This City Was Voted “Best in the U.S.” for the 12th Year in a Row (It’s No Surprise!)

While everyone has their own opinion about what makes a city truly great, Travel + Leisure readers are making a convincing argument after nominating one Southern destination as the best city in the U.S. for the 12th year in a row.

Every year, the travel magazine has readers weigh in on their favorite cities around the country, and Charleston, South Carolina, beat out major urban centers like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles once again. But while it may seem surprising that the Southern mainstay beat out cities like New York or other Southern hubs like Austin or New Orleans, it’s actually not that surprising that it claimed the top spot yet again.

A separate, recent ConsumerAffairs.com report using Census Bureau data found that South Carolina is one of the top states where people want to move. (In fact, the only state people want to move to more than South Carolina is North Carolina.) The study found that people were growing tired of other cities’ high costs of living, the bustle of city life, and increases in inflation, leading them to consider more inexpensive, slower-paced alternatives with a better quality of life.

Charleston claimed the top spot with a score of 87.99 in the 2024 Travel & Leisure survey, which had readers rank each city for sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value. 

According to the publication, visitors were wowed by the Southern charm, delicious culinary offerings, Instagram-worthy architecture, and walkability. Many readers also commented that whether they were coming for different occasions like a bachelorette party or a trip with friends, they always found different things to do. 

Bigger cities weren’t totally shut out — several also made Travel & Leisure’s list of the top 10 best cities in the U.S. Many of the other picks were beautiful and unique destinations that could make your next great vacation — or your next place to live.

The 10 best cities in the U.S. for 2024, according to Travel + Leisure readers:

1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. Savannah, Georgia
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Fort Worth, Texas
8. New York, New York
9. Chicago, Illinois
10.  Aspen, Colorado 

See Travel & Leisure’s full list and ratings here.