8 U.S. States with Highest Life Expectancy

Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth, but there are still places in the United States where people live longer than 78.49 years – the average life expectancy for an American.

Check out these eight states where residents outlive the average U.S. citizen >>

Life Expectancy: 79.9

If you're not a warm-weather fan, don't fear being left out in the cold. Some research has shown that living in high altitudes may increase longevity, which may be why residents of this mountainous state are enjoying a longer life.

Life Expectancy: 80.1

Utah's got more than just high altitudes to keep its citizens living to a ripe old age. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City, requires members to abstain from life-shortening activities like smoking and drinking alcohol. This prohibition may help buoy Utah's life expectancy rates to some of the highest in the Nation, according to Dr. Howard S. Friedman, co-author of The Longevity Project.

Life Expectancy: 80.1

People in Massachusetts are living longer than the average American, which could be thanks to The Bay State's ranking as third lowest in the country in obesity rates.

Life Expectancy: 80.2

With wealth often comes health, so it's not a surprise that Connecticut – the third-richest state in America by median income – also has one of the longest-living populations.

Life Expectancy: 80.4

"If you want to live longer and healthier than the average American, come to New York City," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed in December 2011. Manhattan's life expectancy rate is rising faster than anywhere else in the country, which may have helped propel the overall state of New York to one of the top spots in the country.

Life Expectancy: 80.4

There may be something to California's laid back lifestyle because residents of The Golden State are enjoying more golden years than most of their fellow Americans.

Life Expectancy: 80.9

Recently, Sciencedaily.com reported on a Dutch study that linked low levels of vitamin D to increased longevity—could less sunshine be the key to a longer life? Fewer sunny days and a UV index that's below the national average may be two reasons why Minnesotans live longer than the typical American.

Life Expectancy: 81.5

So you can't bathe in the water of the Fountain of Youth, but you can frolic in the waves of the Pacific. It may be called “The Youngest State,” but Hawaii is home to the longest living octogenarians in the country.

It's more than just sun, surf, and sand that keep the citizens of this veritable paradise on Earth young at heart. Hawaii's low health insurance premiums – nearly the lowest in the country, according to The Commonwealth Fund – and comprehensive health care benefits may help it score the top spot for life expectancy in the U.S.