Unwind in America’s best slow living spots—find peace, recharge, embrace
Slow Living: Discover the United States’ Top Urban Retreats
Slow living is a purposeful lifestyle that encourages taking a mindful pace and prioritizing what truly matters. It emphasizes presence, awareness, and intentional choices that align with personal values, rather than succumbing to the speed and pressures of contemporary life. The trend has grown popular among those seeking a slower and more meaningful way of living.
Where in the U.S. is the Best for Slow Living?
According to a recent survey, Overland Park stands as America’s premier city for slow living. It offers easy access to parks and walkable neighborhoods. Overland Park is the largest city in Johnson County, Kansas, and one of four principal cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
One in five U.S. citizens claims they always feel rushed in their daily lives, yet locating cities that support a slower, more mindful pace can be challenging.
A Badeloft USA study examined urban environments across the United States to identify which cities provide the best opportunities for slow living. The data has been shared with Digital Journal.
Methodology: Seven Key Indicators
- Commute times (min)
- Population density (per mile)
- Parks accessibility (%)
- Walkability scores
- Noise pollution levels
- Air quality ratings
- Happiness indices
Cities were ranked based on overall performance across all factors.
Top 10 Slow‑Living Cities
- Overland Park – 182.6 min commute, 70% park access, low noise, strong happiness score.
- Corpus Cristi – 181.8 min commute, 75% park access, excellent air quality.
- Virginia Beach – 211.8 min commute, 69% park access, coastal charm.
- Omaha – 173.4 min commute, 81% park access, pedestrian‑friendly.
- Lincoln – 162.9 min commute, 89% park access, lowest noise pollution.
- Lexington – 181.1 min commute, 60% park access.
- Pittsburgh – 215.3 min commute, 94% park access.
- Durham – 202.4 min commute, 46% park access.
- Nashville – 221.4 min commute, 44% park access.
- St. Petersburg – 211.8 min commute, 78% park access.
Why Overland Park Ranks First
Overland Park delivers an exceptional balance with an 18‑minute commute and comfortable population density. Seventy percent of its residents have parks within walking distance, while noise pollution remains low. The city also boasts solid happiness scores, making it a perfect place for mindful living.
Other Leading Cities
- Corpus Cristi – Coastal tranquility, matches 18‑minute commute, 75% park access, airy neighborhoods.
- Virginia Beach – Seaside charm, 21‑minute commutes, sparse density, 69% park access.
- Omaha – Metropolitan peace, 17‑minute commutes, 81% park access, low noise.
- Lincoln – Recreational excellence, 16‑minute commutes, 89% park access, lowest noise level.
This research reveals that slow living is not only about small towns. It also depends on smart urban planning that prioritizes residents’ well‑being.
