Looking for a quiet vacation somewhere in the United States? Or are you looking to move out of the big city into a calm area? The constant hustle and bustle of noisy areas can actually impact your health, physically and emotionally, by influencing your blood pressure, heart rate, sleeping patterns, hearing and overall mood. It might be time to do yourself a favor and take a break from the noise of a big city.
To take advantage of some peace and quiet, it’s helpful to know both the quietest cities in the US, and the noisiest cities that you may want to avoid if that’s not what you’re in the mood for.
Top 5 Noisiest
New York City
As one of the most populated cities in America, the added tourism New York brings from around the world makes this a very crowded and loud city.
Detroit, Michigan
With one of the highest crime rates in the country, this one may be no surprise.
San Francisco, California
Research done by the city and UC Berkely showed that traffic noise puts 1 in 6 residents in San Francisco at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses.
Miami, Florida
Don’t be fooled by the lure of the lapping waves against the beach because between the night clubs, police sirens, and constant construction, this city may not be the perfect beach haven you seek.
Chicago, Illinois
This city receives some of the most aircraft noise complaints in the country. As an integral piece to the nation’s commercial air traffic network, the O’Hare International Airport has some 2,500 flights land and take off every day, flying right over the heart of the city and the neighborhoods of its residents.
Top 5 Quietest
Durham, North Carolina
This city is the perfect example of a big city where you can find ultimate relaxation. With its unique blend of cultures and heavy influence in the medical field, this town has a ‘homey’ feel that can’t be beat.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Despite the thousands of visitors Cape Cod receives each summer, when you take an early morning walk along the beach in this city you will be surprised at the quiet crash of the waves and the comforting stillness the ocean brings.
Hartford, Connecticut
A true sense of peace and calm can be found in Hartford. The architecture of the city, with its stone street accents, adds a sophistication that can’t be found elsewhere.
Sante Fe, New Mexico
Perched high in the desert mountains and acres of forest surroundings, this city is known for its peace and quiet. As a home to hundreds of art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and a diverse ethnic history, Sante Fe is the ultimate cultural destination.
Des Moines, Iowa
Known for being one of the most beautiful state capitals in the country, this city is also known for its numerous parks, nationally acclaimed cultural events, and historical sites. Settled along the Des Moines River, this city has a comforting quiet. It even has a quiet street, a bicycle friendly commuter route that has low volume and low speed.
What US cities have you visited and found to be either striking loud or extremely quiet? Please share in the comments below.
Top photo credit: Speeding taxi. Photo courtesy of Dave Newman and flower credit Jessica Festa.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
