Columbus among top 10 friendliest cities in U.S., according to travel magazine

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A national travel magazine recently named Columbus as one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the United States.

Condé Nast Traveler – a magazine owned by the company that also publishes Vogue, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair – recently compiled a list of the friendliest cities in America. The magazine releases an annual readers’ choice awards compilation where over half a million people vote online for which cities have the nicest residents. 

Columbus made the list, coming in at No. 7. The magazine pointed to Columbus’ food scene as a potential key factor to its welcoming atmosphere.

“Could it be that Columbus is friendly because it’s so well-fed?” the magazine said. “Whether you make a beeline for the overloaded burgers at The Thurman Cafe or decide to try some of the city’s Himalayan food, you’re sure to be welcomed with a nice Midwest greeting and enthusiastic suggestions for where to eat next.”

Taking the No. 1 spot as the friendliest city in America was Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"One of the city’s greatest assets is its friendly population," Condé Nast Traveler wrote. "As you pass happy residents kayaking in Coolidge Park, hiking up Lookout Mountain, or shopping their way through Bluff View Art District, you’ll be tempted to make a permanent relocation to this charming city in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains."

The completed top 10 list can be viewed below:

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Lexington, Kentucky
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
4. Greenville, South Carolina
5. Mobile, Alabama 
6. Savannah, Georgia
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Charleston, South Carolina
9. Alexandria, Virginia
10. Chicago