The 10 Friendliest Cities in the U.S.
For years, we’ve asked our readers to rate a city’s “friendliness” in the Readers’ Choice Awards, focusing on where you felt welcome when you traveled. Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Was the city easy to navigate? Did you simply get good vibes from the people around you? For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, we called on all of you to rank the friendliest cities in the U.S.—here are the 10 US cities you loved the most for their people this year.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Courtesy Matt Chenet/Visit Alexandria10. Alexandria, Virginia
With a charming brick-lined Old Town, a beautiful waterfront, and convenient metro access for commuting to nearby Washington, D.C., the Northern Virginia city of Alexandria has long drawn young professionals and families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere than what you’d find in the nation's capital. Now the tourists are coming to get in on the fun, too, drawn to the great shopping, dining, and arts community (check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center). A big plus: Alexandria is especially dog-friendly, which we think might contribute to people’s overall sense of well-being.
Ron Dylewski/Unsplash9. Savannah, Georgia
Earning the top spot among the friendliest cities in the U.S., Savannah made quite an impression on travelers this past year. It’s hard to say what exactly makes the locals here so happy. It may be the city’s robust, unapologetically Southern food scene. It could also be the slew of independent bookstores and treasure-riddled antique shops. Or perhaps the gorgeous public parks are what keep the pep in people’s step. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: This historic city in Georgia should definitely be on your list.
Karl Weatherly/Getty8. Pensacola, Florida
If you lived next to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the country, you’d probably be a little friendlier, right? That seems to be the case with the residents of Pensacola, a city that made its debut on our friendliest cities list this year. Head to Pensacola Beach on the barrier Santa Rosa Island to see what all the fuss is about, then head back to the mainland to chat with locals at seafood restaurants and niche museums.
Sean Pavone/Getty7. Charleston, South Carolina
Enjoy full-on Southern hospitality at its finest in Charleston, a small coastal city that has it all. Visitors often come for the historic sites like Fort Sumter and The Citadel—and stay for the impressive culinary scene. Plus, with Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms just outside the city limits, the beach is only a short drive away. But the cherry on top is the friendly community that always makes out-of-towners feel welcome.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
Pavliha/Getty6. Santa Fe, New Mexico
For the better part of the last century, Santa Fe has been irresistible to creative types (Georgia O’Keeffe lived here, after all) drawn to its impressive natural landscapes and wide open spaces. It continues its artistic legacy today, with nearly 300 art galleries in the adobe buildings that line its streets. The friendly residents aren’t just artsy, though—because the city attracts such a diverse range of people, you see it reflected in its dining scene and elsewhere. With an array of excellent chefs, Santa Fe is perhaps known foremost for its New Mexican cuisine, but you can find everything from Mediterranean to Kenyan restaurants.
Jon Mattrisch/Getty5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s biggest city is often referred to as Chicago’s little sister—and like all youngest siblings, it demands attention. Voted one of the best large cities in the U.S. this year, Milwaukee also stands out for its friendliness—it has some of that famous “Midwest nice” you’ve heard about, sure, but its growing arts scene and increasing popularity among young people are major factors. Check out our guide for the best things to do in Milwaukee and start planning your next trip to the 414.
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f11photo4. Indianapolis, Indiana
It may be known as “Naptown,” but Indianapolis is anything but sleepy. In the past decade or so, this Midwest hub has become a bonafide foodie destination, thanks in large part to Jonathan Brooks’ Milktooth making headlines in late 2014. Since then, local chefs and restaurateurs have put their mark on everything from Asian street food to Italian classics. Could it be that Indianapolis is friendly because it’s so well-fed? You might as well visit yourself to find out.
Dennis MacDonald / Alamy Stock Photo3. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington might be the Horse Capital of the World, home to the Kentucky Horse Park and the Keeneland Race Course, but the horses are only one part of the picture. Thanks to its location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Lexington has distilleries (of course) but also spectacular dining to pair with your cocktails. Despite being the state’s second-largest city by population, Lexington has a small-town community atmosphere, which we attribute to the friendly locals.
- Readers' Choice Awards2024 Readers' Choice Awards Survey
SFrame Photo/Getty2. Rochester, New York
While you may be tempted to zoom past Rochester on their way to the Finger Lakes, the third-largest city in New York begs travelers to linger for a while with its historical sites, restaurants, and incredible museums. But one of the city’s greatest assets is its friendly population. As you stroll past happy residents hanging out on their front porches or chatting with neighbors on the sidewalk, you may be tempted to make a permanent relocation.
Getty/Kruck201. Greenville, South Carolina
It’s hard to say what exactly makes the locals in Greenville so happy. It may be the city’s burgeoning farm-to-table food movement, with restaurants like Jianna and Vault & Vator serving up fresh seafood and well-crafted cocktails. It could also be the vibrant arts scene. Or perhaps the craft beer keeps the pep in people’s step. But let’s not forget about the abundant natural resources here, from the 32-acre Falls Park to the Swamp Rabbit bike trail. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: You should definitely visit this South Carolina city on the brink of stardom.