3 GA cities among best New Year’s resolution keepers in the US, study says. Here’s why
The annual tradition of New Year’s resolutions usually peaks with optimism and fizzles fast. However, new data from Wallethub’s Best & Worst Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions suggests where you live plays a role in your success.
Some cities proved far better at follow-through than others, with three Georgia cities appearing on the list and one making the top five.
Most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2026
The data collection website, Statista, asked 539 consumers, ages 18 to 80 years old “What are your New Year’s resolutions?”
The most common answers:
- Exercise more (42%)
- Save more money (52%)
- Eat healthier (46%)
- Spend more time with family and friends (33%)
- Lose weight (37%)
- Do more for the environment (17%)
- Improve performance on the job (16%)
- Reduce stress on the job (16%)
- Spend less time on social media (19%)
- Quit smoking (22%)
Georgia was among the top states for searches relating to resolution, and the most common resolutions for our state concerning health/fitness, career and relationships.
How the rankings are calculated
WalletHub ranked 182 cities using 57 metrics across five categories, scored out of 100 and weighted into a final average.
- Health: Gyms per capita, obesity rates, healthy eateries (heaviest weight for fitness resolutions).
- Financial: Debt levels, credit scores, income growth (key for budgeting goals).
- School & Work: Employment rates, school quality (supports career resolutions).
- Bad Habits: Smoking, drinking, sleep stats (targets vice-quitting).
- Relationships: Divorce rates, social opportunities (for personal growth
Atlanta ranked number 4
Atlanta lands the fourth spot among 182 cities, with an overall score of 64.81, making it a standout spot for follow through.
The resolution rankings:
- Health: 62
- Financial:18
- School and work: 20
- Bad habits: 73
Other ranked Georgia cities
Two other Georgia cities made the list, but neither fared as well as Atlanta for New Year-follow through.
Total scores:
- 159 - Columbus: 46.18
- 176 - Augusta: 41.90
Did you make any resolutions this year? How well do you stick to them? I want to hear from you.
Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published January 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "3 GA cities among best New Year’s resolution keepers in the US, study says. Here’s why."