Who doesn’t love to be greeted with a friendly smile or given helpful recommendations when visiting a new destination? To find the friendliest U.S. cities, the language-learning company Preply conducted a survey of residents in the 25 most populous U.S. cities to determine which has the nicest inhabitants. The survey revealed that friendliness is an integral part of the culture in some American cities, and with one state claiming four spots on the list, there’s a clear winner when it comes to making strangers feel right at home. These are the top 10 friendliest big cities in the United States as of 2025.

10. Los Angeles, California

Score: 6.83 (out of 10)

Los Angeles is no stranger to tourism — the home of Hollywood, beaches, and world-famous theme parks sees around 50 million tourists annually. Fortunately for these visitors, they’re often greeted by friendly locals. According to the Los Angeles Tourism Board, the country’s second-most-populous city prides itself on its hospitality, stating, “Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination — where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome.” Indeed, L.A. is known for its culturally diverse neighborhoods, and one of the top friendly actions highlighted in the survey was Angelenos’ willingness to help others with language translation.

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Score: 6.87

Oklahoma City is known as “the Modern Frontier” for its history of cowboy culture. The city is home to more than 680,000 residents, who welcome visitors to enjoy an array of downtown entertainment, family-friendly cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures along the Oklahoma River. While the Preply survey lists this city as the ninth-friendliest in America, residents might argue it should be in first place. After all, Oklahoma City has also earned the nickname “the Big Friendly” due to the kindness of its locals — there’s even a brewery in downtown OKC that proudly bears this moniker.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

Score: 6.90

Music City is home to more than 700,000 residents, but on any given day, expect the city to be filled with thousands of tourists — around 17 million are projected to visit in 2025. Some come for the country and blues music, others for a hockey game or a hot chicken sandwich, but we’d wager a bet that all of them stay for the Southern hospitality. Among the survey responses, residents noted that Nashvillians are especially welcoming to children and pets, creating a family-friendly environment for both locals and visitors.

7. Fort Worth, Texas

Score: 7.02

In Fort Worth, “y’all means all” — at least that’s what the city’s famous mural on West 7th Street says. Situated just west of Dallas, Fort Worth has a reputation for being more easygoing than its bustling neighbor. The city’s million-plus residents (and more than 11 million annual visitors) can enjoy Texan hospitality at the rodeos of Fort Worth Stockyards or delve into the region’s history at the National Cowgirl Museum. Expect a friendly gesture when you’re out and about in town — according to the survey, residents of Fort Worth were the most likely to greet people around them in public.

6. San Diego, California

Score: 7.04

Not only is San Diego the sixth-friendliest city in the U.S., but it’s also the friendliest place on the West Coast. For proof, look no further than the city’s official tourism slogan, “Happiness is calling!” Whether you’re visiting the scenic Balboa Park or wildlife watching at La Jolla Cove, don’t be afraid to ask a local to snap your picture — according to the survey, residents of San Diego are particularly known for offering to take photos for strangers.

5. El Paso, Texas

Score: 7.10

Home to more than 680,000 residents, this border city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, blending American Southwest influences with those of Mexico. And it’s little wonder its residents are so happy, as El Paso was named the second-best big city to live in by U.S. World News and Report in 2025. The Preply survey on America’s happiest cities also reveals that El Paso is the friendliest city in the country toward both children and strangers, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

2. San Antonio, Texas (tie)

Score: 7.16

There’s a three-way tie for No. 2 in the ranking of friendliest U.S. cities. Kicking it off is San Antonio, best known for attractions such as the Alamo and the River Walk. San Antonio residents who were surveyed reported that their peers are notably friendly toward strangers, fostering a welcoming environment for all. With more than 1.5 million residents, San Antonio’s thriving economy and tourism sector also contribute to its high quality of life.

2. Columbus, Ohio (tie)

Score: 7.16

The friendliest city in the Midwest is Ohio’s state capital, home to more than 930,000 residents. In 2024, Columbus welcomed more than 50 million tourists, in part due to major events such as the solar eclipse and the MLS All-Star Game. But the city is also home to year-round entertainment, from fall football games at Ohio Stadium to summers in the Metro Parks and winter days spent at museums. According to the survey, Columbus is listed as one of the friendliest cities toward strangers.

2. Charlotte, North Carolina (tie)

Score: 7.16

Charlotte is also tied in second place in the ranking of America’s friendliest cities. Residents here are more likely than folks in any other city surveyed to give guidance or recommendations to tourists or new residents. That should be welcome news, considering how much there is to see and do in the Queen City, whether it’s brewery hopping downtown or heading to the outskirts of the city for an adventure at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

1. Austin, Texas

Score: 7.45

Texas’ state capital is the friendliest city in the U.S. It’s where residents are more likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger than in any other city in the country. Home to nearly 1 million residents, this outdoorsy city is known for its live music and entertainment scene.

Austin was also recently ranked as the No. 2 most dog-friendly city in the country by Sniffspot, and the city is known for its numerous dog-friendly establishments. In fact, according to the Preply survey, Austin residents are friendlier to pets than residents of any other city in the country. But don’t worry, Austin’s residents welcome plenty of human visitors, too, to the tune of 30 million annually. 

About the data: To compile this list, we consulted a 2023 report from Preply, a language-learning company, which surveyed 1,258 Americans in the 25 biggest U.S. cities about how friendly the residents of their city are. The survey included a range of friendly actions, such as how likely residents were to greet someone on the street, offer directions, hold the door open from someone, and so forth. You can read the full report here.

Few countries take food more seriously than Italy, and with good reason: Their cuisine is among the best in the world — indeed, countless people who’ve never even visited the Boot consider Italian cuisine their favorite. But next time you’re lucky enough to actually find yourself in Italy, go for the most authentic experience possible by following these six tips for eating like a local.

Skip the Savory Breakfast

Most of the dishes we consider classically Italian are savory, not sweet: pasta, pizza, and paninis, just to name a few. None of those is a breakfast food, however, and that isn’t a coincidence. By and large, Italians prefer to start their day with something sweet, with cornettos (the Italian take on croissants) being among the most popular. These and other pastries are almost always paired with coffee, especially cappuccino or espresso — one study found that 84% of Italians drink coffee as soon as they wake up every morning.

And Go for a Late Dinner

Anyone who’s ever visited Rome in the summer knows there’s something uniquely appealing about a late dinner accompanied by an equally late sunset. Regardless of what time day ends and night begins, however, Italians prefer to eat the last meal of the day later than folks in most other countries. You aren’t likely to find an early-bird special in Venice or Turin, as dinner often doesn’t begin until 8 or 9 p.m. And the farther south you go, the later dinner will be. This is due to both warmer weather and ingrained traditions that, like your nonna’s lasagna recipe, won’t be changing anytime soon.

Eat Pasta as a Starter

Those of us who love our carbs tend to think of pasta as an entree or main course. Not so in Italy, where it’s usually the primo (first course) rather than secondo (second course). The latter will usually be meat or fish, with a smaller portion of spaghetti, lasagna, or even gnocchi whetting your appetite first.

Don’t Drink Cappuccino in the Afternoon

The flip side of 84% of Italians drinking coffee first thing in the morning is that they have strong opinions on exactly what type to drink — and when. Cappuccino is considered a morning beverage due to its high milk content, making it a faux pas to order one in the afternoon. This isn’t purely based on arbitrary traditions: Milk is considered fairly difficult to digest, so only having it in the morning is thought to give your body more time to process it and avoid a funny tummy before bed. If you do need a caffeine fix in the p.m., go for an espresso or macchiato.

Think Locally

Though we tend to associate a number of classic dishes with Italy as a whole, many of them are regional specialties. You wouldn’t expect a Philly cheesesteak from San Diego to be as authentic as one from Philadelphia, so why would you expect to find the same kind of Bolognese in Rome as you would in Bologna? Florence, for instance, is known more for its meat than it is for its pasta, especially the famed bistecca alla Fiorentina, which literally means “beefsteak Florentine style.” If you’re in Bologna, go for the delicious lasagna Bolognese. Wherever you travel to in Italy, do your research ahead of time and focus on regional specialties as much as possible.

Be Mindful of Opening and Closing Times

Italian restaurants tend to close for several hours between lunch and dinner, which has surely perplexed many a traveler used to more generous hours. And while there’s much to be said for the convenience of finding a spot that’s open between the hours of, say, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., locals might warn that these establishments cater to tourists and are therefore less authentic. Italians eat dinner late, often taking a post-work evening stroll known as la passeggiata before doing so, which means that the spot around the corner from your hotel that doesn’t open until 7:30 at night likely offers a more authentic experience.

Today, the largest fairs across the country draw millions of attendees each summer and fall to celebrate their state’s unique identity and enjoy outdoor entertainment. Certain attractions are a given — towering Ferris wheels and fried food go hand-in-hand — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With chart-topping musicians to homemade local delicacies and unique competitions, these are five of the best state fairs in the U.S. that go all out for fair season.

Great New York State Fair – Syracuse, New York

America’s first state fair was held in Syracuse, New York, in 1841, attracting around 10,000 to 15,000 people. The nation’s oldest state fair is still one of its biggest —approximately 1 million people visit the sprawling fairgrounds of the Great New York State Fair annually. In fact, the grounds are so big, trolleys and chairlifts are on hand to shuttle fair-goers from one area of the event to the other. 

Want to learn how to milk a goat? You can at the petting zoo. Meanwhile, thrilling amusement rides and games dominate the Midway section, while food plays a central theme throughout. The popular Taste NY event also introduces patrons to local vendors who offer up complimentary samples of their made-in-New-York goodies, from pizza fritte and sausage sandwiches to wine slushies. 

Alaska State Fair – Palmer, Alaska

The Alaska State Fair is best known for its impressive giant fruit and vegetable competition, where past heavyweight champions have included a 2,051-pound pumpkin and 138-pound cabbage. The rhubarb pie contest and baked goods contests (which include breads, cakes, candies, and cookies) keep feeding locals’ love of friendly competition. The Alaska State Fair also offers a wide variety of arts and crafts, ranging from exquisite beadwork and clay pottery to natural Alaskan art (including antlers, fur, and dried flowers) and handmade quilts. 

There’s plenty of local food favorites on hand, too, from open-pit prepared Alaskan salmon to fresh oysters, doughnut burgers, and Denali cream puffs. Lastly, there’s the much-anticipated farm exhibit that provides attendees the chance to mingle with baby animals, watch chicks hatch, and see a milking demonstration (and even get in on the action themselves). 

State Fair of Texas – Dallas, Texas

The largest state fair in the U.S. hosts well over 2 million people annually, proving once again that everything really is bigger in Texas. Visitors have 24 days to visit Fair Park and catch a concert, cheer on a rodeo, ride the famous 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel, and sample dozens of imaginative fried food creations. The livestock Birthing Barn and its adorable baby animals are a popular attraction, and the Cotton Bowl Stadium (located inside the fairgrounds) draws crowds for two days of college football that takes place during the fair. 

For visitors interested to learn more about Texas culture and history, the historic Fair Park encompasses multiple museums and discovery centers, including the African American Museum, the Continental Dar House, the Children’s Aquarium, and the Lone Star Nature Arts Competition Gallery.

Kentucky State Fair – Louisville, Kentucky

Come for the live musical acts; stay for the pulled pork, smoked turkey legs, and beef brisket. If there are two things the Kentucky State Fair does well, it’s music and food; however, there’s much more than that happening during the 11-day affair. In fact, visitors will probably need a few days to experience it all, considering the fair has over 1.3 million square feet of indoor space, an outdoor area spanning 300 acres, nine stages, and eight giant tents. 

Agland dedicates an acre of space to local agricultural vendors to showcase interactive displays of farm equipment, live animals, and other exhibits. The World’s Championship Horse Show is a renowned competition that draws competitors from around the globe. And for some good old-fashioned entertainment, visit Heritage Hall for a tent full of games, music, dancing, and bingo. 

Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights, Minnesota

The Minnesota State Fair’s nickname, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” is an understatement when you consider that it’s the second-biggest state fair in the country, welcoming roughly 2 million people annually. In addition to the famous headliners to rock the fairground — past headline acts include Tim McGraw and the Doobie Brothers — food is taken quite seriously.

The expansive menu of 500 options includes chocolate malts, deep-fried smelt (don’t knock it till you try it), and frozen cider pops. An underrated feature of the Minnesota fair is the Miracle of Birth Center, a free educational exhibit that teaches about and facilitates the birth of 200 calves, lambs, goats, and piglets over the fair’s duration.

What makes a city truly joyful to live in? Surely, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but that hasn’t stopped the researchers at the Institute for Quality of Life from attempting to find out. They analyzed 82 indicators of happiness in cities worldwide based on six key categories — citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility — to come up with the 2025 Happy City Index. As program director Dr. Bartosz Bartoszewicz explains, “A happy city is one that listens — to children, students, workers, and elders alike. True urban well-being means designing places where everyone can thrive today, without compromising the needs of tomorrow.” Read on to discover the top 10 happiest cities around the globe and take a closer look at this year’s new winner.

Copenhagen: The World’s Happiest City for 2025

Denmark’s coastal capital takes the No. 1 spot for 2025, scoring the highest out of the 600 major cities analyzed. Copenhagen adopts a holistic approach to enhancing the quality of life for its 1.39 million residents, with sustainability, civic engagement, and innovation serving as hallmarks of the city’s character. 

Life expectancy in Copenhagen stands at 79.9 years, well above the worldwide average of 73.5 years. This longevity is bolstered by universal health care coverage and healthy work-life balance, with an average workweek of just 37 hours. Outdoor living is a way of life here, and residents need not go far to find green spaces: Copenhagen boasts nearly one park per square kilometer. 

A key driver in Copenhagen’s happiness is its thriving economy. With approximately 230 businesses per 1,000 residents, the city encourages economic growth and entrepreneurship. Education is another pillar of Copenhagen’s success; Denmark’s high-quality, affordable system ensures university students from the EU attend tuition-free. 

But it isn’t just residents who are happy — life is good for tourists in the Danish capital, too. Highlights include the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle and the current home of the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg Palace. Nearby, Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park, offers fun for the entire family, and the seaside Little Mermaid statue draws crowds as a tribute to the famous fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. While sights like these draw in around 30 million tourists annually, Copenhagen’s robust public transit system keeps things moving efficiently, and nearly 70% of all travel within the city is environmentally friendly.

2025 Top 10 Happiest Cities

The rest of the top 10 list spans just two continents: Europe and Asia. From economics to community spirit, these global cities lead the way in resident happiness:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark 
2. Zurich, Switzerland 
3. Singapore, Republic of Singapore 
4. Aarhus, Denmark 
5. Antwerp, Belgium 
6. Seoul, South Korea 
7. Stockholm, Sweden 
8. Taipei, Taiwan 
9. Munich, Germany 
10. Rotterdam, The Netherlands 

Notably, Denmark is the only country with two cities ranked in the top 10: Copenhagen and Aarhus. Aarhus, ranked the No. 1 city in the 2024 Happy City Index, now sits in fourth place in the 2025 report. This lesser-known Danish city, situated on the eastern side of the Jutland peninsula, is rich in Viking history and seaside charm. 

For the second consecutive year, Zurich claims second place. The picturesque lakeside city is a global hub for banking and finance, boasting a high GDP per capita that makes it one of the most prosperous cities in the world. 

In third place, the Southeast Asia city-state of Singapore continues to foster a strong sense of community happiness despite its dense population of over 6 million. As a beacon for research and innovation, Singapore is home to some of the world’s top universities. Life expectancy there is also among the highest of any city on the index list, averaging 83 years, supported by a strong health care system and balanced lifestyles.

Belgium’s medieval port city, Antwerp, claims fifth place thanks to its strong economy and high level of citizen involvement in government, with 21.1% of employed individuals working in government-related roles. Thanks to high civic engagement and ample access to health care, Antwerp’s residents enjoy a strong sense of community.

Seoul, South Korea, home to over 9.6 million residents, claims sixth place. With an average life expectancy of 85 years, Seoul’s residents live longer than those in any other city on the top 10 world’s happiest cities list, in part due to access to health care and low rates of obesity and violence. Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, is another city where residents live longer, an average of 83.6 years. This capital city climbed from 11th place in 2024 to seventh in 2025. Stockholm prioritizes sustainability and the preservation of its cultural heritage, along with universal health care, efficient public transportation, and ample green spaces.

Landing in eighth place this year, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, maintains high levels of public safety and civic engagement, despite being a large, bustling city of over 2.5 million. The city’s investments in education, health care, and technology also contribute to a sense of pride and community among residents.

Germany’s happiest city, and the ninth-happiest in the world, is Munich, the cultural heart of Bavaria. Though this city is best known to international tourists as the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, for its residents, Munich is a sustainable, well-governed city with a focus on education, health care, and green transportation. 

Rounding out the top 10 list is Rotterdam, home to Europe’s largest seaport. The city’s economy thrives on maritime industries and global trade, which supports a healthy local job market and steady influx of investment. The city’s modern infrastructure boasts a robust public transportation system and many green technology advancements.

Featured image credit: Dado Daniela/ Moment via Getty Images