Best places for a long life

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

21 of 25
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21. Santa Barbara County, CA
21. Santa Barbara County, CA
Douglas Preserve
Towns include: Goleta, Orcutt, Santa Barbara
Life expectancy at birth: 79.76 years

Santa Barbara County had its star turn on the big screen in Sideways, which highlighted one of the county's most important products: wine.

The health benefits of red wine come as no surprise to the long-living residents of Santa Barbara County, who enjoy access to the vineyards, great (and uncrowded) California beaches, and picturesque small towns like Lompoc and Solvang.

Eating healthy there is a snap: Local produce is plentiful year-round and farmers markets are held weekly throughout the county.

NEXT: 22. Howard County, MD

Last updated September 22 2008: 11:08 AM ET
Source: Life expectancy stats from consultant Bert Sperling of BestPlaces.net, Centers for Disease Control.
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