is above the national average of 10%). It also ranked highly for community well-being and its walk score, which measures how easy it is to walk to certain amenities, as well as overall pedestrian-friendliness in an area.

Massachusetts
The third East Coast state on our ranking, Massachusetts ranked first for community well-being and fourth for life expectancy at birth (79 years of age).

Connecticut
The East Coast winning streak continues with Connecticut ranking highly for its percentage of people meeting daily fruit intake recommendations (16%). It also ranked well for the percentage of people meeting daily vegetable intake recommendations and its community wellbeing. However, its walkability score and amount of vegan/vegetarian restaurants per capita were both lower than the states that ranked higher on this list.

Rhode Island
This tiny East Coast state has a good number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants per million residents (about 22), and a higher percentage of people meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. It also ranked first for its walk score.

New Hampshire
Continuing the East Coast theme, New Hampshire ranks highly for the number of adults getting at least seven hours of sleep per day (68.9%), as well as high for life expectancy (with an average of 79 years). Still, New Hampshire’s score was dragged down with a somewhat high percentage of inactive adults (21.5%).

Oregon
The seventh state with the most blue zone potential breaks the East Coast pattern: Oregon ranked highly for the number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants per million residents (about 23). It also ranked well in the number of adults getting seven hours of sleep a day (68%).

Hawaii
Hawaii was found to have the highest number of centenarians (585), as well as the highest life expectancy (80 years old)—making it a good place to plan on retiring. It also ranked first (tied with Massachusetts) for community wellbeing and the number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants per million residents. Its low walk score and high number of adults reporting shorter sleep durations are two reasons why Hawaii found itself lower on this ranking.

Maine
Maine ranked well for its number of farmers’ markets per 100,000 people (about seven), percentage of children getting enough sleep (73%) and the number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants per capita. Still, its overall position was pulled down by a low wellbeing score.

California
California came in 10th place for the number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants (755) and the walkability of the 372 largest cities within the state (earning an overall walkability score of 46). 

Key takeaway: You don’t have to move to one of these states to enjoy the healthy benefits. Simply adopt these behaviors on your own to support longevity.