In a massive 2026 travel upset, Chicago just officially beat out Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami to become one of the most welcoming tourist destinations on the planet.
Released on September 23, 2026, the new Fernwayer Friendliest Cities Index ranks Chicago as the #19 friendliest city globally and #5 in North America.
Instead of relying on a basic reader poll, Fernwayer scraped over 1.2 million Reddit reviews across travel subreddits to find out exactly where visitors feel most welcomed.
The verdict? Chicago earned a massive 91.4 out of 100 friendliness score, proving our Midwestern hospitality is a global heavyweight.
The Domestic Rivalry: Crushing the Coasts
Chicago was one of the only major U.S. tourism metros to crack the global Top 20. We sit in elite domestic company alongside Nashville (#10 globally), New Orleans (#20), and Austin (#25).
But the real satisfaction comes from looking at the bottom of the list.
If you’ve ever felt ignored in Manhattan or brushed off in South Beach, the data backs you up. The biggest tourism giants in the country completely tanked in the rankings.
- New York City: #181
- Miami: #192
- Las Vegas: #197
- Los Angeles: #199 (barely avoiding the dead-last spot out of 200 cities)
For international context, Mérida, Mexico took the global #1 spot with a 95.0 score, followed by Glasgow, Scotland, and Bogotá, Colombia. Even our northern neighbors saw mixed results. Montreal hit #12 globally with a 92.5 score, while Canada’s capital, Ottawa, fell far behind.
Why Chicago Wins: The “Ope” Effect
According to the Reddit data scraped by Fernwayer, travelers frequently attribute Chicago’s welcoming vibe to three main factors: Midwestern hospitality, dense walkable neighborhoods, and close community ties.
But what does that actually look like on the ground?
Reddit threads consistently highlighted genuine, sincere interactions. Chicagoans expect baseline politeness without the “fake niceness” found in other tourist hubs. We will hold the door for you at the corner bodega, but we won’t pretend to be your best friend.
Are you keeping Chicago friendly? Look for these classic local traits:
- The “Ope” and “Welp”: The classic linguistic signs of Midwestern politeness. If you bump into someone on the CTA Red Line, you’ll hear an “Ope, sorry!” If a local slaps their knees and says “Welp,” it’s time for you to leave the party.
- The Walking Speed Exception: Locals are incredibly helpful if you ask for directions outside the Willis Tower. However, once the interaction is over, we will walk significantly faster than you to beat the light at Wacker Drive.
The Local Level: Chicago’s Top 5 Friendliest Neighborhoods
While the world is noticing Chicago’s friendliness, which specific blocks are driving that reputation?
Right on cue, Nextdoor just released its own 2026 Friendliest Neighborhoods in Chicago data. The top honors didn’t go to downtown tourist traps like River North or the Loop. Instead, the South Side dominated the rankings.
1. Kenwood
Taking the #1 spot, this historic South Side community is famous for its stunning architecture along Hyde Park Boulevard and deep community roots.
2. Bronzeville
Just a quick ride down the CTA Green Line, this historic neighborhood is rooted in deep community pride along King Drive.
3. Ashburn
A tight-knit Southwest Side enclave near the Metra Wrightwood station where neighbors actually know each other.
4. Edgebrook
A quiet, tree-lined community on the Far Northwest Side that feels like a welcoming small town.
5. Mayfair
Easily accessible off the Blue Line Montrose stop, known for its approachable vibe and classic Chicago bungalows.
The Counter-Perspective: Friendly to People, Not to Bikes
While Chicago rules for human hospitality, we aren’t perfect.
Data from People for Bikes frequently ranks Chicago quite low globally for bike-friendliness. We might give you a warm smile and directions to the nearest Italian beef stand, but our disconnected bike lanes on Milwaukee Avenue still leave a lot to be desired.
We are incredibly friendly to people, but we are clearly still figuring it out for cyclists.
Actionable Takeaways: Moving to a Friendly Neighborhood
If you are looking to move to one of Chicago’s friendliest enclaves, here is what the financial reality actually looks like right now:
- Kenwood Real Estate: You can still find vintage courtyard condos for under $200,000. This makes it an incredibly accessible entry point for first-time buyers who want a welcoming community near the lakefront.
- Bronzeville Rentals: Expect to pay around $1,600 to $1,900 for a beautifully rehabbed two-bedroom apartment near the Green Line. You get historic charm without the West Loop price tag.
- Edgebrook Single-Family Homes: If you want that suburban-friendly feel within city limits, budget between $500,000 and $750,000 for a classic historic home near the Metra station.
The Mic Drop
This new #19 global ranking from Fernwayer comes hot on the heels of another massive victory for the city.
Just weeks ago, Chicago was named the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year.
Move over, Philly. With a decade of dominance and the data to back up our Midwestern charm, Chicago is officially the new City of Brotherly Love.