Best places for a long life

Residents of these 25 counties enjoy some of the highest life expectancies in the U.S.

Crystal Springs Reservoir

Cross San Francisco's southern border into San Mateo County and the fog lifts. You've entered one of California's most sunny and temperate areas, with 30 miles of bay-front coastline and 60 miles of classic Pacific Ocean seashore. The county is nearly three-quarters dedicated open space (beaches, parks, ancient redwood stands), and people here get outside a lot.

The southern tip of the county remains largely agricultural, so eating local produce in San Mateo County is relatively simple, especially if you throw in the fresh fish that lands daily at Princeton-by-the-Sea harbor.

NEXT: 12. Johnson County, KS (tie)