2008 AMERICA’S FAVORITE CITIES SURVEY RESULTS REVEALED

CHARLESTON RATED FRIENDLIEST AMERICAN CITY
SEATTLE HOME TO MOST INTELLIGENT PEOPLE
NEW YORK BEST CITY FOR SHOPPING + CULTURE

New York, NY (September 10, 2008) – Travel + Leisure and Headline News today announce the results of the 2008 America’s Favorite Cities survey revealing travelers’ opinions of 25 cities across the country. More than 125,000 people rated American cities in 45 different categories, covering everything from the attractiveness of the people to the quality of the food and dining.

The results, shared on Headline News’ Morning Express with Robin Meade this morning, are now accessible on www.travelandleisure.com/afc and will be featured in Travel + Leisure magazine’s October issue, on newsstands September 23. Top ranking city results will also appear on www.cnn.com/robin.

2008 AMERICA’S FAVORITE CITIES SURVEY -- CITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Austin got high marks for people: its residents came in second place for friendliness and athleticism, and third for intelligence and attractiveness. The city also has great bands and live music (No. 2) and a buzzing singles/bar scene (No. 4).
• Charleston residents are America’s friendliest people. The city earned second-place rankings for its noteworthy neighborhoods, vintage stores, flea markets, and peace and quiet. Many travelers found the club scene (No. 24) disappointing.
• Honolulu was voted the No. 1 spot for a romantic escape, a relaxing retreat, and an active/adventure vacation. The city’s weather also scored first place.
• New York received the most No. 1 ratings this year, getting top marks for its shopping; classical music and theater; stylish and diverse residents; people watching; and skylines and views. The city ranked last for peace and quiet and affordability.
• Portland, Oregon ranked No. 1 for public transportation and pedestrian friendliness, safety, cleanliness, public parks, and environmental awareness. Its only score in the bottom five was for luxury boutiques (No. 24).
• San Francisco’s high marks were for its notable neighborhoods (No. 1), local boutiques (No. 2), specialty stores and farmer’s markets (No. 3), cafés and coffee shops (No. 3), and destination restaurants (No. 3). Affordability (No. 23) was its lowest ranking.
• Santa Fe is the top finisher for peace and quiet, has great art gallery shopping (No. 2) and local boutiques (No. 4). The southwestern city finished last, however, in all nightlife categories.

2008 AMERICA’S FAVORITE CITIES SURVEY – CATEGORY RANKING HIGHLIGHTS

FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE
1. Charleston
2. Austin
3. Minneapolis/St. Paul

25. Los Angeles

MOST ATTRACTIVE PEOPLE
1. Miami
2. San Diego[Back to Press Releases Main]