America's most serene cities revealed - and four of the top five are cheap to buy in

The country's top five happiest cities have been revealed as economic unease and political division continues to weigh on many Americans.

The new report reveals the places where daily life feels not just bearable but blissfully serene. 

Four of the five most tranquil urban centers aren’t close to ultra-expensive coastal metropolises, but rather affordable havens in the nation's heartland.  

WalletHub has released its annual rankings of the happiest, and by extension, most serene cities in the U.S., drawing from a complex set of data that includes everything from depression rates to divorce statistics, job satisfaction, life expectancy, commute times, and even average leisure hours.

The top five most serene cities in America are: Fremont, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Lincoln, Nebraska; Overland Park, Kansas; and Bismarck, North Dakota.

While income does play a role, especially when it provides flexibility and access to safe environments and good health care, happiness appears more deeply rooted in lifestyle conditions: fresh air, low stress, strong communities, and meaningful work.

What the cities are have in common is low crime, high life satisfaction, strong civic engagement - and, in four of cases, a relatively low cost of living. 

'Location plays a hand in how bright or gloomy our days are. For years, researchers have studied the science of happiness and found that its key ingredients include a positive mental state, healthy body, strong social connections, job satisfaction and financial well-being,' said Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub.

'However, money can only make you so happy – people who make $75,000 won’t get any higher satisfaction from making more money.'

1. Fremont, California - population 226,208

Set in the southeast corner of the San Francisco Bay Area, Fremont has quietly built a reputation as America’s oasis of calm. 

It tops WalletHub’s rankings for emotional and physical well-being, and holds the nation’s lowest rates of mental distress and divorce. 

Nearly 80 percent of households earn over $75,000 - a figure often cited as the income threshold where money stops improving happiness - and more than 88 percent of residents report good or better health.

Despite its Bay Area zip code, Fremont’s serenity isn’t all about affluence but it's rooted in its family-friendly infrastructure, expansive parks, diverse communities, and strong public schools.

It also has some of the lowest commute times in the region - another reason why Fremont is America’s happiest city.

While Fremont tops the chart - there are plenty of other smaller, affordable cities in the top five. 

2. Sioux Falls, South Dakota - population 206,410

In the upper Midwest, Sioux Falls came second. With a growing population of over 200,000, the city boasts low unemployment, a robust healthcare sector, and a cost of living well below the national average.

WalletHub ranked Sioux Falls 5th for community and environment and 9th for emotional and physical well-being. 

Residents are said to enjoy a strong sense of community, clean streets, short commutes, and access to nature including the waterfalls the city is named after. 

3. Lincoln, Nebraska - population 294 757

Rarely does Nebraska make national lifestyle headlines - but the state capital, Lincoln, has emerged as a place of serenity.

With one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, a rich arts and culture scene, and a thriving startup ecosystem buoyed by the University of Nebraska, Lincoln excels across the board. 

It offers a satisfying mix of affordable living (median home prices still under $300,000), excellent schools, and a strong sense of civic pride.

WalletHub’s serenity metrics show Lincoln thriving in community well-being and low stress factors - helped by short average commute times and remarkably low rates of depression.

4. Overland Park, Kansas - population 197,089

Situated just outside Kansas City, Overland Park blends the best of suburban comfort with a dash of cosmopolitan flair. 

It ranks 4th when it comes emotional and physical well-being, according to WalletHub, and is repeatedly hailed by Niche as one of the best places to raise a family in America.

Overland Park has also named the second best place to buy a home in the US.

The city has a charming downtown, booming food and music scene, and expansive green spaces - all adding up to a lifestyle easy on stress levels.

5.Bismarck, North Dakota - population 75,092

Rounding out the top is Bismarck, the state capital of North Dakota. 

Far from the coastal buzz, Bismarck offers a unique form of serenity and one based around nature, stability, and strong community bonds.

Bismarck stood out in WalletHub’s composite rankings with excellent figures in low crime, family stability, and work-life balance. 

With average commute times under 15 minutes and a relatively high share of residents reporting physical activity, the city can feel more like a retreat than a capital.

It’s also affordable with median home prices remain under $300,000, and job growth- particularly in energy and health care - continuing to grow.

At the bottom end of the list, WalletHub ranked Cleveland, Ohio dead last in happiness. 

Others at the bottom included Detroit, Memphis, and Gulfport, Mississippi - all cities struggling with poverty, crime, and systemic inequality.