Two small SC cities rank among 10 best in the US, national magazine says. Do you agree?

Two South Carolina cities were named to Conde Nast Traveler’s best small city list and both are repeat performers.

Charleston was named No. 1 for the 11th year in a row and Greenville came in at No. 6 for the second time. Greenville has been on the list since 2017 at 9th and 3rd.

The top 10 list was generated by responses from readers. All but two of them are in the South, including three from Florida.

Charleston “punches well above its weight,” the magazine said. “When you consider everything it has to offer — history, culture, food, charm — it’s no wonder the so-called Holy City has repeatedly topped our list of the best small cities in the U.S.”

The magazine cited Charleston’s food and beverage industry, including festivals. They publicized one restaurant, the Ordinary, for fresh oysters.

“Stately homes, cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and an abundance of flowering window boxes only add to its welcoming vibe,” the magazine said.

The kicker — try to resist moving to Charleston. That is something well established in South Carolina’s largest city.

U.S. Census figures released last year showed the population grew 25% from 2010 to 2020.

Greenville was once again called a city on the cusp of stardom.

“The food lover’s town has a farm-to-table scene that continues to rise in the ranks (try Jianna for Italian and freshly shucked oysters, and Vault & Vator, the city’s first speakeasy, for a strong, well-crafted cocktail).”

In a news release, VisitGreenvilleSC said, “Being named to lists by prestigious outlets such as Conde Nast Traveler is critical to VisitGreenvilleSC’s efforts to be known as a top place to visit in the U.S.”

Greenville is no stranger to being on ‘best of’ lists. This year, CNN Travel said it was a best place to visit in Fall, AAA best place to bike, Lonely Planet best place to bring your dog, Thrillist coolest small city and Fodor’s best coffee, VisitGreenvilleSC said.

Other cities on the list were No. 2 Aspen, Colorado; 3. Santa Fe, New Mexico; 4. Alexandria, Virginia; 5. Savannah, Georgia; 7. Key West, Florida; 8. Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; 9. Palm Beach, Florida; 10. Wilmington, North Carolina.