The Best Cities for Work-Life Balance in the USA
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. All over the nation, office workers increasingly seek environments that balance professional growth with personal well-being, and certain cities in the USA stand out for their commitment to creating such balance. This article explores the American cities that excel in providing a harmonious blend of work and life, making them ideal for office workers striving for a better quality of life.
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Work-life balance in the USA
Recent studies indicate that a significant number of American workers feel overworked and underpaid, leading to increased stress and burnout. This has prompted many employees to consider relocation to cities that support a healthier lifestyle.
In addition, work-life balance has become a major consideration for many Americans, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a dramatic shift towards remote working (which pleased some, and left others disaffected). For office workers, particularly, the ability to balance work demands with personal life is essential for physical and mental health, overall well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Companies have recognized this need and are increasingly adopting policies and practices to support their employees’ better work-life balance, such as more flexibility with how many hours they can work, remote work options, and mental health resources. As a result, cities that prioritize work-life balance are becoming increasingly attractive to the best talent in multiple industries.
Best American cities for work-life balance
Minneapolis, Minnesota
For the second year in a row, Minneapolis ranks high in affordability across many data points, with housing costs at 13% lower than the national average and utilities are 6% lower. Office space is also affordable here, with rates under $30 / sq ft for Class A space, which is below average for the country and nearly half the cost of similar space in Washington, D.C.
The average commute is around 23 minutes, and the city has a strong focus on bike lanes and mass transit. Lastly, the availability of remote work has increased significantly, and approximately 20% of residents work from home.
St Paul, Minnesota
St. Paul boasts a short average commute time of 23 minutes, a 10% annual increase in household income, and a wealth of work opportunities in office, admin, and management roles. Approximately 16% of the workforce works remotely, and healthcare coverage rates exceed 93%.
Recent infrastructure improvements have contributed to the city’s quality of life, like the addition of bikeways, mass transit expansions, and environmentally friendly actions focusing on green building standards like LEED, water conservation, and waste management.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln has the second-best (shortest) US city commute at just 19 minutes. Median household income has also experienced an 8% increase, and although working remotely is not as established as in other cities at just under 9%, this option certainly has a growing number of eligible employees.
Nebraska’s capital city offers low office rental rates along with a slower-paced lifestyle, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. These factors have helped establish an active startup scene supported by educational institutions and government initiatives.
Lincoln has also made important advances in air quality and smog reduction, being among the best cities of its size in the Midwest.
Madison, Wisconsin
In 2020, Madison had the best work-life balance in the US, and has managed to maintain a high ranking afterwards.
The majority of employment is in office-based occupations, but the city’s office employees have a shorter-than-average work week of 36 hours, in a state that ranks third for lowest number of hours worked.
There’s also notable growth in high-value industries like bioscience and technology, which have given Madison tech hub status, so there are more opportunities for well-paid jobs in a growing industry, all within a city whose metro area ranks within the top 10 best places for quality of life in the US.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh is known for its booming tech industry and excellent educational institutions.
Only 2% of local workers have a commute longer than 30 minutes, and the city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other tech hubs. Raleigh’s numerous parks, greenways, and cultural events ensure there’s always something to do outside of work. Moreover, the availability of remote work options has increased to 20%, making it easier for residents to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Other factors contributing to Raleigh’s better work-life balance include its status as a very safe city and excellent access to green spaces, with more than 100 miles of greenways across the city.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus combines all the pros of a large city, such as a strong job market and variety in recreation and entertainment choices, with affordability, as in 2022, it made it to the list of the top 10 most affordable cities in the United States.
The average commute time is about 21 minutes, which is good for a city this size. Local authorities have been investing large sums to further develop the mass transit system to provide residents with even easier city access without the costs and stress of driving a car to work.
More than 20% of the workforce is remote, and the city gets good scores in hybrid work opportunities, too.
Irvine, California
Irvine is known for its high standard of living, excellent public schools, and safe neighborhoods, while offering easy access to amenities and services in Los Angeles.
The average commute is around 24 minutes, but many residents benefit from remote work options, in addition to average hours worked per week clocking in at a low of 35 hours on average. Additionally, Irvine (and California generally) benefits from some of the most paid sick days in the country, with workers earning an hour of paid time off (PTO) for every 30 hours they work.
Over the years, Irvine has developed a strong labor market with below-average unemployment rates. Tech startups are plentiful, as are opportunities in established companies, especially in health, wellness, and entertainment. And with California having the third-highest minimum wage in the country at $16/hour (behind only Washington State and D.C.) and being one of just 11 U.S. states that offer paid parental leave, it’s no surprise workers flock here.
Irvine is one of the greenest cities in the nation, which, combined with its focus on sustainability, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake is the second most affordable city in this list of the best cities for work-life balance, despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in Virginia. It also gets good scores in safety, healthcare coverage, and excellent public schools, which position it among the best US cities for quality of life.
The job market is strong, with opportunities in healthcare, education, and the military. The rise of remote work has further enhanced the quality of life in Chesapeake, providing more flexibility for its residents. Across Virginia, Chesapeake included, the percentage of people working from home has tripled since pre-2020, with over 18% working remotely in 2022 (the most recently available data). And for those who travel to the office during their average work week, the average commute time is about 26 minutes.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha boasts the best commute in this list at just over 18 minutes, and remote work rates amount to 12%.
In addition, the city’s low cost of living put it in the top 10 in 2020 and has managed to stay high in quality of life rankings afterwards. Currently, the average resident spends 20% of wages on housing expenses, which is lower than the national average and goes a long way to ensure quality of life and disposable income.
Des Moines, Iowa
Last in this list of the best cities for work-life balance in the U.S. (but still scoring highly when compared to other cities that didn’t make the list) is Des Moines, where the average employee has a short 19-minute commute and enjoys access to 4,000 acres of green areas within the metro area, which include some of the best-rated parks in the country.
The cost of doing business here is 17% lower than the Midwest average, which continues to generate business and employment opportunities in the city.
Additional Information
Are you curious about the additional elements that go into making the cities above a great location to move to for work or for your new or existing business? Or would you like to know more about general trends in the U.S. business landscape and what’s going on with the office spaces that name-brand companies occupy? See the links below for more of our recent stories on these and other subjects.
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