Skip to Content

15 Hidden Second-Tier Cities In The United States That Are Worth A Visit

These hidden gems may not be as well-known as some other cities, but they offer a wealth of attractions for both visitors and locals to enjoy.  A user asked, What are your favorite “second-tier” cities in the United States? and here are the best answers (and, some hidden gems for travel enthusiasts)

1. Savannah, GA

Travel hiker taking photo of Lake Braies (Lago di Braies) in Dolomites Mountains, Italy. Hiking travel and adventure.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“This. Beautiful scenery, great weather, incredible food, close to a beach, rich history, I could go on forever…:” said one. 

 2. Louisville, KY

american lady

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Bourbon, history, Victorian and shotgun homes. Eclectic affordable food, decent theater, and arts scene. Friendly people.” a user said.

3. Providence, RI

driving car on highway, close up of hands on steering wheel

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“I am fortunate to live here. It’s manageable and has all the right components: College town, immigrant neighborhoods, a somewhat vibrant downtown, an upper-class section, an “artsy” section, decent food culture, etc. It’s also retained its solid middle-class soul despite gentrification. It’s also safe, for the most part. It’s like a city without the size.” said one.

Read: 10 Worst Cities To Avoid in the U.S. in 2023 (For Relocating Or Travel) 

 4. Santa Fe, TX

3. starbucks

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Albequerque, hell no! But Santa Fe, that’s another planet, one of the most exciting cities in the country. San Antonio is great for a long or extra-long weekend, as is Austin, Nashville, and Memphis, Quebec City is unique on this side of the Atla if you want to go further afieldntic.” said another.

5. Fort Worth, TX

work from anywhere

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“The amenities of having Dallas so close and the shared distance to Arlington bypass many big-city problems. Some of the best museums, recital hall, and a significant culture epi-center for the state (rodeo, TCU, massive country music venues). Plus, on the weekends, a parking garage in the center of downtown’s main square is free to park in, which helps spur a lot of evening visits to the city.” a user said.

6. Tuscon, Az

Happy Healthy Senior Couple with Water Bottles Outdoors.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Solid arts scene, the great beer scene, college town, safe, and minutes from fantastic outdoors. From what I’ve heard, very affordable too. I’ve been a few times for work, and twice now, I’ve extended it through the weekend.” said one.

Read: Escape to Paradise: 10 U.S. Destinations That Will Take Your Breath Away

 7. Cleveland, Ohio

Portrait of Young girl driving cabriolet at sunset.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Low cost of living, free, world-class Art museum, amazing metro park rings city (Emerald Necklace), major sports teams, the light railway from the international airport to downtown and points east, thriving restaurants/entertainment venues, casino, our idea about traffic jams would be a joke to NYC & CHI, world-class medical system, Amtrak, thriving library system city and countywide.” a user said.

8. Chattanooga, TN

Low angle portrait of beautiful family couple enjoying fresh air in the forest

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Lots of great things to do downtown and on Lookout Mountain. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it’s awe-inspiring.” said one.

9. Madison, WI

Woman put her head out the car window and gesturing with his hands.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Best college town in America. Lakes, beer, and walkable downtown. Summers are amazing.” a Redditor said.

Read: Retiring Soon or Want To Retire Soon? You Better Live In One Of These 10 Places in the USA

10. Salt Lake, UT

theme park

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Unbeatable for access to the outdoors, good food scene for the city size, beautiful views, etc. Slight knocks for the overly religious conservative influence on the state outside of the metro and air quality in winter.” shared one.

11. Pittsburgh, PA

travel blogger

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Affordable, medical marijuana, great food/drink scene, international airport. Close to Canada and has a lot of State parks that are Free.” said one.

12. Cambridge, MA

sunset

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Arts, culture, parks, shopping, the river, public transportation, jobs.” a user said.

Read: Traveler Beware: Top 10 Vacation Spots to Skip in 2023

13. Cincinnati, OH

A woman walks along a sidewalk lined with trees in Seoul, Korea.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“The Riverfront is alive and active, and downtown finally has a solid food scene with various styles and delicacies. If you leave the city, there are some great city parks and even better state parks. You get the Bengals, The Reds, FC Cincinnati, Xavier & UC for sports/theater entertainment and one of the world’s best zoos.” said one.

14. Richmond, VA

portrait of a cute brunette girl drinking mate

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

 “The fantastic restaurant scene, good music, and decent arts/culture… no more racist loser statues.” a user shared.

Read: How To Make Money Travel Blogging? – 5 Ways To Do It In 2023

15. Grand Rapids, MI

no vacation

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

“Charming river city is full of art and diverse restaurants. I love my little city. 30 Minutes from Lake Michigan!” said one.

13 Things Are Scientifically Proven, But People Still Don’t Believe Them. Do You Believe Them?

Portrait disappointed lovely girlish feminine youth impressed astonished horrible terrible gossip rumor secret irritated scandal unbelievable unexpected modern summer clothes isolated green background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

There are so many things that are scientifically proven but some people try to ignore the scientific experiments and prove the theories wrong. Read more about it.

15 Red Flags That Someone Is Stupid. Are You?

Photo of crazy funny young nerdy man stick tongue out fooling face joke isolated on blue color background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

Intelligence is not a binary trait. Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and what constitutes “smart” can vary depending on the context. Here are 115 red flags that you’re stupid.

15 Dead Giveaways That You’re Nonsense Person

Cheerful funny man with lush hairstyle showing tongue making faces at camera, fooling around, joking, aping with silly face, teasing. Young adult guy boy isolated alone on blue studio background

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

Sometimes, a single act can reveal a person’s true character. If you see someone doing something that you find disgusting, it can be hard to understand if they’re a reliable person. Here are 15 giveaways you’re a nonsense person.

12 Scams That Will Fool Even the Smartest People. Have You Fallen For It?

Young caucasian woman isolated on blue background forgetting something, slapping forehead with palm and closing eyes.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

Scams come in all shapes and sizes, but what makes them particularly dangerous is when disguised as something legitimate. Read here about scams that food the smartest people.

13 Reasons Why Most Older Women Cut Their Hair Short

angry old woman

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

A lot of women seem to prefer cutting their hair short once they reach a certain age. Why exactly do you think they do that?. Read here.

This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.