Here Are America’s Top 10 Friendliest Cities

Things are feeling kinda hostile out there lately. So, which cities in the U.S. are feeling the love?

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, people are ready to shake off winter and get outside to meet new faces. To celebrate the start of spring—a season of fresh beginnings and social energy—YUZU, Match Group’s social and dating app centered on fostering friendships in the Asian-American community, conducted a nationwide survey to find America’s friendliest cities.

By asking users across the U.S. to rate their own cities on factors such as the frequency of positive interactions with strangers, the likelihood of receiving help when needed, and the overall friendliness of local residents, YUZU compiled a detailed snapshot of America’s communal spirit. From these responses—collected directly from people who live, work, and build connections in these communities—emerged a clear picture of where neighborly smiles, warm greetings, and a helping hand are most common.

The result is a comprehensive ranking of America’s friendliest cities, just in time for spring socializing. Whether it’s a sunny small town where it’s easy to make new friends or a vibrant metro area known for its welcoming energy, these cities are where connections thrive. At the top of the list, San Diego, California stands out with an outstanding friendliness score of 8.67 out of 10, exemplifying the qualities that make communities feel like home.

1. San Diego, CA – Breezy beach vibes, surf-friendly shores, and locals who are as relaxed as the ocean breeze.
2. Raleigh, NC – Southern comfort meets cutting-edge innovation, where warm hellos are as common as sweet tea.
3. Phoenix, AZ – Desert warmth goes beyond temperature; residents here bring an uplifting, can-do spirit to every encounter.
4. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL – A tropical blend of cultures and colors, where friendly waves and “¡Hola!” ring through the balmy air.
5. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX – Big-hearted Texas hospitality, world-class dining, and a multicultural flair that brings people together.
6. Urban Honolulu, HI – The Aloha spirit in action: island kindness that welcomes you with open arms, no matter where you’re from.
7. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH – Rich in history and neighborhood camaraderie, Bostonians prove that “wicked friendly” is a real thing.
8. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA – Tech optimism pairs with friendly neighborhoods, making this innovation hub surprisingly down-to-earth.
9. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – Lakeside serenity and genuine Midwest warmth—what’s not to love?
10. Denver, CO – Mile-high greetings and a community-minded spirit keep the Rockies’ largest city feeling personal.

Honorable Mentions:

11. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

12. Columbus, OH

13. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

14. Salt Lake City, Utah

15. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

16. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

17. Orlando, FL

18. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

19. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

20. Portland, OR

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Not Feeling the Love? The Least Friendly U.S. Cities

(From lowest score upward)

1. Wichita, KS
2. New Orleans, LA
3. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
4. Detroit, MI
5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
6. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
7. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
8. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Methodology

YUZU asked respondents a series of questions designed to understand daily social interactions and the overall community vibe. Participants rated how often they engage positively with strangers, the city’s friendliness on a scale of 1 (least friendly) to 10 (most friendly), their likelihood of receiving help from someone they don’t know, how welcoming their city is to newcomers, and what kind of friendly interactions they experience most often. These insights were combined to produce each city’s final score, blending quantifiable data with the lived experiences of locals.

About YUZU

Yuzu is a social and dating app for the Asian community that makes it easy for them to find friends, make matches, and create community their way. The app is available on the iOS app store and Google Play store. For more information, visit joinyuzu.com and follow @JoinYuzu on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.