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Where is the most laid back place to live?

City Rankings OVERALL RANK City Physical Health Rank 1 Sunnyvale, CA 1 2 Arlington, VA 6 3 San Francisco, CA 21 4 Bellevue, WA 2 42 more rows •

lawnstarter.com - 2021's Most Relaxed Cities in America - Lawnstarter
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For some of us, relaxation means not having to worry about our finances, our health, or our safety — although a piña colada on the beach helps, too.

But not every city is built for peace of mind. So where can Americans catch a break?

LawnStarter ranked the Most Relaxed Cities by comparing over 190 of the biggest U.S. cities across 57 key indicators of a zen atmosphere. We looked at everything — well, almost everything — from depression rates to the share of adults with high blood pressure to the average length of a workday. Check out our ranking below, followed by some highlights, lowlights, and expert insights.

(To set the mood right, play some Enya in the background.)

Table of Contents

City Rankings

See how each city fared in our ranking:

OVERALL RANK City Overall Score Mental Health Rank Physical Health Rank Financial Health Rank Work Environment Rank Physical Environment Rank Social Environment Rank Entertainment Rank 1 Sunnyvale, CA 64.59 3 1 9 125 20 7 87 2 Arlington, VA 64.15 10 6 3 191 28 10 12 3 San Francisco, CA 63.95 16 21 32 173 1 101 3 4 Bellevue, WA 63.88 19 2 11 140 27 15 16 5 Seattle, WA 61.83 28 7 28 101 3 170 9 6 Naperville, IL 61.81 12 27 1 183 92 1 26 7 Garden Grove, CA 61.61 1 34 97 40 46 20 53 8 Fort Collins, CO 61.18 17 14 54 10 91 19 39 9 Fullerton, CA 60.82 9 15 59 72 55 17 54 10 Honolulu, HI 60.81 47 45 114 59 31 54 2 11 Huntington Beach, CA 60.7 8 9 35 131 36 49 55 12 Scottsdale, AZ 60.5 23 17 16 162 101 35 15 13 Madison, WI 60.44 59 43 25 11 104 29 8 14 San Jose, CA 60.38 6 8 23 114 82 34 97 15 Torrance, CA 60.37 14 5 39 110 57 13 84 16 Portland, OR 60.35 77 33 50 52 2 133 4 17 Pasadena, CA 59.57 4 12 104 117 48 47 71 18 Orange, CA 59.33 7 18 46 68 41 11 153 19 Frisco, TX 58.78 55 19 2 189 156 4 56 20 Fremont, CA 58.66 24 3 7 178 51 2 186 21 Alexandria, VA 58.42 34 16 26 190 108 40 24 22 Minneapolis, MN 58.39 44 50 37 24 9 139 46 23 Hayward, CA 58.2 2 24 38 134 21 51 171 24 Cary, NC 57.96 100 13 4 151 151 5 44 25 Irvine, CA 57.94 11 4 45 88 50 3 191 26 Tempe, AZ 57.67 53 49 101 12 35 71 32 27 Boston, MA 57.3 41 84 109 80 6 97 38 28 Washington, DC 57.1 21 100 48 163 12 174 13 29 Sioux Falls, SD 57.02 33 72 14 75 159 98 22 30 Santa Clarita, CA 57.01 31 11 24 175 165 6 105 31 St. Paul, MN 56.28 57 77 51 20 15 88 79 32 Elk Grove, CA 56.23 67 51 17 105 64 12 112 33 Yonkers, NY 56.2 43 54 85 116 59 25 78 34 Oakland, CA 56.18 35 35 99 123 18 167 31 35 Colorado Springs, CO 55.95 60 38 43 98 123 117 17 36 McKinney, TX 55.94 51 37 10 177 148 9 92 37 Anaheim, CA 55.93 15 29 121 79 66 48 120 38 Denver, CO 55.82 18 59 58 146 77 144 49 39 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 55.72 65 42 27 136 39 28 115 40 Escondido, CA 55.47 52 61 130 71 40 41 58 41 Chandler, AZ 55.39 49 28 18 150 84 59 95 42 Jersey City, NJ 55.35 36 91 120 182 22 46 63 43 Los Angeles, CA 55.34 26 36 166 95 75 78 75 44 Olathe, KS 55.25 72 22 5 129 115 50 94 45 Aurora, IL 55.2 29 93 21 149 81 22 140 46 Santa Ana, CA 55.19 20 66 144 43 30 27 181 47 Plano, TX 55.16 64 20 13 176 118 23 101 48 Joliet, IL 55.1 13 136 12 158 126 45 123 49 Chula Vista, CA 55.07 56 41 49 104 58 21 135 50 Salt Lake City, UT 55.07 111 26 68 41 102 151 6 51 Overland Park, KS 55.05 101 10 6 111 78 37 72 52 Gilbert, AZ 54.93 54 23 8 157 90 8 188 53 Mesa, AZ 54.81 66 68 78 87 7 62 138 54 Austin, TX 54.8 82 39 70 144 131 77 23 55 Pomona, CA 54.69 5 58 145 61 128 67 152 56 San Diego, CA 54.67 48 30 76 83 42 39 165 57 Fontana, CA 54.62 38 87 55 135 76 14 134 58 Boise City, ID 54.6 134 31 34 39 65 70 37 59 Long Beach, CA 54.38 32 32 128 96 47 72 161 60 Las Vegas, NV 54.23 95 110 110 94 45 134 5 61 Lincoln, NE 54.22 90 67 33 25 103 56 90 62 Thornton, CO 53.87 39 53 22 159 169 69 190 63 Corona, CA 53.83 80 40 47 181 38 16 116 65 Chicago, IL 53.74 27 114 87 148 14 89 146 66 Eugene, OR 53.71 143 52 141 3 8 145 51 67 Providence, RI 53.7 133 149 153 13 11 75 11 68 Virginia Beach, VA 53.61 84 57 19 166 136 32 86 69 Vancouver, WA 53.54 81 46 66 82 13 126 126 70 Oceanside, CA 53.42 46 44 94 115 79 68 145 71 Peoria, AZ 53.35 76 47 20 168 106 55 106 72 Henderson, NV 53.25 123 70 29 122 49 76 60 73 Grand Rapids, MI 53.24 107 97 80 14 69 87 47 74 Aurora, CO 53.01 22 48 56 160 125 107 162 75 Glendale, AZ 52.99 68 81 98 119 80 104 57 76 Raleigh, NC 52.97 109 56 42 112 152 64 43 77 Spokane, WA 52.96 71 71 64 22 60 175 73 78 Bridgeport, CT 52.92 86 98 174 26 34 90 118 79 Phoenix, AZ 52.82 70 78 106 118 100 137 36 80 Santa Rosa, CA 52.79 58 25 77 46 117 82 173 81 Ontario, CA 52.48 74 89 115 113 44 36 143 82 Fort Lauderdale, FL 52.39 63 94 146 155 139 171 7 83 Salinas, CA 52.23 30 79 135 109 144 18 163 84 Tucson, AZ 52.18 125 95 150 18 73 135 20 85 Worcester, MA 51.81 79 132 103 31 121 83 85 86 Lexington, KY 51.78 156 145 53 54 5 84 62 87 Anchorage, AK 51.71 37 62 30 145 191 152 70 88 Pittsburgh, PA 51.63 124 139 74 34 56 43 40 89 Palmdale, CA 51.61 42 60 91 186 171 30 164 90 Sacramento, CA 51.58 69 88 89 62 37 111 166 91 Oxnard, CA 51.54 78 75 123 78 93 24 176 92 Miramar, FL 51.48 114 83 84 161 173 26 35 93 Salem, OR 51.47 129 63 71 44 26 106 111 94 Tallahassee, FL 51.21 119 96 161 4 140 115 30 95 Pembroke Pines, FL 51.01 105 65 72 179 155 52 50 96 Charlotte, NC 50.99 108 76 73 156 147 112 34 97 Tacoma, WA 50.92 85 73 62 100 62 162 99 98 Des Moines, IA 50.91 87 125 31 47 109 160 66 99 Chesapeake, VA 50.71 106 101 15 164 162 57 109 100 Hollywood, FL 50.6 103 90 149 139 111 142 19 101 Lancaster, CA 50.46 40 69 113 143 166 73 184 102 Albuquerque, NM 50.44 136 55 61 45 107 177 42 103 Atlanta, GA 50.4 73 104 116 153 63 113 82 104 Reno, NV 50.34 120 86 67 51 187 108 29 105 Paterson, NJ 50.33 25 167 187 21 67 81 142 106 Omaha, NE 50.24 115 119 41 57 19 94 179 107 Miami, FL 50.19 61 109 188 132 25 150 67 108 Moreno Valley, CA 50.12 92 80 100 142 98 44 167 109 Durham, NC 49.91 131 74 75 97 172 109 48 110 Orlando, FL 49.83 94 103 154 127 114 169 27 111 Milwaukee, WI 49.53 99 164 126 23 74 131 83 112 Tampa, FL 49.15 135 126 125 126 23 93 102 113 San Bernardino, CA 49.09 45 144 167 50 24 172 177 114 Syracuse, NY 48.91 141 154 136 2 68 114 93 115 Fort Wayne, IN 48.63 127 146 52 63 130 79 128 116 North Las Vegas, NV 48.3 140 129 105 103 52 116 100 117 Cape Coral, FL 48.21 155 92 93 121 164 38 96 118 Modesto, CA 48.14 104 85 69 89 153 129 156 119 Irving, TX 48.12 110 106 129 164 119 61 119 120 Columbus, OH 47.86 144 135 81 56 88 125 103 121 Garland, TX 47.74 91 107 151 167 145 58 175 122 Rochester, NY 47.73 137 163 157 7 53 146 88 123 Bakersfield, CA 47.64 121 122 88 84 170 99 130 124 Springfield, MO 47.64 138 140 163 5 87 186 41 125 Springfield, MA 47.6 98 172 147 6 99 123 159 126 New Orleans, LA 47.47 150 173 182 69 32 179 10 127 McAllen, TX 47.46 132 82 184 81 86 63 136 128 New York, NY 53.78 62 64 164 170 16 42 91 128 Buffalo, NY 47.35 149 165 127 8 10 120 168 129 Metairie, LA 47.32 148 133 60 74 110 140 33 130 San Antonio, TX 47.16 113 118 140 106 113 136 133 131 Port St. Lucie, FL 47.13 175 99 118 133 135 31 81 132 Richmond, VA 47.11 88 158 172 19 142 180 64 133 El Paso, TX 47.09 152 105 159 93 89 60 158 134 Fort Worth, TX 47.06 112 124 102 180 167 85 124 135 Louisville, KY 47.05 172 181 44 76 4 153 77 135 Newark, NJ 47.05 75 182 190 58 29 74 178 137 St. Petersburg, FL 47.02 151 123 92 99 43 154 89 138 Houston, TX 46.98 83 108 179 169 133 148 132 139 Rockford, IL 46.95 93 168 83 16 96 178 131 140 Grand Prairie, TX 46.79 118 113 90 154 160 53 160 141 Cincinnati, OH 46.74 142 175 132 30 157 163 21 142 Newport News, VA 46.65 117 147 119 120 161 110 121 143 Nashville, TN 46.56 177 155 82 141 17 147 45 144 Arlington, TX 46.49 116 102 117 184 158 91 150 145 Kansas City, MO 46.49 154 128 86 107 154 176 28 146 Fresno, CA 46.34 122 115 143 36 122 96 170 147 Huntsville, AL 46.25 182 138 57 55 149 92 18 148 Dallas, TX 46.22 97 127 180 172 143 121 129 149 Norfolk, VA 46.17 126 160 142 152 120 102 114 150 Pasadena, TX 46.03 50 121 169 185 137 86 183 151 Greensboro, NC 45.97 161 120 111 28 178 127 69 152 Hialeah, FL 45.69 96 116 189 90 70 105 180 153 Stockton, CA 45.6 102 111 107 124 134 157 189 154 Lubbock, TX 45.6 157 131 137 37 127 143 137 155 Amarillo, TX 44.79 153 141 95 77 141 122 174 156 Indianapolis, IN 44.44 139 166 124 102 116 100 122 157 Laredo, TX 44.34 158 153 185 48 97 33 185 158 Corpus Christi, TX 44.3 145 148 133 137 112 128 172 159 Midland, TX 44.13 146 112 36 188 124 141 147 160 Akron, OH 44.07 167 169 134 33 129 168 65 161 Murfreesboro, TN 44 186 134 40 91 183 65 74 162 Jacksonville, FL 43.99 159 157 108 147 163 119 110 163 Savannah, GA 43.95 128 156 181 17 175 161 76 164 Birmingham, AL 43.9 181 184 176 70 181 166 1 165 Baton Rouge, LA 43.82 163 180 156 9 185 164 25 166 Mesquite, TX 43.71 89 190 155 171 132 103 169 167 Wichita, KS 43.56 169 117 63 66 138 173 154 168 Oklahoma City, OK 43.15 170 143 79 138 168 130 139 169 Tulsa, OK 43.09 171 137 138 86 85 165 157 170 Brownsville, TX 42.53 160 150 191 29 71 66 187 171 Winston-Salem, NC 42.26 165 130 131 53 182 118 108 172 Killeen, TX 42 166 142 122 174 174 95 151 173 Philadelphia, PA 41.7 179 174 170 108 33 80 141 174 Baltimore, MD 41.56 147 186 152 130 54 182 155 175 Columbus, GA 41.47 173 162 162 64 146 124 127 176 Dayton, OH 41.21 180 189 178 1 61 181 104 177 Jackson, MS 41.08 130 179 177 60 189 185 59 178 Toledo, OH 41.06 184 183 148 15 83 156 148 179 Fayetteville, NC 40.86 178 152 158 128 176 149 113 180 Mobile, AL 40.56 187 170 165 49 190 138 14 181 Knoxville, TN 40.5 191 171 139 27 150 155 61 182 Augusta, GA 40.1 164 177 175 67 94 159 149 183 St. Louis, MO 39.89 162 188 160 73 95 191 52 184 Little Rock, AR 39.68 168 151 96 92 188 190 98 185 Cleveland, OH 39.16 176 187 183 32 72 188 125 186 Chattanooga, TN 39.09 189 161 112 65 177 183 68 187 Clarksville, TN 38.53 190 159 65 187 184 132 107 188 Shreveport, LA 38.52 183 178 168 35 186 184 80 189 Detroit, MI 37.69 174 191 186 38 105 187 117 190 Memphis, TN 35.31 188 185 171 42 179 189 144 191 Kansas City, KS 35.11 185 176 173 85 180 158 182

Highlights and Lowlights

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California: the State of Calm

California dominates the top of our Most Relaxed Cities ranking. Our No. 1 overall is Sunnyvale, claiming the top spot in the physical health category and No. 3 in mental health. But beyond Sunnyvale, California has four cities in the top 10 and a whopping 12 cities in the top 25. Why is life so calm in the Golden State? It may have to do with their plentiful pot. Fullerton is No. 1 for marijuana dispensaries per 100,000 residents, with many other California cities not far behind.

R&R Cities: Rest & … Riches?

Tranquility follows the money: Half of the cities in our top 10 are also among the 10 cities with the highest median household income in the U.S. They include Sunnyvale, California; Naperville, Illinois; Bellevue, Washington; and Arlington, Virginia — some of the wealthiest suburbs in America — plus San Francisco.

It’s safe to say that the rich rest easiest among us.

Less Traffic, More Relaxed in Texas

Traffic fuels anxiety, so for a more relaxed lifestyle, move to where the traffic is lighter. The best city for a smooth daily drive might not be where you expect: Lubbock, Texas, is the No. 1 city when it comes to average commute time. Lubbock isn’t all wonderful, though. Overall, the city struggled on a number of other metrics, especially in the mental health and social environment categories. But if easy, breezy roadways are your idea of paradise, then Lubbock is the place for you.

Health and Money Stress in Detroit

Detroit performed especially poorly on physical health metrics, coming in last place with the highest share of adults with high blood pressure, adult smokers, and stroke victims. The financial health category also demonstrates some of Detroit’s struggles, with the city showing the lowest median household income and the highest poverty rate of any other major city. Stress from health and financial issues likely are what drove the Motor City to near the bottom of our Most Relaxed Cities ranking.

Ask The Experts With anxiety levels through the roof during the pandemic, we reached out to a panel of experts for advice on the best ways to chill. See what they had to say below. What does relaxation mean in COVID times — and especially now that pandemic restrictions are easing and millions are getting their vaccines every day?

What are the three best ways to relax while working from home, where boundaries between personal and professional life often can blur?

What are your top three relaxation strategies for people with the most stressful jobs — ER doctors, firefighters, and therapists, for example — to help them reset?

“During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. How can relaxation help ease those symptoms?

What makes for a “Most Relaxed City” in your book? Less traffic or work stress? More parks? A wellness/fitness culture? Lots of dogs, cats, and other pets?

As an expert on relaxation, how do you personally decompress, destress, and ease your mind? Dr. David B. Hanbury Assistant Professor of Psychology Christopher Redker Associate Professor Jack Bauer, PhD Professor of Psychology, Co-Editor, Journal of Happiness Studies Jiuqing Cheng Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. David B. Hanbury Assistant Professor of Psychology Averett University View Answers Close Dr. David B. Hanbury Assistant Professor of Psychology Averett University What does relaxation mean in COVID times — and especially now that pandemic restrictions are easing and millions are getting their vaccines every day? Despite the pandemic, there are many things that one can do to relax and unwind. Getting adequate sunlight exposure, especially early in the day, is important to maintain the sleep-wake cycle. Take a walk around the block, ride your bike, or sit and enjoy the weather. Most importantly, remain present in the moment and take everything in. The effects of meditation, yoga, tai chi, and other activities that promote mindfulness and being present, on the brain and body, simply cannot be understated. What are the three best ways to relax while working from home, where boundaries between personal and professional life often can blur? Even when busy with work, and perhaps children at home, a window of time each day to sit and reflect is critical. 1. It boils down to mindfulness and being present in the moment. Research shows chronic stress and depressed mood are associated with reduced volume of hippocampus in the brain — a structure associated with mood, learning, and memory. 2. Exercise (even if only brief) increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins in the body (like runner’s high). This may be something you do in your house or even working in the yard. 3. Maintain a work-life balance. Working from home tends to encourage on-demand access to the employee, but it doesn’t have to. Set firm limits, spend time with your family, and take time for yourself when you can reflect and process the day, even if briefly. What are your top three relaxation strategies for people with the most stressful jobs — ER doctors, firefighters, and therapists, for example — to help them reset? Mindfulness techniques such as those mentioned above are critical, but it also needs to be something that fits the individual’s lifestyle. Being able to process a hectic workday is important. Make time for yourself, even if for 15 minutes, where it is only you. Clear your mind and process the happenings of the day. Finally, connect with others whom you enjoy. Hear about their day and give them the opportunity to process, just as they can do for you. Chronic daily stress activates the body’s immune system at a high rate, which leads to over-release of negative stress hormones and puts the individual at risk for illness when the body’s defenses become exhausted. Unfortunately, over time, it also puts the individual at significant cardiovascular health risks and increases risk for the development of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. “During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. How can relaxation help ease those symptoms? In my opinion, it was a mistake for the term “social distancing” to ever be used. Certainly, physical distancing was necessary, but find ways to connect with others to prevent social isolation. Zoom calls, family TV watch parties, and appropriately distanced outdoor activities are all possible and should be encouraged. Moreover, the CDC acknowledges that individuals who have been vaccinated can safely congregate indoors in small groups. What makes for a “Most Relaxed City” in your book? Less traffic or work stress? More parks? A wellness/fitness culture? Lots of dogs, cats, and other pets? In my book, open spaces with lots of sunlight, minimal stressors, relatively clean air, and little noise allow the individual to reflect, exercise, and enjoy being with themselves and others without the insults of the 9-to-5 world. The ability to enjoy a meal or drink outside, perhaps with one’s children or pet, or even alone, is important. As an expert on relaxation, how do you personally decompress, destress, and ease your mind? Exercise and responsible socialization are my go-to ways of relaxing and, if it can be done outside, that’s my preference. Even if I’m working at home, I enjoy taking my work on the porch or my deck to enjoy the sun and the warmth, weather permitting. Christopher Redker Associate Professor Ferris State University View Answers Close Christopher Redker Associate Professor Ferris State University What does relaxation mean in COVID times — and especially now that pandemic restrictions are easing and millions are getting their vaccines every day? I would chime in to say that the “relaxation response” is the antithesis of the body’s fight or flight/stress response. For example, meditation seems to be a relatively successful way of managing stress (for those experienced with it), specifically its effects on our physiology. Research is indicating that meditation’s effects are related to lowered activity of the sympathetic nervous system, the system that readies us for fight or flight. The SNS leads to the common physical symptoms of stress that we often experience, such as increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, meditative techniques also seem to promote feelings of well-being by allowing people to be distracted from stressful thoughts. It is believed that the relaxation response is the core of meditation. Jack Bauer, PhD Professor of Psychology, Co-Editor, Journal of Happiness Studies University of Dayton View Answers Close Jack Bauer, PhD Professor of Psychology, Co-Editor, Journal of Happiness Studies University of Dayton What does relaxation mean in COVID times — and especially now that pandemic restrictions are easing and millions are getting their vaccines every day? Lawns are great for relaxation and meaningful experiences. Research on two kinds of purchases might be of interest to you: experiential purchases (like going for a hike or to a ballgame or movie) versus material purchases (like shoes or cars). Study after study shows that experiential purchases yield greater and more enduring happiness than do material purchases. When it comes to lawn care, one can think of one’s investment in a lawn as having elements of both kinds of purchases. As a material purchase, people put money into their yards to impress their neighbors with how beautiful their yard is. That kind of happiness is more fragile and needs perpetual little injections of self-affirming comments (like thinking “other people like my yard,” “I’ve got the nicest yard on the street,” etc.). But as an experiential purchase, people can put money into their yards for the purpose of simply enjoying the yard as a respite for themselves or as pleasant space to share with family or friends. That’s the more meaningful kind of thing that yields lasting memories of happiness — and a deeper happiness in the moment. Having a little space to clear one’s head, relax the body, and generally rejuvenate is a great way to deal with COVID or any other kind of stress. It’s outdoors and green, which our bodies and minds need. Jiuqing Cheng Assistant Professor of Psychology University of Northern Iowa View Answers Close Jiuqing Cheng Assistant Professor of Psychology University of Northern Iowa What does relaxation mean in COVID times — and especially now that pandemic restrictions are easing and millions are getting their vaccines every day? I think the answer may depend on job type. For those who still work regularly and need to interact with others (e.g., first responders), relaxation means finish the work, go home, and feel healthy. On the other hand, for those who can work from home and may stay at home for a long period, relaxation means interacting with relatives and friends and going outside for a while (e.g., shopping). With vaccination in progress and summer is coming, vacation is another attractive way for relaxation, particularly for those who have not had any travel for more than a year. One big point I want to make is that for parents, relaxation means school can safely open and they can send their kids to school. With kids staying at home all day long, it is really difficult for parents to focus on work and personal issues. What are the three best ways to relax while working from home, where boundaries between personal and professional life often can blur? My experience is to stick to the regular work schedule, like 9-5, with one hour in the middle for lunch. Play the music you like, and you don’t need to worry about interrupting your colleagues. If possible, like the weather is good, go outside for a while after work. What are your top three relaxation strategies for people with the most stressful jobs — ER doctors, firefighters, and therapists, for example — to help them reset? The employer should provide active counseling services and let the employees know the support is readily available. Take a break during the shift. Ideally, the employer provides enough time for the break. Spend time outdoors. “During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. How can relaxation help ease those symptoms? Social interaction is a basic human need. With social isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic, it is not surprising that some people feel anxiety and depression. While people are supposed to learn the situation of the pandemic, my suggestion is don’t read too much about the negative news as some pieces of the news are really scary. Taking preventative measures and spending time outside, ideally with family members and friends. What makes for a “Most Relaxed City” in your book? Less traffic or work stress? More parks? A wellness/fitness culture? Lots of dogs, cats, and other pets? All the elements you mentioned in the question are relevant. From my perspective, the most important component is reasonable workload and people do not suffer from work stress. Without much work stress, people can have adequate energy and time to enjoy beautiful sceneries, outdoor activities, pets, working out, etc. As an expert on relaxation, how do you personally decompress, destress, and ease your mind? First, set up a reasonable expectation for work and career. When I am doing difficult work, I like listening to classical music. After work, enjoy a good meal. During the weekend, if the weather allows (I live in Iowa), go outside with family members and friends

Methodology

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We ranked over 190 of the most populated U.S. cities in descending order — from most to least relaxed — based on their overall scores, averaged across all the metrics listed below. The city that earned the highest overall score — out of a possible 100 points — ranked No. 1, or “most relaxed.” Metrics Weighting Min. Value Max. Value Frequent Mental Distress 3 0.1 0.18 Average Number of Poor Mental Health Days per Month 3 2.92 5.61 Depression Rate 3 12.5 31.9 Suicide Rate 3 5.36 29.47 Adequate-Sleep Rate 3 48.6 72.8 Mental Health Providers per 100,000 Residents 3 21.34 298.1 Spas and Wellness Centers per 100,000 Residents 3 0.32 54.16 Legality of Marijuana Use 3 0 2 Marijuana Dispensaries per 100,000 Residents 1 0 73.78 "Mental Health" Category Total 25 Life Expectancy 2 72.85 85.92 Leisure Physical Activity Rate 3 49.7 87.8 Drug Overdose Deaths per Capita 1 3.81 106.38 Share of Adults with High Blood Pressure 2 22 46.7 Stroke Among Adults 1 2 6.1 Share of Adult Binge Drinkers 1 11.7 24.9 Share of Adult Smokers 1 8.1 29.3 "Physical Health" Category Total 11 Median Household Income 3 30894 140631 Cost of Living 2 74 206 Housing Affordability 2 30.13 89.13 Health Insurance Coverage 2 68.9 98.1 Poverty Rate 1 3.6 35 Food Insecurity 1 0.06 0.18 "Financial Health" Category Total 11 Length of Average Workday 3 35.1 42.6 Average Commute Time 2 16.6 43.7 Transit Score 1 0.3 84.3 "Work Environment" Category Total 6 Natural Hazard Index Score 3 9 20 Number of Very Cold Days 2 0 192 Number of Very Hot Days 2 2 169 Average Amount of Sunshine 1 0 85 Air Quality 2 19 77 Share of Roads in Poor Condition 1 4% 71% Traffic Fatalities per Capita 1 0.5 23.47 Walk Score 2 13 98 Bike Score 2 24 97 "Physical Environment" Category Total 16 Violent Crime Rate 2 64.24 1965.33 Property Crime Rate 2 850.41 7792.71 Sex Offenders per 100,000 Residents 2 7.03 2866.89 Hate Crimes per Capita 2 0.2 39.81 Gun Violence 2 0 18.5 Separation and Divorce Rate 2 6.61% 19.33% "Social Environment" Category Total 12 Average Leisure Time Spent per Day 3 311 418 Number of Country Clubs 1 0 9 Number of Golf Courses per 100,000 Residents 1 1.1 67.8 Number of Trails 3 1 235 Yard Size 1 2744 23951 Lounges per 100,000 Residents 1 0 19.67 Cocktail Bars per 100,000 Residents 1 0 28.14 Dance Clubs per 100,000 Residents 1 0 14.86 Music Venues per 100,000 Residents 1 0 14.58 Public Gardens per 100,000 Residents 1 0 2.69 Share of Adults Who Dine Out 1 33 64.3 Share of Population Who Visited an Art Gallery Last Year 1 2.3 14.8 Share of Population Who Attended Live Theater Last Year 1 5.4 19.4 Share of Population Who Went to a Zoo Last Year 1 7 16.7 Share of Population Who Attended a Sporting Event Last Year 1 8.6 24.6 "Entertainment" Category Total 19 Overall Total 100 Sources: AllTrails, America’s Health Rankings, American Public Gardens Association, AreaVibes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, City-Data.com, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, DISA Global Solutions, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Feeding America, GolfLink, Gun Violence Archive, IPUMS Time Use, Livability, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, TRIP, TripAdvisor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Walk Score, and Yelp

Why This Study Matters

Living through a pandemic has redefined what it means to relax.

Before COVID, our ideas of relaxation might have included pampering ourselves with a spa treatment, traveling to a new place, or even just dining out without a mask. Now we might find serenity in just being able to video-chat with friends and family, keep our jobs or businesses intact, or find our own little corner of privacy in our shared spaces.

Spring opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

While travel still is discouraged, outdoor spaces — our yards, gardens, parks, trails, and golf courses — offer alternative and healthy ways to get some R&R while being socially distanced from others. (If you need a hand turning your yard into a private oasis, LawnStarter can help.) Spending time in nature is one of the best stress relievers. (Bonus points if you live in one of the country’s Best Cities for Hiking or Best Cities for Spring.)

Main Photo Credit: Water Alternatives Photos / Flickr / Public Domain

lawnstarter.com - 2021's Most Relaxed Cities in America - Lawnstarter
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