Charleston Leads Southern Living's 2025 Best Cities List

Southern Living's 2025 'South's Best Cities' list highlights notable cities in the region based on arts, culture, and tourism appeal. Charleston, South Carolina, continues to lead as the top city, praised for its history and hospitality. Savannah, Atlanta, and Athens represent Georgia on the list, with Savannah securing the second spot for its historical charm. St. Petersburg and Tampa from Florida have been recognized, with St. Petersburg ranking seventh due to its cultural richness and Tampa entering the top 20 for the first time. Newer entries like Wilmington are noted for their rising popularity, and these rankings, based on reader surveys, influence travel trends, showcasing both established destinations and emerging hotspots in the South.