Two North Carolina Cities Nationally Recognized For Exemplary Work Life Balance

The older I get the more I prioritize a good healthy work-life balance. Yes, you should give your all when you're on the clock at work. But your downtime is so important as well. Work hard to play hard. But make sure you emphasize that "play". With email and smartphones, it's easy to be "always on" in fact many employers expect you to be. But being always on can lead to overworking, unnecessary stress, and even burnout. It's why personally I do not turn on my work email on my phone unless I am out of the office working. So when I was sent this study about the best cities for work-life balance I was intrigued. And two North Carolina cities did make the top 10 for work life balance nationwide.

That's the good news. The bad news? I don't live in one of the two. This data was shared with us from HowToStartAnLLC.org. They looked at data from the 170 largest cities in the US to create this list of the top 50 cities in America that "provide the best opportunities for work-life balance". Three main categories were analyzed. These included:

And here's what they found. The best overall city for work life balance was Madison, WI. No thank you on that one personally I love snow but I don't think I could do those winters! When it comes to North Carolina it was Raleigh that came in at 6th best. They were followed by Cary (8th) which is a suburb of Raleigh, Durham (13th), and Charlotte at 19th. So Charlotte wasn't terrible though not as great as Raleigh.

I have spent time in both Charlotte and Raleigh and will admit that they both have different "vibes". I can even see how perhaps Raleigh over other North Carolina cities does offer a more positive work life balance. Tech jobs are abundant in the area which pay extremely well, have the work-from-home option, and are known as positive environments to work in. In fact, I have several good friends who work for one specific software company in the area that is known to be one of the best places to work. And the amenities that they have, including unlimited sick/mental health days, screams a positive work life balance.

I think in the coming years we are going to see more of a shift back to boundaries when it comes to the workplace. Employees don't want to work around the clock, and in my opinion they absolutely shouldn't be expected to. I'd even be in favor of 4 10-hour work days leading to an extra "weekend' day. Thanks to our friends at HowToStartAnLLC.org for sharing their research with us. You can read the full study and methodology here.

I just returned to the frigid tundra that is the Carolinas after spending 5 days in the Caribbean sun. And it's a harsh reality! I'm thankful for the time spent but struggling to get back into the swing of things. And I'm really disliking the 6o degree temperature swing. I'm still craving that island lifestyle. And let's face it, who among us doesn't dream of being financially stable enough we can leave the daily grind behind? I always say I wish I could work because I wanted to not because I had to. But I'll have to win the lottery for that to ever be the case. However, if you're lucky enough to be able to slow down and enjoy life you'll be glad to know that not one, not two, not three but FOUR South Carolina towns were named the best to "escape the rat race".

This is according to a study by Joy Organics which named the 150 best US Cities at Towns to "Escape The Rat Race". The towns are in different areas of the Palmetto State, but one thing is for sure they offer a slower pace of life so many of us desire. In contrast, North Carolina only had two places included on the list. We will take the win in this friendly state rivalry this time! JoyOrganics says that the cities and towns on this list are the "most sought-after towns and cities" for "those waiting to distance themselves from the relentless pace of the rat race".

Keep reading to learn a little more about each of these 4 South Carolina cities to escape the rat race and see where they ranked. You can read the full study by JoyOrganics and see the methodology here. And if you can't quit your job and move, maybe even a quick weekend trip will be good for your soul!

Streets lined with live oaks, a rich history, and southern charm what could be a better place to slow down. Aiken is located just across the SC border from Augusta, GA. But this city has a history and a vibe all it's own. Learn more about what Aiken has to offer via Visit Aiken.

This Lowcountry town located on the May River is full of so much of what those wanting to escape the rat race crave. Residents and visitors love the history and culture, landmarks, fantastic cuisine, and of course that southern hospitality you'd expect. Is Bluffton the place for you? Learn more here.

I'm glad to see Georgetown getting some recognition as it's a place I find truly underrated in South Carolina! It's the third oldest city in the state and has a wonderful location between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. You're just a short drive from two completely different atmospheres making almost everything you want easily accessible. Learn more about Georgetown here.

Yeah, that Greenville. (Sorry I had to!) Locals and visitors have been raving about Greenville SC as one of the trendiest cities for a while now. I've still yet to make it down there but it's on the list. The culinary scene, parks, and entertainment are just some of what this thriving city has to offer. Learn more here.