Greenville, Spartanburg among top 5 friendliest cities, towns in the South, says Southern Living

When it comes to living in the South, most southerners would bet on their town being the friendliest.

This is due to the tradition of southern hospitality being passed on from friends and family to neighbor and stranger. Down in these parts, you can expect to make friends while running your daily errands. Southerners love to meet new people, and they are not afraid to chat up a storm, whether it’s while waiting in line at the grocery store or walking your dog around the neighborhood.

While there are many charming cities and towns in the South that keep up with the tradition of southern hospitality, there are only a few that made Southern Living’s recent list.

SC cities on Southern Living’s friendliest list

South Carolina dominates the top of Southern Living’s 15 Friendliest Cities in the South analysis. Charleston ranks No. 1, while Greenville is No. 3. Here’s what Southern Living had to say about these cities.

No. 1 Charleston

Charleston is a favorite among Southern Living readers, and the magazine says it has topped the annual list “for more years in a row than we can count on one hand.” It cites the city’s dining, waterfront views and architecture as standout features. But what about friendliness? One reader was quoted in the article: “I was walking down King Street with my family, and it started pouring rain. A perfect stranger stopped in his car, handed us an umbrella, said ‘Welcome to Charleston,’ and drove away.”

No. 3 Greenville

One thing Southern Living said it liked about Greenville is that it still feels like a small town with its walkable downtown. It singles out Falls Park on the Reedy River as a distinguishing feature of the city. Southern Living also mentions the Swamp Rabbit Trail: “Time in the great outdoors is good for the soul, so maybe that’s what makes Greenville locals so sunny? A leisurely bike ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail … could turn even the deepest of frowns upside down.”

∎ No. 1: Charleston, South Carolina

∎ No. 2: Savannah, Georgia

∎ No. 3: Greenville, South Carolina

∎ No. 4: New Orleans, Louisiana

∎ No. 5: Nashville, Tennessee

∎ No. 6: Wilmington, North Carolina

∎ No. 7: Asheville, North Carolina

∎ No. 8: Franklin, Tennessee

∎ No. 9: Lexington, Kentucky

∎ No. 10: Lafayette, Louisiana

∎ No. 11: Chattanooga, Tennessee

∎ No. 12: San Antonio, Texas

∎ No. 13: Austin, Texas

∎ No. 14: Bentonville, Arkansas

∎ No. 15: Cary, North Carolina

SC towns on Southern Living’s friendliest list

Beaufort and Spartanburg are two S.C. towns that made appearances; Beaufort ranked No. 2 out of 20 Friendliest Towns in the South, while Spartanburg came in at No. 4. Here’s why the magazine recognized these towns as some of the friendliest.

No. 2 Beaufort

The city of Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island, is mostly known for its beaches and antebellum style mansions such as the John Mark Verdier House Museum. It is also known for the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront, which looks over the Beaufort River and Woods Memorial Bridge. Southern Living has listed the city on its South Best Awards several times throughout the years. But what is it that makes the city a friendly place?

“I’d prefer to keep it a secret, but y’all have let that cat out of the bag. The city itself is like a warm hug, her people are icing on the cake,” said one Southern Living reader. “Folks greet each other on the street, share stories over ice cream cones on benches, kids play and engage in the riverfront park, folks will scooch over a seat or two to make room for others. It’s just a lovely corner of home in this crazy world.”

No. 4 Spartanburg

Earlier this year, Spartanburg made Southern Living’s Best Cities on the Rise list due to its population growth and upcoming development projects. Readers of the magazine enjoy living in the Upstate city and appreciate the well managed city service and helpful employees.

One reader said: “They have great shopping downtown and friendly staff. The library is fantastic and worth visiting to look around. The staff there is also helpful with local history. Everybody says hello on their walking trail, families stop to chat and let their kids play on the trail. All around great experience.”

Another reader shared they have been “warmly welcomed at every turn” since retiring to the city.

Southern Living’s 20 Friendliest Towns in the South

∎ No. 1: Covington, Louisiana

∎ No. 2: Beaufort, South Carolina

∎ No. 3: Fairhope, Alabama

∎ No. 4: Spartanburg, South Carolina

∎ No. 5: Oxford, Mississippi

∎ No. 6: Southport, North Carolina

∎ No. 7: Round Top, Texas

∎ No. 8: St. Augustine, Florida

∎ No. 9: Fredericksburg, Texas

∎ No. 10: Laurel, Mississippi

∎ No. 11: Carolina Beach, North Carolina

∎ No. 12: Eureka Springs, Arkanas

∎ No. 13: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

∎ No. 14: Hendersonville, North Carolina

∎ No. 15: Williamsburg, Virginia

∎ No. 16: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

∎ No. 17: Auburn, Alabama

∎ No. 18: Paducah, Kentucky

∎ No. 19: Henderson, Kentucky

∎ No. 20: Fernandina Beach, Florida

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com