One of the best aspects of traveling is getting to know the people in the area you’re visiting, and the friendlier they are, the more enjoyable it will be. Of course, if you’re thinking about making a move, it can make a big difference over the long term too.
While there is no scientific way to determine which places truly offer the very best in Southern hospitality, these spots are pretty much guaranteed to provide the real thing.
Savannah, Georgia
Full of Southern charms and striking natural beauty, Savannah offers many reasons to visit with its beautiful oak trees draped in Spanish moss, grand old mansions, and cobbled streets. Anytime you take a stroll you’re likely to meet up with a local who will be interested in getting to know you and happy to offer advice about where to find the true hidden gems and the best places to eat.
With such a thriving food scene, there are so many great options it can be hard to decide where to go, but you can be sure delicious eats and a friendly face will be there to greet you.
Asheville, North Carolina
There’s so much to do in this city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the surrounding area with miles and miles of picturesque trails for hiking and rivers for rafting. As you walk the streets downtown you’ll notice many of the locals flashing smiles or waving hello. Stroll through the River Arts District (RAD) to browse the art galleries, pop into breweries and restaurants, and enjoy street musicians.
While you do, there’s likely to be at least a few strangers to chat with – the feeling you get from people here is almost always warm and friendly. But would you expect less from a place that’s been called the happiest in North Carolina?
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is often among or at the top of lists ranking the best small towns in the U.S. It exemplifies Southern hospitality, less than 50 miles from Savannah and 70 miles from Charleston, another city that’s among the best when it comes to friendliness. If you get the opportunity to buy one of the Charleston houses for sale, definitely go for it as it’s almost like a three-in-one.
You can be in Savannah in less than two hours and you’ll easily be able to reach the over 300-year-old town of Beaufort for day trips or longer escapes too. It’s a place where residents are often seen relaxing or socializing with sweet tea on the front porch and enjoying neighborhood get-togethers with crab boils. And, more than likely, you’ll be welcomed to sit down and feast with them.
Louisville, Kentucky
Many have noticed that the hospitality in Louisville is particularly impressive for a rather large city of nearly 618,000. Some say it’s “second to none” as an underrated hip and friendly destination often named among America’s friendliest cities.
It’s a place where you’re likely to be invited to share a glass or two of bourbon with strangers and get plenty of advice about where to go and what to do from everyone you meet.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is such a fantastic city, the hospitality of the locals just makes it even better. It’s another one of those places that just make you feel good, with old-fashioned friendliness where everyone’s doors are open or they’re sitting out on the porch.
Multiple surveys taken by visitors based on how they were greeted, helped with directions, and so on, have ranked The Big Easy as one of the best. People here truly want to hear your story and they’ll be happy to tell you theirs.
