When it comes to travelling, some cities make you feel like you belong the moment you arrive. According to a new report from Yuzu, a social app by Match Group, San Diego , California, has been crowned the friendliest city in the US Known for its sunny climate, laid-back lifestyle, and community spirit, the coastal destination scored an impressive 8.67 out of 10 in the rankings. The study evaluated factors such as positive interactions with strangers, willingness to help, and overall friendliness—proving that in San Diego, warm smiles and welcoming vibes are just as abundant as the ocean views.
Friendliest cities ranking : How the scores were decided
The list comes from Yuzu, a social and dating app from Match Group designed around fostering friendships, especially within the Asian-American community. In April 2025, Yuzu asked its users to rank their home cities on several aspects of friendliness, ranging from positive day-to-day interactions to the likelihood of getting help when needed.
Participants rated their cities on a scale from one to 10. These insights were then combined into a final friendliness score, which Yuzu described as blending “quantifiable data with the lived experiences of locals.”
Why San Diego topped the friendliest cities list
San Diego emerged as the clear winner, securing an impressive score of 8.67 out of 10. As reported by Travel and Leisure, the city captures “the qualities that make communities feel like home.” From its laid-back coastal lifestyle to its famously sunny outlook, San Diego makes it easy for both locals and visitors to feel welcome.
What helps is the climate: average temperatures range from 50°F to 77°F throughout the year, creating the perfect setting for outdoor living. Whether you’re strolling in Balboa Park, surfing at Pacific Beach, or simply enjoying a sunset by the bay, the environment naturally encourages connection and conversation.
The city’s culture also plays a big role. Described as offering “beach vibes, surf-friendly shores, and locals who are as relaxed as the ocean breeze,” San Diego has long been associated with friendliness and open community spirit. For travellers seeking both natural beauty and warm human connection, this makes it a destination worth bookmarking.
Other top friendliest cities in the US that made the top 10
San Diego may lead the list, but other US cities also stood out for their warmth and hospitality. Raleigh, North Carolina, took second place with its mix of southern charm and modern innovation, while Phoenix, Arizona, secured third for its sunshine-fuelled “can-do energy.” Miami ranked fourth, showcasing cultural diversity and a lively community spirit, followed by Houston in fifth, praised for its southern hospitality. Honolulu came sixth, radiating the “aloha spirit,” and Boston followed in seventh with approachable locals. San Jose, Minneapolis, and Denver rounded out the top ten, each celebrated for open-minded, kind, and community-driven cultures.
While many cities scored highly, not every destination fared as well. Wichita, Kansas, landed at the bottom of the list. Though it may have ranked lowest in terms of perceived friendliness, this doesn’t mean it lacks potential. In fact, as Yuzu suggested, a little kindness from visitors could help boost its ranking next year. Sometimes, it only takes a few positive encounters to change the perception of an entire community.
How the friendliest cities enhance travel experiences
Choosing a travel destination often involves practical factors like cost, attractions, and accessibility. But friendliness, the sense that you’ll be welcomed, helped, and embraced by a community, can be just as important. Cities like San Diego, Raleigh, and Phoenix prove that a warm local atmosphere can turn a trip into something memorable.
So, if your ideal holiday involves not just sightseeing but also meaningful human connection, this list may guide your next adventure. And if you find yourself in San Diego, don’t be surprised if the locals greet you with the same warmth as the sun shining over its iconic beaches.
Also Read: World witnessed the longest 74-minute solar eclipse in history with Concorde 001 flying at 2,500 km/h
Friendliest cities ranking : How the scores were decided
The list comes from Yuzu, a social and dating app from Match Group designed around fostering friendships, especially within the Asian-American community. In April 2025, Yuzu asked its users to rank their home cities on several aspects of friendliness, ranging from positive day-to-day interactions to the likelihood of getting help when needed.
- Each city received a score based on three main factors:
- Frequency of positive interactions with strangers
- Chances of receiving assistance during daily life
- Overall perception of local residents’ friendliness
Participants rated their cities on a scale from one to 10. These insights were then combined into a final friendliness score, which Yuzu described as blending “quantifiable data with the lived experiences of locals.”
Why San Diego topped the friendliest cities list
San Diego emerged as the clear winner, securing an impressive score of 8.67 out of 10. As reported by Travel and Leisure, the city captures “the qualities that make communities feel like home.” From its laid-back coastal lifestyle to its famously sunny outlook, San Diego makes it easy for both locals and visitors to feel welcome.
What helps is the climate: average temperatures range from 50°F to 77°F throughout the year, creating the perfect setting for outdoor living. Whether you’re strolling in Balboa Park, surfing at Pacific Beach, or simply enjoying a sunset by the bay, the environment naturally encourages connection and conversation.
The city’s culture also plays a big role. Described as offering “beach vibes, surf-friendly shores, and locals who are as relaxed as the ocean breeze,” San Diego has long been associated with friendliness and open community spirit. For travellers seeking both natural beauty and warm human connection, this makes it a destination worth bookmarking.
Other top friendliest cities in the US that made the top 10
San Diego may lead the list, but other US cities also stood out for their warmth and hospitality. Raleigh, North Carolina, took second place with its mix of southern charm and modern innovation, while Phoenix, Arizona, secured third for its sunshine-fuelled “can-do energy.” Miami ranked fourth, showcasing cultural diversity and a lively community spirit, followed by Houston in fifth, praised for its southern hospitality. Honolulu came sixth, radiating the “aloha spirit,” and Boston followed in seventh with approachable locals. San Jose, Minneapolis, and Denver rounded out the top ten, each celebrated for open-minded, kind, and community-driven cultures.
While many cities scored highly, not every destination fared as well. Wichita, Kansas, landed at the bottom of the list. Though it may have ranked lowest in terms of perceived friendliness, this doesn’t mean it lacks potential. In fact, as Yuzu suggested, a little kindness from visitors could help boost its ranking next year. Sometimes, it only takes a few positive encounters to change the perception of an entire community.
How the friendliest cities enhance travel experiences
Choosing a travel destination often involves practical factors like cost, attractions, and accessibility. But friendliness, the sense that you’ll be welcomed, helped, and embraced by a community, can be just as important. Cities like San Diego, Raleigh, and Phoenix prove that a warm local atmosphere can turn a trip into something memorable.
So, if your ideal holiday involves not just sightseeing but also meaningful human connection, this list may guide your next adventure. And if you find yourself in San Diego, don’t be surprised if the locals greet you with the same warmth as the sun shining over its iconic beaches.
Also Read: World witnessed the longest 74-minute solar eclipse in history with Concorde 001 flying at 2,500 km/h
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