A quiet moment of reflection. A quiet morning where you can sip your coffee or tea as slowly as you like. An afternoon spent lounging around with nothing to do but enjoy. We all dream of days like this. And if you’re spending your vacation in a very special city in the north, your chances of having a peaceful day like this increase considerably.
In July, the research team at The Green Band (which, yes, is a one-stop cannabis store, so they're real experts in relaxation) unveiled their list of the most peaceful cities in the United States.
To determine which cities offer the best sense of zen, the team considered factors such as noise pollution, commute times, population density, alternative transportation options like biking and walking, construction activity, and parks accessible to residents. They then gave each city a standardized score out of 100.
After reviewing all the data, he appointed AnchoringThe largest city in Alaska, the most peaceful.
“Not surprisingly, the city has the lowest population density of all the cities studied, and a whopping 300,000 acres of green space per 100,000 residents (far more than second-place Honolulu, which has just 19,000 acres),” the team said in its findings. “Anchorage earned a total score of 85.87, making it the clear winner for peace and quiet.”
Lincoln, Nebraska, isn't far behind, and the team said that “the city has some of the shortest commutes in the country, averaging just 12.22 minutes, making delays one less thing to worry about all day.”
Boise, Idaho, ranks third thanks to its walkability score (the second-best in the country) and its biking score, which is No. 1. “Visitors can explore the city at their own pace,” the team said. “Fewer cars on the road often translates into lower noise levels, which contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. With a score of 70.27, Boise ranks third on the list of peaceful cities.”
There are also other peaceful places across the country, including Corpus Christi, Texas, which ranks fourth, followed by Lubbock, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Bakersfield, California; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; and Richmond, Virginia.
If you are looking to take your relaxation even further, here is 14 Magical Destinations Around the World who promise you total peace.