Looking for a city that feels like home the moment you arrive? Discover the friendliest cities in America, where neighborly vibes, community involvement, and warm welcomes are part of everyday life.
From the lakeside charm of Madison, Wisconsin, to the coastal serenity of Virginia Beach, these 12 cities stand out for their exceptional hospitality, high volunteer rates, and rich local culture.
Whether you’re planning to relocate or just curious about where kindness thrives, this guide explores the most welcoming places across the country. Read on to find out which cities made the list and why they’re perfect for settling down.
1: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, proudly claims the top spot as the most neighborly city in the U.S.. This vibrant “Mad City” offers exceptional opportunities for locals to connect, notably through its farmers’ market, which is recognized as the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the entire country.
Beyond its community-centric markets, Madison boasts a remarkable array of outdoor recreation activities and a stellar food and drink scene that contributes to its appealing atmosphere.
Its residents are also notably politically active, demonstrating a strong commitment to shaping the future of their city, evidenced by an impressive 59.67% participation rate in the most recent mayoral election.
2: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Moving to the Midwest, Minneapolis, Minnesota, stands out for showcasing true Midwest hospitality. This city has earned high scores in both volunteering and charitable giving, illustrating a strong community spirit where residents actively support one another.
Beyond its warm social environment, Minneapolis is a city with considerable appeal, featuring scenic blue lakes and a thriving art scene that enriches its cultural landscape.
Its strategic proximity to popular hotspots like the Mall of America further enhances its attractiveness, making it a desirable place for individuals looking to settle down and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
3: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado, is iconic for its breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, making it a highly popular destination for visitors and an even more appealing place to call home.
This charming city distinguishes itself with the highest volunteer rates among any other city on the list, with a remarkable 69% of its residents actively supporting local organizations.
Furthermore, Colorado Springs has consistently demonstrated its allure in the housing market, holding the distinction of having one of America’s hottest real estate markets for three consecutive years.
Its combination of natural beauty and strong community engagement makes it a truly welcoming locale.
4: Sarasota, Florida
For the first time, a city from the Sunshine State, Sarasota, Florida, has made its debut on the list of most neighborly cities, offering the allure of an endless summer.
Boasting a warm climate and inviting sandy beaches, Sarasota provides an idyllic setting that attracts new residents.
The city shows significant growth, recording the highest population change among the top 25 cities, with a notable 3.4% increase in new residents joining the community between 2021 and 2022.
This influx underscores its growing appeal as a welcoming and desirable place to live.
5: Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York, serves as a notable exception to the common stereotype often associated with New Yorkers being somewhat brash.
This city has firmly established itself among the top five most neighborly cities in 2022, earning high marks across crucial categories.
Specifically, Rochester achieved impressive scores in both charitable giving and volunteering, highlighting its residents’ strong commitment to community support and mutual assistance.
Its ranking demonstrates a vibrant, giving community that prioritizes neighborly interactions and collective well-being, distinguishing itself as a truly welcoming place within the state.
6: Provo, Utah
Provo, Utah, stands out as a city where residents can find abundant opportunity, robust community support, and high-quality neighbors.
A significant number of Provo residents actively volunteer within their community, contributing to its strong communal fabric.
The city has also become a magnet for new residents due to its affordable cost of living, which enhances its appeal.
Furthermore, Provo serves as a significant economic hub, hosting the headquarters of some of the largest companies in the state, and has been recognized as one of the best new places to start a business.
7: Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is another major city from the state that earned a spot on this distinguished list.
The city received high remarks across several key indicators of neighborliness, including its safe neighborhoods, impressive voter turnouts, and a strong culture of volunteering.
Beyond its community-focused attributes, Salt Lake City is also gaining a reputation as the “next Silicon Valley,” attracting tech talent from across the country and further solidifying its dynamic and forward-looking identity.
This blend of safety, civic engagement, and economic opportunity makes it a highly attractive urban center.
8: Ogden, Utah
Ogden, Utah, is the third city from the state to be recognized on the list of America’s friendliest cities, and it holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Utah.
This historic city is characterized by the presence of many helping hands, with a significant 50% of its residents reporting that they volunteer in the community.
Ogden’s vibrant downtown area, combined with its close proximity to awe-inspiring outdoor entertainment and recreation opportunities, further enhances its desirability.
These factors collectively make Ogden an exceptionally appealing and welcoming place to live.
9: Raleigh, North Carolina
Many individuals who have experienced Raleigh, North Carolina, can attest to its pleasant charm and distinct neighborly feel.
The city presents an attractive living environment with a strong economy, abundant job opportunities, and an enjoyable climate.
Raleigh truly embodies small-town hospitality, ensuring that even newcomers feel immediately at home.
This year, the city particularly stood out for its significant influx of new residents, indicating its growing appeal.
Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can explore its extensive 180 miles of greenway trails, further adding to the city’s welcoming and active lifestyle.
10: Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia, as the political capital of the state, has secured its place on 2023’s most neighborly list.
In response to the housing market pressures that encourage relocation to more affordable communities, Richmond has experienced a significant influx of over 30,000 new residents between 2020 and mid-2022.
This demonstrates its growing appeal as an accessible and welcoming place to live. Furthermore, the city has been recognized for its civic engagement, ranking among the top 10 cities for highest voter turnout, underscoring its active and engaged community spirit.
11: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia, is widely recognized as a popular vacation destination for Americans, famously home to the longest pleasure beach in the world.
Beyond its appeal as a tourist hotspot, it is also highly regarded as one of the most neighborly places to live.
The city’s commitment to civic participation is evident as it ranked the highest for its substantial number of voter turnouts within the community.
Additionally, Virginia Beach offers numerous family-friendly attractions, including the popular Grommet Island Park, making it an ideal location for families seeking a welcoming and engaging environment.
12: Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, arguably the most popular city in the Pacific Northwest, is characterized by residents who are deeply committed to giving back to their community and actively contributing to its growth.
As the recognized coffee capital of America, Seattle has also earned high scores in both charitable giving and volunteering, underscoring the strong philanthropic spirit of its inhabitants.
The city is a major economic hub, home to several prominent tech companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, which draw diverse talent and contribute to its dynamic and innovative atmosphere. This blend of community spirit and economic vitality makes Seattle a welcoming place.
Alicia Richards