The folks at Resonance Consultancy, one of the most respected research firms in the world, have published their 2026 America’s Best Cities report and ranking.
It’s their most comprehensive study ever, with all 393 U.S. metropolitan areas ranked for the first time.
1. New York
2. Los Angeles
3. Chicago
4. Miami
5. San Francisco
6. Seattle
7. Las Vegas
8. Dallas
9. Houston
10. Boston
11. Austin
12. San Diego
13. Atlanta
14. Washington D.C.
15. Orlando
16. Denver
17. Nashville
18. Portland
19. Phoenix
20. Philadelphia
21. Tampa
22. Charlotte
23. New Orleans
24. San Antonio
25. Pittsburgh
The Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. CHOOSE CHICAGO PHOTO
“The top of the table held steady – New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago remain difficult to unseat when you combine economic complexity with that level of cultural depth,” the consultants said.
I note that Texas has three cities in the top 11, while California has three cities in the top 12; two of them in the top five. Florida placed three cities in the top 21.
Here are a few thoughts on the top five:
- New York City. You can’t beat the Big Apple for theatre, food, the arts, and general energy.
- Los Ángeles. An underrated cultural hub with great weather and inventive cuisine.
- Chicago. Also a top cultural centre with fab food and amazing architecture.
- Miami. A vibrant city with a strong arts scene, beaches, and top-notch food offerings.
- San Francisco. The City by the Bay remains an inventive, tasty, and ever-so-beautiful place to live and visit.
And here are some thoughts on other cities.
15. Orlando. A surprisingly diverse and interesting city with amazing cuisine.
24. San Antonio. A terrific city with great museums, history and the famous, unique Riverwalk
25. Pittsburgh. A beautiful setting, top museums and a great sports tradition. Very much underrated.
27. Honolulu. A wonderfully diverse population, killer food, beaches, and warm, Hawaiian culture.
35. Kansas City. I love the city’s walkable, Spanish-style Country Club district, and it’s great BBQ scene.
The California Capitol Building is a handsome structure in surprising Sacramento. JIM BYERS PHOTO
38. Detroit. Very much a city on the rise, with amazing architecture, museums and a can-do spirit.
42. Milwaukee. Another underrated city, with great neighbourhoods and super-friendly locals.
47. Sacramento. Lovely parks, super fresh food from California growers, and nearby wineries.
53. Buffalo. Cool architecture, tremendous neighbourhoods and outstanding people.
57. Tucson. Fine food, a nice downtown, and fabulous desert scenery. Not to mention great golf.
87. Santa Cruz. A terrific California beach town with a relaxed vibe and an old-time oceanfront boardwalk.
FLIGHT CENTRE SAYS CANADIANS LOOKING TO AVOID THE CROWDS
As Canadians head into the busiest travel season of the year, overtourism is becoming a contributing factor in how they explore. A Flight Centre Canada survey1 conducted by YouGov found that 93% of Canadians familiar with overtourism are adjusting their travel plans for 2026 — but they aren’t giving up on dream destinations.
“Canadians aren’t necessarily avoiding the most popular countries, but they are looking for ways to experience them differently,” says Ashley Harold, travel expert at Flight Centre Canada. “They’re considering travelling during shoulder season, picking less crowded regions, and even touring lesser-known neighbourhoods to support small businesses. They want to lessen their impact and improve their experience.”
Osaka,Japan. Jeremy Santana/Unsplash Photo
This summer’s breakout destination is Japan with Flight Centre Canada bookings2 up nearly 52 per cent year over year. Italy and Ireland are both up 15%. Greece and Switzerland are up around 11%, and Spain is up more than eight per cent.
Flight Centre Recommendations
Under-the-radar alternatives
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Instead of Barcelona: Head to Roses, a historic town in Costa Brava (Catalonia’s “wild coast”) known for its medieval history, rocky coves and beach culture. While there, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is worth the detour.
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Instead of Rome: Fly into Lamezia Terme in sunny Calabria, where thermal springs, Norman ruins and historic charm are on offer. Take the train to Tropea for clifftop splendor.
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Instead of the Greek Islands: Head back in time to the Mani Peninsula on the mainland with its fishing villages, crystal waters and rugged terrain.
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Instead of Paris: Fly into Nice in the French Riviera and take a moment to unwind with slow promenade strolls, plates of fresh seafood and consistently gorgeous weather.
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Instead of Tokyo: Fly into Fukuoka on Kyushu and explore the island’s culinary scene (try the tonkotsu ramen) and verdant scenery (hot springs and active volcanoes).
