This Popular City Was Just Named the Friendliest in the U.S. South

Looking for a wave, a smile, and maybe even a lovely conversation or two on your next trip? Then it’s time to make your way to one of our favorite cities in the South. 

Southern Living revealed its list of the 15 friendliest cities in the South based on a survey of its readers that included more than 20,000 respondents. 

“While we like to think that all Southern cities are just as welcoming as the next, there are a few that stand out as being extra gracious. We polled the people who know the South best (that’s you–our readers!) to find out which places have made you feel especially warm and fuzzy,” Tara Massouleh McCay, senior travel editor at Southern Living, wrote about the report. After looking at all the responses, Charleston came out on top. 

“What more can we say about Charleston except that there’s a reason it’s been voted as your favorite city in our annual South’s Best poll for more years in a row than we can count on one hand,” McCay wrote. “It’s the quintessential Southern city. There’s beautiful architecture, excellent dining, waterfront views, quaint streets, and an indescribably welcoming spirit that just puts a smile on your face.” 

Indeed, it’s a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers, too, winning the top spot in the World’s Best Awards’ favorite cities in the U.S. category for 11 years in a row. In 2022, the city also gained a spot in our WBA Hall of Fame. (Also, if you didn’t know, we’re throwing a major party in Charleston in September, alongside Southern Living and Food & Wine for the first-ever Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Here’s how to get your tickets to join us.)

But Charleston isn’t the only friendly city in the South. It was joined at the top of the list by Savannah, Georgia, at the No. 2 spot, followed by Greenville, South Carolina; New Orleans; and Nashville, Tennessee; rounding out the top five. Check out the entire list of friendliest cities here, and when you’re ready for more, read up on Southern Living‘s list of the 20 friendliest towns in the South, too.