Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. The South's Best 2022
  3. The South's Best Cities on the Rise 2022

The South's Best Cities on the Rise 2022

Katie Strasberg Rousso, Digital Editor for Southern Living
By Katie Strasberg Rousso March 08, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Greenville, SC: Falls Park
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

As Southerners, we often crave the lesser known. We're humble about our hidden gems, be it the roadside stand only we know how to find or a secluded beach we intend to keep secret. But just because we're not boastful doesn't mean our region isn't teeming with treasures worth bragging about.

Many of these riches reside in smaller urban spots often overlooked. In these corners of the South, the classic trappings of a small town blend with the innovation of a bustling metropolis in a way that'll make anyone want to put down roots. These cities have long flown under the radar, filed away as some of our region's favorite cultural hideaways, but not for much longer. From flourishing downtowns to burgeoning food scenes, these up-and-comers are rising in the ranks as destinations in their own right. Here are the South's Cities on the Rise as declared by our readers. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

These Up-And-Comers Are Worth a Visit

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

15. Metairie, Louisiana

Metairie, Louisiana
Credit: Louisiana Travel

For those looking for a detour from a default New Orleans experience, Metairie is the spirited neighborhood visitors may not know to seek out. Take a drive through the oak tree-lined streets of Old Metairie to behold the beauty of New Orleans's first suburb or spend the day on Metairie Road where a bustling corridor of shops and restaurants await. Here you'll find some of the best takes on regional dishes, including crawfish gumbo. With the Mississippi River to the South and Lake Pontchartrain to the north, plus plenty of green space, you just might forget the French Quarter is only 20 minutes away.

Plan your trip. 

2 of 16

3 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

14. Lynchburg, Virginia

Lynchburg, Virginia Skyline
Credit: Getty Images

The beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains is just one of Lynchburg's many wonders. Its landscape impresses any time of year, from snow-capped winters to vibrant, leaf-filled falls. Head into town where this quaint metropolis dazzles with historic districts, local eateries, and a lively arts scene too. Paddle the James River before refueling at local favorite Texas Inn, the city's oldest diner.

Plan your trip.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

13. Sandy Springs, Georgia

sandy springs georgia performing arts center
Credit: Visit Sandy Springs

Thanks to recreational gems and winding residential streets, it's easy to feel removed from the hustle and bustle in this Atlanta suburb. But urban influences (not to mention traffic on its main thoroughfare, Roswell Road) make themselves known in the city's standout medley of dining, shopping, and mixed-use developments. To really escape, spend time at the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area or visit Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

Plan your trip. 

4 of 16

5 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

12. Bowling Green, Kentucky

Fountain Square in downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky
Credit: Getty Images

Even in the aftermath of a historic weather system that devastated the Bowling Green area at the end of 2021, this Kentucky city is still rising. Here, neighbors and businesses have stepped up to help one another in the months since the tornado splintered life as they knew it, showcasing the Southern spirit and generosity that has always been at the core of this community. Together, they have not only renewed a sense of hope, but they've also instilled a new season of life into the city's charming streets.

5 of 16

6 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

11. Frisco, Texas

Frisco, Texas
Credit: Roger Robinson/visitfrisco.com

It's hard to keep up with the play-by-play in this booming, sports-centric city just 30 minutes north of Dallas. Home to  The Star, the Dallas Cowboy's practice field, it's also swinging easy into even more accelerated growth as PGA of America debuts its new headquarters there this year. Now a hub for sports, technology, and innovation, the city is turning progress into an opportunity for culture and family fun. Don't miss the National Videogame Museum or the Texas Sculpture Garden.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

10. Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas
Credit: Art Meripol

Bentonville may be known as the birthplace of Walmart, but the opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art more than a decade ago launched the city into the limelight. The arts scene has been booming ever since, turning this once quiet, rural community into a cultural mecca. Though still connected to its roots, this artistic influx inspired a revitalized downtown fit with hotels, bar, and restaurants. Once you've enjoyed the urban scene, slip away to the surrounding Ozarks and enjoy the bounty of Bentonville's outdoor beauty. 

7 of 16

8 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

9. Alpharetta, Georgia

alpharetta city center georgia
Credit: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alpharetta is more than just a suburb of Atlanta. Thanks to a prospering, pedestrian-friendly downtown, this once sleepy neighborhood north of the city is now a haven for families and fun. Its City Center is a thriving mix of original downtown establishments and chic retail shops and restaurants that draw locals and visitors alike. Get away from the action and enjoy the outdoors on the Big Creek Greenway, a nine-mile wooded path, or keep on shopping at the ever-popular Avalon.

Plan your trip. 

8 of 16

9 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

8. Fort Myers, Florida

Usa, Florida, Fort Myers Beach.
Credit: Getty Images

While it may be best known for its laid-back beaches and picturesque views, Fort Myers is buzzing. The city is one of the fastest growing in the state, and its River District is reveling in the energy. Bright shops, bars, and restaurants entice vacationers to spend a few hours away from the beach, but it's the arts community that keeps them coming back. With nearly a dozen galleries featuring everything from coastal paintings to locally-crafted jewelry, the city offers endless ways to be inspired on and off the beach.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

7. Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth TX Cowboy Mural
Credit: Scott Slusher

Anchored in old Texas spirit, Fort Worth has a firm grip on its roots even in the face of exploding growth. Its cowboy heritage shines through the arrival of a younger generation and recent revitalization. The Stockyards National Historic District is home to both classic honky-tonks and brand-new watering holes. The centuries-old area will show you where the West began while thrilling with a new entertainment district, Mule Alley.

Plan your trip. 

10 of 16

11 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

6. Alexandria, Virginia

Row of Early 1800s Townhouses
Credit: Getty Images

It may be just a half-hour Metro ride from the National Mall, but Alexandria's old-world allure makes it feel worlds away. Simultaneously packed with preservation and buzzing with novel, locally-owned shops and restaurants, this vibrant small city is more than just a convenient hub for D.C. commuters. Walk along cobblestone streets to soak in the city's outstanding architecture and take a stroll down King Street to delight in a treasure trove of independent eateries and boutiques.

Plan your trip. 

11 of 16

12 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

5. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, AL
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Mural: Kim Radford

While the Saturn V replica rocket stands as the towering gatekeeper to this city long identified by its contribution to the country's space program, Huntsville is blasting off in more directions than one these days. The fastest growing city in the state, Huntsville's influx of engineers and scientists are making an impact beyond aerospace, sowing seeds in arts, culture, craft brewing, and more. While the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must, be sure to spend time at Lowe Mills ARTS & Entertainment too, where a revitalized 1901 cotton gin houses more than 130 working artist studios.

Plan your trip. 

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

4. Franklin, Tennessee

Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee 06
Credit: Matthew Maxey (Visit Franklin)

Franklin is increasingly finding its way onto travelers' itineraries beyond day trips from neighboring Nashville. But just because this historic city has blossomed beyond its small-town roots doesn't mean it's outgrown its iconic Southern charm. Though Franklin's future is full of potential, you can still rely on Main Street's excellent eateries, endless shopping, and porches galore.

Plan your trip. 

13 of 16

14 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tennessee River in Chattanooga
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Memphis and Nashville might get all the buzz when it comes to country, blues, and barbecue, but Chattanooga is the fast-growing Tennessee gem that deserves a second look. Set along the curves of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is as rich in natural wonders and outdoor adventure as it is in exciting new hotels and innovative dinning. Don't miss the Tennessee Aquarium, Warehouse Row, or an afternoon kayaking the river.

Plan your trip. 

14 of 16

15 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, NC
Credit: Getty/Walter Bibikow

Raleigh may be known for groundbreaking research and fine collegiate institutions, but this bright corner of the state's Research Triangle is more than just brains. The city is situated midway between the Outer Banks and the Appalachian Mountains, but its lively arts scene, breweries, and food halls beg you to stay put. The Raleigh Beer Garden boasts of being the largest in the world, while culinary delights, from Crawford and Son's elevated fare to The Pit's authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, guarantee a meal for every kind of craving.

Plan your trip.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

1. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, SC: Falls Park
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

While Greenville's charm and natural beauty is undeniable, its food scene is really putting the city on the map. A culinary gold mine, Greenville's 100-plus selection of downtown restaurants serve locally inspired and culturally diverse dishes that are racking up accolades. When you're not eating, be sure to enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful, 26-acre green space that runs through the city.

Plan your trip. 

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Katie Strasberg Rousso

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 These Up-And-Comers Are Worth a Visit
    2 of 16 15. Metairie, Louisiana
    3 of 16 14. Lynchburg, Virginia
    4 of 16 13. Sandy Springs, Georgia
    5 of 16 12. Bowling Green, Kentucky
    6 of 16 11. Frisco, Texas
    7 of 16 10. Bentonville, Arkansas
    8 of 16 9. Alpharetta, Georgia
    9 of 16 8. Fort Myers, Florida
    10 of 16 7. Fort Worth, Texas
    11 of 16 6. Alexandria, Virginia
    12 of 16 5. Huntsville, Alabama
    13 of 16 4. Franklin, Tennessee
    14 of 16 3. Chattanooga, Tennessee
    15 of 16 2. Raleigh, North Carolina
    16 of 16 1. Greenville, South Carolina

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The South's Best Cities on the Rise 2022
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.