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Austin welcomed onto Southern Living's new list of friendliest cities
Austinites were most likely to "bring out the welcome wagon" for tourists and newcomers, according to the survey.
Some people might say big cities turn callous with their rapid growth, but that doesn't seem to be the truth about Austin, which was just named one of the 15 friendliest cities in the South.
The May 21 report by Southern Living placed Austin at No. 13 on its list, squarely in between Bentonville, Arkansas (No. 14), and San Antonio (No. 12). While the Texas Capital has frequently been hailed as one of the best places to live in the U.S., its expansion hasn't led to the degradation of the city's friendly ways.
"Locals have always affectionately demanded that Austin be kept weird, but it’s the city’s 'all are welcome' mentality that makes it one of the friendliest places in the South," the report's author wrote. "Weird, lively, laidback, inviting, and genuine are all words readers used to describe Austin."
For visitors wanting to stay in one of the happier parts of town (or for those who are considering relocating to the city), they should look in the neighborhood of Jollyville, which was dubbed one of the friendliest American neighborhoods earlier in 2024.
The report goes on further to say that "pretentious" is the singular descriptor "you won't catch anyone using" when talking about the city, so take that with as much of a grain of salt as you like.
Southern Living surveyed more than 20,000 readers in 2023 to help determine its "15 Friendliest Cities in the South" list, more specifically seeking out cities with a population of over 40,000 people. Cities that made it on the list were the most likely to "roll out the welcome wagon" for out-of-towners, and provide glowing recommendations for things to do or where to eat.
"Smiling, friendly faces are the norm rather than the exception — from the clerk at the drugstore to folks just passing by on the street," the report says. "And we guarantee you’ll finish out your trip (no matter how brief) with a couple new friends."
San Antonio got a boost ahead of Austin thanks to its multicultural diversity, and the iconic River Walk (plus all the attractions associated with the tourist destination).
"One of the city’s biggest assets is its diversity and the way it celebrates and welcomes all kinds of cultures," the report said. "Its annual Fiesta is a 10-day celebration with more than 100 events that celebrates the history and culture of San Antonio."
Austin and San Antonio were the only two Texas cities to make the list in 2024. Charleston, South Carolina, was deemed Southern Living's friendliest southern city this year. The report cited its "beautiful architecture, excellent dining, waterfront views, quaint streets, and an indescribably welcoming spirit."
In a separate comparison of 2024's 20 friendliest Southern towns, Southern Living ranked Fredericksburg (No. 9) and Round Top (No. 7) in the top 10.
The top 15 friendliest cities in the South are:
- No. 1 – Charleston, South Carolina
- No. 2 – Savannah, Georgia
- No. 3 – Greenville, South Carolina
- No. 4 – New Orleans, Louisiana
- No. 5 – Nashville, Tennessee
- No. 6 – Wilmington, North Carolina
- No. 7 – Asheville, North Carolina
- No. 8 – Franklin, Tennessee
- No. 9 – Lexington, Kentucky
- No. 10 – Lafayette, Louisiana
- No. 11 – Chattanooga, Tennessee
- No. 12 – San Antonio, Texas
- No. 13 – Austin, Texas
- No. 14 – Bentonville, Arkansas
- No. 15 – Cary, North Carolina
