What City (or Metro area) in the United States has the BEST people?

[Chubroach]

I am a big traveler and have been to all 50 States. I have been in most metropolitan areas of the United States in the last 5 years. What shocks me is the extreme difference between the general culture of people from one City to another.

Here is what I mean: The unique economy, history, culture, media, climate and traditions found in a specific US city encourages a certain type of behavior or personality in the citizens of the specific city. It may also encouage people of a certain personality type to move into or out of a city. Here are some examples: In New York many people might be considered abrupt, hurried and cool because of the fast paced way of life in the city. While in Nashville, people were brought up to be polite and move a bit slower in personal or business activities. Or in Minneapolis, because of the large number of people who trace their background to Germany, efficency and neatness is common. Another example would be the effects good and bad Hollywood and the Mexicans have on the culture of Los Angeles. Or the warm weather and large number of low wage labor positions found in Orlando has an impact on its culture and the citizens personality. Or the large gay community in San Francisco encourages a certain personality type. Etc, etc.

So with this all in mind, what American city has the best people?

 

[ErikdaRed]

Mine.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Lol, I've lived in quite a few cities while growing up. You can't lump types of people into categories. Not everyone in a particular city will act the way you expect them to act. Like not all northerners are snotty, and not all southerners are friendly.

I'm sure that you know that, of course.

One of my favorite cities lies in southern Virginia. I guess because I made the most friends there, and the environment suited me. I also loved Salt Lake City, Utah. It's beautiful, clean, and the skiing was awesome.

 

[Chubroach]

Come on! I never said ALL the people in a particular community fit a stereotype because of historical, cultural, economic issues, just a large number of people. So the people in El Paso are exactly the same as they are in Fargo North Dakota?

 

[BedKnobbery2]

"Different" doesn't mean better or worse. It just means different. Of course people are going to be most comfortable in an area where the people are most like them. I'd say it would be impossible to select a city with the "best" people in it, it all depends on what you are most comfortable with.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Lake Buena Vista, FL

 

[monkeyboy]

We are the world, we are the children

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Since you have been to all 50 states I was wondering what your impression was of St. Louis MO???
We grew up here and are trying to leave, btw. We don't feel we "belong" here.

I don't know about the best city but I believe it was Denver, CO listed as #1, I think?

 

[Evil Princess]

New York But I'm biased...

Obviouly everyone is going to have a different answer based on where they were raised, personal experiences, etc.

 

[Dan Murphy]

How do you define, 'BEST people', Bruce or Mary?

 

[I <3 Eeyore]

In my opinion, you see what you want to see and find what you want to find. Most of the people I meet and interact with are delightful. Some are not. Everyone gets the benefit of the doubt with me until they prove they don't deserve it. I've found that if I'm pleasant, friendly and outgoing I get the same in return. I haven't been to all 50 states but I've been to half of them so I think my data sample is sufficient to validate my theory.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think that it's all a matter of prospective. And taste. Who the "best" people are to me might be completely different to you.

"Best" is all in the eye of the beholder.

 

[FINFAN]

Every area has people from everywhere in it, people from other countries for example.so I don't thinkany place is as *stereotyped* as it may have once been.I see age old traditons and culture in all parts of the country, but not necessarily by who you think may be exercising them. Foe example, DD is fascinated w/egyptian and Japanese cultures and applies what she has learned about them into her life. Such as repect, hard work, ceativity etc. Now, are those things any different than what most people do? Not really. Life is good...enjoy the variety!As far as the people, here in Chicago, on March 17 EVERYONE is Irish if they want to be!

Pam

 

[Deb in IA]

Bruce/Mary/both/neither:


The 'best' people are people who are accepting of diversity, instead of stereotyping individuals on the basis of their race, religion, ethnic background, or hometown.

 

[seashoreCM]

No matter what city you go to you can probably go to a different city and find someone who is even better (or worse).

Somehow I judge cities in terms of how easy it is to get around in them as opposed to the people. Perhaps the overall attitude of people affects this too except I haven't quantified it.

I rated San Francisco, Portland (OR), and Pittsburgh easy, Boston and Miami moderate, and Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles difficult.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Trish5768]

Pittsburgh all the way! (I wouldn't say I'm biased) Much!

 

[FINFAN]

Y'know, I keep thinking about this thread....first off, I want to say that I think you are really lucky to have been to 50 states, very cool. Second, I believe you need to be comfortable in your own skin to live life in the "best" way for yourself. So that means to me where a person is most happy and comfortable is, is where the best for them is. Best people, atmosphere, etc.
I have spent my whole life living outside Chicago, wishing my life away hoping to be in Fl. To me there is a more laid back lifestyle there...people(in my eyes) enjoy loving each beautiful day they have.( keep in mind while I have spent a considerable amount of time in Fl, it has mostly been during unstressful vacation...not a true comparison to REAL life) However, I am more laid back and lay low...probably not one's perceived notion of a Chicago girl, but here I am. And guess what? While I have been wishing my life was elsewhere...my roots grew where I am. I amwilling, however, to plant my roots elsewhere warmer anytime!

 

[FreshTressa]

Us Seattleites are said to be friendly and cool

 

[Alice28]

Well, I am not going to say "best" but just make a comparison.

I grew up, lived, and completed all of my schooling in San Jose, CA for my first 23 years. I went to San Francisco often, and the LA area often as well. Always thought it was fine, but got very crowded and the housing prices went through the roof. When I got married, I moved to Portland, OR.

What a shockeroonie! People actually let you in when you were trying to merge on the freeway! People smiled and said hello while walking in your neighborhood. I just got a more *polite* feeling from people in general here, and it's not so fast paced. I really like the sense of community here that I did not feel in San Jose.

So I have compared only a handful of cities, all on the west coast. I definitely don't have enough to compare too; but I will say that Portland, OR is friendlier *in general* than my hometown of San Jose, CA.

But, oh, do I miss only being 30 minutes away from quirky and fun Santa Cruz, and only a 6 hour drive away from the original House of Mouse.

 

[honeywolf7]

In my personaly experience, my best experiences have been with people in Colorado and Utah (I'd definitely rate the Rocky Mountain area as the friendliest area in the country) but I can't narrow it down more than that.