Every morning I watch the TODAY Show. This morning one topic caught my attention. It was a story, by Barbara Corcoran, on the 5 friendliest cities in America. I eagerly watched because I was sure that Charleston would be at the top of the list. After watching the story, I was shocked to realize that it was not. I have always thought that Charleston was known as an amazingly friendly place. I have actually had numerous visitors to the city tell me that they were overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people. Charlestonians are known for their hospitality. Its on the back of every license plate…South Carolina “Smiling Faces Beautiful Places.” So, how could Charleston have been over looked on the TODAY show’s list? I needed answers and decided to do some research, and by that I mean Google the topic to see where Charleston fell on other lists.

Top 5 Friendliest Cities according to TODAY

by Barbara Corcoran

What makes a city friendly? We looked for certain standards like safety, diversity, pedestrian and bike friendliness, as well as the presence of parks and public spaces. Then we looked for something unique, like a place that always has big, fun public events or someplace with a lot of farmers markets. Most importantly, we talked to brokers to get their personal stories of friendliness. (Did you know that people in Nashville will strike up a conversation with you while waiting at a red light?) And finally, we took a look at statistics that help make a place friendly, such as enough hotel rooms to welcome visitors, enough bars to have a robust happy hour, enough tourists willing to visit and, of course, budget-friendly home prices.

• San Antonio, Texas
• Denver, Colorado
• Davis, California
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Madison, Wisconsin

information provided by:http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24843322/

America’s favorite cities according to Travel and Leisure

According to a survey done last year Travel and Leisure says that Charleston is “Home to the friendliest people in the country.” Not only are the people friendly, but Charleston also ranked #3 for most attractive places.

information provided by: http://www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2007/category/1/subcategory/3

Chaleston is one of the Top 100 Places to relocate

Top 100 list according to Relocate America

Charleston, South Carolina

A great location, historical charm, and a variety of resources, the Charleston metropolitan area is among one of the best places to live in the nation. Comprised of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, the Charleston metropolitan area stretches from central to southern South Carolina and some 50 miles inland, with 90 miles of oceanfront.

With a diverse economic mix and one of the largest containerized cargo ports on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Charleston Metropolitan area continues to grow and flourish, yet its rich, historic charm and cultural sophistication are evident throughout the city.

In addition, the region boasts a multi-billion visitor industry, one of the Southeast’s most impressive medical hubs, a well-established base of national and international manufacturers, as well as a large military presence. Arts, recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant, including museums, music, dance and theater, as well as water sports, golf, hunting ,fishing, horseback riding and more.

There are four school districts serving approximately 87,000 students in the Charleston Metropolitan Area. Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester II and Dorchester IV collectively operate 132 schools serving grades K-12 in the Charleston metropolitan area. There are also over 75 private and parochial schools in the region with an enrollment of 11,000 students.

information provided by: http://top100.relocate-america.com/

Condé Nast Traveler magazine Top 5 American Destinations

Charleston, SC Climbs Higher In Rankings Among Top American Destinations
For Immediate Release, October 2007
http://www.cntraveler.com

For the fifteenth consecutive year, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine honored Charleston as a Top 10 travel destination in the U.S. Charleston was honored with a # 3 slot. Only San Francisco and New York City ranked higher. Last year, Charleston ranked # 5 in the poll.

According to Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley, “This honor supports our status as one of the greatest destinations in the nation, and it‘s of even greater importance because the ranking is decided by a travel-savvy readership. For Condé Nast Traveler to bestow this award upon Charleston means readers have experienced our unique blend of history, charm, attractions, nightlife and fabulous dining and they recognize that what we have here is special.”

Nearby, Kiawah Island, home to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, received the # 2 ranking for being among the best islands in North America. The Sanctuary received two additional honors – # 5 Resort and # 60 in The Best of The Best category.

The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms received a # 8 ranking in the Top Resort category.

Condé Nast Traveler readers lauded several individual properties in the Charleston area. The list of top hotels in the U.S. included # 26 Charleston Place, # 50 Market Pavilion Hotel, # 51 Wentworth Mansion, # 65 The Woodlands Resort & Inn and # 69 John Rutledge House Inn.

Terri Haack, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, noted that the people of Charleston enjoy welcoming guests to their city, “It’s the Charleston area’s fine friendly people who create an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth. There’s plenty to do and see here – beaches, golf, museums, art galleries, shopping, touring plantations and more – all of it is memorable. But the generous welcoming spirit of the city is what abides, long after guests have returned to their homes.”

Condé Nast Traveler, whose credo is “Truth in Travel”, is a monthly publication with a circulation of 782,551 caters to the experienced, discerning and frequent traveler. For more information and details on the 2007 Readers Choice Awards visit: www.cntraveler.com.


“The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the
local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets.”

information provided by: http://www.charlestoncvb.com/tour/charleston-news/charleston__sc_climbs_higher_in_rankings_among_top_american_destinations-784

As you can see, Charleston has been recognized on many national lists. It has been called the friendliest place in the country, was named one of the top 100 places to relocate, and is also a top travel destination in the U.S. It is a great place to live and visit. Although it was overlooked by the Today Show, it still ranks #1 in my book.