The Windy City has been voted the best city in the U.S. — AGAIN!
An annual comprehensive survey carried out by award-winning magazine Condé Nast Traveler has deemed Chicago the top city in the United States once again. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards has been running for more than three decades allowing readers to weigh in on their favorite American cities each year. This year saw over 800,000 people participate and Condé Nast Traveler again split the list into two categories: big cities with populations of over 250,000 and small cities with populations of under 250,000.
While Colorado’s Aspen this year stole first prize from South Carolina’s Charleston in the small city survey, it was Chicago that was again awarded first place in the larger category defending its title as the best big city in the United States.
It’s an unprecedented fifth year running that Chicago has taken the top spot and this year Condé Nast Travel praised the Windy City for “its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene.” The Magnificent Mile, “ritzy Gold Coast”, and “funky Old Town” received special mention but it’s no specific zone of Chicago that defines this wonderful metropolis. There is no doubt that the 77 diverse and distinct neighborhoods offer an unparalleled array of refreshing restaurants and bustling bars but it’s “some of the most pleasant people you’ll find anywhere” that truly earned Chicago that gold medal.
Condé Nast Travel has been in print since 1987, in the 34th year of the Readers’ Choice Awards, it’s perhaps the most poignant survey to date given the vicissitudes of 2020 and the last year’s limitations to travel.
“We’re especially excited to learn about the truly memorable cities that sparked your imagination and stayed with you when your next trip seemed out of reach,” Condé Nast Traveler wrote in their survey introduction.
Voters’ thoughts didn’t go to the most recent holiday lingering in the mind but instead to the places that they find themselves connected to long after they’ve been. Take pride Chicagoans, in knowing that you live in a city beyond compare.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]