America’s Favorite Cities 2008

By Travel & Leisure
June 10, 2010

1 of 25

Philadelphia

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Philly’s historic sites and monuments (No. 3) and museums and galleries (No. 4) earned high marks. But, voters warn, don’t hold your breath for stylish (No. 24) or attractive (No. 25) people.

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2 of 25

Charleston

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Charlestonians are America’s friendliest people. The city got second-place rankings for its noteworthy neighborhoods, vintage stores, flea markets, and peace and quiet. Not surprisingly, many travelers found the club scene (No. 24) disappointing.

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3 of 25

Miami

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Miamians win the title for America’s most attractive people, and second place for their stylishness. Visitors also noted the city’s good weather (No. 3), but it’s not the spot to see historic sites and monuments (No. 23).

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4 of 25

New York

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The Big Apple received the most No. 1 ratings this year, getting top marks for its shopping; classical music and theater; stylish and diverse residents; people watching; and skylines and views. Where was its weak point?The city ranked last for peace and quiet.

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5 of 25

Washington, D.C.

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Museums and galleries, and historic sites and monuments in the nation’s capital ranked first; the city was also voted the No. 1 cultural getaway. Just don’t plan on going there for a romantic retreat (No. 23) or an active/adventure vacation (No. 24).

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6 of 25

Orlando

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People still consider Orlando the top spot for a family vacation. Voters were less impressed with its culture, food and dining, and shopping, which all came in last.

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7 of 25

Atlanta

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Atlanta’s best-rated quality was its affordability (No. 11). Despite a recent influx of culinary talent into the city, its destination restaurants came in last.

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8 of 25

Dallas/Fort Worth

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Travelers gave Dallas good marks for being affordable (No. 8), but the city ranked low for public transportation and pedestrian friendliness, access to the outdoors, and environmental awareness.

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9 of 25

Nashville

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Travelers consider Nashville an affordable city (No. 2) with friendly people (No. 4). The city’s luxury stores were ranked at the bottom of the pack.

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10 of 25

New Orleans

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The Big Easy collected No. 1 slots for live music and bands, vintage shopping, destination restaurants, and ethnic food and cheap eats. Athletic and active people though (No. 25), are harder to find.

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11 of 25

Boston

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Travelers gave Beantown high ratings for its cultural offerings, including classical music (No. 2), museums and galleries (No. 5), and historic sites and monuments (No. 2). It also ranked fourth for notable neighborhoods.

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12 of 25

Austin

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Austin got high marks for people: they came in second place for friendliness and athleticism, and third place for intelligence and attractiveness. The city also has great bands and live music (No. 2) and a buzzing singles/bar scene (No. 4).

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13 of 25

Seattle

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The city is best in the country for cafés and coffee bars, farmers’ markets, and intelligent people. Environmental awareness (No. 2) and public parks and access to the outdoors (No. 4) also scored well. Just be sure to pack an umbrella for that rainy weather (No. 23).

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Los Angeles

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L.A.’s luxury shopping came in third place, and its stylish residents ranked fourth. (Angelenos were also rated the least friendly and intelligent). The city’s traffic, unsurprisingly, was voted the nation’s worst.

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15 of 25

San Diego

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Ideal weather (No. 2), attractive people (No. 2), and access to the outdoors (No. 3) make for a perfect family vacation (No. 2) and relaxing retreat (No. 4).

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16 of 25

Las Vegas

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Sin City dominated the nightlife category, finishing first for cocktail hour, the singles/bar scene, and late night/clubs; people also voted it the top wild weekend destination. The city came in last for public parks and access to the outdoors.

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17 of 25

Denver

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People visit Denver for an active/adventure vacation (No. 2). They don’t head to the Rockies though, for destination restaurants (No. 24).

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18 of 25

Minneapolis/St. Paul

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Voters think the Twin Cities are clean (No. 2), safe (No. 2), and full of intelligent (No. 2) and friendly (No. 3) residents. Theater (No. 3) also got high marks, but the weather ranked second to last.

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19 of 25

Chicago

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Visitors rated Chicago’s skyline and views second in the country. Its cultural offerings—including theater (No. 2), classical music (No. 3), and museums and galleries (No. 3)—also placed well. But the cold weather (No. 25) was a turnoff.

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20 of 25

San Antonio

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The top-rated city for affordability and No. 2 for ethnic food and cheap eats is also great spot for a family vacation (No. 5).

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21 of 25

Phoenix/Scottsdale

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The city scored well as a relaxing retreat (No. 5), but ranked low for theater (No. 24) and live music (No. 25).

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22 of 25

Santa Fe

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The top finisher for peace and quiet has great art galleries (No. 2) and local boutiques (No. 4). The southwestern city finished last, however, in all nightlife categories.

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23 of 25

San Francisco

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San Francisco’s high marks were for its notable neighborhoods (No. 1), local boutiques (No. 2), specialty stores and farmer’s markets (No. 3), cafés and coffee shops (No. 3), and destination restaurants (No. 3). Affordability (No. 23) was its lowest ranking.

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24 of 25

Portland

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A model city for urban planning, Portland ranked No. 1 for public transportation and pedestrian friendliness, safety, cleanliness, public parks, and environmental awareness. It didn’t score in the bottom five for any overall category.

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25 of 25

Honolulu

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Hawaii’s capital was voted the No. 1 spot for a romantic escape, a relaxing retreat, and an active/adventure vacation. The city’s weather also nabbed first place.

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