America's Favorite Cities? You decide!

Posted by Holly Burns, Mar 19, 2008

Alright, I'm biased. If asked to name my favorite American city, I wouldn't hesitate to bestow the honor on San Francisco---but that's because I've wanted to live here since first visiting at the tender age of eighteen, and now that I do, I can hardly believe my luck.

But what about where I'd most like to go for a romantic break? Well, um, San Francisco, I'm afraid. And my pick for the city with the best ethnic eats? You guessed it---San Francisco again.

Travel + Leisure magazine is currently conducting its annual America's Favorite Cities survey, and if you don't want San Francisco to steal the show in every single category---oh, you know I'll be voting for it again and again---you might want to head over there and start ticking a few boxes.

When the results of last year's survey were announced, eyebrows were raised: did Charleston, South Carolina really beat out Chicago and Los Angeles to come in at number two in Best Cities For Shopping? What could've happened to that famous Southern charm to make Dallas place last in the Best People category? And why did all those poor Philadelphians get voted as the least attractive residents of the bunch?

From now until June 15, you can have your say on 25 of America's top cities just by filling out Travel + Leisure's survey with your expert opinions. Even better? As soon as you complete the survey, you'll be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to Australia.

My advice? Rate San Francisco for everything! Then again, don't listen to me---I just live here.

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Filed Under: Polls & Studies

Comments

Charlie
Jan 14, 2009

Of course, this is all under the assumption that New York, as the best city in the world, is not in the running for best US city, right? SF is perhaps the only other city in the States that I could live in. I love just about everything about it, except that it's not New York.

NB
Jan 14, 2009

I'm surprised Dallas came in last for "best people." Maybe they'd win the award for most-in-denial-about-the-lameness-of-their-city, but they're not mean or anything!

Skywarp
Jan 14, 2009

Meh, New York bests every American city in practically every category (ethnic food included--sorry). However, I can concede that the air quality has much to be desired and that the Yankees are a scourge upon this earth. Despite my pride, I try not to be one of those NY'ers who travel to other cities and remark "Oh, we have that in New York, 'cept it's better."

chirky
Jan 14, 2009

As a Dallas-dweller -- For more than twenty years now! (Someone shoot me.) -- I can say two things with utter confidence: A) Most people in Dallas ARE unkind (myself excluded, of course). They are unkind and snooty and bad drivers. People in Fort Worth, however, are absolutely delightful. I keep trying to remind myself of that. B) The only things Dallas has going for it is the shopping. But that is all. There is little interesting architecture, and the few historic buildings we do have are inexplicably torn down in favor of concrete jungles (rather than restored). From me, at least, there is no denial about the lameness of this city. The only thing keeping me here so far is the CHEAP cost of living compared to other major cities, and the fact that American Airlines headquarters here. Some people spend an extra thousand on rent, and I get to put that money into my travel budget. I like that.

Anne & May
Jan 14, 2009

Oh mercy. Why has no one mentioned Austin? AUSTIN, people. You can even dream of participating in this discussion if you don't have good barbecue, cities! Austin is like SF but with better margaritas, superior barbecue, and at half the price. But no transit. Points off for the lack of transit.

Genevieve
Jan 14, 2009

I have to agree with Charlie -- the only way any other city can win a "best city" contest is if NYC is not in the competition. Maybe it should be called the "America's Favorite Cities Besides New York" survey? I will say that I also love Boston, Philly, and San Fran.

She Likes Purple
Jan 14, 2009

I don't technically live in Dallas but I work here and live close enough by and, I have to agree, the people aren't too friendly. But I grew up in San Francisco -- the lameness of Dallas is not lost on me. I will say that Fort Worth really is a nice city and the people are damn-near delightful.

millzee
Jan 14, 2009

Aside from NYC, which the best city on Earth in my opinion, (well...there's London in a close second, oh, and Amsterdam), but my choice for best US city would have to be Portland, Oregon. Nice people, clean, progressive, artsy, affordable...I could go on and on :)

Gretchen
Jan 14, 2009

Hey! I'm from Philadelphia. Maybe we get the bad rep because everyone figures we're eating cheese steaks every day.

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