Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. News

This California city was just named the friendliest in the U.S.

San Diego came out on top

A scene from San Diego Pride 2016
Andrew Davey / The Manual

If you’re looking for good vibes, helpful neighbors, and plenty of friendly smiles, you might want to book a trip to San Diego, California, as it’s just been crowned the friendliest city in the U.S.

The ranking comes from Match Group’s Yuzu app, which surveyed users across the country to find out where locals are the most welcoming. The app asked people to rate their own cities on things like how often locals smile, help strangers, and offer positive interactions. Users gave each city a friendliness score from 1 to 10, combining both quantifiable data and real-life experiences.

Recommended Videos

Topping the list, San Diego scored an impressive 8.67 out of 10. According to Yuzu, the Southern California city “exemplifies the qualities that make communities feel like home.” From its laid-back beach towns to its diverse neighborhoods, San Diego is apparently a place where people can’t help but be kind, and honestly, with perfect weather and ocean views, who wouldn’t be in a good mood?

Coming in second is Raleigh, North Carolina, where friendly waves and warm welcomes seem to come standard. Locals there are known for their hospitality and willingness to help, making it another great spot to visit (or call home).

Phoenix, Arizona, landed third on the list, proving that a little sunshine can go a long way when it comes to brightening spirits.

As for the city that could use a bit more cheer? Wichita, Kansas came in last place, but hey, there’s always room to turn things around!

The top 10 friendliest cities in the U.S.

  1. San Diego, California
  2. Raleigh, North Carolina
  3. Phoenix, Arizona
  4. Miami, Florida
  5. Houston, Texas
  6. Honolulu, Hawaii
  7. Boston, Massachusetts
  8. San Jose, California
  9. Minneapolis, Minnesota
  10. Denver, Colorado
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio
Under-the-radar culinary destinations worth traveling for
World Equestrian Center - Ocala

Travel and food are two of my biggest passions in life. And any time I get to combine those two passions into one mission — I get especially excited. As travelers like myself continue to seek out more meaningful, experience-driven getaways, some of the most exciting culinary discoveries are taking place beyond the world’s traditional foodie capitals.

From hidden wine regions and coastal towns celebrated for their seafood traditions to unexpected resort destinations blending luxury hospitality with authentic local flavors, we’ve complied a list of some of the best under-the-radar culinary destinations you won’t want to miss. These destinations give travelers a chance to eat, drink, and experience a destination like a true local. Don’t miss these upcoming events taking place across the country, geared towards foodies like us.

Read more
This thoughtfully designed pop-up at Ocean Casino Resort is worth the visit
Ocean Casino Resort

There’s no question that Ocean Casino Resort is the nicest Atlantic City hotel & casino resort — and most Atlantic City regulars would agree. While there are other hotels I love for different unique reasons, Ocean Casino Resort is an overall great choice for the majority of visitors. You just can’t beat the vibes of Ocean Casino Resort that remind me more of Vegas than any other hotel resort in the area. From the taller ceilings to the modern rooms, the entire stay experience here is designed to feel a bit more luxury than was once associated with Atlantic City. Plus, you can’t beat those incredible ocean views you get from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms.

Though I’ve been to Ocean Casino Resort many times in the past, my most recent visit made me fall in love with this resort all over again. Every time I come back here I find something new to explore — whether it’s the Enomatic wine dispensers at Bottled Wine Bar or Ocean’s 18 mini golf, this hotel is the spot to be for guests who want a different experience every time they visit Atlantic City. Sure, there’s something to be said for going back to your favorite restaurant or playing at the same blackjack table you always win on. But, frequent visitors like myself want something new to look forward to during every visit. It’s clear Ocean Casino Resort understands this, especially after checking out their most recent innovation: America’s Birthday Bar.

Read more
New tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels celebrates two UNESCO-recognized Mexican traditions
Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor

A new limited-edition tequila is bringing together two of Mexico’s most celebrated cultural traditions in a single bottle. Reserva de la Familia, the luxury tequila brand from Jose Cuervo, has unveiled Private Cask Collection Edition No. 2: Mole Cask, the first tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels.

The release highlights the deep connection between Mexico’s culinary and distilling heritage. The tequila begins its journey in the agave fields surrounding Tequila, Jalisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historic agave landscape and tequila production. It is then finished in barrels seasoned with mole, one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and part of the country’s UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of traditional cuisine.

Read more