The Most Relaxed US Cities To Live in 2024
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Are you dreaming of a more laid-back lifestyle but not sure where to look? Well, join the club. Many Americans fantasize about a chiller lifestyle — especially financially — but are confused about where to go to find it.
Thankfully, a new study by Ben’s Natural Health just dropped, revealing the top 10 most relaxed U.S. cities for 2024. They looked at everything from healthcare and green spaces to unemployment rates and the number of spas (because sometimes you just need a facial, right?).
Read on if you’re ready to pack your bags for (literally) greener pastures. This deep dive will help you make an informed decision about where to go if you want to get away from it all.
Here are the 10 most relaxed U.S. cities to live in 2024.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis takes the crown with a whopping 69.19 on the relaxation index. With 206 parks and a healthcare index of 71.46, this city’s got your back — literally. The unemployment rate is a low 3.80%, so you can breathe easy about job security too.
Boston
Beantown has an excellent score of 67.79 on the relaxation index. It’s got the highest health club membership rate at 28.6% and a solid healthcare index of 72.7. Meaning people in Boston take health — and relaxation — seriously. The work-life balance here is also fantastic with an average of just 39.5 working hours per week.
Miami
Miami has a fabulous 67.10 relaxation score. It’s got the lowest unemployment rate on the list at just 3%. With a whopping 307 wellness and spa centers, you’re never far from a massage or a facial. The city has 177 parks, giving you plenty of green spaces to chill out in. And while the average rent of $1,761.54 per month might seem a little steep, you’re paying for a work-life balance that includes an average of 42 working hours per week.
Denver
Denver ranks fourth with 64.60 points. It’s got a respectable 142 parks and the shortest average work week at 38.3 hours. More time for hiking, anyone?
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City might be a surprise to some — but it’s very relaxed at 60.88 points. It’s got fewer parks, but a solid 25.70% health club membership rate. The city also has a very low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Maybe there’s something in that clean mountain air, after all.
Other Relaxed Towns
If you’re looking for a few more cities that can bring you that relaxation bang for your buck, check out some of these. Seattle has 263 parks and a 71.47 healthcare index, while Virginia Beach has the highest healthcare score at 73.61 and a great 3.1% unemployment rate. New York City’s has an amazing 347 parks and a superb green index of 77.72. Charleston’s work-life balance is on point with just 38.2 average working hours. And don’t sleep on Los Angeles — with 498 wellness centers and a 75.46 green index, the City of Angels is heaven for relaxation seekers.
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