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Best Cities for Introverts in the U.S. According to a Solo Traveler

ByNatalie Rushing

As an introvert, I’m always looking for low-key activities when I travel. Don’t get me wrong–I like to go to festivals and parades too, but I need my alone time to recharge my batteries. I’ve been living as an introverted digital nomad in the U.S. for nearly 4 years now, and some places I’ve lived have been more introvert-friendly than others, and I’ve lived in and visited a lot of places. So if you’re an introvert wondering where you should travel or live, here are my best cities for introverts in the U.S.

What makes a city great for introverts?

Coffee shops where you can mind your own business. For me, I love a place where I can be out among people but not have to socialize. I enjoy sitting in a coffee shop with my laptop-I’m not isolating myself, but no one’s talking to me either. Introvert heaven.

Mid-size and large cities. Most small towns aren’t super introvert-friendly–the people are a little too nosy. If a random introvert stopped in the town where I grew up, those townsfolk would be swarming that person, asking a million questions, maybe inviting them over for sweet tea later.

Not the South. Love you to death, New Orleans, but sometimes I just want to not make eye contact with anyone and not feel like a weirdo about it. You too, Austin.

Nature. Most introvert-friendly places are near beautiful nature–few things are more serene and introvert battery-charging than a mountain hike alone.

Blue Ridge Mountains - why you should visit Asheville

Asheville, NC

Ahhh, the cute mountain town of Asheville, NC. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are right there for quiet drives and solo hikes, and you can go enjoy a craft beer or relax in a coffee shop when you’re done.

A tall, skeletal lighthouse stands in the ocean at sunset, silhouetted against an orange and pink sky with scattered clouds. The lighthouses red light is clearly visible at the top.

Islamorada, FL

Do the Florida Keys sound great to you, but you’re not sure if you’d like the party atmosphere of Key West? Enter Islamorada. You’ll still get everything that makes the Keys great–think spectacular sunsets, water activities, and key lime pie, but in a much quieter place. Plus, Key West isn’t too far of a drive if you want to go check it out (and then leave after).

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

My home for 12 years, Minneapolis-St Paul is filled with lakes, which are perfect for quiet days in nature, plus many great parks and museums that never seem overcrowded. There are also a lot of great coffee shops and cafes to relax and enjoy a solo day, and most people keep to themselves.

A brick walkway lined with adobe buildings and leafless trees is decorated with colorful papel picado banners hanging overhead under a partly cloudy sky.

Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is surpsingly introvert-friendly. There are several great hiking and biking trails, including the Bosque, which stretches along the Rio Grande and is 16 miles long. The coolest coffee shop in New Mexico, Bike In Coffee, is also there–bike or hike right in and enjoy coffee or food in an open-air spot among farm animals. Love!

A street scene at sunset in Santa Fe, New Mexico, features the illuminated facade of a church with twin towers and a large wreath. Cars and people line the street, and a banner for La Fonda Hotel hangs on a lamppost.

Santa Fe, NM

Another great spot in New Mexico. Santa Fe has a lot of amazing art, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Meow Wolf, which are great ways to spend a quiet afternoon solo. It also has a cute downtown with beautiful architecture that’s fun to stroll, and there are several cafes and coffee shops where you can introvert to your heart’s content.

Bright electronic billboards light up Times Square at night, displaying colorful ads, including one for an Aerie sale. Crowds fill the busy streets below—a must-see spot for anyone enjoying SOLO FEMALE travel in NYC.

NYC

Surprised? The most populated city in the U.S. also happens to be very much a solo city, and everyone is usally doing their own thing and keeping to themselves. So if you’re looking to go about your day without the awkward small talk, you’re in good company. You’ll blend right in with the crowd and remain anonymous wherever you go.

Seattle, WA

Seattle is known for having an introverted population (maybe even a little anti-social. Wonder if it’s the weather?). If you want to introvert about and have no one bother you, Seattle is the place to go.

A large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree with blue and white lights stands in the center of a grand, softly lit indoor hall with arched windows and festive garlands. People sit and relax around the tree.

Union Station at Christmastime

Denver, CO

City amenities and anonymity with weekend retreats to the mountains? Yes, please! The Wash Park neighborhood in Denver is one of my favorite places I’ve ever lived.

Final Thoughts: Best Cities for Introverts

Introverts aren’t necessarily hermits (we can be, though). We tend to do well in places where we can keep to ourselves most of the time but still have the option to go out and have fun when the mood strikes us, and where no one bothers us for preferring to keep our heads down. Is that so much to ask?

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