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South Carolina Is Home To The Number 1 Small City In America

Author Melanie Day

We love to share when places in the Carolinas are nationally recognized. Being even mentioned in lists is great. But when a North or South Carolina can top a positive list, it’s always a good day. And that’s what happened in the recent CondeNaste Traveler Awards. They created a list of the best small cities in the US. South Carolina is the home of the number 1 small city in America. It’s a city we know and love!

Charleston South Carolina

Coming in at number one on this list was Charleston, SC. This mecca of southern hospitality, culture, and cuisine is beloved by travelers from near and far. The city is full of rich history, incredible southern charm, and restaurants any foodie dreams about. The Holy City as it is known is characterized by lots of churches, stately Charleston homes including the famed Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets, and spectacular waterfront views. We often see Charleston recognized on a variety of lists including best places to travel, to live, best restaurants and bars, and even recently the best thing to do.

It’s a place I love to visit from browsing in the market or shopping on King Street to walking around and enjoying the home and architecture of the city. I couldn’t possibly try every restaurant I want to and I dream of bar hopping and the numerous rooftop and patio bars. Cocktails just taste better with a view do they not? I love to visit and some of my favorite influencers call Charleston home. Maybe this is a sign?

Also mentioned on this list at number four was Greenville, SC. Another city that is getting lots of positive recognition these days and one I certainly need to plan a visit back to. From the gorgeous downtown Falls Park, to the trendy bars and restaurants Greenville is thriving. CondeNaste describes Greenville as a “food lover’s town” specializing in the farm-to-table scene.

The other cities on this list are:

  1. Charleston, SC
  2. Santa Fe, NM
  3. Alexandria, VA
  4. Greenville, SC
  5. Savannah, GA
  6. Aspen, CO
  7. St. Augustine, FL
  8. Pensacola, FL
  9. Annapolis, MD
  10. Sedona, AZ

I’ve been lucky enough to visit half of these cities and if the ones I haven’t visited are half as good as the one I have then they are in good company. You can read more about each of these cities and what makes them great via CondeNaste Traveler.

South Carolina Named In The Top 3 Most Charming States

When you think of charming what do you think of? When I hear the word two things come to mind- Prince Charming and Southern Charm. While I’m still waiting on Prince Charming I have experienced Southern charm and all that means. And when I was sent this information about the most charming states, I just had a feeling the South would be well represented. And it was. The data, shared with us by our friends at Oddspedia came from a survey of 5000 Americans. The researchers at Oddspedia asked each respondent the states they feel “embody the essence of Southern hospitality”.

Survey respondents were asked to rank their state and their perception of other southern states in four categories. These included Southern charm, politeness, helpfulness, and friendliness. The average scores in each category were added together and then the states ranked as the most charming. A separate list created the rankings on the state’s own perception of themselves. But what is fun in that, the results we are looking at are of other states. Because in the South people’s perception is everything.
But first what exactly is Southern Charm? Who better to ask than Southern Living? According to the publication “What some deem as charming is just the natural Southern way of being kind, witty, and considerate to everyone we encounter, whether it be at the post office, grocery store, or at church. Having grace under pressure and making others feel welcome and comfortable is also part of the Southern charm. “
So there you have it folks. Keep reading to see the 10 most charming states including where both North and South Carolina rank. I’ll give you a hint the Carolina that’s farther south is perceived as more charming. Thanks to our friends at Oddspedia for sharing this data with us.

  • 10. Mississippi

    Welcome to Mississippi sign at the state border

    Southern Charm: 3.1

    Politeness: 3.1

    Helpfulness: 3.1

    Friendliness: 3.1

    Total: 12.3

    It doesn’t get much more south than Mississippi. They ranked 10th from other state’s point of view but number 1 in their own minds.

  • 9. Texas

    State flag of Texas waving in the wind. Dramatic sky background. 3d illustration.

    Southern Charm: 3.1

    Politeness: 3.0

    Helpfulness: 3.1

    Friendliness: 3.2

    Total: 12.4

    Everything is bigger in Texas. And the Lonestar state is charming just not the most charming.

  • 8. Virginia

    A roadside sign welcomes travelers along a rural road to the state of Virginia

    Southern Charm: 3.0

    Politeness: 3.1

    Helpfulness: 3.1

    Friendliness: 3.2

    Total: 12.4

    Virginia is for lovers. Lovers are charming. See where I’m going here?

  • 7. Alabama

    Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama Road Sign along Interstate 10 in Robertsdale, Alabama USA, near the State Border with Florida.

    Southern Charm: 3.3

    Politeness: 3.1

    Helpfulness: 3.1

    Friendliness: 3.2

    Total: 12.8

    Sorry, Alabama this is one national championship you didn’t win. I do love watching Bama Rush though.

  • 6. Kentucky

    Welcome to Kentucky road sign at the state border

    Southern Charm: 3.2

    Politeness: 3.2

    Helpfulness: 3.2

    Friendliness: 3.3

    Total: 12.8

    Kentucky is the South, but somehow not the South at the same time. It’s a battle of culture vs. location. But the Bluegrass state came in 6th on this list.

  • 5. North Carolina

    The North Carolina state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America. In the background there is a clear sky. North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States

    Southern Charm: 3.3

    Politeness: 3.4

    Helpfulness: 3.4

    Friendliness:3.4

    Total: 13.4

    Are you surprised North Carolina didn’t score as charming as South Carolina? As a North Carolina resident I’m actually not.

  • 4. Louisiana

    The Louisiana state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America. In the background there is a clear sky. Louisiana is a state in the Deep South regions of the US

    Southern Charm: 3.4

    Politeness: 3.3

    Helpfulness: 3.3

    Friendliness: 3.4

    Total: 13.5

    I don’t no much about Louisiana other than New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and football. But I suppose all of that is charming.

  • 3. South Carolina

    A welcome sign at the South Carolina state line.

    Southern Charm: 3.5

    Politeness: 3.4

    Helpfulness: 3.4

    Friendliness: 3.5

    Total: 13.8

    And there we have it folks, South Carolina was the third most charming state. And with Charleston being almost my definition of southern charm I support this. But then there is downtown Myrtle Beach probably why SC didn’t take the top spot. No hate to Myrtle Beach, but downtown at night isn’t quite charming.

  • 2. Georgia

    Welcome to Georgia sign - seen by the border of the state

    Southern Charm: 3.6

    Politeness: 3.4

    Helpfulness:3.4

    Friendliness: 3.5

    Total: 14.0

    If Charleston is the first place I think of when I think of southern charm Savannah Georgia is the second. And it’s second on this list.

  • 1. Tennessee

    Tennessee welcomes you sign at he state border

    Southern Charm: 3.6

    Politeness: 3.5

    Helpfulness: 3.5

    Friendliness: 3.6

    Total: 14.1

    And the most charming state? Tennessee takes the crown.

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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