Because we're happy: 3 Coast cities make the list

Pascagoula, Gautier and Long Beach made the list of some of the happiest towns in Mississippi, according to Credit Donkey, a credit card comparison and financial education website.

The list was determined by factors such as restaurants, crime rate, commute time, income, divorce rate and housing.

According to the methodology, CreditDonkey looked at every city in the state, regardless of size, to produce its top 10.

Long Beach, known as ‘The Friendly City,’ ranked No. 10 based on its low violent-crime rate, a median income of $57,000, waterfront views and proximity to Gulfport.

Gautier was touted for its location, location, location. Coming in at No. 5, Gautier was ranked for its proximity to Pascagoula Bay and the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, along with “decent housing costs and commute times.”

Pascagoula came at No. 3. Noted for the lowest number of people who have to leave home before 5 a.m. to get to work, denoting a short commute time. The city also scored well on housing costs. Add to that the beach and waterfront views and “Pascagoula’s 22,000 residents have a lot to be happy about.”

Just so you know, Crystal Springs came in at No. 1 and Clinton at No. 2.

This story was originally published May 31, 2016 at 8:32 AM with the headline "Because we're happy: 3 Coast cities make the list ."