Deciding where to live and what city to call home requires a lot of planning and coordination. From job opportunities to home prices, cultural amenities, and lifestyle, a variety of factors must be considered. Many of us are looking for a city that offers a blend of jobs, affordable housing, and a laid-back lifestyle. That can be difficult, as city life is known for hustle and bustle, car horns, and attitudes. For those interested in finding a city that strikes that balance, we have compiled a list of cities that are consensus as the most laid-back cities in America.
Living somewhere relaxing is something many of us definitely need. A recent poll found that Americans only have 40 minutes a day to relax. If this describes you, it might be time for a change of scenery. One of these cities might be calling you. Check out our list of the top 5 laid-back cities most frequently mentioned in reviews on 7 top-ranked sites. Do you think we’ve missed any hidden gems? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
1. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Taking the top spot on the list of the most laid-back cities in the United States is none other than Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis is packed with activities to help you relax. From yoga to nightlife to a stable, but not demanding job market, Minneapolis offers a high quality of life. As Coworking Cafe explains, the median income in Minneapolis is well above the national average, and the cost of living is 2% lower than the average U.S. metro area.
According to a FinanceBuzz survey, 73% of Minneapolis residents get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Additionally, Minneapolis has the highest percentage of yoga studios per capita in the United States, and the average worker spends 38 hours per week at work. With a variety of activities designed to relax and plenty of well-paying jobs that promise a healthy work-life balance, it’s clear why Minneapolis is considered a relaxing place to live.
The good news is, Minneapolis has plenty of indoor activities for residents to enjoy. Minnesota’s cold winters aren’t the best place for relaxation for everyone, but as Bustle points out, Minneapolis is fast becoming one of the best cities to live in the USA for those looking for a quieter lifestyle. With plenty to see and do year-round, Minneapolis offers an urban lifestyle with a laid-back vibe that’s unlike any other.
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Returning to the next spot on our list of the most laid-back cities in the United States is Madison, Wisconsin. With a population of about 300,000, Madison is the fastest growing city in Wisconsin. As Far and Wide explains, Madison isn’t too far from Chicago, Illinois, and offers a similar lifestyle without the stress of the big city. Madison is surrounded by lakes and is full of fun outdoor activities, family-friendly events, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Pacaso points out that Madison has the most public parks per capita compared to the 100 largest cities in the U.S. Sure, it’s cold in Madison, but if you can stand the frigid temperatures, there’s plenty to do: Madison’s abundant bike trails transform into a cross-country skier’s paradise when the snow starts to fall.
Madison’s parks and recreation services are among the best in the nation, adds Eat This, Not That. In fact, there are 446 recreational facilities for every 100,000 Madison residents. This incredible ratio means you won’t have a hard time finding a peaceful outdoor activity to enjoy, no matter the season. And, because Madison’s public school system is ranked 11th in the nation, you won’t have to worry about making sure your kids get a great education while still being able to kick back and relax from time to time.
3. Irvine, California
Coming in at number three on our list of the most laid-back cities in the United States is Irvine, California. Irvine is less than an hour from Los Angeles, but don’t mistake this small California town for the glitz and glamour of LA. Irvine is a laid-back place. As Eat This, Not That points out, Irvine offers some of the best outdoor and recreational activities in the country, along with great public schools.
If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Far and Wide calls Irvine “a relaxing place to spend a few days.” Take a drive to Los Angeles and then back to Irvine to enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the country and a laid back atmosphere. And did we mention Irvine is also a great place to bring kids? This Orange County city has plenty of kid-friendly activities, including Pretend City Children’s Museum, Orange County Great Park, and Tanaka Farm.
According to Coworking Cafe, Irvine is the best city to live near Los Angeles. On average, Irvine residents work less than 39 hours a week, and 23% of the local workforce works from home. With a remote work-life balance, great air quality, and plenty of sunshine year-round, Irvine is a great city for a laid-back lifestyle.
4. Boulder, Colorado
Coming in at number four on our list of the most laid-back cities in the US is Boulder, Colorado. Colorado is quickly becoming one of the most livable states in the US, and Boulder is the perfect city for those looking for a slower pace of life and a more peaceful lifestyle. Insider Monkey calls Boulder “one of the most relaxing cities in the US,” and for good reason.
As Bustle explains, Boulder has a thriving outdoor scene for hikers, cyclists, and rock climbers. Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational use, so Boulder openly supports the cannabis industry. Visit one of the city’s many dispensaries, then relax with a quiet day outdoors or an afternoon nap. Either way, you’ll find yourself feeling relaxed and at ease in Boulder in no time.
But Boulder’s appeal extends beyond the cannabis industry. Just 25 miles from Denver, Boulder is close to a big city without the hassle of a big metropolitan area, Pacaso adds. The nearest major airport is 50 miles away, so you won’t have to worry about air pollution or airplane noise. Boulder offers the perfect combination of outdoor recreation and a tranquil environment.
5. Portland, Oregon
Rounding out our list of the most laid-back cities in the USA is Portland, Oregon, a West Coast city that Bustle explains is packed with outdoor activities and charming breweries. With nearby Mount Hood, plenty of outdoor hiking trails, lakes, and music venues, Portland is one of the most relaxing cities in the USA.
As FinanceBuzz writes, many Portland residents work from home. With the 10th lowest poverty rate in the country, Portland also has an abundance of quality jobs for professionals, adding to the city’s overall appeal. Many Portland residents report getting at least seven hours of sleep per night. A relaxed atmosphere, plenty of outdoor activities, high-paying jobs, and an overall high quality of life make Portland an ideal place to live.
With a population of over 500,000, Portland is no small city. Most metropolitan areas with a population similar to Portland’s don’t offer a similar quality of life, but Portland does. Coworking Cafe points out that Portland residents benefit from good air quality and a quiet environment. In fact, over 90% of Portland residents have health insurance. Add to that remote work opportunities, a low crime rate, and plenty of healthy outdoor activities, and you have one of the most laid-back cities in America.
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Note: This article was not compensated or sponsored. StudyFinds is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned and has not received compensation for its recommendations.
