‘Serene experience’? Bend ranks 74th in US for the most ‘stress-free’ driving, according to Texas car dealer’s survey

Survey notes 'light traffic,' 'well-planned roads'

FRISCO, Texas (KTVZ) -- Driving through some cities and towns in America can often be a frustrating experience, with congestion, aggressive drivers, and endless honking. Take New York City, for example, where traffic jams and blaring horns are a daily reality. Or consider Los Angeles, known for its gridlock and aggressive lane switching on the freeways.

But there’s a different side to the driving experience - one that’s calm, orderly, and downright pleasant, according to a Texas car dealer that conducted a survey to find the nicest cities to drive in the country..

Bend came in at No. 74, according to the survey, sandwiched between Omaha, Nebraska and Flagstaff, Arizona. Eugene was 55th, while Hood River was 84th.

Frisco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram said it carried out a poll of 3,000 seasoned travelers to name the towns and cities that offered them the most stress-free driving experiences -- describing them as "the types of places where drivers are more considerate, roads are less congested, and the journey itself feels like part of the adventure, rather than an obstacle to overcome."

When it came to Bend, they had this to say: "Bend’s picturesque landscapes and light traffic make driving here a serene experience. The city’s well-planned roads allow drivers to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area without stress."

In the study, Frisco CDJR excluded towns with populations under 25,000, recognizing that in such small communities, the driving experience would almost certainly be stress-free by default, potentially skewing the results.

The nation’s top 10 were as follows:

#1 Lewiston, Maine - As a quiet town with plenty of space, Lewiston provides a calming driving experience for locals and visitors alike. The roads are well-maintained, and with minimal traffic, drivers can enjoy smooth journeys along tree-lined streets. Whether commuting or taking a leisurely drive, Lewiston’s layout keeps stress levels low.

#2 Pocatello, Idaho - Known for its friendly and courteous drivers, Pocatello delivers a welcoming driving environment. Its wide streets, combined with a manageable amount of traffic, allow drivers to easily navigate the city. The surrounding nature and expansive roads add to the overall ease of driving.

#3 Savannah, Georgia - Driving through Savannah feels like stepping back in time, where the historic charm of cobblestone streets, shaded by Spanish moss-draped trees, slows everyone down. Traffic is rarely an issue, and drivers take their time, soaking in the beauty of this Southern gem, making driving here feel more like a leisurely tour.

#4 Gillette, Wyoming - With its small-town charm and wide-open roads, Gillette is a stress-free haven for drivers. Traffic is minimal, and the surrounding rural landscapes add a feeling of peace and space. Even during peak hours, drivers encounter little congestion, making it an easy place to navigate.

#5 Topeka, Kansas - Here, you’ll find a laid-back driving experience, as the city has a comfortable, small-town feel despite being the state capital. Traffic jams are rare, and the roads are well-kept, allowing drivers to navigate without worry. Add in a helpful and courteous driving culture, and you have a stress-free environment on the road.

#6 Aberdeen, South Dakota - With wide-open spaces and very light traffic, Aberdeen offers drivers a relaxing experience. The roads here are straight and well-maintained, and you’re unlikely to encounter any congestion, even during busy hours. The slower pace of life is reflected in the driving style, making it a breeze to navigate.

#7 Fargo, North Dakota - Despite its growing population, Fargo retains its Midwestern charm with low traffic volumes and a courteous driving culture. The city’s streets are wide and straight, making it easy to get around without the stress of aggressive driving or traffic jams.

#8 Germantown, Maryland - Germantown, with its suburban sprawl, offers open, wide roads that are rarely crowded. Its well-maintained roads and traffic-light flow ensure that drivers are never stuck in long queues, making for a smooth and relaxed experience behind the wheel.

#9 Casper, Wyoming - Casper’s wide-open spaces and lack of heavy traffic make it a dream for drivers who enjoy the freedom of the road. With little rush to get anywhere fast, and plenty of scenic views to enjoy, Casper is the epitome of stress-free driving.

#10 Newark, Delaware - Newark’s manageable size and light traffic make it a stress-free zone for drivers. The roads are well-maintained, and drivers here follow a slower, more deliberate pace, making the overall driving experience smooth and easy.

Three Oregon cities were included in the top 100:

#55 Eugene
Eugene’s focus on outdoor activities is reflected in its calm driving environment. The roads are clear, and the scenic views of the surrounding forests and rivers add to the peaceful atmosphere.

#74 Bend
Bend’s picturesque landscapes and light traffic make driving here a serene experience. The city’s well-planned roads allow drivers to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area without stress.

#84 Hood River
Hood River’s scenic views and well-maintained roads provide a relaxing driving experience. The town’s outdoor culture extends to its roads, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

"What we found through this study is that in many of these cities, drivers exhibit a level of respect and courtesy toward one another, as well as pedestrians, that is often missing in larger urban areas," said Tyler Letson of Frisco CDJR. "The driving experience in these places is a reminder that patience and consideration on the road can make a world of difference. It's something that drivers in more congested areas could certainly take a few lessons from."