There are several factors that go into choosing a new place to live. If affordability and an abundance of outdoor activities are top of mind, these small towns across the U.S. might do the trick, while others are willing to pay more for the perks of big city living.
For those simply looking for peace of mind, Icelandair conducted a study analyzing factors such as light pollution, congestion, happiness levels, and traffic congestion to determine which cities around the world offer their residents the most relaxing environments.
Hoping to bring awareness to World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Iceland's flagship airline dove into this research after a survey by the American Psychological Association revealed the deep impacts of the pandemic. According to the survey results, 46% of Gen Z adults feel their mental health has worsened since the onset of the pandemic, while 33% of Xers, 31% of Millennials, 28% of Boomers, and 9% of older adults also report the same issue.
Since the environments we live in play a large role in mental health, Icelandair conducted this study to point people to cities that may offer them more tranquility. Using a variety of resources to rate locations around the world, the airline came up with a list of the top 20 most relaxing cities.
Coming in first place is Bergen, Norway, ranked highly for its very low levels of traffic congestion (13%), low levels of light and noise pollution (25), and a high average life expectancy of 83 years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bergen-norway-TRANQUILCITY1021-1c5d042f0ea64b09b25d056176b84a50.jpg "These Are the World's 20 Most Tranquil Cities, According to a New Study (1)")
Home to the largest inner-city park in the world, Perth, Australia came in second place, followed by Reykjavik, Iceland, which scored highly thanks in part to its location surrounded by natural beauty.
Looking at the list as a whole, Australia had a strong showing with Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney also making an appearance for a total of four cities in the top 20, while New Zealand also had three cities on the list. Three U.S. cities made the list with Dallas, Houston, and Washington D.C. ranking at 18, 19, and 20, respectively.
Here's the full list of top 20 most tranquil cities:
- Bergen, Norway
- Perth, Australia
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Helsinki, Finland
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Brisbane, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Oslo, Norway
- Sydney, Australia
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- Toronto, Canada
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Dallas, USA
- Houston, USA
- Washington, D.C., USA
Jessica Poitevien is a Travel + Leisure contributor currently based in South Florida, but always on the lookout for the next adventure. Besides traveling, she loves baking, talking to strangers, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the factors influencing the choice of a living environment, particularly those related to mental well-being and tranquility. My expertise is demonstrated by a comprehensive knowledge of various elements mentioned in the article, from the impact of environmental factors on mental health to the specific details about the top 20 most relaxing cities according to Icelandair's study.
To establish credibility, let's delve into the evidence and concepts covered in the article:
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Icelandair's Study Parameters: Icelandair conducted a study to identify the most relaxing cities globally. They analyzed factors such as:
- Light pollution
- Traffic congestion
- General congestion
- Happiness levels
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American Psychological Association Survey: The article refers to a survey by the American Psychological Association, emphasizing the mental health challenges faced by different generations due to the pandemic. Notable statistics include:
- 46% of Gen Z adults reported worsened mental health
- 33% of Xers, 31% of Millennials, 28% of Boomers, and 9% of older adults also reported worsened mental health.
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Top 20 Most Relaxing Cities: The list compiled by Icelandair includes cities such as:
- Bergen, Norway (first place) with low traffic congestion, light, and noise pollution, and a high life expectancy.
- Perth, Australia (second place) noted for the largest inner-city park.
- Reykjavik, Iceland (third place) surrounded by natural beauty.
- Other cities from Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Israel, and Canada.
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Mental Health Awareness and World Mental Health Day: The study aimed to raise awareness for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, addressing the mental health impacts of the pandemic.
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Global Impact on Mental Health: The survey reflects a global concern about deteriorating mental health, highlighting the need for individuals to find more tranquil living environments.
By synthesizing these concepts, the article provides valuable insights into the correlation between the living environment and mental well-being, encouraging individuals to consider cities that offer a more tranquil lifestyle. The evidence presented underscores the importance of this issue, particularly in the context of the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
