According to a survey of one million households in America by Gallop-Healthways, Ocean City, NJ is the place to be happy.  Of those surveyed, Ocean City residents were least likely to be angry or depressed, compared to other communities in the survey.  In another boost for the city, the Travel channel rated it the number one family beach resort.

Residents are not surprised by the results, citing the community feel and volunteerism as top reasons Ocean City is such a great place to live and visit.  In fact, volunteers are credited with the huge success of events such as First Night, a New Year’s celebration that saw more than 10,000 visitors this year, up from 1,000 in 1993, its first year.

Many of us find ourselves longing for that small town atmosphere, where everyone knows your name and offers a smile as you pass by.  The hectic, fast-paced lifestyle we endure these days is taking its toll on our happiness and our humanity.  Places like Ocean City give us hope that a slower way of life where people appreciate one another and are happy to help out can once again become the normal.

According to City Data, Ocean City may be a difficult place to move to, with the average income considerably lower than the rest of New Jersey, but home prices nearly twice as high as the median price in New Jersey.  That being said, the happiness factor should be considered too, if you are able to afford a home in the area.

So if you are looking for a slower way of life with neighbors who love their town and are happy to be there, consider Ocean City, NJ.