2021’s Most Relaxed Cities in America

Woman sitting in front of a fountain with her back to the camera

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

  1. City Rankings
  2. Highlights and Lowlights
  3. Ask the Experts
  4. Methodology
  5. Why This Study Matters

City Rankings 

See how each city fared in our ranking:

OVERALL RANKCityOverall ScoreMental Health RankPhysical Health RankFinancial Health RankWork Environment RankPhysical Environment RankSocial Environment RankEntertainment Rank
1Sunnyvale, CA64.5931912520787
2Arlington, VA64.151063191281012
3San Francisco, CA63.9516213217311013
4Bellevue, WA63.8819211140271516
5Seattle, WA61.832872810131709
6Naperville, IL61.811227118392126
7Garden Grove, CA61.611349740462053
8Fort Collins, CO61.1817145410911939
9Fullerton, CA60.829155972551754
10Honolulu, HI60.8147451145931542
11Huntington Beach, CA60.78935131364955
12Scottsdale, AZ60.52317161621013515
13Madison, WI60.4459432511104298
14San Jose, CA60.386823114823497
15Torrance, CA60.3714539110571384
16Portland, OR60.357733505221334
17Pasadena, CA59.57412104117484771
18Orange, CA59.3371846684111153
19Frisco, TX58.7855192189156456
20Fremont, CA58.662437178512186
21Alexandria, VA58.423416261901084024
22Minneapolis, MN58.3944503724913946
23Hayward, CA58.2224381342151171
24Cary, NC57.96100134151151544
25Irvine, CA57.941144588503191
26Tempe, AZ57.67534910112357132
27Boston, MA57.341841098069738
28Washington, DC57.121100481631217413
29Sioux Falls, SD57.02337214751599822
30Santa Clarita, CA57.013111241751656105
31St. Paul, MN56.2857775120158879
32Elk Grove, CA56.236751171056412112
33Yonkers, NY56.2435485116592578
34Oakland, CA56.183535991231816731
35Colorado Springs, CO55.956038439812311717
36McKinney, TX55.94513710177148992
37Anaheim, CA55.931529121796648120
38Denver, CO55.821859581467714449
39Rancho Cucamonga, CA55.726542271363928115
40Escondido, CA55.47526113071404158
41Chandler, AZ55.39492818150845995
42Jersey City, NJ55.353691120182224663
43Los Angeles, CA55.34263616695757875
44Olathe, KS55.25722251291155094
45Aurora, IL55.22993211498122140
46Santa Ana, CA55.192066144433027181
47Plano, TX55.1664201317611823101
48Joliet, IL55.1131361215812645123
49Chula Vista, CA55.075641491045821135
50Salt Lake City, UT55.071112668411021516
51Overland Park, KS55.05101106111783772
52Gilbert, AZ54.9354238157908188
53Mesa, AZ54.8166687887762138
54Austin, TX54.88239701441317723
55Pomona, CA54.695581456112867152
56San Diego, CA54.67483076834239165
57Fontana, CA54.623887551357614134
58Boise City, ID54.6134313439657037
59Long Beach, CA54.383232128964772161
60Las Vegas, NV54.239511011094451345
61Lincoln, NE54.22906733251035690
62Thornton, CO53.8739532215916969190
63Corona, CA53.838040471813816116
65Chicago, IL53.7427114871481489146
66Eugene, OR53.71143521413814551
67Providence, RI53.713314915313117511
68Virginia Beach, VA53.618457191661363286
69Vancouver, WA53.548146668213126126
70Oceanside, CA53.424644941157968145
71Peoria, AZ53.3576472016810655106
72Henderson, NV53.251237029122497660
73Grand Rapids, MI53.24107978014698747
74Aurora, CO53.01224856160125107162
75Glendale, AZ52.996881981198010457
76Raleigh, NC52.9710956421121526443
77Spokane, WA52.96717164226017573
78Bridgeport, CT52.928698174263490118
79Phoenix, AZ52.82707810611810013736
80Santa Rosa, CA52.795825774611782173
81Ontario, CA52.4874891151134436143
82Fort Lauderdale, FL52.3963941461551391717
83Salinas, CA52.23307913510914418163
84Tucson, AZ52.1812595150187313520
85Worcester, MA51.8179132103311218385
86Lexington, KY51.78156145535458462
87Anchorage, AK51.7137623014519115270
88Pittsburgh, PA51.631241397434564340
89Palmdale, CA51.6142609118617130164
90Sacramento, CA51.586988896237111166
91Oxnard, CA51.547875123789324176
92Miramar, FL51.4811483841611732635
93Salem, OR51.4712963714426106111
94Tallahassee, FL51.2111996161414011530
95Pembroke Pines, FL51.0110565721791555250
96Charlotte, NC50.99108767315614711234
97Tacoma, WA50.928573621006216299
98Des Moines, IA50.9187125314710916066
99Chesapeake, VA50.711061011516416257109
100Hollywood, FL50.61039014913911114219
101Lancaster, CA50.46406911314316673184
102Albuquerque, NM50.4413655614510717742
103Atlanta, GA50.4731041161536311382
104Reno, NV50.3412086675118710829
105Paterson, NJ50.3325167187216781142
106Omaha, NE50.2411511941571994179
107Miami, FL50.19611091881322515067
108Moreno Valley, CA50.1292801001429844167
109Durham, NC49.9113174759717210948
110Orlando, FL49.839410315412711416927
111Milwaukee, WI49.5399164126237413183
112Tampa, FL49.151351261251262393102
113San Bernardino, CA49.09451441675024172177
114Syracuse, NY48.9114115413626811493
115Fort Wayne, IN48.63127146526313079128
116North Las Vegas, NV48.314012910510352116100
117Cape Coral, FL48.2115592931211643896
118Modesto, CA48.14104856989153129156
119Irving, TX48.1211010612916411961119
120Columbus, OH47.86144135815688125103
121Garland, TX47.749110715116714558175
122Rochester, NY47.7313716315775314688
123Bakersfield, CA47.64121122888417099130
124Springfield, MO47.6413814016358718641
125Springfield, MA47.698172147699123159
126New Orleans, LA47.47150173182693217910
127McAllen, TX47.4613282184818663136
128New York, NY53.786264164170164291
128Buffalo, NY47.35149165127810120168
129Metairie, LA47.32148133607411014033
130San Antonio, TX47.16113118140106113136133
131Port St. Lucie, FL47.13175991181331353181
132Richmond, VA47.11881581721914218064
133El Paso, TX47.09152105159938960158
134Fort Worth, TX47.0611212410218016785124
135Louisville, KY47.051721814476415377
135Newark, NJ47.0575182190582974178
137St. Petersburg, FL47.0215112392994315489
138Houston, TX46.9883108179169133148132
139Rockford, IL46.9593168831696178131
140Grand Prairie, TX46.791181139015416053160
141Cincinnati, OH46.741421751323015716321
142Newport News, VA46.65117147119120161110121
143Nashville, TN46.56177155821411714745
144Arlington, TX46.4911610211718415891150
145Kansas City, MO46.491541288610715417628
146Fresno, CA46.341221151433612296170
147Huntsville, AL46.2518213857551499218
148Dallas, TX46.2297127180172143121129
149Norfolk, VA46.17126160142152120102114
150Pasadena, TX46.035012116918513786183
151Greensboro, NC45.971611201112817812769
152Hialeah, FL45.69961161899070105180
153Stockton, CA45.6102111107124134157189
154Lubbock, TX45.615713113737127143137
155Amarillo, TX44.791531419577141122174
156Indianapolis, IN44.44139166124102116100122
157Laredo, TX44.34158153185489733185
158Corpus Christi, TX44.3145148133137112128172
159Midland, TX44.1314611236188124141147
160Akron, OH44.071671691343312916865
161Murfreesboro, TN4418613440911836574
162Jacksonville, FL43.99159157108147163119110
163Savannah, GA43.951281561811717516176
164Birmingham, AL43.9181184176701811661
165Baton Rouge, LA43.82163180156918516425
166Mesquite, TX43.7189190155171132103169
167Wichita, KS43.561691176366138173154
168Oklahoma City, OK43.1517014379138168130139
169Tulsa, OK43.091711371388685165157
170Brownsville, TX42.53160150191297166187
171Winston-Salem, NC42.2616513013153182118108
172Killeen, TX4216614212217417495151
173Philadelphia, PA41.71791741701083380141
174Baltimore, MD41.5614718615213054182155
175Columbus, GA41.4717316216264146124127
176Dayton, OH41.21180189178161181104
177Jackson, MS41.081301791776018918559
178Toledo, OH41.061841831481583156148
179Fayetteville, NC40.86178152158128176149113
180Mobile, AL40.561871701654919013814
181Knoxville, TN40.51911711392715015561
182Augusta, GA40.11641771756794159149
183St. Louis, MO39.89162188160739519152
184Little Rock, AR39.68168151969218819098
185Cleveland, OH39.161761871833272188125
186Chattanooga, TN39.091891611126517718368
187Clarksville, TN38.5319015965187184132107
188Shreveport, LA38.521831781683518618480
189Detroit, MI37.6917419118638105187117
190Memphis, TN35.3118818517142179189144
191Kansas City, KS35.1118517617385180158182
Infographic comparing the most relaxed cities

Highlights and Lowlights

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

MetricsWeightingMin. ValueMax. Value
Frequent Mental Distress30.10.18
Average Number of Poor Mental Health Days per Month32.925.61
Depression Rate312.531.9
Suicide Rate35.3629.47
Adequate-Sleep Rate348.672.8
Mental Health Providers per 100,000 Residents321.34298.1
Spas and Wellness Centers per 100,000 Residents30.3254.16
Legality of Marijuana Use302
Marijuana Dispensaries per 100,000 Residents1073.78
"Mental Health" Category Total25
Life Expectancy272.8585.92
Leisure Physical Activity Rate349.787.8
Drug Overdose Deaths per Capita13.81106.38
Share of Adults with High Blood Pressure22246.7
Stroke Among Adults126.1
Share of Adult Binge Drinkers111.724.9
Share of Adult Smokers18.129.3
"Physical Health" Category Total11
Median Household Income330894140631
Cost of Living274206
Housing Affordability230.1389.13
Health Insurance Coverage268.998.1
Poverty Rate13.635
Food Insecurity10.060.18
"Financial Health" Category Total11
Length of Average Workday335.142.6
Average Commute Time216.643.7
Transit Score10.384.3
"Work Environment" Category Total6
Natural Hazard Index Score3920
Number of Very Cold Days20192
Number of Very Hot Days22169
Average Amount of Sunshine1085
Air Quality21977
Share of Roads in Poor Condition14%71%
Traffic Fatalities per Capita10.523.47
Walk Score21398
Bike Score22497
"Physical Environment" Category Total16
Violent Crime Rate264.241965.33
Property Crime Rate2850.417792.71
Sex Offenders per 100,000 Residents27.032866.89
Hate Crimes per Capita20.239.81
Gun Violence2018.5
Separation and Divorce Rate26.61%19.33%
"Social Environment" Category Total12
Average Leisure Time Spent per Day3311418
Number of Country Clubs109
Number of Golf Courses per 100,000 Residents11.167.8
Number of Trails31235
Yard Size1274423951
Lounges per 100,000 Residents1019.67
Cocktail Bars per 100,000 Residents1028.14
Dance Clubs per 100,000 Residents1014.86
Music Venues per 100,000 Residents1014.58
Public Gardens per 100,000 Residents102.69
Share of Adults Who Dine Out13364.3
Share of Population Who Visited an Art Gallery Last Year12.314.8
Share of Population Who Attended Live Theater Last Year15.419.4
Share of Population Who Went to a Zoo Last Year1716.7
Share of Population Who Attended a Sporting Event Last Year18.624.6
"Entertainment" Category Total19
Overall Total100

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

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