What Are the Best Places for Introverts to Live?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
The three best states in the US for introverts are West Virginia, Maine, and Wyoming. The three best countries for introverts are Lithuania, Chile, and Algeria.

If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful place to live, in this guide I cover the best places for introverts. You’ll get inspiration both for destinations in the United States as well as globally.

I’m an introvert myself, so I greatly enjoyed putting this article together, knowing very well what an introvert would want in a place to live (and what they wouldn’t want).

Consequently, I’m not recommending the same big cities that other rankings do (such as Portland, Salt Lake City or Colorado Springs). Rather, I rely on research and my own experiences as an introvert.

What Makes a Place Great for Introverts?

When conducting your own research, focus on such priorities for introverts as:

• A high share of population who identify as introverts—this is by far the most important factor that makes a place introvert-friendly. Why? Because if there are more introverts than extroverts, then most likely the local atmosphere reflects that, as well. If most residents love spending time partying then it probably won’t be a great fit for an introvert.
• Low population density. The higher the population density, the less space you have for yourself and the less likely it is to find a quiet place. A small town is usually better than a big city. Introverts can live in the city but I’d focus on quiet, residential neighborhoods with easy access to less populated areas (such as a coastline, river, forest, etc.).
• Low stimulation and an ease of getting out of the city, so a sprawling agglomeration like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco is out of the question. A great city for introverts, at least for me, needs to be easy not only for living there but also for leaving it whenever you want to get away. My assumption is that most introverts like to spend free time in nature. It has to be convenient and relatively fast to get to a place where you can enjoy natural beauty whenever you feel like doing so.
• Natural beauty, both urban-wise as well as in the surrounding areas. Introverts are usually more sensitive, so looking for a beautiful city makes sense for higher life satisfaction. Living in a peaceful, relaxing AND attractive place is ideal.
• Easy access to nature, ideally a national park with hiking and biking trails and amazing outdoor activities to be enjoyed solo or in a small group. Best cities for introverts need to offer various options to enjoy nature.
• Peaceful streets without constant noise so that you can have a quiet time not only at home but also while driving, biking, or walking through the city.
• Quiet places to spend time when you’re not at home. This includes quaint coffee shops to choose from, amazing restaurants, eccentric little shops, attractive plazas, libraries, etc.

What Are the Best Places for Introverts to Live?

Let’s get to the core of this article and cover the best places for introverts in the United States and the world. I’ll start with the best US states, then we’ll go into the best cities for introverts also in the US. Later we’ll go international and cover the best countries for introverts.

Best States for Introverts

According to a personality test website called 16Personalities.com that has data from 40 million respondents worldwide, the top ten most introverted states in the US are (the percentage indicates how many more introverts there are compared to extroverts):

1. West Virginia (+6.51% Introverted)

West Virginia is known for a wide range of outdoor activities such as winter sports, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and more. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the state. If you enjoy spending time in nature, particularly in the mountains, this may be your best option.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 35th in population density and 40th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in West Virginia.

2. Maine (+6.35% Introverted)

Maine is the most rural state of all the 50 states. Its wild, rocky Atlantic Coast provides many quiet places for introverts to recharge. Maine is also the most forested state in the United States, with over 80% of its total land forested. If you want to live in a state where you can disappear in a cabin in the woods, Maine is your best bet.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 44th in population density and 43rd in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in Maine.

3. Wyoming (+5.86% Introverted)

Despite being the 10th largest state by area, Wyoming is the least populous US state. Roughly half of the state is covered by the Rocky Mountains, with the other half is high-elevation prairie. Wyoming is home to two phenomenal national parks: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Wyoming is the least populated and one of the least densely populated states in the US. Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 55th in population density (only Alaska is less densely populated) and 52nd in population (it’s the least populated state in the United States).

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in Wyoming.

4. Alaska (+5.72% Introverted)

Alaska is by many considered to be the stereotypical destination for introverts. If you want to get away from it all, Alaska, with its extremely low population density, is by far the best option. The remoteness of the state and the phenomenal wilderness all around make it one of the most livable states for introverts who love their own company (and don’t mind cold weather).

Alaska is the third least populous and by far the least densely populated state in the US. Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 56th in population density and 49th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in Alaska.

5. South Dakota (+4.81% Introverted)

South Dakota’s rural character, largely agricultural economy, and the endless grasslands provide a perfect escape for introverts. Black Hills National Forest is a large, mountainous area for those who want to get lost among the ponderosa pines. The Missouri River flowing through the state provides various activities and opportunities for weekend getaways.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 52nd in population density and 47th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in South Dakota.

6. Montana (+4.55% Introverted)

Montana boasts one of the most pristine, spectacular wilderness areas in the United States: Glacier National Park. It also has several large national forests. Needless to say, there are countless outdoor activities introverts can choose from. Because of its largely agricultural character, you’ll always find vast, open areas with nobody around.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 54th in population density (only Wyoming and Alaska have lower population density) and 45th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in Montana.

7. New Hampshire (+4.27% Introverted)

New Hampshire is one of the wealthiest and safest states, known for its quaint New England towns where every introvert will feel like at home. It’s more developed than many other states on this list. Still, it offers many getaways for introverts such as the White Mountain National Forest.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 27th in population density and 42nd in population so it’s much more densely populated than other states on this list.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in New Hampshire.

8. North Dakota (+4.18% Introverted)

While Bismarck and Fargo are two of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, the state is still largely rural. North Dakota is the third flattest state after Illinois and Florida. The notable exception is Theodore Roosevelt National Park with its vast, wild badlands where every introvert will find a place to recharge.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 53th in population density (only Montana, Wyoming and Alaska have lower population density) and 48th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in North Dakota.

9. Vermont (+4.07% Introverted)

Vermont is the second least populous state in the United States after Wyoming. It’s also one of the smallest states by area. Vermont takes its nickname of The Green Mountain State from its heavily forested landscape of the Green Mountains. If you’re looking for a small state with few residents (even the most populous city, Burlington, has only 45,000 residents), Vermont may be a good option for you.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 37th in population density and 51st in population (only Wyoming has fewer inhabitants).

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in Vermont.

10. New Mexico (+3.79% Introverted)

New Mexico is one of the largest states by size. Despite its stereotype as a mostly arid desert, it has one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. Consequently, New Mexico provides a nice balance between urban areas and a variety of quiet getaways from deserts and grasslands to mesas and alpine, snow-capped peaks.

Out of 56 states and US territories, it ranks 51st in population density and 37th in population.

I wrote an article covering the warmest cities in New Mexico.

Best Cities in America for Introverts

Given the introverted tendencies of the ten states we’ve just covered, it only makes sense that the most introverted cities in the United States are located in the most introverted states.

Of course, there may be introvert-friendly oases in states that tend to be less introverted. But let’s focus only on the most livable cities in the most introverted states. These are not necessarily the best cities for introverts specifically but rather overall the best cities to live in each given state.

I decided to go with one best place from each state according to a ranking and review site Niche.com. When mentioning the grades for each place, I excluded nightlife which isn’t important for introverts.

Note that while introverts share many personal attributes, not every introvert is the same. The provided below best cities for introverts may not suit everyone but I hope they’ll at least give you some ideas on where to look.

1. Bridgeport, West Virginia

The small town of Bridgeport, with less than 10,000 inhabitants, is the best place to live in West Virginia. It’s rated highly for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, and health & fitness. With how introverted the state is, Bridgeport is one of the best cities for introverts in the entire country.

For those who want to get away to an even more peaceful place, the forested Tygart Lake State Park is just a 30-minute drive away.

2. Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Another small town on the list (about 10,000 residents) is a part of a larger metropolitan Portland area. But don’t worry—it has a rural feel and the rocky coastline with its many state parks will provide countless places to be alone.

The town has excellent grades for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, crime & safety, and health & fitness. With all the forests in Maine, Cape Elizabeth is one of the best cities for introverts who want to enjoy some outdoor sports or solitude in the wilderness.

3. Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie is a town in Wyoming with a population of a little over 30,000 people. It boasts great grades for public schools, good for families, health & fitness and commute. Given its larger size, it’s one of the best cities for introverts looking for something slightly bigger but still with a small town feel.

Laramie is about an hour away by car from an expansive Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest where every introvert will find peace and solitude.

4. South Addition, Anchorage, Alaska

The neighborhood of South Addition in Anchorage is a very quiet and peaceful residential area with easy access to parks and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Even though Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska (it has almost 300,000 residents), you won’t feel that in South Addition (population around 5,000 people).

The neighborhood gets high grades for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities, health & fitness, and commute.

5. Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

Dakota Dunes is a residential and commercial development located between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River, just a few miles west of downtown Sioux City, Iowa. It has a population of about 4,000 people and scores high on housing, good for families, and jobs.

If you love spending time by the water, the two rivers surrounding the area will provide countless opportunities for quality alone time. For those who like golf, the development also has a country club.

6. Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is a fast-growing small city of a little over 50,000 inhabitants. It’s an attractive place for outdoorsy introverts because it provides easy access to trails for hiking, mountain biking and skiing.

It gets high grades for public schools, good for families, outdoor activities (so many mountains nearby!), health & fitness, and commute.

7. Hanover, New Hampshire

Hanover is a small college town with a little over 11,000 residents. It’s located along the Connecticut River that separates New Hampshire from Vermont. Hanover is home to the Ivy League university Dartmouth College. Some small state forests (Cardigan Mountain State Forest and Gile State Forest) are within a 40-minute drive from the town.

If you’re looking for an introvert-friendly college town, Hanover may be your best bet. It boasts excellent grades for public schools, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, crime & safety, health & fitness, and commute.

8. Longfellow, Fargo, North Dakota

Longfellow is a residential neighborhood of Fargo. It borders the Red River on the east, with a trail that parallels the river throughout the city. It has a population of a little over 2,500 residents while Fargo has a little over 125,000.

Longfellow gets very high grades for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, and health & fitness. About an hour by car from Fargo there’s Sheyenne National Grassland, a vast open prairie area where you’ll surely find solitude.

9. Norwich, Vermont

Norwich is a small town of almost 4,000 residents, many of which commute across the Connecticut River to Hanover, New Hampshire (also featured on this list). Because both towns are so close to each other, they offer virtually the same amenities. The main difference is that Norwich is quieter and has a more rural feel.

Norwich gets superb grades for public schools, housing, good for families, outdoor activities, health & fitness, and commute. It’s a quintessential small New England town.

10. Los Alamos, New Mexico

Los Alamos is a town of a little over 13,000 inhabitants known as being the creation place of the atomic bomb. Today, with its diverse, mountainous geography, it provides countless places to practice outdoor sports such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, rafting, and more.

The town gets excellent grades for public schools, housing, good for families, jobs, outdoor activities, diversity, weather, health & fitness, and commute (most Niche.com grades are A+ or A).

This concludes the list of the best cities for introverts in the US. Note that there are many cities that would fit the bill but in this article I can’t cover them all. Let’s look globally now and see which countries are the most introverted. I’ll also give some suggestions on the most livable cities for introverts in these destinations.

Most Introverted Countries in the World

According to a personality test website called 16Personalities.com that has data from 40 million respondents worldwide, the top ten most introverted countries in the world are (the percentage indicates how many more introverts there are compared to extroverts):

1. Lithuania (+11.19% Introverted)

16Personalities.com data suggests that Lithuania is the world’s most introverted country. Lithuania is a small European country in the Baltic region. It has less than 3 million residents. It has one of the lowest population density in Europe and one of the lowest globally, too (176th out of 247 countries and dependencies; for comparison, the United States ranks 81st).

Lithuania has only 4 cities with population higher than 100,000 inhabitants. Even in its capital, Vilnius, you’ll surely find many quiet streets and places to recharge. Apart from the cities, there’s plenty of smaller towns and countryside to choose from. If I were to pick a place to live in Lithuania, I’d choose a place close to the port city of Klaipėda.

2. Chile (+10.92% Introverted)

Chile is the southernmost country in the world. It occupies a long and narrow strip of land featuring diverse climates: from dry deserts in the north, a Mediterranean climate, and humid subtropical (in the remote Easter Island) to tundra and glaciers. The country has a population of about 20 million people and ranks 85th for population density.

According to data, Chile is the second most introvert-friendly country in the world.

Apart from the country’s bustling metropolitan area of Santiago (where almost half of the population lives), other cities and regions of Chile are less populated. If I were to choose where to live in Chile, I’d go with one of the coastal towns close to Viña del Mar.

Chile is also one of the best places to live in for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Algeria (+10.29% Introverted)

Algeria is a North African country with a long Mediterranean coastline and a very sparsely populated Saharan desert interior. Algeria is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, ranking 209th out of 247. Its population is around 45 million people. Algeria ranks as the third best country for introverts to live in.

Unless you’re an extreme introvert who wants to be left alone, your best option in Algeria is its more developed northern part. Whether by the coast or in the mountains, you’ll find there many quiet cities and towns. If I were looking for a place to live in Algeria, I would find a mix of a local and resort town by the Mediterranean coast.

4. Faroe Islands (+10.22% Introverted)

Faroe Islands is a tiny island country of 54,000 inhabitants that belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. This rugged place is located in the North Atlantic and features a windy, wet, cloudy, and cool climate. The remoteness and unpleasant weather may make it a perfect place for an introvert who wants to live far away from other people.

Faroe Islands rank 184th out of 247 in population density. They comprise of 18 major islands, some of which have a population of just a few dozen to a few hundred people. Streymoy is the largest and most populated island of the archipelago. That’s where I’d choose to live if I were considering living in the Faroe Islands. The country is already so remote that I’d prefer to live on the most populated island.

5. Brazil (+9.85% Introverted)

I have to admit that I was surprised to see Brazil being so introverted in the 16Personalities.com ranking. Its laid back vibe and a party culture would make you think it’s an extroverted country. However, more than 240,000 Brazilians participated in the survey so the sample size is large enough to trust the data.

Brazil is one of the most populous countries in the world, with over 215 million people. Because of its huge size, it ranks 194th out of 247 in population density. While Brazil is home to many of the world’s largest urban agglomerations, it also has quieter cities and towns. If I were to live in Brazil, I’d choose the southern tip of the Santa Catarina Island for its nature and safety. I’d have access to the large city of Florianópolis but I’d live sufficiently far away from its hustle and bustle.

6. Poland (+9.66% Introverted)

Poland has over 38 million inhabitants. It’s one of the more densely populated countries in the world, ranking 34th out of 247. It’s the most densely populated country on this list. Poland offers a variety of landscapes to choose from, from the long Baltic coast, forested eastern region of the country, and the industrialized south to the mountains.

I’m from Poland. I can attest that Poland, despite its population density, is an introvert-friendly place (assuming you don’t live in a big city like Warsaw or Cracow). The best places to live for introverts in Poland include smaller towns close to Tricity (easy access to long beaches), the entire region of Podlachia (lots of forests), and countless towns in the mountains.

7. Finland (+9.3% Introverted)

With extremely low population density (215th out of 247) and more than 75% forest cover, Finland is no surprise on this list. To me, it’s a quintessential introvert country. Curiously, it’s frequently ranked as the happiest country in the world.

Except for the country’s bustling capital, Helsinki, any other Finnish city should be a great city for introverts. If I were to choose, I’d live close to the city of Espoo which gives easy access to Nuuksio National Park (it would be so fun to watch Siberian flying squirrels that live there!).

8. Portugal (+9.3% Introverted)

Considering that Portugal is surrounded by Spain, many people would assume that Portugal would lean toward extroversion. But in reality, Portugal has a very different culture, which in my experience is more introspective. Portugal has over 10 million inhabitants and ranks 41st out of 247 in population density. It also has the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.

Lisbon (considered the best city of Portugal) and Porto attract so many tourists that I wouldn’t recommend these places for introverts. If I were to live in Portugal, I’d choose to live on the island of Madeira (but not in its main city of Funchal). I visited there for a week and greatly enjoyed the nature as well as the quiet countryside. If one wanted even more seclusion, the Azores would be an even better choice.

9. Argentina (+9.13% Introverted)

Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil but has a much smaller population. Over 47 million people live in Argentina. It ranks right after Finland in population density, 216th out of 247 countries and dependencies. The country has a variety of diverse climates to choose from, with lots of wild areas and places where introverts can easily recharge.

Considering that the country’s capital city, Buenos Aires, is the most visited city in South America, I’d advise introverts to look for smaller cities. I’d consider the province of Salta in northwestern Argentina for its great sunny weather and easy access to remote areas.

10. Uruguay (+8.76% Introverted)

Uruguay is the most prosperous country in Latin America. With its population of about 3.5 million people, of whom 2 million live in the metropolitan area of Montevideo, the rest of the country is sparsely populated. Uruguay ranks 206th out of 247 in population density.

If I were to find a place to live in Uruguay, I’d choose the suburbs or a small town close to the resort city of Punta del Este on the Atlantic Coast. It would provide the best of both worlds: easy access to nature as well as a developed infrastructure for shopping, restaurants, etc.

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