According to a poll by Southern Living Magazine, Austin and San Antonio impress when it comes to southern hospitality, landing them in the list of top 15 friendliest cities in the south.
The list includes cities with more than 40,000 residents.
Texas’ capital city takes the 13th spot on the list for its unpretentious people and an “all are welcome” mentality, according to SL.
“Weird, lively, laidback, inviting, and genuine are all words readers used to describe Austin,” the magazine wrote. It’s a fitting description since Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird” and a popular activity for residents is relaxing by Barton Springs Pool.
San Antonio is No. 12 on the list. The home of the Alamo made the list in part because of its iconic River Walk, where people gather to shop and eat. San Antonio is also known for Fiesta, its 10-day festival with tons of events, live music, food and dancing where people come to celebrate the history and culture of the city.
“One of the city’s biggest assets is its diversity and the way it celebrates and welcomes all kinds of cultures,” SL wrote about San Antonio.
The other cities listed are:
- Cary, North Carolina
- Bentonville, Arkansas
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Lafayette, Louisiana
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Franklin, Tennessee
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Greenville, North Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Charleston, South Carolina