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Upper Midwest city lands among AARP's healthiest in U.S.

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: July 25, 2008 - 12:52 PM

Fargo, long known for its bone-chilling North Dakota winters and later as the title for a bone-grinding movie, now ranks among the nation's healthiest cities.

AARP magazine is listing its Healthiest Hometowns, and Fargo comes in fifth. The article cites the physical activities available throughout the year, and "the area is rich in medical facilities."

The magazine adds:

"Plus, Fargo's fresh air -- and commitment to preserving it -- makes this one of the cleanest, greenest cities on our list, with one of the best air-quality-index scores.

"It uses biodiesel fuel to power its transit buses, and it has made a serious commitment to incorporate methane-powered generators, solar panels, and wind generators into the city's infrastructure. The city has even handed out cloth shopping bags to residents."

Leading the list is Ann Arbor, Mich., followed by Honolulu, Madison, Wis., and Santa Fe, N.M.

AARP also ranked cities in fourth health subcategories: greenest commuters, longest life expectancy, skinniest and most covered (percent of residents able to afford health care).

St. Cloud came in 10th for life expectancy (80.08 years), less than a year behind the No. 1 city (Ames, Iowa, 81.02 years). The national average is 78.1.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482