The South's Friendliest Cities 2018

When it comes to friendliness, hospitality, and warmth, cities often get a bad rap: The traffic, the crowds, the lack of manners! Southern cities, though, tell a different story: Despite the hustle-and-bustle, they still manage to exude the graciousness of small towns and radiate the warmth of a Sunday potluck after church. And while old-fashioned hospitality seems to color the entirety of our region, we had a feeling that some cities would still manage to distinguish themselves as the friendliest of all. So we asked, and y'all answered, supplying us with fifteen of the South's friendliest cities. There may be crowds in these Southern destinations, but they'll smile at you; and when there's a long line outside of that crazy-popular barbecue spot, well, people will respect your place in it—no pushing or shoving. That's just how we city slickers do things in the South … New York and L.A., it's time to take notes.