9.  San Jose, CA

least stressed cities san jose ca 2
9
  • Zen factor: Quick commute times, healthy lifestyles
  • Stress factor: High cost of living

For those who can afford to live in this pricey city, life can be pretty carefree.

Home to a wealth of well-paying tech jobs, San Jose's poverty rate is remarkably low at less than 11%. While workers spend an average amount of time on the job, many spend less time getting there compared to the other metro areas CNNMoney analyzed.

Residents are healthy here too, with above-average exercise rates and below-average smoking rates, according to a CDC survey. It's no wonder, thanks to a wealth of green space and sunny weather throughout much of the year.

Related: Hungry, tired and stressed out

"We have miles and miles of creek trails for bike riding and jogging and all sorts of other types of physical activities that people do to stay healthy here," said Michelle McGurk, a spokeswoman for Mayor Chuck Reed.

One thing residents do stress about: steep housing costs. The median home price rose to $631,000 in the first quarter of this year, more than four times the national median of $195,000.

First published June 27, 2014: 12:06 PM ET
Source: See sources and methodology. See the full list.

Partner Offers

Find Homes For Sale

Most Popular

LendingTree