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45 Underrated Cities In The US Of A That Are Worth The Visit
TravelMAY 19, 2023

45 Underrated Cities In The US Of A That Are Worth The Visit

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New York and Los Angeles might take the center of attention for most conversations, but we can’t overlook the underrated cities in the US of A. In fact, the United States is full of cities that should get more attention. If you are looking for the most underrated cities in the US to settle down in and visit, it’s vital to know the small aspects and things that make these towns unique.
Usually, it’s the region that contributes most to the uniqueness of the city. While New York might represent the East Coast and Los Angeles the West, there aren’t a lot of American cities that we know from the midland states. Tulsa, San Antonio, and Indianapolis — three of the largest cities in the US that don’t get the attention they rightfully deserve. They might not be the capitals of their respective states, but they still charm people with their unique cultures and industries. However, some small towns in the US are special in the scenery they possess. While Colorado today might be known for the part it plays in South Park, it’s a calm state that houses one of the more beautiful cities of Ouray. This town has even got a nickname — the “Switzerland of America.”
People on the internet shared some underrated cities you might want to visit. A user on the popular AskReddit asked an interesting question a long time ago — “What’s an American city that tends to get overlooked, but you think more people should visit?” We compiled the best answers in the list below. Upvote the cities that you would like to visit. On the other hand, if you’ve already been there, share your experience in the comments below.

#1 Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico
"Santa Fe, NM great architecture all through the old town, still preserved through laws. Art streets and museums. It feels like a different country and culture. It’s not unknown but I think it’s high on the overlooked category."
20points

#2 Twin Cities, Minnesota

Twin Cities, Minnesota
WhimsicalFalling said:
"Twin Cities Minnesota. You get two for the price of one!"
WoldE544 replied:
"Parks. Everywhere. It’s awesome how close I am to a green place anywhere in the city. There’s also a ton of art galleries and museums if you’re a person that’s into that kind of stuff."
14points

#3 Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York
SmokiestDrip said:
"Buffalo, NY Many people just visit Niagara Falls on the way though but Buffalo has many things going for it that people may find interesting."
nicolecealeste replied:
"I’ve lived in both cities, Niagara Falls is a wreck unless you’re at the falls. Buffalo is a really nice city. The zoo is nice, and the Albright Knox Museum is good. The science museum, Larkin Square, Elmwood Village... the anchor bar for wings... or Duffs for wings is also tasty. The anchor bar pizza is delicious too."
14points

#4 Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona
elendkholin said:
"Flagstaff, Arizona. Super pretty and not what you think Arizona would look like."
Potienza replied:
"Dutchie here. Spent a semester at NAU. Flagstaff is amazing, it has this small-town feeling and is full of adventurers and hipsters that create this incredible welcoming vibe. People should not miss out on visiting Flagstaff when going to the Grand Canyon."
13points

#5 Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, Minnesota
"I lived there for a summer a few years ago because I had a buddy that wouldn't shut up about his hometown. They are the nicest people I've ever met. Anytime someone found out I was new in town it was "Well hey, we're headed over to this bar/house party to a band play you want to come with?" or "There's a music festival coming up, tickets are sold out but you can go for free if you pull a shift at a beer tent with me"."
13points

#6 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"Pittsburgh. The city is actually really beautiful in a lot of places, nestled between ridges and rivers. There are some older, uglier parts, sure, but that's true of most cities. They also have huge sports franchises, all of which have the same colors (black, gold, and white), to create this really great sense of community."
12points

#7 Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island
beachfaced said:
"Absolutely! Rhode Island as a whole seems to be overlooked."
12points

#8 Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee
"I live in Chattanooga, and it really is a great city. I'm glad it's getting more attention. It's beautiful here. Lots to do and see. Cheap cost of living. Municipal gigabit internet. Great weather. Lots of good restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. And if you're into outdoors stuff Chattanooga is one of the best cities in the country for rock climbing, camping, hiking, kayaking, etc. Surprisingly attractive and fit population too."
11points

#9 Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine
"Portland, Maine. Fantastic beer, beautiful scenery & coined Best Restaurant City of 2018! Absolutely loveeee my little city."
11points

#10 Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
"Salt Lake City, Utah. It's a gorgeous, clean, safe city at the foot of the Rockies. If you like outdoor stuff it's the perfect basepoint to explore some of the best mountains, trails, rivers, and lakes in North America. If you're interested in culture it's the capital of the Mormon movement and it's a fascinating culture they've created. Their museums, genealogical centers, historical churches, and temples are all over Salt Lake and their history is super interesting."
11points

#11 Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky
JMFR said:
"I really enjoyed the two years I spent in Louisville, KY. There's a surprising amount of stuff going on. Good food, great drink. And crazy cheap."
Vino_is_keeno2 replied:
"Love Louisville. Last time we stopped in a German town and had a blast."
Jkuch1302 replied:
"I live here in Germantown. It is becoming a very popular little spot. There is a lot more in Louisville. Something different every weekend 52 times a year."
10points

#12 Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana
"Lafayette, Louisiana. If you want TRUE Cajun culture, this is the little city to visit, NOT New Orleans. NOLA is more Creole and a lot more of a blend of cultures. Lafayette is wholly Cajun. Great food, even better hospitality, and tons of festivals."
10points

#13 San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas
"I went to a conference in San Antonio in the spring and it was absolutely amazing! It was my first time in Texas too. I liked the Riverwalk, The Pearl, downtown, The Alamo, the Mexican market, how clean the air was, and how freaking NICE everyone was. It was such a welcome change from my lifestyle in Los Angeles."
10points

#14 Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas
"Hot Springs, Arkansas. It's out of the way, but it's a beautiful area and there's a ton of stuff to do, especially if you like the outdoors or have kids. There's gambling, if you're into that. There's also historic bathhouses, the American Gangster Museum, the Mid-America Science Museum, tons of great restaurants, and a super tall sightseeing tower."
10points

#15 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"Philadelphia is totally worth the visit. I describe it as Cleveland and Boston having a baby and named it Philadelphia. Part rust belt, part colonial USA college town. Beyond the cheese-steaks they have all the major sports leagues represented. A lot of young people. Great concert venues, and restaurants."
10points

#16 Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
Jkid789 said:
"Tucson, Arizona. The people are so nice and it has great desert views."
crysardo replied:
"Great food, great culture, and lots of outdoor activities to do. The Desert Museum is a favorite must-see, I also love the scene around Historic Fourth Ave."
10points

#17 Sacramento, California

Sacramento, California
crypto916 said:
"Sacramento, CA most underrated city in California. Great historic center. Great bars scene, coffee scene, farm to the fork restaurant scene."
Kangaroo1974 replied:
"Came here to look for this response. I'm from Sacramento and I appreciate all of those things. Also, we have the best airport... so much easier than the Bay area!"
TryOnlyonce420 replied:
"Not to mention it got 2 great rivers and is only a short drive to the mountains or the coast. The down side is the heat! Come in the spring its amazing."
10points

#18 Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri
Hilarious_83 said:
"Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas, although it's right across the river). Zoo, amusement park, WW1 museum, Crown Center, The Plaza, awesome music and art scene, Power and Light, real bbq."
Reddit user replied:
"I visited KC, MO for work earlier this year and I was pleasantly surprised with my visit. Stayed right next to Crown Center and took the free tram to the Power and Light district. Had a fantastic BBQ as well. Joe's is absolutely the best I've ever had. I'm almost certainly going to find a way to stop there again if we ever head out to the Midwest."
9points

#19 Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier, Vermont
"Montpelier, Vermont, is my favorite US city! I’d never heard of it before until I saw a random tweet around 5 years ago, claiming it was the only American capital city without a McDonalds. I thought that was an interesting fact and decided to visit on that basis alone.
I had the best time. The city was incredibly friendly & hospitable towards me, I saw some amazing nature and ate the most delicious food. Seriously, the food there is great. They make an effort to source produce from local farms and you can really taste the difference. I’ve been to Montpelier twice now and both times I had the best burger of my life."
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9points

#20 Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington
mortyshaw said:
"Leavenworth, Washington. It's a charming, Bavarian-styled town."
Sp4ceh0rse replied:
"I love Leavenworth! Went there for Oktoberfest last year, it was a blast. I really want to get out there around Christmas one of these years."
9points
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