Do You Live in the Friendliest City in America? Find Out Here…
Whether you hail from Texas or grew up pounding the pavement of New York, every town, city and borough has its own distinct feel and reputation. With the annual Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey out, everyone in the U.S. of A. now knows which cities are the friendliest and which cities are least likely to say, “Welcome!” as you stroll into town. Where does your hometown rank? Keep readin’ to find out!
Coming in at number five on the friendly roster is New Orleans. Although they have seen their fair share of heartache and hard times, the enduring souls of NOLA keep on smiling and saying, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” With great jazz, delicious cajun cuisine and one of the most famous costume parties ever, New Orleans is an all-around winner.
When your town looks like someone brought a miniaturized winter wonderland to life, how could you not be happy? Telluride, Colorado ranks at number four on the friendly list, and we’re pretty sure everyone in this sleepy, snow-covered town is on Santa’s nice list, too.
With history, culture and good eats all around, San Antonio, Texas, lands at number three on the list. Plus, who doesn’t love a good marg?
From Southern food that makes you never want to leave to local guides sporting seersucker, Savannah, Georgia has hospitality in buckets. Visitors can stroll down the river while sipping on a glass of sweet tea and feel like they’ve traveled back in time. This gem of a city is runner up at number two.
So who wins friendliest city for 2014? The honor goes to the quaint, charming, Southern city of Charleston, South Carolina. The beautiful architecture, lovely beaches and genuinely friendly people have helped Charleston claim the number 1 spot for friendliest city two years in a row! We will definitely be adding this coastal city to our travel bucket list.
While these cities ranked at the top for their smiles, charm and hospitality, there are a few other cities that could takes some pointers on welcoming visitors to their doorstep. The list of unfriendliest cities starts with New Haven, Connecticut at number five and gives the infamous title of unfriendliest to Newark, New Jersey.
We have the full list of superlatives for you below.
Friendliest Cities in the United States
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Savannah, Georgia
3. San Antonio, Texas
4. Telluride, Colorado
5. New Orleans
6. Fort Worth, Texas
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
= 8. Key West, Florida
= 8. Nashville
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Unfriendliest Cities in the United States
1. Newark, New Jersey
2. Oakland, California
3. Hartford, Connecticut
4. Atlantic City, New Jersey
5. New Haven, Connecticut
6. Detroit
7. Los Angeles
8. The Hamptons, New York
9. Wilmington, Delaware
10. Miami
So, what do you think? Does your city deserve a spot on the friendly roster? Did your city end up on the naughty list? Share your thoughts on your hometown below!
(h/t CNN, images via Condé Nast)