Stress. We all have it, but the past few years have really ramped it up. From a pandemic to inflation, natural disasters, and crime rates, it's been a wild ride. But there's some good news to come out of our corner of the country. Two of our local gems, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine, are living the good life, and just ranked in the top 10 least-stressed cities in the US.

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WalletHub crunched the numbers, comparing over 180 cities on everything from work hours to divorce rates. Turns out, where you live can seriously affect your stress levels. High crime, weak economies, and bad public health are all major stressors. Nashua and Portland? They're basically stress-free zones... well, compared to the rest of the country.

First off, Nashua came in at #8 with some seriously-low crime rates, so you can leave your door unlocked (okay, maybe don't do that, but you get the point). Plus, it’s like one big park with all its green spaces.

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Then there's Portland, Maine, right behind Nashua at #9. It's the hipster haven of the north. With its killer food scene, breweries everywhere, and that salty ocean air, it’s hard not to naturally chill out. Portland’s got a solid job market too, which makes it easier to actually afford all that craft beer without stressing about next month’s rent. And those ocean views? Priceless.

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But it’s not just the local charm. Both Nashua and Portland boast efficient public transportation and low unemployment rates – more time to enjoy life and less time to stress out.

Also ranking very high on the list is South Burlington, Vermont, all the way up at #3. Despite our longer-than-preferred winters, it appears we're doing alright up here in Northern New England.

Source: WalletHub

35 Maine Restaurants That are Worth a Long Drive to Get to

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's great restaurants, cafes, pubs and bakeries that are worth a long drive to get to.

These great spots can be found across the state and waiting for you to give them a try.

How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

These 9 New Hampshire Restaurants Named Best in the Country By America's Best Restaurants

Each restaurant will have a featured episode on 'America's Best Restaurants'

Gallery Credit: Jadd

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