newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

A lot of people think every day is a good day at the beach. A telephone poll by Gallup of 357 areas over the past three years has earned Ocean City the title of "Least Angry and Least Depressed City in America."

It counts for a lot these days.

The Press of Atlantic City reported that respondents to one million phone calls from the Ocean City area scored lowest in anger and depression in the poll taken between 2008 and 2010.

The survey contained information on physical and emotional health, access to basic needs, and financial well being.

Ocean City publicist Mark Soifer told shorenewstoday.com, “There’s a reason why we keep getting noticed. Ocean City is a place where families and individuals can relax and still have plenty to do. The fact that we don’t have many angry or depressed people here is directly related to the atmosphere.”

Life is not just a day at the beach in Johnson City, Tenn., and Longview, Texas, who ranked as most depressed and angry in the Gallup poll. Results showed the happiest people in America living in Casper, Wyoming, while the unhappiest respondents in the U.S. were from Springfield, Ohio.

Ocean City historian Fred Miller said, according to the Cape May County Herald, “The residents here smile and say ‘Hi’ whether they know you or not. Gazing at that vast expanse of water and horizon puts things into a positive perspective.”

The results of the Gallup poll can be found here.