7 of the Friendliest Cities in the South

The American South is known for its good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. While you'll find kind folks all over the South, Southern Living has rounded up the nicest cities in the South for 2023. Using data from a third-party survey of their readers, the publication compiled a list of the 15 nicest Southern cities, and we'll be taking a closer look at the Top 7.

7. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled deep in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina with a population just below 100,000, Asheville is known for craft beer, mountain biking, arts-and-crafts, and plain ol' nice people. The city sees over 12 million visitors a year and has a thriving downtown, with restaurants and shops aplenty.

6. Wilmington, North Carolina

Coming in at No. 6 is another mid-sized North Carolina city, but rather than a mountain town, this one's a coastal community in the south part of the state. Wilmington has a population of just over 120,000 and manages to blend a small-town feel with big-city attractions.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

The fifth friendliest city in the south is none other than Music City, Tennessee, the largest city on this list with a population of nearly 700,000. Home to country greats like Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw, the population of Nashville has exploded in recent years. Without losing any of its southern charm, Nashville offers the full-on city experience from live music and dancing in crowded honky-tonks every night to the raucous live sports action of the Predators and Titans.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

In the No. 4 spot is the legendary New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebration and abundant live music culture, it's no surprise that New Orleans is one of the South's friendliest cities. The party never dies in New Orleans. Visitors to The Big Easy shouldn't be surprised to see full bands instigating spontaneous dance parties on street corners any given weekday.

3. Greenville, South Carolina

In third place is the city of Greenville, South Carolina. With a population of only 73,000, Greenville is the smallest city of the top seven. That doesn't mean that Greenville doesn't have a lot to offer. From ample outdoor opportunities – including the beautiful downtown Reedy River Falls – to museums, bookstores, and breweries, Greenville has all the amenities of a larger city. Plus, with over 200 sunny days a year, it's easy to see what the locals have to smile about.

2. Savannah, Georgia

For the second friendliest city in the south, we are heading down the Atlantic coast to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia with roots dating back to the original English colonists of the 1730s. The history shines through in the walkable downtown featuring several green spaces, shops, and restaurants. Not to mention, you can take your drinks to go within the historic downtown district, which might help explain why folks are so friendly.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Coming in at No. 1, the friendliest city in the South is Charleston, South Carolina. If you're looking for the maximum dose of Southern hospitality, then Charleston is where it's at. Not only did Southern Living readers vote Charleston as the friendliest city, but it's won the publication's favorite city poll for more than five years running. Charleston was also picked by Travel + Leisure readers as a favorite city for more than 11 years in a row. From the historic architecture and charming streets to the fantastic dining and beautiful beaches, Charleston truly has something special to offer everyone.

There you have it! The South's seven friendliest cities for 2023, according to readers of Southern Living. If your city didn't make the list, there's no reason to fret. The entire South has charm and hospitality. These are just a few of the wonderful cities the South has to offer.

References: The 15 Friendliest Cities In The South | This Popular City Was Just Named the Friendliest in the U.S. South | 9 Rarely Known Facts About Savannah | BY THE NUMBERS Facts and Figures for Greenville, SC | Celebrities That Live in Nashville