Kansas City is not Stressful (according to Forbes) (Atlanta: homes, unemployment rate) - Missouri (MO) - City-Data Forum

famusdarlin · 09-03-2009, 11:30 AM

According to Forbes Kansas City is ranked 36th when compared to America's largest 40 metro areas. Dallas is also in the 36 spot. The most stressful city is Chicago. #2 is LA, then NYC is #3. The least stressed are #38 Nashville, #39 San Antonia, #40 Austin. I found this interesting given people seem so stressed out lately. I suppose less so in Kansas City if what Forbes says is correct.

The Forbes folks took into consideration; median home price drop, unemployment, cost of living, air quality, number of sunny days, and pop density.

Here is the link to the article. Full List: America's Most Stressful Cities - Forbes.com

What do you think?

GraniteStater · 09-03-2009, 12:52 PM

I think it has to do more with the culture of KC. Many people there seemed to be overly laid back in my opinion. I think it also has to do with the extreme suburban mentality in the metro which could lead to lower stress levels. I don't believe the unemployment aspect for a minute considering the unemployment rate in KC mirrors the national average. Some metros are much worse and some are better with respect to that.

TabulaRasa · 09-03-2009, 07:19 PM

KC is very mellow, in my experience. I lived in Chicago. I loved it, but, yeah, I'd call it more high stress. I'm a small town, rural America person by birth and upbringing, and what I love most about it is the peacefulness. I was glad to find in KC an urban locale that's more toward the peaceful end of the spectrum.

muman · 09-04-2009, 08:13 AM

I guess it depends on what makes you as an individual stressed. Constant nagging and peer-pressure by family and friends about not attending church can be a source of stress for some, and I'd say that's more likely to happen in KC than somewhere that isn't as Bible-Belty. On the other hand, in KC you'll have less problems with traffic jams, etc. Overall, I think it depends on the individual more than the city.

famusdarlin · 09-04-2009, 08:19 AM

Muman, I thought about that as well. Not quite sure if it applies to everyone, but overall I could see their logic. And since stress is such a major concern in this country today maybe this is an encourager (is that a word or did I just make it up

) for people to move to KC. I would love to see more great people make KC their home!

BostonToKC · 09-11-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muman

Overall, I think it depends on the individual more than the city.

I agree with you -- some individuals lead more stressful lives than others -- it all depends on job/life circumstances and not necessarily the place in which you live. A busy type-A professional in KC can experience much more stress than a retired person living on Cape Cod...

That is why I believe these studies are mostly BS with a kernel of truth.... especially Forbes studies...

kcmo · 09-12-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muman

I guess it depends on what makes you as an individual stressed. Constant nagging and peer-pressure by family and friends about not attending church can be a source of stress for some, and I'd say that's more likely to happen in KC than somewhere that isn't as Bible-Belty. On the other hand, in KC you'll have less problems with traffic jams, etc. Overall, I think it depends on the individual more than the city.

So true. I will add that one of the most stressful things for me is driving in KC. I would rather sit in heavy traffic than be forced onto an interstate at 40mph full of semi trucks going 70mph, which seems to happen almost every time I get on the highway in KC.

The church culture is also quite annoying. So far, it's nice not seeing a church every 500 feet here in the DC metro.

TabulaRasa · 09-12-2009, 06:54 PM

I don't think I've ever had ANYBODY in KCMO take me to task over my church attendance or lack thereof, come to think of it.

Then again, I'm also not offended by the mere presence of places of worship.

kcmo · 09-12-2009, 07:32 PM

[quote=TabulaRasa;10730503]I don't think I've ever had ANYBODY in KCMO take me to task over my church attendance or lack thereof, come to think of it.

I didn't mean I was annoyed, that was quite an exaggeration. But there is a very noticeable lack of churches in many larger costal cities compared to what you see in KC and other Midwestern or Texas cities.

Church is a big deal in KC (at least in the burbs) though. Most people have a difficult time scheduling events on weekends etc around church.

darkone · 09-13-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonToKC

I agree with you -- some individuals lead more stressful lives than others -- it all depends on job/life circumstances and not necessarily the place in which you live. A busy type-A professional in KC can experience much more stress than a retired person living on Cape Cod...

That is why I believe these studies are mostly BS with a kernel of truth.... especially Forbes studies...

I agree with you as well. I used to reside in the Mass. and now reside in Atlanta. It really depends on where you live in a particular area/region and what occupation/life situation you are in. The thing to realize is that these "BS studies" are probably partly subsidized by the local chambers of commerce or governments to lure in new residents (and their money).

There might be more bears in the woods of Mass. however.