New England Has 2 Of The Hardest Working Cities
WalletHub recently detailed the hardest-working cities in America, and two New England cities made the list. In total, 116 major metro areas were ranked here based on a few determining factors. “Some U.S. cities represent the strong work ethic that helped to build the world’s biggest economy better than others,” WalletHub said.
To compile this ranking, two major categories were established. They are direct work factors and indirect work factors. Then, 11 different metrics within those buckets were analyzed and assigned a score. In total, this report found that Americans put in about 1,811 working hours per year, on average. If you are a business owner or have the option to work remotely from your home, these are two considerations that can often lead to people working more hours.
Boston, MA, and Manchester, New Hampshire, Ranked In The Top 30
Overall, this Hardest Working Cities of 2024 report shows favorable results for New England. Given the amount of major metro areas studied, to have two places in the top third is impressive.
First, at number 21, Manchester, New Hampshire, scored consistently in both the direct and indirect areas. Manchester was just edged out by Nashville, Tennessee, in cracking the top 20. Then, Boston, Massachusetts ranked 30th. However, Boston shined in the indirect work category, finishing as the third-best city in the country here.
In addition, this WalletHub data shows the employment rate across the country since 2009. The news for New England is good here, too. The region is steadily in the higher employment rate graphic.
Finally, while we can certainly claim the label of hard-working citizens in this region, it’s equally as important to allow yourself some time to recharge. “Even though people in the hardest-working cities are the backbone of our economy, they shouldn’t forget to take the occasional break for their mental and physical health,” WalletHub analyst Cassandra Hope concludes.
New England: 4 Of The Best Places For A Weekend Getaway
Wellfleet, Cape Cod
Cape Cod is an obvious location. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, there is perhaps no place that is more popular in Massachusetts. To me, it’s about finding that specific corner of Cape Cod that is right for you. You can camp or find cottages along Cahoon Hallow Road that will enable amazing trips to the beach. Trekking those sand dunes, hitting the three-foot waves (yes, sometimes there are shark warnings), and then getting food at the Beachcomber while listening to the great live music, is my perfect day.
North Conway, New Hampshire
There is never a bad time to visit this charming town. You can ski Cranmore in the winter. Hike, hit the waterfalls, or visit Storyland in the summer. Either way, you will be graced with some amazing local restaurants. In fact, North Conway flies under the radar as one of the best pizza towns in New England. The hotels like Eastern Slope in accommodate any season, and are right in the middle of town where all the bars, restaurants and stores are. This weekend getaway is probably the least “quiet” but has the most amount of options at your fingertips.
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Woodstock, Vermont
The river that runs through Woodstock has a way of speaking to you. It’s serene but can also provide a thrill of pushing you down stream. It’s calming to provide that fresh water cleanse to rid yourself of all that comes with the lights on the city. Lastly, the various rope swings scattered around the town provide a liberating rush. From the climb up the rocks to the swing, to the plunge, you focus on nothing but the joy of that ride. Ramunto’s Brick Oven and Brews is also an essential stop upon each visit.
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Sebago Lake, Maine
Lake life just hits differently. Depending upon where you go around Lake Sebago you get the feeling that nowhere else on the planet exists while you there. Frye Island has the magic of no public cars, local watering holes, and the ability to bike incredible dirt roads. There’s a history there to learn about and local taps to enjoy. It’s common to see jet skiing or pontoon boating anywhere you look within the glistening waters. Furthermore, certain towns offer that one and only general store that has everything you can imagine, from household cleaning supplies to steaks to grill for dinner.
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