How Cooking Light chose its top 20 cities

We ranked major metropolitan cities on the following 15 criteria, calculated on a per-capita basis, then grouped into categories--eat smart, be fit, live well--and factored on a four-point scale.

Does the city have critically acclaimed food professionals?

Source: James Beard-nominated restaurants

How do its restaurants rate?

Source: Zagat Survey

Is organic dining a part of the local dining scene?

Source: LocalHarvest.org

How many chefs work in the city?

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Do they earn more than a living wage?

Source: BLS

How many farmers' markets does the city have?

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer's Markets Directory; LocalHarvest.org

Do residents make use of fresh produce?

Source: CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Are gourmet ingredients available via national chains?

Source: Trader Joe's and Whole Foods locations

Are residents in good health?

Source: BRFSS

What are the cities with the lowest rates of diabetes?

Source: CDC and BRFSS

What are the cities where residents maintain healthy weights?

Source: CDC and BRFSS

How often do the city's residents exercise?

Source: CDC and BRFSS

How much green space does the city provide?

Source: The Trust for Public Land

Are parks and recreation areas well maintained?

Source: The Trust for Public Land

Is the city easy to explore on foot?

Source: American Podiatric Association E-mail to a friend

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Copyright 2008 Cooking Light magazine. All rights reserved.