How do you measure the peacefulness of a city? Is it a lack of traffic? An abundance of parks? An overall sense of safety? A recent study from the finance website Insider Monkey looked at a city’s tranquility based on two important factors above all else: low noise levels (those pesky city sounds contribute to stress, after all) and easy access to the outdoors (since being in nature is shown to reduce mental fatigue). Read on to see which cities promise peace of mind on your next visit with 10 of the most peaceful cities in the U.S.
Portland, Maine
Portland is not only one of New England’s most charming coastal cities but also one of the most peaceful cities in the country. Its picturesque location on Casco Bay — a quick two-hour drive from Boston — contributes to Portland’s tranquility, as do its numerous walking trails, bike paths, and beaches. Since Maine is home to a bevy of organic farms, farmers markets abound in the summertime, and fresh produce is available from local farms throughout the year. When the city’s population swells with visitors during the summer, the Casco Bay Island Ferry helps locals get out onto the water and away from Portland’s bustling waterfront.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Famous for its bike-friendly culture and local craft brews, Fort Collins is located 60 miles north of Denver. With 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes and 50 miles of marked bike routes, many of the city’s 170,000 residents choose to travel on two wheels, which may contribute to the low noise levels in Fort Collins. In terms of outdoor access, nearby nature can be found in the Horsetooth Reservoir — a popular spot for camping, fishing, and swimming — and the Poudre River Trail, a 21-mile trail that meanders through diverse landscapes and into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Green Bay typically offers an abundance of peace and quiet to its residents — with the notable exception of Green Bay Packers home games. This northern Wisconsin city boasts outdoor activities during all four seasons. There’s cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling in the winter; come summer, residents and visitors can enjoy nearby places for hiking, swimming, and biking. The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary provides 700 acres of pristine trails and bird-watching opportunities, while the 25-mile Fox River Trail is a favorite among local cyclists and runners.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Surrounded by acres of farmland and leafy suburbs, Grand Rapids is a low-key city with a strong emphasis on nature and the arts. It’s home to the annual ArtPrize, an international art competition, and public works of art are stationed throughout town for locals and visitors alike to enjoy throughout the event. As for public green spaces, Fred Meijer Millennium Park has an extensive network of walking and biking trails, while the White Pine Trail runs from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, stretching 92 miles in total.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Home to the prestigious University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a tranquil college town with a high quality of life, low noise levels, and plenty of green space — all factors that make it one of America’s most peaceful cities. At the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, visitors will find a network of riverside trails that meander through natural woodlands and landscaped gardens. There’s also the Bird Hills Nature Area, which offers the largest natural terrain in the city, and the Huron River, home to several launch points for relaxed tubers who want to spend a day on the water.
Boulder, Colorado
Colorado’s famous outdoor lifestyle is highly accessible in Boulder, an active community situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Regardless of the season or the weather, residents of this laid-back city are likely to find reasons to be outside. From downhill skiing at the nearby Eldora Mountain Resort to the challenging climb up Mount Sanitas, Boulder’s outdoorsy lifestyle draws many of its residents and visitors. With plentiful hiking trails and recreation areas, the city’s focus on well-being and balance also contributes to its relaxed vibe.
Rochester, New York
Despite being the third-largest metropolis in New York state, Rochester ranks as one of the most peaceful cities in the U.S., largely thanks to its abundance of open spaces. Of its many parks, Highland Park is especially popular with residents. The 150-acre space is located approximately 2 miles south of Rochester’s downtown, with leafy trees, large lawns, the Lamberton Conservatory, and the Sunken Garden situated inside a castle. Held annually in the spring, the annual Lilac Festival celebrates both the olfactory and visual beauty of the park’s many lilac bushes, which number over 1,200 in total.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is home to the largest Amish settlement in the world. Since Amish culture calls for an avoidance of modern technology, locals tend to prefer horses and buggies over cars, and candles over power lines. It’s no surprise, then, that the community’s noise levels stay relatively low. Lancaster also offers easy access to peaceful outdoor activities, including hiking trails and waterfalls along Tucquan Creek and bird-watching at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Madison, Wisconsin
Ranked as one of the best cities for quality of life in the U.S., Madison is a vibrant city of approximately 290,000 people. Madison’s location on Lake Mendota contributes to its residents’ contentment and the city’s peaceful vibe. Thanks to easy access to the outdoors, the average local boasts an active outdoor lifestyle throughout all four seasons, with opportunities to paddle, ski, and hike throughout the year. The city’s extensive bike trail system, including the Lake Monona Loop, helps locals and visitors alike make use of Madison’s ample outdoor space.
Reading, Pennsylvania
Despite its proximity to two major metropolitan areas, Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, Reading continues to remain a peaceful enclave in southern Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill Valley. The city scored highest in terms of access to outdoor spaces — which include Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, home to numerous hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities, along with the nearby Appalachian Mountains. The Schuylkill River is also a popular recreational area for paddlers, anglers, and boaters, or anyone who seeks quiet respite from their busy lives in Reading.
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