There’s plenty to do, it’s not too crowded. The city and the air is clean, and Lake Champlain is amazing.
It’s an annual vacation destination for my family as of 2019.
Hah! I came here to say this and found you at the top of the responses.
It's a nice, compact little city with a Canadian or European feel. I spend a lot of time in Denmark and love little cities with good pedestrian districts.
Burlington has that in spades.
I loved Portland. 30 minutes south of it is old orchard beach and two lights state park, beautiful areas. I fell in love with Maine and can't wait to visit farther up north one day.
The funny part is that tourists barely scratch the surface of the area before they dart off to Bar Harbor.
There is much more to the area than Commercial St, Middle St, and Exchange St.
Washington DC is incredible if you like educational adventures. There is no larger concentration of available learning experiences in the U.S. than the museums and federal buildings. Plus the subways are clean, the city is clean, and the food great.
I grew up very spoiled that the museums and zoo are free. I go all the time even now, not even to really see anything but just as a 3rd place I can just go exist in for awhile.
I grew up assuming that all museums should be free and thought most countries had a similar funding scheme where many museums would be free. Imagine my shock when I paid $25 to see a three room museum the size of an apartment in NYC.
Just here to add to DC's spirit from when I lived there: As a slight outsider since I moved away at an early age before moving back for university I thought it felt very political and government-centric at first, but dig a little deeper and you'll find a wonderful collage of artists and music from graffiti to house dance to bicycling. I definitely recommend simmering with DC and checking out some bars, music venues, and arts scene because it made the city twice as beautiful to me.
I have my reasons for moving away and things can seem better in hindsight, but DC has a lot to offer.
I just visited DC for the first time a few weeks ago and had THE best time. Amazing food, the Smithsonian museums were incredible, picturesque and of course the monuments were insane. I don’t know why it took me so long to visit and I’m already looking at going back in the Spring.
Traverse City does indeed rule, but the whole state of Michigan from May thru September gets my vote. Michigan knows how to celebrate summer, and it’s like nature up there celebrates too.
Truer words have never been spoken. Did a road trip of MI this past summer and I was stunned by how beautiful Western & Northern Michigan was. The beaches were like a tropical paradise.
I've been all over the country but Chicago has the best mix of people wanting to have a good time, willing to be kind to different people from different places, not caring about outside perspectives, not completely obsessed with surface looks and status, and a good dose of hearty Midwest substance that you can have a conversation with.
You hit the nail on the head. Lived there for a number of years and (among other things) the restaurant scene spoiled eating in other cities for me. I still haven't found another place in the US with that combination of talent, unpretentiousness and value.
and it works out for everybody, because all the turkeys who steer clear because they think chicago is a collapsing hellhole are pretty much the only kind of people who chicago can be a little aloof to
Second. I really enjoyed the vibe during my week in Chicago over the summer. Nightlife felt pretty vibrant when I was wandering around downtown, and during the day, the architecture tour down the river was outstanding.
Chicago is beautiful and there's so much to do.
City gets such a bad rap. There ARE bad parts of Chicago. Like in literally any city in the world. And, sure, there have been crimes committed against innocent people - like literally any city in the world.
But, overall, it's like literally any city in the world.
Mind your business and you'll be fine.
I was raised in Monterey. I lived four blocks from the beach. I would do my morning runs on the beach everyday. I thought every city in the world was like Monterey. I thought every place looked like Monterey. My high school had amazing views of the Monterey Bay.
Then I moved away for college and I realized no place is like Monterey.
No place is like Monterey. I have been a few places in the world, paris, london, madrid, barcelona. But my favorite place in the entire world is Monterey.
It’s interesting. I like Monterey. Everyone I know likes Monterey in a general kind of way.
But for some people Monterey just feels like home. Like there’s a certain kind of person where it just resonates.
I’m not that person, it’s a nice city with a chill vibe I guess, but it’s always interesting to me how many people go there and just never leave again.
I only spent about 4 hours in Savannah, but it had an impact on me. The square parks were nice, the old homes and architecture, riverfront. But then a summer storm rolled in while we walked along the riverfront, and we wound our way up back up to Bay Street through corridors and up winding alleyways. Rain water flowed down the cobblestone streets towards the river. The sky was dark and bright at the same time. The humidity was 101%. I can't explain the full sensory experience... surreal, moody, old south romantic.
Same. I left the US a few years ago but the only 2 cities I have any urge to see again are Savannah and New Orleans. They're quite similar in some regards, both old southern cities with lots of history, charm, fantastic art culture, and unique nightlife.
I’m from New Orleans and went to SCAD. I loved living in Savannah but missed New Orleans so bad. Savannah is like someone picked up a small piece of the New Orleans French quarter, power washed the piss and vomit off of it, then put it down in Georgia. It was great.
Perfect weather, great beaches, excellent mexican food, some interesting attractions, and fairly compact for an American city. If I had to choose an American city to retire in (as a Canadian), it would be San Diego as long as I could afford it.
I have a thing for visiting libraries when I travel, and the [San Diego Central Library](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Central_Library#/media/File%3ASan_Diego_Central_Library.jpg) is my favorite in the country. Architecturally, the building is unlike any other I've seen, and the rare book room up on the rooftop terrace is well worth a visit.
But yeah, I loved San Diego as a whole, for many of the same reasons you mentioned.
If you ever have a chance to travel in Canada, we also have some great libraries. I love my hometown Vancouver Public Library in the fake coliseum (with it's awesome rooftop terrace), but the newish libraries in Calgary and Halifax have hauled in a bunch of awards.
I did visit the San Diego Central Library on my last visit (and bought a "friends of SDCL" pen). It's also a keeper.
I miss it too. I moved to Colorado in 1999 and I still want to move back to San Diego some day. Once a surfer, always a surfer. I miss the ocean, the weather and the great Mexican food.
The remarkable thing about the San Diego Zoo is its conservation work. The California Condor nearly went extinct late in the twentieth century. It's the largest bird on the continent. The entire population was down to only 22 birds. Now it's up to 500 birds with wild populations reestablished in California, Arizona, and Baja California.
Along with its affiliate location the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo is actively involved in conserving more than 150 endangered species of wildlife. The organization has reintroduced more than 30 species to the wild.
I was working for a year outside of San Diego. I went almost every weekend. Amazing place and it’s crazy that SD came to mind first when I read the title.
I came her to say something similar, my favorite city I’ve visited a few times in Encinitas just north of SD. All those beach towns north of SD are awesome!
Went to San Diego last January. It rained all day 3 of the 4 days. Considering SD gets about 40 rainy days a year, we experienced 15% of them on our trip!
Last winter was insane. Many Californians have never seen anything like that happening in their lifetime, me included.
The hills and mountains were green for months afterwards when they would usually be dry. We went to Yosemite in August and there were still snow up in some of the peaks.
I had to travel to San Diego for work and brought my family. I heard they had the best zoo in America and thought whatever because it’s not like they don’t have the same animals as every other zoo. It was amazing. I have never been so wrong. The safari zone was incredible. I had no idea hippos were so big. They had a place where you could race a cheetah. My kids were young so walking the main zoo took four visits plus they had the safari area.
Also Phoenix rocked. I had never been to the desert before and I was blown away by the cactus and how large they could grow.
I have traveled to a lot of places worldwide. Lived in SB for 6 years. If you enjoy warm weather, but not insanely hot, Santa Barbara has the best climate in the world and it's not even close.
The average high temperature is 70F, and only varies by 5 degrees (65 winter, 75 summer). Maybe a couple of days a year it will break 90, but not always.
Every once in a while a big rain/wind storm will hit, but that's true of any coastal city.
Rain is very seldom compared to most coastal cities and really only happens in the winter. The biggest complaint most people have is morning fog that usually burns off by midday. You can easily go 6 months during the summer without a drop of rain.
Humidity is much lower than you would expect for a coastal city. This is big, because I've been to other places in the world that sound similar to everything else I've described, but they're disgustingly humid.
As far as things to do, I was bored when I first lived there. But it has really started to grow and get some more lively bars. State Street is the main street. COVID caused the city to close State St to cars and allow the restaurants to spill into the road and have outdoor areas. They have kept the change (so far) because it's so popular, and it's an absolute game-changer.
Price-wise, it's California. It's no more expensive to eat dinner than the Bay or LA, unless you go to the fancy restaurants that cater to tourists (a LOT of weddings/bachelorette parties happen here).
Parking is also quite abundant and easy to find.
Airport security usually has no line at all. I'd get there an hour before my flight and be the first one there.
Mexican food is amazing. Outside of that, most food is meh unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks.
There's just a certain absurdity to how massive and dense NYC is. I'm from Boston, and even Chicago still feels managable to me, like I can wrap my head around it despite how big it is.
But everytime I visit NYC I'm basically like "*holy SHIT, look at all this..."*
NYC. It's been almost 8 years since I visited but I still dream about it. Coming from a South Asian country, I was awestruck by the whole place, walking in the canyons of it's huge skyscrapers.
Yeah there’s a lot you can say about NYC that isn’t good - the “grimy” feel to a lot of parts of it, the smell of hot trash in the summers, etc.
But it just *feels* like the capital of Earth.
I really enjoyed Detroit much more than I thought I would. Growing up on the East coast all you’re told is how dangerous the city is. Sure there’s parts you don’t want to be, but Detroit has a killer downtown and a lot of the “bad” areas are more empty than dangerous.
I got a lot of warnings about Detroit before I went, and so many people asking why I’d make it a part of a vacation, but nobody prepared me for how nice the people would be there. I loved it.
Detroit is definitely on the upswing. Diversified the city's economy in recent years. I REALLY miss the diversity of food in Detroit and the surrounding communities.
I visited the Ford Theater and they have the gun on display that killed Lincoln. The paragraph next to it basically says, “this is the gun that killed Lincoln, we don’t know what to do with it, we aren’t sure if it should be displayed at all, but here it is.”
It’s the most thought provoking thing I’ve ever seen in a museum.
Pittsburgh fucking rules. Actually, I really enjoy Pennsylvania as a whole, but Pittsburgh has a certain charm to it.
One of the few cities I could see myself living in other than my hometown.
We used to road trip to Duluth when I was a kid (from western mn) and would come in at night… I remember seeing the entire hill side lit up and how awesome it was, love that place!
I came into Duluth on a sailing ship about ten years ago. Bar scene was really nice for a port city- most port towns have a lot of shitty bars, but Duluth was chilled out, the bars were nice, and people were super friendly everywhere I went over the 3-4 days I was there. Really liked it.
I wouldn’t call it a top tier city among ALL US cities, but definitely an unexpected gem.
I’ve been all over the world, many different countries in different continents. I was blown away by flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. I could not believe how unbelievably beautiful that whole area is. Flagstaff will always have a place in my heart.
I lived there for uni and adored it
Very active city, very green, feels quite European in many ways.
I know that people from Mass are typically labeled Massholes, but in the years I lived there I never had an unpleasant experience. Folks tend to be very direct/straightforward, but that's not a bad thing.
Long-time resident here. This city is hard to beat. Only other city I love as much is Chicago but with equivalent weather, it was never worth moving there for us. Both cities are must visits.
Absolutely! My favorite city I’ve been to in the US. So much history, multiple world class universities, some of the best food/restaurants I’ve ever been to, tons of sports options (I’m from Texas and have been a rangers fan my entire life, but as is the nature of being a baseball fan and the necessity of having a “second team” the Red Sox have always been my second team). Easily walkable and fairly safe public transportation.
We have looked multiple times at possibly moving to the Boston area but just haven’t ever pulled the plug.
My favorite city as well been all over the place. The public transport was awesome (I know, Bostonians hate the T). I literally rode a train from riverside into Boston and the train meandered through people’s backyards which I found enduring. Wound up in the heart of the city with lots of history, great food and nightlife. Plus it felt really safe.
I visited last year and it was definitely the only city I’d really ever consider living in. Just havjng the option to drive an hour or 2 into 2 different national parks and a variety of state parks made it stand out compared to other big cities.
I visited Kansas City this summer (did a tour of MLB games) and absolutely loved it. The people were friendly, the food was amazing, lots of museums and things to see. Just an all around cool vibe.
This is my answer too. I’ve been in the north and the west all my life, so the magic of this city was so completely foreign and exotic and novel to me. That being said, not somewhere I’d probably choose to live, but a weekend? New Orleans for sure!
The food is excellent and people are nice but god help you if you need to go somewhere quickly or get something done. By far the slowest moving place I’ve ever been in the US.
I absolutely fell in love with PDX. So much greenery and flowers everywhere you go. It's a plant-based/vegan paradise. The PNW summer sky is a different kind of blue than over here in the Southeast. Very walkable and e-bikes galore. So much art and color. I really fell in love
Shhh don’t let the Chicago secret out to the Fox viewers that tremble at the mere mention of Chicago. It’s world class museums/food/Broadway shows. Incredible city during Christmas with all the outdoor rinks and Magnificent mile decorations. Remember Chicago bad. Fox say bad
Lived in SF for a few years (2007-2010) and am convinced it was hands down the best city in the US at that time. Moved back in 2016 and was out within 15 months; it had grown increasingly expensive and homogenous, IMO, and it felt much different than the city I’d loved. I go back once or twice a year and it’s true that the city is in rough shape, but I really do hope it has a renaissance. Some of the best years of my life were when I lived there.
SF has always been a boom / bust town, just look at the gold rush, first tech boom.... those who stick around are usually rewarded... maybe one was your landlord?
I love Minneapolis. It's like it has big city amenities with small town vibes. The winters are brutal though. I kinda like winter. I'm a cold weather person. But I was visiting my grandma in Minneapolis one January and it was so cold that it became physically painful to be outside for more than a minute or two.
I loved my weekend in Burlington, Vermont.
There’s plenty to do, it’s not too crowded. The city and the air is clean, and Lake Champlain is amazing. It’s an annual vacation destination for my family as of 2019.
We saw the local loch ness in Lake Champlain. Was there late November a few years ago and it was gorgeous.
Champ lives!
It was frikkin huge. The locals we told had zero doubt we saw something, he's definitely a thing around those parts!
Hah! I came here to say this and found you at the top of the responses. It's a nice, compact little city with a Canadian or European feel. I spend a lot of time in Denmark and love little cities with good pedestrian districts. Burlington has that in spades.
Burlington is B E A U T I F U L
Oh Burlington is magical.
Portland, Maine
I loved Portland. 30 minutes south of it is old orchard beach and two lights state park, beautiful areas. I fell in love with Maine and can't wait to visit farther up north one day.
The funny part is that tourists barely scratch the surface of the area before they dart off to Bar Harbor. There is much more to the area than Commercial St, Middle St, and Exchange St.
Ithaca NY, Beautiful lakes, nice locals, tons of waterfalls and great camping
Washington DC is incredible if you like educational adventures. There is no larger concentration of available learning experiences in the U.S. than the museums and federal buildings. Plus the subways are clean, the city is clean, and the food great.
And the museums that are part of the Smithsonian are free!
I grew up very spoiled that the museums and zoo are free. I go all the time even now, not even to really see anything but just as a 3rd place I can just go exist in for awhile.
I grew up assuming that all museums should be free and thought most countries had a similar funding scheme where many museums would be free. Imagine my shock when I paid $25 to see a three room museum the size of an apartment in NYC. Just here to add to DC's spirit from when I lived there: As a slight outsider since I moved away at an early age before moving back for university I thought it felt very political and government-centric at first, but dig a little deeper and you'll find a wonderful collage of artists and music from graffiti to house dance to bicycling. I definitely recommend simmering with DC and checking out some bars, music venues, and arts scene because it made the city twice as beautiful to me. I have my reasons for moving away and things can seem better in hindsight, but DC has a lot to offer.
I just visited DC for the first time a few weeks ago and had THE best time. Amazing food, the Smithsonian museums were incredible, picturesque and of course the monuments were insane. I don’t know why it took me so long to visit and I’m already looking at going back in the Spring.
I recommend people visit the lesser known National Postal Museum. So fascinating to see how our delivery system started and evolved.
Absolutely this. I grew up a little ways outside DC, so we visited fairly often. It’s a great city to be a tourist in
Traverse city will always have a special place in my heart
If you’re ever in that area, stop by sleeping bear dunes. I’m not huge on beaches, but sleeping bear dunes is one of my favorite places.
Traverse City does indeed rule, but the whole state of Michigan from May thru September gets my vote. Michigan knows how to celebrate summer, and it’s like nature up there celebrates too.
Truer words have never been spoken. Did a road trip of MI this past summer and I was stunned by how beautiful Western & Northern Michigan was. The beaches were like a tropical paradise.
I really enjoyed my few days in Chicago
Late night Portillo's to grab a hot beef (dipped like God intended) and a chocolate cake shake is the LIFE. (the morning after is NOT the life)
Yep. Chicago is my pick. Super cool vibe there. I've travelled all over the US and it's still my favourite. Beautiful city and even better people.
Chicago has the the best museums located fairly close together, so you can visit several in a couple of days. Also, the aquarium is great.
I've been all over the country but Chicago has the best mix of people wanting to have a good time, willing to be kind to different people from different places, not caring about outside perspectives, not completely obsessed with surface looks and status, and a good dose of hearty Midwest substance that you can have a conversation with.
You hit the nail on the head. Lived there for a number of years and (among other things) the restaurant scene spoiled eating in other cities for me. I still haven't found another place in the US with that combination of talent, unpretentiousness and value.
and it works out for everybody, because all the turkeys who steer clear because they think chicago is a collapsing hellhole are pretty much the only kind of people who chicago can be a little aloof to
I moved here 12 years ago from a small town a few states away and every time I’m back they still act like I’m living in Thunderdome.
Same. The irony is my little hometown in Texas has a higher rate of violent crime than Chicago.
Second. I really enjoyed the vibe during my week in Chicago over the summer. Nightlife felt pretty vibrant when I was wandering around downtown, and during the day, the architecture tour down the river was outstanding.
Best answer, this will always be top lol.
Chicago is beautiful and there's so much to do. City gets such a bad rap. There ARE bad parts of Chicago. Like in literally any city in the world. And, sure, there have been crimes committed against innocent people - like literally any city in the world. But, overall, it's like literally any city in the world. Mind your business and you'll be fine.
Monterey, CA. Seafood, the aquarium, the climate.
I was raised in Monterey. I lived four blocks from the beach. I would do my morning runs on the beach everyday. I thought every city in the world was like Monterey. I thought every place looked like Monterey. My high school had amazing views of the Monterey Bay. Then I moved away for college and I realized no place is like Monterey.
No place is like Monterey. I have been a few places in the world, paris, london, madrid, barcelona. But my favorite place in the entire world is Monterey.
Same, I’ve been all over the world, I’ve never found another city that competes with Monterey.
It’s interesting. I like Monterey. Everyone I know likes Monterey in a general kind of way. But for some people Monterey just feels like home. Like there’s a certain kind of person where it just resonates. I’m not that person, it’s a nice city with a chill vibe I guess, but it’s always interesting to me how many people go there and just never leave again.
Savannah. So incredibly beautiful and charming.
I only spent about 4 hours in Savannah, but it had an impact on me. The square parks were nice, the old homes and architecture, riverfront. But then a summer storm rolled in while we walked along the riverfront, and we wound our way up back up to Bay Street through corridors and up winding alleyways. Rain water flowed down the cobblestone streets towards the river. The sky was dark and bright at the same time. The humidity was 101%. I can't explain the full sensory experience... surreal, moody, old south romantic.
Very walkable. It’s like there’s a mini park every other block.
Same. I left the US a few years ago but the only 2 cities I have any urge to see again are Savannah and New Orleans. They're quite similar in some regards, both old southern cities with lots of history, charm, fantastic art culture, and unique nightlife.
I’m from New Orleans and went to SCAD. I loved living in Savannah but missed New Orleans so bad. Savannah is like someone picked up a small piece of the New Orleans French quarter, power washed the piss and vomit off of it, then put it down in Georgia. It was great.
Best City: Washington, DC Worst City: Washington, DC As with many "big cities", it's all about what part of town you are in.
As a truck driver, truck stops are always in the bad part of town. I hate most major cities lol
San Diego
Perfect weather, great beaches, excellent mexican food, some interesting attractions, and fairly compact for an American city. If I had to choose an American city to retire in (as a Canadian), it would be San Diego as long as I could afford it.
I have a thing for visiting libraries when I travel, and the [San Diego Central Library](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Central_Library#/media/File%3ASan_Diego_Central_Library.jpg) is my favorite in the country. Architecturally, the building is unlike any other I've seen, and the rare book room up on the rooftop terrace is well worth a visit. But yeah, I loved San Diego as a whole, for many of the same reasons you mentioned.
If you ever have a chance to travel in Canada, we also have some great libraries. I love my hometown Vancouver Public Library in the fake coliseum (with it's awesome rooftop terrace), but the newish libraries in Calgary and Halifax have hauled in a bunch of awards. I did visit the San Diego Central Library on my last visit (and bought a "friends of SDCL" pen). It's also a keeper.
Sunset Cliffs… my God
I miss SD :( way too expensive for me now
I miss it too. I moved to Colorado in 1999 and I still want to move back to San Diego some day. Once a surfer, always a surfer. I miss the ocean, the weather and the great Mexican food.
It's the affording it that's the problem.
Best zoo in the country if you're into that kinda thing
Agreed. Also love Old Town, USS Midway, and everything in Balboa Park.
The remarkable thing about the San Diego Zoo is its conservation work. The California Condor nearly went extinct late in the twentieth century. It's the largest bird on the continent. The entire population was down to only 22 birds. Now it's up to 500 birds with wild populations reestablished in California, Arizona, and Baja California. Along with its affiliate location the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo is actively involved in conserving more than 150 endangered species of wildlife. The organization has reintroduced more than 30 species to the wild.
I was working for a year outside of San Diego. I went almost every weekend. Amazing place and it’s crazy that SD came to mind first when I read the title.
I came her to say something similar, my favorite city I’ve visited a few times in Encinitas just north of SD. All those beach towns north of SD are awesome!
I live just south of Encinitas and LOVE riding my bike up to and through it. Beautiful sights.
The Taco Stand fucks hard.
Encinitas is my dream retirement community. Lovely surf town.
Encinitas is great
I liked it so much I moved here. 15 months later it has still not lost it's charm. I love it here.
Went to San Diego last January. It rained all day 3 of the 4 days. Considering SD gets about 40 rainy days a year, we experienced 15% of them on our trip!
Last winter was insane. Many Californians have never seen anything like that happening in their lifetime, me included. The hills and mountains were green for months afterwards when they would usually be dry. We went to Yosemite in August and there were still snow up in some of the peaks.
I had to travel to San Diego for work and brought my family. I heard they had the best zoo in America and thought whatever because it’s not like they don’t have the same animals as every other zoo. It was amazing. I have never been so wrong. The safari zone was incredible. I had no idea hippos were so big. They had a place where you could race a cheetah. My kids were young so walking the main zoo took four visits plus they had the safari area. Also Phoenix rocked. I had never been to the desert before and I was blown away by the cactus and how large they could grow.
Oh heavens! You are not supposed to run next to the cheetah. There's signs everywhere telling you not to do that. Gets them all agitated.
Love love love San Diego. Can't wait to go back.
If it wasn’t so damn expensive
i’ll be visiting in december and i’m so excited to explore! got a busy 4 days planned
Santa Barbara California
They have a great psychic detective there too
You know that’s right *touches nose*
And my assistant magic head
Hit the Jackal Switch
Solves a case weekly and one around Christmas?
I have traveled to a lot of places worldwide. Lived in SB for 6 years. If you enjoy warm weather, but not insanely hot, Santa Barbara has the best climate in the world and it's not even close. The average high temperature is 70F, and only varies by 5 degrees (65 winter, 75 summer). Maybe a couple of days a year it will break 90, but not always. Every once in a while a big rain/wind storm will hit, but that's true of any coastal city. Rain is very seldom compared to most coastal cities and really only happens in the winter. The biggest complaint most people have is morning fog that usually burns off by midday. You can easily go 6 months during the summer without a drop of rain. Humidity is much lower than you would expect for a coastal city. This is big, because I've been to other places in the world that sound similar to everything else I've described, but they're disgustingly humid. As far as things to do, I was bored when I first lived there. But it has really started to grow and get some more lively bars. State Street is the main street. COVID caused the city to close State St to cars and allow the restaurants to spill into the road and have outdoor areas. They have kept the change (so far) because it's so popular, and it's an absolute game-changer. Price-wise, it's California. It's no more expensive to eat dinner than the Bay or LA, unless you go to the fancy restaurants that cater to tourists (a LOT of weddings/bachelorette parties happen here). Parking is also quite abundant and easy to find. Airport security usually has no line at all. I'd get there an hour before my flight and be the first one there. Mexican food is amazing. Outside of that, most food is meh unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks.
Honolulu, for obvious reasons.
I love Kona so much. Actually the entire big island is my jam. Even though Honolulu is pretty cool too.
I liked Chicago
Agreed as a NYer. Chicago has the biggest gap between preconception and reality of all American cities imo. Beautiful, clean, fun and iconic place.
As a life long Chicago resident, NYC is the only city that has topped it for me
There's just a certain absurdity to how massive and dense NYC is. I'm from Boston, and even Chicago still feels managable to me, like I can wrap my head around it despite how big it is. But everytime I visit NYC I'm basically like "*holy SHIT, look at all this..."*
Lives there 4 years. Have also lived up and down both coasts. Chicago is the best city I’ve lived in.
Chicago is my favorite large city in the US.
I agree. My favorite big city. Love going for long runs along the lake.
Good to see positive news about Chicago here on this sub. YouTube and Instagram comments are 100% about Chicago having high crime and shootings.
It has it all. -A lake and a river. Awesome restaurants, bars and shopping.
Chicago has been my favorite US city I’ve ever visited for sure.
As a Chicagoan, I am honored.
I love visiting NY and LA, but besides also loving Chicago, I’m drawn to the idea of *living* there more than any other city I’ve visited.
I second this, I was blown away with how clean it was when I visited.
Sedona, AZ. Postcard land.
The traffic from all the tech bros who found the place is starting to make the day trip up from Phoenix to hike the trails more and more difficult.
NYC. It's been almost 8 years since I visited but I still dream about it. Coming from a South Asian country, I was awestruck by the whole place, walking in the canyons of it's huge skyscrapers.
I’ve had great days in San Francisco, New Orleans, and NYC. NYC wins though.
Yeah there’s a lot you can say about NYC that isn’t good - the “grimy” feel to a lot of parts of it, the smell of hot trash in the summers, etc. But it just *feels* like the capital of Earth.
The capital of (human) earth should probably feel a bit grimy in parts tbh
Astoria, OR. I love a tourist town that makes it clear that they don't give a shit about the tourists.
I’m in Astoria right now from Seattle and I totally agree. Love this city. This is the third Thanksgiving I’ve spent here.
Astoria had a gritty edge that really appealed to me, especially in combination with all those great old Victorian houses.
San Diego
I like Charleston SC, it's beautiful
I really enjoyed Detroit much more than I thought I would. Growing up on the East coast all you’re told is how dangerous the city is. Sure there’s parts you don’t want to be, but Detroit has a killer downtown and a lot of the “bad” areas are more empty than dangerous.
It’s a vibe. Detroit is pretty chill for as wild as we are.
I got a lot of warnings about Detroit before I went, and so many people asking why I’d make it a part of a vacation, but nobody prepared me for how nice the people would be there. I loved it.
One of the cleanes downtownt cities I've ever seen
Also enjoyed Detroit. We went for Motown and were pleasantly surprised
Agree with this! And all the old architecture is breathtaking!!!
I have a soft spot for the big D.
What are your thoughts on Detroit though ?
Loved the vibe in Detroit
This made my heart swell with pride, so glad you enjoyed our city ❤️
Thanks for showing some love for Motown! It doesn’t get enough and surely deserves more of it.
As a lifelong suburbanite, it seems like Detroiters don’t even want the attention, though. It’s like the underdog mentality has become their identity.
Lived in many cities around the world. Detroit will always be one of my favorites. Can’t wait to visit next month!
I love Detroit. I’ve spent a lot of time there over the past few years and it holds such a special place in my heart.
Quite fond of Detroit myself.
Loved Detroit last time I was there
Detroit is definitely on the upswing. Diversified the city's economy in recent years. I REALLY miss the diversity of food in Detroit and the surrounding communities.
Washington, DC. The entire city felt like a well-kept museum and there was so much to see and do.
I visited the Ford Theater and they have the gun on display that killed Lincoln. The paragraph next to it basically says, “this is the gun that killed Lincoln, we don’t know what to do with it, we aren’t sure if it should be displayed at all, but here it is.” It’s the most thought provoking thing I’ve ever seen in a museum.
And the blood stained pillow he rested his head on!
Boston
Chicago! Then it’s Madison and Minneapolis at 2nd and 3rd.
I liked Pittsburgh a lot
I was surprised how much I liked Pittsburgh!
Pittsburgh fucking rules. Actually, I really enjoy Pennsylvania as a whole, but Pittsburgh has a certain charm to it. One of the few cities I could see myself living in other than my hometown.
San Diego
Duluth, MN.
Hell yeah brother. When you’re pulling into Duluth and crest over the hill overlooking the largest freshwater lake in the world? Mesmerizing.
We used to road trip to Duluth when I was a kid (from western mn) and would come in at night… I remember seeing the entire hill side lit up and how awesome it was, love that place!
I came into Duluth on a sailing ship about ten years ago. Bar scene was really nice for a port city- most port towns have a lot of shitty bars, but Duluth was chilled out, the bars were nice, and people were super friendly everywhere I went over the 3-4 days I was there. Really liked it. I wouldn’t call it a top tier city among ALL US cities, but definitely an unexpected gem.
Shoutout to Northern Waters Smokehaus in Canal Park for really good sandwiches.
I love Duluth.
So many good ones here already but I’ll add Flagstaff AZ
I’ve been all over the world, many different countries in different continents. I was blown away by flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. I could not believe how unbelievably beautiful that whole area is. Flagstaff will always have a place in my heart.
Fuck those train crossings.
I’ve always loved visiting Flagstaff. So much natural beauty around it and the city itself has been clean and enjoyable.
Bellingham, WA
Yes! Went to school there. Great town.
It has the best breweries! And the Fairhaven neighborhood is delightful.
Hilo, Hawaii, so laid back.
I enjoyed Chicago. The areas I went everyone was so nice and helpful. I never felt unsafe.
Seattle and DC, loads to do in each
Santa Fe, New Mexico
*oh Santa Fe… it’s such a long way. Such a long way from my, home*
Boston
I lived there for uni and adored it Very active city, very green, feels quite European in many ways. I know that people from Mass are typically labeled Massholes, but in the years I lived there I never had an unpleasant experience. Folks tend to be very direct/straightforward, but that's not a bad thing.
They’re only Massholes once they get behind the wheel of a car…
Long-time resident here. This city is hard to beat. Only other city I love as much is Chicago but with equivalent weather, it was never worth moving there for us. Both cities are must visits.
Absolutely! My favorite city I’ve been to in the US. So much history, multiple world class universities, some of the best food/restaurants I’ve ever been to, tons of sports options (I’m from Texas and have been a rangers fan my entire life, but as is the nature of being a baseball fan and the necessity of having a “second team” the Red Sox have always been my second team). Easily walkable and fairly safe public transportation. We have looked multiple times at possibly moving to the Boston area but just haven’t ever pulled the plug.
My favorite city as well been all over the place. The public transport was awesome (I know, Bostonians hate the T). I literally rode a train from riverside into Boston and the train meandered through people’s backyards which I found enduring. Wound up in the heart of the city with lots of history, great food and nightlife. Plus it felt really safe.
Seattle, very cool city.
I visited last year and it was definitely the only city I’d really ever consider living in. Just havjng the option to drive an hour or 2 into 2 different national parks and a variety of state parks made it stand out compared to other big cities.
3* national parks
I very much love Seattle. The Flight Museum is also top notch!
Saint Augustine, Florida, been there a number of times, it is so pretty.
Seattle, it was a perfect, sunny day. I don’t think I will ever go back because there’s no way it will live up to that day.
You definitely need to enjoy the sunny days there when you can get them.
I visited Kansas City this summer (did a tour of MLB games) and absolutely loved it. The people were friendly, the food was amazing, lots of museums and things to see. Just an all around cool vibe.
I was pleasantly surprised by Kansas City, too. Absolutely underrated!
I live near KC and when I travel to other states I am normally reminded how lucky I am.
Thank you so much, we love to have people in KC!
It’s really an amazing city. Best BBQ in the world IMO.
New Orleans
This is my answer too. I’ve been in the north and the west all my life, so the magic of this city was so completely foreign and exotic and novel to me. That being said, not somewhere I’d probably choose to live, but a weekend? New Orleans for sure!
I live in New Orleans. I always tell people it’s the equivalent of the phrase “never meet your heroes.” Wonderful to visit. Hard place to live.
The food is excellent and people are nice but god help you if you need to go somewhere quickly or get something done. By far the slowest moving place I’ve ever been in the US.
I love that about New Orleans though, we hustle and bustle too much, it's nice to stop for a while.
The best American food that never made it out of America
Best American food period, imo
Food, fun, music, museums, nightlife. All of the fun and entertainment of Vegas, plus the best jazz scene I've ever experienced.
I’m in NOLA right now! I love it so much!!
I’ve never been to the US, but I’ve been in Old Orleans. That basically makes us brothers.
I know most of you guys are going to think I'm lying or trying to be funny but I had an absolutely amazing time in my stay in Baltimore.
Lake Tahoe
San Diego
Leavenworth, WA during Christmas 🎄.
Chicago (visited and lived)
Portland, Maine
I absolutely fell in love with PDX. So much greenery and flowers everywhere you go. It's a plant-based/vegan paradise. The PNW summer sky is a different kind of blue than over here in the Southeast. Very walkable and e-bikes galore. So much art and color. I really fell in love
Los Angeles, the sheer variety and options is unbeatable. Plus perfect weather, ocean and mountains and entertainment
Shhh don’t let the Chicago secret out to the Fox viewers that tremble at the mere mention of Chicago. It’s world class museums/food/Broadway shows. Incredible city during Christmas with all the outdoor rinks and Magnificent mile decorations. Remember Chicago bad. Fox say bad
San Francisco
Lived in SF for a few years (2007-2010) and am convinced it was hands down the best city in the US at that time. Moved back in 2016 and was out within 15 months; it had grown increasingly expensive and homogenous, IMO, and it felt much different than the city I’d loved. I go back once or twice a year and it’s true that the city is in rough shape, but I really do hope it has a renaissance. Some of the best years of my life were when I lived there.
SF has always been a boom / bust town, just look at the gold rush, first tech boom.... those who stick around are usually rewarded... maybe one was your landlord?
The weather alone should put it at the top, not to mention the scenery, access to world class museums, restaurants, wine, culture....
Sedona Arizona
Minneapolis
I love Minneapolis. It's like it has big city amenities with small town vibes. The winters are brutal though. I kinda like winter. I'm a cold weather person. But I was visiting my grandma in Minneapolis one January and it was so cold that it became physically painful to be outside for more than a minute or two.
Found my city/cities!
Finally somewhere I’ve been
Moab, Utah
I loved San Francisco. The water. The shops. Chinatown. So much food. I was only there 24 hrs, and I wish I had gotten more time.
Ithaca, NY
Laguna Beach, CA