There’s nothing like traveling to a new town or city and feeling right at home. The sense of discovery and adventure mixed with feeling welcomed by friendly locals can take a long-awaited vacation to new levels.
And while technically, there’s no scientific way to decide exactly which towns in our country are the most friendly places, personal experiences can reveal a lot.
So we’ve done our research, and many people agree: these are 5 of everyone’s favorite friendly places in the US. If you’d like to spend your next getaway in a place where you’ll see plenty of smiling faces, be sure to check some of these places out.
…Click “Next” to begin your adventure!
This friendly place gushes with southern charm and beauty, with its locals being exceptionally chatty and happy to get to know travelers who come to visit.
Moreover, Savannah offers quaint cobblestone streets, chic boutiques, and enough hauntingly beautiful historic homes to make you feel like you’re dreaming. It’s highly walkable, safe, and provides a fantastic food scene as well.
Just simply being in Savannah is enough to keep cultivating a laid-back, Southern-style brand of friendliness. Take a leisurely stroll through the shaded parks, walking underneath the oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and you never know who you’ll bump into.
While here, make sure you ask one of the locals about the best places to eat and if there are any hidden gems. They’ll be more than happy to share!
Cradled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder residents enjoy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and biking.
Facing the Front Range, surrounded by vast, wildflower-dotted fields, this friendly place is frequently known as a city within a park, enticing locals and travelers alike to relax in the glory of the great outdoors.
Besides that, Boulder is home to many of the state’s most cherished craft breweries and a booming restaurant scene. This laid-back state of mind has infiltrated nearly every element of life in this spirited town.
Take, for a prime example, the Tree X office, an outdoor space built around a linden tree in downtown Central Park, including a table and chairs; make a reservation for a meeting beneath the leaves!
The charming coastal city of Charleston is well-known for its Southern hospitality.
While those visiting usually come to learn about the history, with Civil War-era sites, including Fort Sumter and stunning centuries-old homes, what truly makes this friendly place worth visiting is the welcoming community.
You can mingle with the residents at the weekly Charleston Farmers Market or throw back a cold beer at Cooper River Brewing Company. The food scene is awe-inspiring, and you’ll find lovely beaches just a short drive away.
And if you happen to be visiting the area, another of our country’s most charming Southern towns, Beaufort, can often be found just 90 miles from Charleston.
This three-centuries-old town is where locals hang out on the front porch while drinking sweet tea and enjoying get-togethers for crab boils.
This friendly place also boasts many historical sites and glorious antebellum architecture, a picturesque waterfront, and delicious local cuisine, including thick and spicy gumbos.
Whether you’re trying to retrace the steps of Hemingway or just going to indulge in the endless beach relaxation, this town has long been known as a friendly place of acceptance for all types of people. And it won’t be difficult to have a good time here.
Part of that is due to the friendly locals and their distinctive sense of humor. Visionaries, artists, and authors have long sought out this town to escape from the mundane.
The southernmost city in the US is known for its tolerance and acceptance of all types of people and ideas. So as you can guess, what’s most naturally noted about this friendly place is that it’s one of the best spots to just cut loose and forget about all your troubles!
Santa Fe has been irresistible to creative types for the better part of the past century. After all, Georgia O’Keeffe called this place home. She, and everyone else, was drawn to its impressive natural landscapes and wide open spaces.
And even in today’s world, many people are drawn to its artistic heritage, with over 300 art galleries in the adorable adobe buildings that line this friendly place’s streets. The locals aren’t just artsy, though.
This city attracts such a diverse range of people that you see it reflected in its restaurant scene, among many other places. With an array of excellent chefs, this New Mexico city is very well known for its local cuisine.
But don’t worry! If it’s not your style, you can also find everything from Kenyan to Mediterranean eateries!
As the home of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, with endless options for skiing, hiking, biking, and boating, this northeastern hub is often described as a laid-back and friendly place, making visitors feel at home.
Burlington might be the largest city in Vermont, but it has the feel of a charming small town with a population of about 42,000. It has an artsy vibe that’s helped attract young and friendly locals who are quite likely to welcome you just as if you were one of their own.
In the summer months, you can find a festival almost every weekend, like Brewers Fest, Jazz Fest, and Art Hop. And the farmers’ market on Saturdays is a great place to stop for lunch and grab some locally-grown produce.
If you visit, be sure to pack a picnic basket and check out the view from Waterfront Park and stay for the glorious sunset. As the sun begins to set over the Adirondacks, the landscape is sprinkled with hues of pink and purple, grabbing the attention of locals and visitors alike.
So which one of these friendly places was your favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. And if you liked this article, we also recommend reading: 6 Best Trips to Take in Your 60s
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