How Would You Rate La Crosse?

It could be a friendly hello, a warm smile or someone asking if they can help you, but it all makes for a nicer visit when you are in a strange city. “Travel & Leisure” has chosen the 20 Friendliest Cities in America. In the latest America’s Favorite Places survey, readers ranked more than 400 cities and towns on 70 different features, from the best burgers and wine bars to festivals and free attractions for all ages. Survey voters also weighed in on the locals, ranking them for their apparent quirkiness, hotness, or charming geekiness.

The top 20 winners for hospitable locals tended to score well in user-friendly categories like affordability and walkability. These same places also tended to be smaller cities with gold stars for warm, sunny weather—an equation that would leave a lasting impression with anyone, local or visitor.

Here are the cities ranking Top 20, from 20 to number 1:

20) New Orleans, Louisiana
19) Albuquerque, New Mexico
18) Columbus, Ohio
17) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
16) Norfolk, Virginia
15) Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
14) Memphis, Tennessee
13) Honolulu, Hawaii
12) Charleston, South Carolina
11) Savannah, Georgia
10) Indianapolis, Indiana
9) Kansas City, Missouri
8) Raleigh, North Carolina
7) Fort Worth, Texas
6) Buffalo, New York
5) Nashville, Tennessee
4) Knoxville, Tennessee
3) Madison, Wisconsin
2) Houston, Texas
1) San Antonio, Texas