Inside America’s most laid-back city – with a stunning lake and family-friendly activities just miles from the beach

VACATIONERS looking for a stress-free trip without leaving the country can find peace in the city recently voted the most laid-back in America.

Fremont, California, was recently named the “least stressed city in America” in a study that ranked 182 cities across the US.

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The city’s financial stability ranked top in a recent survey by the personal finance website WalletHub.

Fremont, on the east side of the San Francisco Bay Area, has one of the lowest poverty rates among the states surveyed.

“Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers,” said Cassandra Happe, an analyst at Wallethub.

“However, where you live can play a big role in your stress level. Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public healthcare, and congested transportation systems naturally lead to high levels of stress for residents.

“When moving, it’s important to consider how a particular city may impact your mental health – not just your financial opportunities.”

The study looked at stress levels using four focus areas: finances, work, family, and health and safety.

WalletHub researchers found that Fremont had the lowest health and safety stress rating and the second-lowest financial stress rating, as the city with the least financial stress among the 182 surveyed is South Burlington, Vermont.

The East Bay city also had the highest median credit score and lowest divorce rate.

WalletHub also ranked Fremont as the happiest city in America in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

But it’s not just the money and security that make the city so laid-back – the city has outdoor attractions to help residents escape the pressures of everyday life.

Fremont’s Central Park offers scenic views of 450 acres in the middle of the city, which is home to about 230,500 residents, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Central Park overlooks Mission Peak Hills and Lake Elizabeth and even has its own lake.

Lake Elizabeth is a man-made structure spanning 80 acres where visitors can swim, boat or explore the perimeter of the lake with a two-mile trail around the water.

The iconic park also has a family attraction hidden inside: a three-acre water park located on Lake Elizabeth.

Aqua Adventure has several waterslides, a pool, and a lazy river. The water park offers swimming lessons, all-inclusive summer camps, and exercise programs for swimmers of all ages.

The noise from the water park doesn’t extend to the Fremont Park Golf Club, a nine-hole, par-32 course surrounded by Central Park and Lake Elizabeth on one side and the rolling hills of Fremont on the other.

If salt water is your preference, Fremont is just a few miles from several beautiful Northern California beaches, including Alameda Beach, across the San Mateo Bridge.

For Fremont visitors looking to spend the day in a big city, San Francisco is just an hour away by BART or car.

Travelers wanting to see more of California can ride the 35-hour Amtrak Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles for less than $100.

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