21 super cool US cities, ranked
Discover America's coolest small and mid-sized cities that shine with vibrant arts, top dining, and good livability ratings
While major cities like NYC, LA, Boston, and San Francisco are renowned for their super cool factor, America’s small and mid-size cities are rapidly stepping up, giving the big metropolises a run for their trend-setting money. The cities on this list landed on our radar for interesting festivals, thriving art scenes, youthful demographics, and a passion for the hipper things in life—from foodie districts to cutting-edge contemporary galleries. To identify the cream of the crop of cool cities to visit in the USA, we ranked them with the following criteria:
- 1 point for Lyft
- 1 point for farmers market; or 2 points for more than 1
- 1 point for 7+ all-service restaurants per 10,000 capita
- 2 points for making Zagat’s Best Food Cities 2016 list
- 2 points for an arts district or bar/restaurant district
- 2 points for more than 30% population between the ages 20-34
- 2 points for being less than 2 hours from a big city
- 2 points for Sperling’s Best Places crime rating of less than 50 out of 100
- 4 points for 5+ museums/major galleries
- 4 points for music/arts/food & drink festival (2 bonus points for 10 + festivals)
- 4 points for AreaVibes livability score over 70
Total possible: 28 points
21
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach embodies every cliché of laidback California cool in all the best ways.
Highlights:
- California is a driver’s state, but let someone else take the wheel by Lyfting around town. You’ll be free to take in the awesome coastal views, and maybe snap a pic or two.
- Dine on divine Pacific cuisine and witness a watercolor sunset at The Deck on Laguna Beach.
- Wind your way through the art scene at events such as Festival of Arts Laguna Beach and Sawdust Art Festival.
Total score: 10 points
20
Duluth, Minnesota
Authentic, open, and super chill—if Duluth were a person, you’d definitely want to hang with them. A blend of outdoor enthusiast and art connoisseur, Duluth embodies a love for good food, good vibes, and eclectic tastes.
- Zeitgeist Center is a premier cultural hub, featuring Teatro Zuccone for live performances, Zeitgeist Restaurant & Bar for dining, and Zinema 2 for indie film screenings.
- Savor the best of Minnesotan cuisine at Duluth’s diverse eateries, with Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar being a standout choice.
- Discover Duluth’s stylish history and see how the cool set used to live by touring its authentic classic buildings, such as Glensheen, the Depot, and Fairlawn Mansion across the bay in Superior, WI.
Total score: 11 points
19
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
With so many famous landmarks and parks surrounding the city, Sioux Falls also has its fair share of hidden gems. Come see them before everyone else discovers them.
Highlights:
- With a high livability rating, life in Sioux Falls is relaxed and enjoyable. Breweries are popping up left and right, meaning your night out just planned itself. Head to Fernson Brewing Company and WoodGrain Brewing Company.
- Find something local and fresh at Falls Park Farmers Market.
- To witness live art in the making, come for Sidewalk Arts Festival.
Total score: 12 points
18
Jacksonville, Florida
Don’t let it fool you: Florida isn’t all sultry, sizzling clubs, and sun-kissed beachgoers. There’s also a more counterculture face to the state, and you’ll find it in Jacksonville.
Highlights:
- Innovative art is happening here. The pieces at Cummer Museum will pull you in, and the pristine grounds will leave you wanting to stay all day.
- There’s plenty to peruse and purchase at markets like Pecan Park Flea and Farmers Market.
- If you aim to play, plan to visit during Riverside Craft Beer Festival, Jacksonville Art Walk, or Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
Total score: 14 points
17
Bozeman, Montana
Part college town, part cultural enclave in a vast wilderness, Bozeman exudes a distinct rural-grown individuality.
Highlights:
- With 41% of its population aged between 20 and 34, Bozeman is brimming with youthful energy that fuels vibrant events like the Sweet Pea Festival and SLAM Festival.
- Support local commerce by exploring the Gallatin Valley Farmers Market or Bogert Farmers Market.
- Downtown Bozeman is bustling with watering holes and eateries. Grab a pint at Bacchus Pub, and enjoy the live music while you’re there.
Score: 14 points
16
Chattanooga, Tennessee
There’s more to Tennessee’s coolness cred than the music venue-strewn streets of Nashville. While Chattanooga certainly lives up to its nickname, “Scenic City,” and is pretty to look at, it’s got plenty of substance beyond the scenery.
Highlights:
- Chattanooga boasts a rich tradition of fine spirits, inviting you to indulge in this local heritage at the city’s top establishments. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with the peace of mind that a Lyft is always an option for a safe ride home.
- The higher-than-average number of restaurants per capita means you certainly won’t go hungry. You can’t go wrong at Urban Stack or Public House.
- Chattanooga is the perfect home base for festivals such as Chattanooga Film Fest, 4 Bridges Arts Festival, and nearby Bonnaroo.
Total score: 15 points
15
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, also known as Beer City, USA, knows when it’s time to let loose. Friendly, accessible, and cultured, Grand Rapids leaves more than a passing impression.
Highlights:
- Spend a day immersed in art at Grand Rapids Art Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. Then pick up something unique in the Avenue for the Arts neighborhood.
- Grand Rapids loves live music. See (and hear) for yourself at one of the 100+ venues in town, and tune into WYCE while on vacation.
- Sip local flavors during the annual Winter Beer Festival or Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, then catch a Lyft back to your hotel.
Total score: 16 points
14
Oakland, California
Oakland, the vibrant city across the bay from San Francisco, deserves its share of the spotlight. When it comes to the forefront of trendsetting food, art, music, and culture, Oakland often has San Francisco beat. It is truly one of the great cities to visit.
Highlights:
- Oakland’s food scene is booming, with new and exciting eateries emerging daily. Homeroom is a must-try.
- There are more markets than you can see in one trip. Sample the goods at Old Oakland Farmers Market or Temescal Market.
- Festivals are a year-round affair here. Don’t miss the First Friday Street Festival and Oakland Art Murmur.
Total score: 16 points
13
Hoboken, New Jersey
In Hoboken, you can experience hipster culture-lite without the highly trend-centric atmosphere often found in places like Brooklyn. Yes, it’s only one square mile, but there is a lot to uncover in this compact town.
Highlights:
- Though Hoboken is geographically succinct, sometimes you just need a Lyft, especially after enjoying the vibrant nightlife in local favorites like City Bistro.
- Markets abound in Hoboken. Try Midtown Farmers’ Market on Garden Street or Hoboken Uptown & Downtown Farmers Markets to mingle with locals and sample fresh, delicious fare.
- With 43 percent of the population aged between 20 and 34 , the town is bound to let its hair down more than the average trendy cities. Join in the fun at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival and Hoboken Food and Culture Tour.
Score: 16 points
12
Amherst, Massachusetts
With three colleges in town, Amherst boasts a vibrant population that swings towards the young and bright. The town is dotted with indie movie theaters, relaxed cafes, and edgy art galleries, where you can mingle with the locals—43 percent of whom are aged between 20 and 34—and pick up some insider tips on the best spots in town.
Highlights:
- Downtown Amherst buzzes with art, entertainment, and dining. Explore local art exhibits, enjoy live performances, and savor diverse culinary offerings at the area’s popular eateries.
- With a low crime rate, Amherst is a safe place for exploring. Travel the road not taken on the Robert Frost Trail, which connects Amherst to the Mount Holyoke Range.
- Dive into poetry at the Emily Dickinson Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tour of her historic house and its picturesque grounds, one of several cultural gems in town.
Score: 18 points
11
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa is a city so cool, the state is named after it. But really, as one of only two UNESCO Cities of Literature in the USA, even a skeptic like Holden Caulfield would find its authenticity undeniable.
Highlights:
- With over 36% of residents aged 20-34, Iowa City’s vibrant population knows a thing or two about cool if their festivals are any indication. Don’t miss the Summer of the Arts or Mission Creek Festival for a taste of local culture.
- Delight your senses at the Iowa City Farmers Market or Bread Garden Market, where you can sample a variety of fresh, local goods.
- Enjoy a diverse cultural experience by catching an indie film at FilmScene, exploring the boutiques downtown, and attending a reading at Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, which regularly hosts poets and authors from around the world.
Total score: 18 points
10
Davis, California
At first Davis may seem like just another college town, but there’s a lot going on in this northern California spot.
Highlights:
- Violent crime is the lowest on the list with a rating of 9.2, so you can bike around town at your ease. Hook up with the Davis Bike Club, and get rolling.
- The population skews on the younger side, so the locals will likely have good insight on what’s cool in town. Consider checking out events like the 2nd Friday ArtAbout or enjoying a meal at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen.
- To dive deeper into the local culture, plan your visit during the Davis Feminist Film Festival, the Davis Transmedia Art Walk, or Davis Music Fest.
Total score: 19 points
09
Lawrence, Kansas
Brimming with indie record stores and live shows, Lawrence offers a plethora of exciting things to see and do.
Highlights:
- With a relatively low violent crime rate, you can lyft your way around town, and feel safe while doing it. Have your driver drop you off at 715 Restaurant for a delightful dinner or John Brown’s Underground for speakeasy-style cocktails.
- It’s less than hour to Kansas City, so pack up a vintage hatchback and take a multi-state road trip to view some epic Instagrammable prairie scenery. Imagine sunflowers and cornfields as far as the eye can see.
- Film, music, art, and ideas meet at the Lawrence Arts Center’s Free State Festival. Seasonal arts and crafts festivals pepper the city’s calendar, and there’s always something cool to discover at Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas.
Total score: 19 points
08
Santa Fe, New Mexico
What it lacks in size, Santa Fe makes up for in history. As the oldest capital city in the USA, Santa Fe was cool before “cool” was a thing.
Highlights:
- Lyft from your hotel to several farmers markets. There’s nothing cooler than supporting local farms, right? Try Santa Fe Farmers Market or Santa Fe Artists Market.
- If you can’t make it to the markets, do some farm-to-table dining at one of the city’s restaurants (according to 2023 statistics, there’s a whopping 18.57 restaurants/10,000 capita). Our picks: Geronimo and Joseph’s Culinary Pub.
- Cultural festivals are the perfect way to meet local artists and get to know the true vibe of the city. Don’t miss Review Santa Fe Photo Festival or Santa Fe Indian Market.
Score: 20 points
07
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston offers a multitude of reasons to visit, from its dynamic and ever-expanding culinary scene to its laid-back southern charm that effortlessly blends friendliness with cool sophistication.
Highlights:
- With a high number of restaurants per capita and a #11 spot on Zagat’s Best Food Cities 2016, Charleston is a food lover’s dream spot. Be sure to visit Husk for its innovative Southern cuisine or Magnolias for classic Lowcountry dishes, both offering a taste of the city’s finest flavors.
- Shop the plethora of markets, such as Charleston City Market and Sunday Brunch Farmers Market. While you’re there, chat with locals about the live music on King Street or what’s on at the Redux Contemporary Art Center.
- Charleston hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year. Don’t miss the vibrant MOJA Arts Festival or the 17-day Spoleto Festival USA.
Total score: 20 points
06
Tampa, Florida
Favorable weather and laidback vibes lend a certain easygoing something to Tampa. See it all with a Tampa CityPASS. Or, crank up WMNF on the radio and head to Tropical Heatwave with a Cuban sandwich in one hand and a Cigar City beer in the other.
Highlights:
- See and be seen in SoHo/Hyde Park, where trendy spots and lively nightlife await. Be sure to check out the local favorites for a memorable evening.
- Tampa knows how to throw a festival, especially a costumed one. Don’t miss Gasparilla or Florida Craft Brewers Festival.
- The city is rich with unique cultural attractions. A must visit is the historic 1926 Tampa Theatre, offering the most beautiful movie-going experience that you won’t soon forget.
Score: 21 points
05
Charlotte, North Carolina
If art, food, and culture are on your list of musts, Charlotte should be also. Cultural festivals abound, the restaurants scene is booming, and art is everywhere in this town.
Highlights:
- Ranked #9 on Zagat’s Best Food Cities 2016 list, Charlotte has been cooking up good times and even better food for years. Consider dining at YAFO Kitchen for Mediterranean-inspired fare or O-Ku for exquisite sushi, both easily accessible with a quick Lyft from anywhere in town.
- Add a little culture to your trip with a visit to Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte, where you’ll find an impressive collection of art and exhibits.
- If you find yourself in town during the Queen City Brewers Festival, Wine and Food Week, or Charlotte Pride, you’re in for a treat.
Total score: 21 points
04
Seattle, Washington
From music to fashion to art, Seattle was the definitive arbiter of cool in the ‘90s. While many trends from that era have made a comeback, Seattle continues to lead the way in defining cool, remaining one of the top vacation destinations.
Highlights:
- Ranked #5 in Zagat’s Best Food City 2016, Seattle has big promises to fulfill. Don’t worry: gems such as The White Swan Public House and Canlis leave nothing to doubt.
- With an impressive selection of museums, including the Museum of Pop Culture and the Northwest African American Museum, Seattle stands out as one of the most culturally rich cities in the USA.
- Seattle’s vibrant festival scene spans the entire year, offering events that cater to diverse interests. Be sure to experience Bumbershoot, Seattle International Film Festival, or Bite of Seattle for a taste of the city’s dynamic cultural offerings.
Total score: 22 points
03
Arlington, Virginia
Arlington strikes the perfect balance between laid-back neighborhood vibes and vibrant city energy. What better way to complement this harmony than with a delicious meal paired with a refreshing drink? Arlington excels at both.
Highlights:
- Hop in a Lyft and treat yourself to a mouthwatering charcuterie at Lyon Hall. Or, dig into some cornbread with maple butter and braised pork shank at Green Pig Bistro. Arlington boasts a diverse culinary scene with an impressive array of dining options.
- Visit Arlington Farmers Market for fresh produce, then enjoy a captivating performance at the renowned Signature Theatre.
- With a livability rating of 86, Arlington truly stands out. Meet the locals, and you’ll quickly learn why it’s a fantastic place to live and visit.
Total score: 22 points
02
Madison, Wisconsin
Live music and a robust festival season keep Madison’s social calendars chock-full throughout the year. Make sure to catch a show at iconic venues like High Noon Saloon, which has something on seven nights a week.
Highlights:
- With high livability and low crime rates, Madison provides a welcoming and hospitable environment for visitors and residents alike.
- The city boasts a rich culinary landscape, with numerous dining options available. For a memorable meal, try Graze Restaurant in Capitol Square.
- Meet and greet the locals at cultural events around town. Don’t miss the Wisconsin Film Festival or, in warmer months, the Midwest-famous Dane County Farmers’ Market that circles the capitol.
Total score: 26 points
01
Austin, Texas
The only uncool aspect of Austin might be its sweltering weather, but the city counters that with fantastic watering holes like Barton Springs Saloon, cool places to crash such as Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, and refreshing cold treats from spots like Lick Honest Ice Creams.
Highlights:
- With a violent crime rating of 25, a livability rating of 83, and a #18 ranking on Zagat’s Best Food Cities 2016 list, Austin is undeniably a top-tier city. Don’t miss dining at Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile for a taste of local flair.
- No stranger to hip districts, Austin is a shopper’s paradise. Head to South Congress, and bring your wallet.
- While SXSW is a bucket-list festival, Austin offers plenty of other cultural gems, such as Texas Book Festival, ABC Kite Fest, and Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival.
Total score: 27 points
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