When you return from a vacation, maybe your friends and family have asked, “How were the people there?”
Readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently shared their opinions about how friendly American cities are, including the places where you can count on strangers saying ‘hello’ as you walk down the street.
Read on for the 10 friendliest cities and let us know which city you’d add to the list!
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And the friendliest cities are…
10. Burlington, Vermont
Known as Vermont’s Queen City, Burlington is a vibrant ‘college town’ that travelers describe as “fun, laid-back, and artsy.”
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
Every year, tourists pack New Orleans’ restaurants and hotels for Mardi Gras, but no matter when you visit – you have to try their famous beignets!
8. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson has become a vacation destination for people who love the outdoors. You’ll want a picture near the iconic elk antler arches!
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Condé Nast Traveler readers gave Asheville a thumbs-up for its great mountain scenery and friendly people. It’s home to the Biltmore Estate, which you can tour on your visit!
6. Santa Fe, New Mexico
The International Folk Art Market is a big draw, but visitors also appreciate that Santa Fe is “totally different from the norm.”
5. Austin, Texas
Millennials can’t get enough of Austin’s music scene, and travelers love it too! This charming city is described as “quirky and fun.” And this sunrise is just stunning!
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City’s friendly downtown vibe attracts tourists and locals alike. Maybe you’ll spot a celebrity while walking around!
3. Savannah, Georgia
‘Bubbling with Southern charm” is how readers of Condé Nast Traveler described Savannah, a beautiful, walkable city.
2. Park City, Utah
Ski lovers, this is for you. Service is a top priority at Park City’s mountain resorts, so you can expect everyone to be friendly and welcoming!
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Southern hospitality does still exist! Condé Nast Traveler gave Charleston the top spot because people still talk to each other there. Don’t miss the Pineapple Fountain when you visit!
10 least friendly cities
Now that we’ve shared the friendliest cities, here are the least friendly ones. Travelers complained about safety, rude people and dirty streets, among other things.
- Newark, New Jersey
- Oakland, California
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Detroit, Michigan
- Hartford, Connecticut
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Dover, Delaware
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Los Angeles, California
- Baltimore, Maryland
How to book a cheap vacation
Remember, Clark’s rule of travel is to buy a bargain and then figure out why you want to go there.
To find hidden gems, go to Kayak.com/explore and enter the location you will be departing from and the month you want to travel. Kayak will show you a map with low round-trip fares.
You may luck out and find one of the cities on the friendliest list!
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