In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise, finding a peaceful place to call home is a rare and treasured luxury.
Although the occasional blast of music from a passing car is tolerable, the incessant roar of traffic, blaring car horns, and wailing sirens can fray even the toughest urbanite’s nerves. Even those in rural areas aren’t completely free from noise, as the drone of overhead planes can disrupt the tranquility of even the most secluded spots.
So, what’s a stressed homebuyer to do? Seek out a place where serenity is the norm and peace is plentiful.
Noise is one of the top environmental risks, according to the World Health Organization. The organization’s guidelines for community noise recommend “less than 30 A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) in bedrooms during the night for a sleep of good quality.”
Just how loud is that? It sounds like a whisper.
For comparison, city dwellers are regularly exposed to 85 decibels—and that’s just normal background noise. Add a jackhammer or a rumbling truck, and that level shoots way up.
Quiet cities not only offer a peaceful respite from the incessant noise, but they also boost residents’ overall health.
Studies from the Environmental Protection Agency and Harvard Medicine Magazine note the links between noise and stress-related illnesses.
The research shows that noise pollution can have tangible negative effects on human health, from high blood pressure to cardiovascular and metabolic issues or even hearing loss, depending on the volume and frequency.
Noise pollution can also disrupt sleep, reduce productivity, and affect mental health with an increased risk of mood swings.
Where to escape the noise
To find out where homebuyers can find some peace and quiet, Realtor.com® combined data that scores areas on the level of nearby noise from Local Logic, a data clearinghouse for neighborhood analytics, with listing data, focusing on cities with high quietness scores and varying real estate price ranges.
Some—though not all—of the top-scoring places are quite pricey, revealing there is a premium for peace. To counter that, we also searched for affordable locations where tranquility doesn’t break the bank.
By and large, the quietest areas all feature a fantastic amenity: nature.
“Some of these places really seem like great options for people looking for solitude, whether it be in the mountains, by a lake, by the ocean, for people who prefer that to the hustle and bustle of a large metro area,” says Hannah Jones, a senior economist at Realtor.com.
Putting budgets aside, the most tranquil locations are scenic and coastal with an abundance of natural beauty. For instance, in Bald Head Island, NC, where the median list price is nearly $2 million, residents can enjoy an island lifestyle where cars are prohibited. (The median list price for a home in July was $439,950.)
“A lot of these places are near bodies of water, whether that’s a lake or an ocean,” Jones notes. Noise levels tend to be lower “if you’re surrounded on at least one side by water.”
For the places without a shoreline, Jones says, “they’re quite remote, far from metro areas and large roads, which helps with noise pollution.”
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However, tranquility doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Several locations offer peace and quiet without the premium cost, including Holly Lake Ranch, TX, which has a median list price of $279,000.
“It’s a masterplan community—an unincorporated gated golf course community,” Jones says. “It’s going to appeal to retirees,” an obvious target demographic for quiet communities.
All in all, the quietest areas tend to be small in population—as you might expect. For instance, Bald Head Island has a population of just 276, making it one of the smallest—and most exclusive—places on our list.
Ready for some peace and quiet? Check out America’s quietest places to live.
America’s best quiet cities—with steep price tags
1. Bald Head Island, NC
Median list price: $1,996,000
Population: 276
With cars prohibited, residents and visitors get around using golf carts and bicycles. This policy helps preserve the island’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
2. Tavernier, FL
Median list price: $962,500
Population: 2,261
Located in Florida’s Upper Keys, Tavernier offers a laid-back lifestyle in the natural beauty of the Everglades and the coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
3. Crestone, CO
Median list price: $409,500
Population: 139
The mountain town provides a stark contrast to bustling urban life. Crestone offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection at less than the national median list price.
The town is known for its spiritual centers and retreats, making it a haven for those seeking tranquility and spiritual growth.
“You’ve got mountains on one side and desert on the other,” Jones says. “The nearest town is Colorado Springs, but that’s a few mountain passes away.”
4. Green Valley Lake, CA
Median list price: $401,450
Population: 324
For those who prefer the charm of a small village, this retreat is nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. This quaint community is surrounded by pine forests and a peaceful lake, providing an ideal setting for nature lovers.
5. Rio Verde, AZ
Median list price: $849,350
Population: 2,422
With desert landscapes, tranquility is a way of life. The median list price makes this one of the pricier locations, but this city offers stunning vistas and a quiet environment perfect for retirees and those looking to escape the noise of city life.
The area is close to golf courses and hiking, providing a serene backdrop for an active lifestyle.
Quietest cities in America with homes priced below average
1. Holly Lake Ranch, TX
Median list price: $279,000
Population: 2,523
The area offers a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by piney woods and serene lakes. The community has quick access to fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
2. Greenbackville, VA
Median list price: $331,702
Population: 43
This small town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia—the smallest town on our list—is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, with plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing on Chincoteague Bay.
3. Lewiston, MI
Median list price: $249,900
Population: 869
The area has an abundance of lakes and outdoor activities, and the median list price is almost half of the national price.
4. Horseshoe Bend, AR
Median list price: $139,900
Population: 2,524
A charming city located in the Ozark Mountains, Horseshoe Bend features a picturesque landscape and a 640-acre lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
