You wont meet a stranger in these Southern communities.
And we guarantee youll finish out your trip (no matter how brief) with a couple new friends.
We polled the people who know the South best (thats youour readers!)
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
to find out which places have made you feel especially warm and fuzzy.
Here are the Souths 15 friendliest cities.
Weve got your friendly small towns in a separate story.
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The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents.
Cary, once a minor suburb, has exploded into a major cultural hub while retaining its small-town character.
With a population around 60,000, readers commented on the citys small-town and community-focused feel.
Local trails provide biking options ranging from smooth rides to adventurous climbs.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Weird, lively, laidback, inviting, and genuine are all words readers used to describe Austin.
One word you wont catch anyone using to talk about the city: pretentious.
Itsannual Fiestais a 10-day celebration with more than 100 events that celebrates the history andculture of San Antonio.
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From Rock City to the Chattanooga Aquarium to plentiful hiking and biking trails.
Lafayette, Louisiana
The character and culture of Lafayette are simply unmatched anywhere else in Cajun country.
This is a place thats proud of its heritage and isnt afraid to let everyone know it.
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Kindness is a universal virtue here, and its best emulated by locals and businesses devoted to the cause.
And Franklin isnt just friendly to two-legged visitors.
Pet-friendly patios are popular across town, too.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
), locals dont seem to suffer any tourist fatigue.
Said one reader: We spent three days in Nashville doing the typical tourist things.
There wasnt one place that we went that the hospitality wasnt friendly.
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Everyone wanted to know where we were from.
Its nice to walk into a store and be greeted.
Anyone who has ever visited knows the feeling.
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Its the quintessential Southern city.
Credit: Matthew Maxey (Visit Franklin)
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Credit: Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin) / Getty Images
Credit: Courtesy of Commander’s Palace
Credit: Courtesy of the City of Greenville
Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia.Credit:Amy Luo/Moment/Getty Images
Credit: Christopher Shane
