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The Cities with the Best Commutes in Each State (2026)
Commuting to work can often be a tedious task, whether it’s a quick 15-minute drive or a long hour-and-a-half trek. Traffic congestion is a common frustration, and the overall experience can be further complicated by distractions, from family chatter to endless radio commercials, making those minutes stretch. However, not all commutes are created equal.
By analyzing commute times across over 4,000 cities, we have identified which locations offer the shortest and most efficient commutes in the United States.
Top 10 Cities for Short Commutes
- Clarkston, Georgia
- Marysville, Ohio
- Rogers, Minnesota
- Rapid Valley, South Dakota
- Jasper, Indiana
- Augusta, Maine
- Francisville, Kentucky
- Asheboro, North Carolina
- Livingston, California
- Plover, Wisconsin
These ten cities offer the promise of shorter, more pleasant commutes, helping you reclaim valuable time in your day. Say goodbye to long, stressful drives and hello to a more relaxed morning routine.
Explore the best city with the shortest commute in each state below.
How We Determined This
To find the city in each state with the best commute, we ranked over 4,000 cities based on their one-way average commute times. We then identified the city in each state that boasted the shortest commute.
While factors such as traffic patterns, available entertainment options, and family logistics can influence your commute experience, the amount of time spent commuting remains the most significant aspect for most people. Some of these cities have remarkably short commutes (with seven cities clocking in at under 6 minutes!), making other inconveniences negligible.
Our commute time data is sourced from the latest Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS).
1. Clarkston, Georgia
One-Way Commute: 5.3 minutes
If you’re seeking a better commute, Clarkston, Georgia is the place to be. With an average one-way commute of just 5.3 minutes, you’ll find plenty of time for a coffee stop or even a few extra minutes of sleep!
2. Marysville, Ohio
One-Way Commute: 5.3 minutes
Tied with Clarkston for the best commute is Marysville, Ohio, also boasting a 5.3-minute commute. You might even forgo your morning coffee to enjoy a few more minutes of sleep!
3. Rogers, Minnesota
One-Way Commute: 5.5 minutes
The third-best commute can be found in Rogers, Minnesota, with an average one-way commute of just 5.5 minutes, ensuring your morning remains stress-free.
4. Rapid Valley, South Dakota
One-Way Commute: 5.6 minutes
Rapid Valley, South Dakota, offers the fourth-best commute in the U.S., with an average one-way commute of just 5.6 minutes — so quick you could almost do it in your sleep!
5. Jasper, Indiana
One-Way Commute: 5.6 minutes
If you’re looking for a short commute, Jasper, Indiana is the place for you. With a one-way commute of just 5.6 minutes, you’ll have ample time to catch up on your favorite social media before work.
6. Augusta, Maine
One-Way Commute: 5.6 minutes
Tied with Rapid Valley for the fourth-best commute, Augusta, Maine offers a quick 5.6-minute drive, allowing for a leisurely morning coffee stop.
7. Francisville, Kentucky
One-Way Commute: 5.8 minutes
For those seeking a quick commute, Francisville, Kentucky ranks seventh with a commendable 5.8-minute commute. It’s a great spot to consider for a potential move!
8. Asheboro, North Carolina
One-Way Commute: 6.0 minutes
Asheboro, North Carolina, offers a stress-free commute, coming in as the eighth-best in the country with an average drive of just 6 minutes.
9. Livingston, California
One-Way Commute: 6.2 minutes
With an average commute of just 6.2 minutes, Livingston, California offers a seamless commute, giving you extra time for what really matters.
10. Plover, Wisconsin
One-Way Commute: 6.2 minutes
Rounding out the top ten is Plover, Wisconsin, which also has a commendable 6.2-minute commute. It’s certainly a desirable place for those looking to minimize travel time.
Vroom, Vroom
Traffic, honking, and annoying commercials can turn what should be a simple commute into a stressful experience. Fortunately, these cities stand out for their short commute times, allowing for a more enjoyable start to your day.
These ten cities can help alleviate your commuting stress. Ready to hit the road? Check out the cities with the best commutes in each state below!
Cities with the Best Commutes in Each State
| State | City | One-Way Commute |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Millbrook | 8 |
| Alaska | Juneau | 9 |
| Arizona | Valencia West | 8 |
| Arkansas | Paragould | 7 |
| California | Livingston | 6 |
| Colorado | Glenwood Springs | 8 |
| Connecticut | Wallingford Center | 9 |
| Delaware | Dover | 11 |
| Florida | Palmetto Estates | 6 |
| Georgia | Clarkston | 5 |
| Hawaii | Ewa Gentry | 9 |
| Idaho | Twin Falls | 8 |
| Illinois | Columbia | 7 |
| Indiana | Jasper | 5 |
| Iowa | Le Mars | 6 |
| Kansas | Gardner | 7 |
| Kentucky | Francisville | 5 |
| Louisiana | West Monroe | 6 |
| Maine | Augusta | 5 |
| Maryland | Mount Airy | 7 |
| Massachusetts | Greenfield Town | 8 |
| Michigan | Grand Haven | 7 |
| Minnesota | Rogers | 5 |
| Mississippi | Starkville | 7 |
| Missouri | Lake St. Louis | 8 |
| Montana | Helena | 7 |
| Nebraska | La Vista | 8 |
| Nevada | Spring Creek | 8 |
| New Hampshire | Dover | 7 |
| New Jersey | Beachwood | 7 |
| New Mexico | Los Alamos | 8 |
| New York | Eggertsville | 7 |
| North Carolina | Asheboro | 6 |
| North Dakota | Mandan | 7 |
| Ohio | Marysville | 5 |
| Oklahoma | Miami | 9 |
| Oregon | Bethany | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | Shiloh | 7 |
| Rhode Island | Newport East | 9 |
| South Carolina | Lake Wylie | 7 |
| South Dakota | Rapid Valley | 5 |
| Tennessee | Elizabethton | 8 |
| Texas | Plainview | 6 |
| Utah | Woods Cross | 8 |
| Vermont | Essex Junction | 8 |
| Virginia | Falls Church | 6 |
| Washington | Sunnyside | 6 |
| West Virginia | South Charleston | 9 |
| Wisconsin | Plover | 6 |
| Wyoming | Jackson | 6 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
