Scenic California metropolis named America's 'least stressed city'
Americans looking for a relaxed pace of life should consider a move to Fremont, California, after it was named the country's 'least stressed city.'
The East Bay metropolis - famed for its laid-back lifestyle and financial stability - boasts one of the lowest poverty rates among the 181 cities surveyed.
The study by personal-finance website WalletHub ranked Fremont with the highest median credit score. Researchers used four focus areas to analyze stress levels, including work, finances, family, and health and safety.
Burlington, Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes and progressive culture, secured the second spot in the stress-free rankings, followed by Fargo, North Dakota, known for its namesake movie and TV series.
At the other end of the spectrum, Cleveland, Ohio, was named the 'most stressed' city in America, followed by Detroit, Michigan, following closely behind.
Fremont, California, has claimed the title of 'least stressed city in America' in a new survey, outshining 181 other cities
The East Bay city, with its laid-back lifestyle and financial stability, boasts one of the lowest poverty rates among all cities surveyed
'The best-run cities in America use their budgets most effectively to provide high-quality financial security, education, health, safety and transportation to their residents,' said survey analyst Cassandra Happe.
'Many of the top cities also have a very low amount of outstanding government debt per capita, which can prevent financial troubles in the future,' she added.
'Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are.'
She said cities with high crime rates, bad economies, poor public health and congested transportation systems 'naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents.'
When it comes to health and safety, Fremont also topped the charts, proving it's one of the safest, healthiest places to call home.
Additionally, Fremont took the cake for the lowest divorce rates.
The city was also ranked number one in the top five places to raise a family in 2024.
'Finding the best place to raise a family is difficult, between balancing an affordable cost of living with good educational opportunities, safety and enough recreation to keep kids entertained,' said Happe.
'On top of all of these factors, people also often want to raise their children close to their extended family. Therefore, current or prospective parents can benefit from narrowing down their choices to a few of the best cities that are within a reasonable drive of their family.'
The report comes after the city snagged titles such as the 'happiest city in America.'
Other Bay area cities that ranked most stressed include, Oakland, Santa Rosa. San Francisco and San Jose
Meanwhile, Cleveland, Ohio was ranked as the 'most stressed city in the US.' Detroit was ranked worst in 2023 (pictured) which has an average income of $21,000 and only 16 percent hold a college degree
Meanwhile, Cleveland, Ohio was ranked as the 'most stressed city in the US.'
Other Bay area cities that ranked most stressed include: Oakland, Santa Rosa, San Francisco and San Jose.
In 2023, California was home to some of the happiest cities in America, while cold and rainy Detroit is the most miserable. New York City came in at just 57th place.
In a happiness ranking of 182 cites, the Golden State was listed 29 times out of the 182, with most of its entries being in the top 25.
Despite rising inflation, it seems soaking up Vitamin D, hanging out at the beach, and rarely having to brave the snow fares well for residents of Fremont and San Jose, California, which pulled the top two spots on the list.
Both cities also ranked number one for physical and mental well-being in 2023, while Fremont was number one for community, environment and for the lowest depression rate.
Los Angeles ranked 76 while its fellow East Coast metropolitan, New York City, only ranked 57 on the list. Detroit, Cleveland, and several Southern cities ranked in the bottom.
