3 min read

City of Falls Church Ranked Nation's Healthiest Community by U.S. News & World Report

City of Falls Church Ranked Nation's Healthiest Community by U.S. News & World Report
"Views of America’s Healthiest Community: Falls Church. July 28, 2024. Patrons wait in line outside Lil City Creamery on West Broad Street." Photo by Lawren Simmons for USN&WR.

Following is based on a press release from the City's Office of Communications:

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Today, U.S. News & World Report reported their Healthiest Communities ranking for 2024. Earning the top spot is the City of Falls Church, Virginia.

Bikeable, walkable, and focused on fitness – these are some of the leading reasons the City of Falls Church received recognition as the nation’s Healthiest Community.

"July 27, 2024 | Local resident Janette Pfister poses for a portrait during a morning walk. Pfister has lived in Falls Church for 20 years." Photo by Lawren Simmons for USN&WR.

While location is key in the ranking, with six access points to the W&OD Trail within the City’s 2.2 square-mile boundaries, residents are also empowered to choose public and alternative transportation like Capital Bikeshare. Flanked by the East and West Falls Church Metro Stations and connected by Metro Bus, transit into Washington, D.C. and across Northern Virginia is accessible for residents and those commuting throughout the region for work and play.

"A cyclist rides along the W&OD Trail. The City of Falls Church contains multiple access points to the trail, which runs 45 miles between Shirlington in Arlington County and the town of Purcellville." Photo by Lawren Simmons for USN&WR.

“This recognition speaks to the community commitment to provide opportunities for all residents to live a healthy life in the City of Falls Church. Being part of a 15-minute city – where all needs can be met within a 15-minute walk or bike ride – has been a core draw for new residents and businesses,” said Letty Hardi, Mayor of the City of Falls Church.

"July 28, 2024 | Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi poses for a portrait on a trail in Cherry Hill Park. Since she began her mayoral tenure in January, one of her goals has been to open the town to greater diversity in terms of income and racial identity. “Falls Church was the first rural site of the NAACP – something we are proud of – but we must acknowledge why that was. Things were hard here for Black people,” says Hardi. “We have got to work to rectify that.” Photo by Lawren Simmons for USN&WR.

In addition to healthy and sustainable transportation and fitness options, the City is committed to green spaces and access to fresh food. A grocery store is a 10-minute walk for 70 percent of residents, helping the City earn a Walk Score of 91 percent, with an additional three grocery stores opening within the next 18 months.

Located in the center of the City, the Virginia Gold Certified Farmers Market (awarded in June 2024 by the Virginia Farmers Market Association)– which accepts SNAP benefits – supplies fresh produce and other food options, rain or shine, every Saturday morning throughout the year. The market is a connection point for neighbors to meet and for kids to play at Cherry Hill Park directly adjacent to the market. In that same central location are the City’s Community Center and Public Library which both offer a variety of free and low-cost programming and special events for all ages, creating connection within the community and neighboring jurisdictions throughout the year.

"July 27, 2024 | The City Hall parking lot hosts a popular weekly farmers market every Saturday with dozens of vendors." Photo by Lawren Simmons for USN&WR.

“Where we live also determines the people we meet and the friends we make. As a healthy community, Falls Church brings many opportunities for mental and emotional wellness too,” added Council member Justine Underhill.

Chart from U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings of "healthiest communities" in the nation. Courtesy USN&WR.

Learn more about the City of Falls Church’s #1 ranking and see the full list here.


By The Falls Church Independent