10 Best Big City Downtowns in the U.S.

[@harimohil3359]

Thank you for giving Chicago (and many other Midwest cities) the respect deserved

[@roberteagles4837]

So glad you included Cleveland!! Had to take a work trip there a few years ago, and I was blown away at how great it was in their downtown/CBD! Great videos, you should consider cities that have a “big reveal” when you drive in!

[@gabmalagonpersonal]

Medellín

[@chiefmonrovia6691]

Shocked to see milwaukee, but at the same time there's a reason it's so hard to move out of this city! There's so much to love, and in my opinion the most underrated part of Milwaukee is the true diversity of our buildings downtown from an architectural perspective. From old gargoyles or modern high rises, there's a lot to love for a city that didn't tear down every historic building in favor of a parking lot.

[@rahimi4762]

I'm shocked to see Milwaukee and Cincy too. I think downtown Minneapolis, Portland, Indianapolis, and two he had on the worst downtowns Columbus and DC. Columbus has Short North, The Peninsula, North Market District, German Village and Franklinton with more infrastructure on the way and The Scioto Mile.

[@daveed4475]

I grew up in Chicago, and never went to Milwaukee, but people in recent years keeping talking about how great it is

[@sweetkitty3249]

Yes, Milwaukee kept its beautiful historic buildings. They're taken care of & preserved. The ugly warehouses in the Third Ward were turned into beautiful apartments & condos. In areas where it make sense to build new, high rises are going up like crazy. I think the downtown will just keep getting better.

[@gijoey5912]

I really enjoy Milwaukee. Kind of reminds me of a smaller Chicago (with its proximity to Lake Michigan), but with plenty of its own great qualities.

[@Slider6294]

Downtown MKE is dope! My hometown and I love that it's become such a "trendy" place. When I grew up, I remember all the real estate around the Milwaukee River couldn't be given away...now it's cleaned up and remains a hot spot. Say what you will about the sometimes TOO provincial leanings of Milwaukee architecture, but few cities could combine a place as iconic as Milwaukee City Hall--which actually held the record as the tallest building in the world in the late 1890s!--and the now iconic art museum, which was Santiago Calatrava's first project in the States.

[@ScottTooley]

I've visited Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh in the past 13 months. Chicago obviously is god-tier for US downtown/urbanism (all good 80's movies prove this, I will not be taking questions). I was very surprised by Pittsburgh, I genuinely loved it. Saying "designed before the car" is spot on. Most streets are skinny, sidewalks safe, and tons going on. As for Detroit, we stayed in Corktown and did plenty in both Downtown and Mexicantown. Great trip, cannot wait to go back. All three of these cities will not disappoint.

[@dattmougherty_5392]

what are some of those movies? I’d like to watch them

[@wendywehner2320]

​@@dattmougherty_5392The John Hughes movies of the 80 s. There are several.

[@nahor88]

Pittsburgh really is a little-known gem. People associate Pittsburgh with sports and blue-collared industry, but it's one of the most beautiful cities in the country. You get the urban feel walking around, but it also has a small town vibe plus a feeling like you're not too far from nature. I felt like I could walk anywhere downtown, and it was all safe and accessible. Driving of course is a nightmare. They're starting to get more transplants with a shift in economic focus to technology.

[@JC-nl3nh]

pre-brown world was designed to perfection for our white population. the white people have now been ethnically cleansed via racial riots and mass 'migration' (invasion/occupation) and the city is being decomposed.

[@doggodoggo3000]

there is not much of a night life in Pittsburgh down town when I was there. It was kind of lame ngl. It felt like it was really missing something

[@rhettbuckley2660]

Hey Kyle, Chicago resident here, in the East Lakeview neighborhood. You don't need to live in the Loop to not need a car. A ton of us 2 miles north of the loop live a car-free life, walking to the grocery store, the Walgreens, doctor and dentist and therapy all within a half mile! Plus countless restaurants of all varieties. Next time you're in town cruise down Broadway between Belmont and Fullerton, it's a great stretch!

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

Agreed, the Loop isn't the best for living. The dense neighborhoods near downtown and along the lake are where it's at, and a bit cheaper

[@trinaderickson9733]

@@rhettbuckley2660 Uptown on the edge of Ravenswood and Edgewater. Yup, the car free life is awesome even this far up. The train to GO to the Loop is just a few blocks away and everything is within walking distance. And everything is way less expensive than downtown. And the architecture in this area (including) Lakeview, Edgewater, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park and so forth, is definitely worth seeing.

[@sandy_sd10]

I loved Chicago downtown by the train station. I now want to visit Chicago for a weekend. I never had a desire to see Chicago before just flying in and out. I have missed out.

[@Tays4]

Agreed, I’m a Chicago resident and have never seriously considered living downtown. Although downtown is great to visit, the outlying “neighborhoods” near the lake are amazing (Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown etc). Endless restaurants of all cuisine varieties, any shopping that you need, a quick walk or ride to the beach and walking trails, and tons of nightlife, whereas the downtown has large portions that die down at night. And a quick 20-30 minute CTA ride will get you right into downtown if you wish.

[@kevanfeyzi5096]

Yup, I am Lakeview also and these northside neighborhoods people are talking about are probably the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. South Loop, Lakeshore East, West Loop, and Streeterville adjacent to The Loop are too, those are basically like Midtown Manhattan but the rents are much higher. Gold Coast as well. A lot of Chicago ones prefer living a little further out from the loop where the activity and nightlife might be better, honestly.

[@vopvoopone]

So glad to see a solid Midwest presence on this list! As a Chicagoan who moved to Cleveland and has spent a lot of time in Cincy, couldn’t agree more about them having great downtowns. All I have to say to folks is give Cleveland a shot!

I also have lived in all three (worked in the Chicago loop, but lived down in Calumet though), and I think Kyle has their relative rankings' just right'.

[@janeentumbao8690]

I'm the opposite. I'm from Cleveland and moved to Chicago. 🎉❤🎉❤🎉😂

[@MbisonBalrog]

The Land is nice

[@laurenhahn101]

I went to a week-long conference in Cincinnati and stayed in a hotel in the business district. I really like the city--some beautiful old churches and good restaurants.

[@kraka2oanIner]

FORMER midwesterner here. I used to LOVE Chicago; hope to visit again, after a LONG time. My grandparents lived in Cleveland, and used to get spring water there, before it was polluted. That's how long ago since I've been there. I saw Louis Tiant pitch for the Cleveland Indians...wow. Then, in Boston, I saw him pitch AGAIN, in the '80s. Amazing. KUDOS to the midwest!

[@johngrantham5508]

Thank you for ranking my city Chicago downtown no.1. we have the best shoreline in the country. The loop is culturally and architecturally beautiful. Plus we have lots of festivals here. Millennium Park with the Bean is cool. The loop streets are bustling 7 days a week.the el trains helps makes the loop the loop.😊

[@turkfiles]

Spot on! Born and raised there. I left in 1976 and moved to Colorado. I miss driving down LSD, the museums, Grant Park, Michigan Ave, Rush St., Lincoln Ave. Blues Clubs, etc. Though, I’m not sure if Rush and Lincoln are still active entertainment areas?

[@mileswithmallory]

So nice to hear your kind words about Cleveland!! 🙌🏼

[@supersaturn956]

Straight from the Land!

[@treywilkins252]

Mid ass city

[@LilUziVertFan690]

@@treywilkins252bro is from Minnesota

[@treywilkins252]

@@LilUziVertFan690 I’m from Chicago

[@katykwasny1951]

Thrilled to see both Cleveland and Milwaukee! Cleveland has improved the downtown significantly since I was a kid in the 90s, I absolutely love going back to visit. I moved to Milwaukee 10 years ago now and didn't spend a ton of time downtown for the first few years, but I went back to school and ended up working right by Cathedral Square. So many great restaurants and bars, and there are big festivals and events all through the summer right in the middle of downtown. The River Walk is great, tons of parks, and it's super easy to get around. I absolutely love this city.

[@AGcarly13]

Thank you for including Pittsburgh!! I feel blessed to have such a beautiful skyline in a smaller city. I love traveling but coming home is always a highlight, since I get to see such a great view.

[@kelvinw.1384]

I think Pittsburgh actually has a beautiful skyline too

[@srikanthmeg]

I've been to three countries. I have not seen a big city as beautiful as Chicago yet

[@travel6820]

Check out Rotterdam

[@dner75-xh9le]

Word? Keep looking, sweetheart.

[@TheOldTapeArchive]

Vancouver. Clean, walkable, and unlike Chicago, crime isn't tolerated.

[@KikoPeo]

You re kidding,Millwaukee is like Chicago ,just cleaner,safer,cheaper

[@californiamade5608]

Go to San Francisco

[@kigas24]

As a Chattanoogan who moved to Chicago I am glad to see you've put it on top!

[@gnomevoyeur]

As a foreign tourist, Chattanooga was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the Choo-choo area and also driving up to lookouts in the nearby mountains.

[@zacg_]

Chattanooga is awesome! If there was a list of cities that balance having a cool downtown but also being close to amazing nature then Chattanooga would be on that list. But I get why it wouldn't be on this kind of list. And Chicago is amazing. Of the US's biggest cities I think Chicago and San Antonio are the most underrated. And I say that realizing that a lot of people love Chicago. I still think it's underrated.

[@archiecraven6086]

I used to live in Highland Park!

[@nickp1091]

​@zacg_ Interesting that you bring up San Antonio. I'm from Chicago, but I visited San Antonio a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I liked the Riverwalk and the Spanish and Mexican influence. My only issue with San Antonio are the long and hot summers, but it's a great winter destination

[@duanewhitacre5995]

I was beginning to think you'd forgot about Chicago. Michigan avenue!

[@asapmort]

AYEEEEEEE SOMEONE FINALLY PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY CITY ❤ Cleveland absolutely deserved to be on this list

[@trinaderickson9733]

Shout out for calling it Sears Tower! (And no ketchup!)

[@qolspony]

Always be sears tower as long as I live.

[@warrengamameilhardin]

For me it's either the Sears Tower or the *Wesley* Willis Tower

[@brianarbenz1329]

Why not the Roebuck Tower? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@lordhoweproductions3733]

Ketchup is hella good on hot dogs lol, y’all are trippin. Here in Seattle we have the Seattle dawg, with grilled onions and cream cheese. It’ll blow you away, soooooo good! Best hot dog out there

[@kraka2oanIner]

I haven't been there in DECADES I don't get "no ketchup"...?

[@raidger4]

All 4 Philadelphia teams play within a 1/2 mile of each other, however those venues aren’t downtown.

[@halo364]

I do still think Philly has a decent downtown / center city area though, I was surprised not to see it on this list

[@mishaj2647]

And then there’s the union who play in almost Delaware 😅

[@lukasgestrine]

Damn they all be playing in the same spot?

[@MrRyanKaminski]

NY teams play in a different state. A state unliked by New Yorkers! Somehow it all makes sense

[@scottsnyder2726]

Center City Philly is incredibly vibrant without any stadiums. Let’s keep it that way. We don’t need huge surface parking lots in CC. That is for suburban sports fans. It’s as walkable as any city - including, Boston, SF and Montreal. I really like Pittsburgh, but being used to Philly it was significantly less dense, less walkable, and less vibrant, imho!

[@valelavidavivir5842]

Really enjoyed this one. I had no idea that Cleveland had such a nice downtown. So glad you included Toronto and Montreal. Toronto is a place where you feel like you live in the downtown of the United Nations: such a mixture of cultures, foods, etc.

[@magnus466]

I’ve lived in Nashville, Chicago Cincinnati, And have been singing the praises of Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Folks often look at me like my head is unglued when I talk about the industrial Midwest but they just have no idea.

[@cynthialester8348]

I am an SF, West Coast person. But have been visiting Cincinnati, Indianapolis, etc. recently. I never expected to love them but I do. My kids have gone to Chicago and loved it too.

[@mrwasatch]

Great video... when it started my first thoughts were Chicago and Seattle, both are great for travel - a lot to do in walkable distances and felt much safer than people were making it out to be. Glad to see Cleveland in there too - we were only there part of a day but it looked and felt quite nice.

[@mashunwalls1767]

Thanks for giving my hometown of Chicago props on being #1

[@SagaciousSilence]

Seattle just built a brand new AMAZING downtown waterfront with a gorgeous aquarium tank visible from the new waterfront.

[@robertcoren7318]

Love your comments about Cincinnati, my hometown, and Pittsburgh, near my college. I loved these places 50-60 years ago growing up during their industrial past. Good development policies breed great places to live and work.

[@LauraJdogmom]

Cincinnati resident here. I wish he'd shown some of our murals! Looking forward to Blink this year.

[@orchid623]

I agree with your top two (Boston & Chicago), plus Toronto! I've thoroughly enjoyed visiting each of those cities and would live to visit again!

[@kraka2oanIner]

Yeah! I've been to Toronto and Montreal...I seemed to like Toronto a bit better. I love Boston...I MUST visit Chicago; it's been DECADES(!) since I've lived in Elmhurst (17 miles directly West of the Chicago River).

[@austinbecton5341]

Cincinnati has completely transformed! When I was a kid, we called it "Cinci-nasty" and as an adult, it's become so cool that I lived there for a couple years. Dayton, an hour north, is well-integrated and their downtown is massively transforming too. I'm hoping the state or fed gov will build a train connecting the two, so you could hop between them.

[@imgonnaplum]

100%, Cleveland down to Cincy

[@jaycasado5029]

You don’t want to drive 3 1/2 hours? 😂😂😂😂

[@thedirtybubble9613]

Gentrification. Same thing happened in Miami.

[@ernestabrogar4658]

Center City Philadelphia is the epitome of what a downtown should feel like in scale, walkability, and amenities.

[@TheUnshatterd]

Too bad it's Philly

[@patrickhauser588]

@@TheUnshatterd exactly. one of the three best cities in the US alongside NY and Boston.

[@gloriagarza6823]

Peace. It was not koh-vid that undermined American spunk, ingenuity, self-determination. It was so-so sew-shall-ism proponents. It is only Treasury decisions by officials that caused current inflation. Place direct culpability with those who are running the show. All the world is a stage with politicians as main actors impressing stationery onlookers. Peace.

[@BRYCONIC]

Philly is WAY underrated

[@BRYCONIC]

​@@TheUnshatterd EW! 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@Rthomp02]

Another great video again! This is why I’m a geography and Urban Planning nerd!

[@Towboatin]

I was just in Chicago for St Paddy's this year, and it is definitely awesome. Hugely underrated, especially considering how affordable it is. Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati are easy weekend trips for me since I live in Pittsburgh now, definitely going to want to go check them out soon.

[@brenrenn8306]

I really enjoyed your list. Chicago has always been a great city. I just love to visit even today, Pittsburgh has always been a great town too, now I live in Detroit presently right downtown and couldn’t agree with you more , 10 years ago. It needed help , now it’s absolutely fabulous and getting better and better, And the nice thing about Detroit is it has some fabulous neighborhoods adjacent to downtown , my Lafayette Park area is incredible and getting better and better. Tons of restaurants, culture, museums, incredible riverfront awarded best two years in a row by USA today. Campus Martius entertainment park downtown was also nominated the best inner city entertainment park. Lots of cool neighborhoods, pro sports, and beautiful biking, and walking trails. It also surprisingly has lots of new retail popping up , pretty wild to think there’s even a Gucci store in downtown Detroit. I’ve also just recently sold my condo from Cleveland when I was there, love it too. It’s a great city, I used to always think Cleveland was better downtown than Detroit, but not anymore , they’re both really great towns.

[@marquesmarchand722]

I am a city nerd too and this guy makes the best videos.

[@kraka2oanIner]

I'm a GEO nerd, but...more of a World Geo nerd. I learned all the national flags, and where all the countries were, BEFORE I learned the U.S. state flags. Yikes, go figure....(!)

[@WhitehallMediaGroup]

I feel the same way about Broadway in Nashville and Cincinnati definitely has an underrated downtown area to walk around in. Great video!

[@robertofernandez7773]

Midwest really represented in this video. Nice to hear!!! Chicago is also my favorite.

[@NickWojcicki]

Thank you for calling it the Sears Tower! - a fellow Chicagoan

[@VitoD226]

what else is it called?

[@ZoraDelaney]

@@VitoD226 It is officially called Willis Tower, its official name since 2009 / 2010. However, everyone here still calls it the Sears Tower!

[@leestamm3187]

​@@ZoraDelaney Particularly to anyone old enough to remember when it was completed in 1973, it will always be the Sears Tower. However, the Hancock Center (Big John) will always be the coolest skyscraper in Chicago, hands down.

[@VitoD226]

@@ZoraDelaney oh wow, I'm in NYC and I call it the Sears Tower lol

[@NickWojcicki]

@@leestamm3187 My favorite is the newly built St. Regis Tower

[@davemaglish247]

got to agree with your number one pick of Chicago.

[@JASONLOTT30290]

You really are a nerd & I’m here for it. Thanks for your consistently excellent nerdy content.

[@BraydenKing1972]

Love that you shout out Toronto as a Canadian viewer! And been to Montreal a few times, it’s amazing for walking and partying

[@jamiesaylor8824]

Love this list! I agree with Chicago being number 1! Planning to go to Pittsburgh soon!

[@mjp96]

Pittsburgh is so beautiful - especially if you are driving and come out of the Mt. Washington bridge. You'll feel like a drone!

[@theresaduffy8222]

I have lived in Chicago for most of my 50 years and still get a little hitch in my heart every time I go downtown. It’s just very beautiful and awesome.

[@BDUBZ49]

Chicago also has 6 major museums: Museum of the Art Institute (as seen in Ferris Bueller), Museum of Science and Industry. Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography. There is also the Ancient Cultures Museum on the Univ. of Chicago Campus a little further south and the Lincoln Park Zoo a little further north. Soldier Field (Chicago Bears Football). Northerly Island concert venue. A theater district. Great beaches, jogging/biking paths along the lake. Tons of restaurants, almost any kind of food you want.. Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, Burgers and of course Hot Dogs. Architecture tour boats up and down the river. Lakefront tour boats. Plenty of rental bikes.

[@LauraJdogmom]

If I were going to move from Cincinnati, I would seriously consider Chicago. It has everything NYC has, but considerably less expensive.

[@johnpolese6575]

Agree with Boston’s spot. I was there in June and I just loved how compact and walkable the city is. I also loved the mix of historic buildings intermixed with European architecture. Then you walk into the north end and you are transported back in time. Such a fun city and I can’t wait to get back sometime soon.

[@gijoey5912]

Agreed. Walkability 10/10. Drivability -100/10

[@thepointsnorth]

Nice. Lived there for 9 years and still like it when I occasionally hear it called the most European city in America, or occasionally “America’s Walking City”

[@kraka2oanIner]

Lived here for 52 YEARS, since 1972. I used to roller skate (not blade) all over the place. Now I cycle all over the place. I often go from Boston to Providence. I like long distance rides, within a DAY trip. And I don't ride in precipitation. The mixture of architecture IS pretty amazing. I did an all-night bike tour, in which the hosts of this tour are historians AND architects. Really amazing...from Midnight to 7:30 A.M. After ~2 A.M. there are no more crazy drivers, and you almost have all the streets to yourselves. NEATO.

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

Great breakdown. In Chicago since the 90s. Didn't need a car until the kids arrived. Weather aside. Best place to host on any budget. 🎉😂

[@lukasgestrine]

Your channel is way better than Briggs

[@seamusmcgrath7165]

Preach

[@misteriknow2069]

Briggs sucks. He used to be good before he started showing his face, but nowadays he’s just pulling up topics out of hot air with little to no research and fake backstories for “entertainment”. You’re better off googling a city before listening to him 😂

[@aidaallen6373]

@lukasgestrine Briggs hates cities and...I suspect other things!

[@williamparis500]

I quit following Briggs because of his obvious political preaching and his 'facts' which a quick Google showed were not correct.

[@Scottit]

Briggs is good, but less encompassing. Anybody see City Nerd? He's specialized, but anti-car, therefore extra pro-public transit. Many with an MUP are (but not me).

[@RyanTaylor0201]

Your videos are so good. Appreciate your efforts and dedication. Cool travels!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

[@brian13105]

As a born & bred Torontonian of exactly 73 years on the day I write this , I thank you for your review of my hometown and for your efforts in general on this channel Kyle . As an " old school " (as the kids say ) Torontonian I must dispute the inclusion of Montréal on your list ( that's compulsory ) but I commend to you Quebec City and especially St. John's Newfoundland , mostly for its geographical location and its people . Thanks again Kyle , I love your channel .

[@StamfordBridge]

Happy birthday!!!

[@brian13105]

@@StamfordBridge Thank you very kindly sir (or madam).

[@jimspies2775]

I live in STL, but travel to CLE about once every 6ish weeks for work. You absolutely nailed the downtown in CLE. I am constantly impressed every time I go and stay downtown. It beats our STL downtown hands-down; and I'm definitely someone who actually likes downtown STL, not one of the doom and gloomers. But, I'd love it to be how CLE is.

[@35diamondgirl]

I love downtown St. Louis, and visited many times (mostly for Cardinals games) when I lived in western Kentucky. The Arch, the Cardinals and Blues, blues clubs, Forest Park and the zoo/museums (which aren’t downtown but close enough), Pappy’s Smokehouse BBQ, City Museum, etc. Downtown can be touristy bc of the Arch, but that’s a good thing.

[@covcanada]

I thank you for placing my father's hometown in second place, sending blessings for your New Year ❤

[@bradyreed3457]

For goodness sakes, visit Seattle again! There have been many changes since you were last here, most notably the demolition of the Alaskan Way viaduct (opening the waterfront to downtown), renovation of King Street station, extensions of light rail, and much more. And BTW, love your shirts!

[@FrenchArrogance]

Agreed, plus the new addition (Ocean Pavilion) to the aquarium down at the waterfront just opened.

[@GeographyKing]

It's been a while, and not many cities have grown as much since my last visit. Being a road tripper living in the South and often going to CA and the southwest, the Midwest, or New England means I've often missed that NW corner of the country. But we will be doing a national park and city road trip in the NW next year.

[@seanabbins5481]

​@@GeographyKingSeattle is underwhelming. I think you Will find less in that downtown than the other cities on your list. Why not New Orleans? Much prettier city with more history and culture.

[@SandySmith80]

@@seanabbins5481 See his 10 Worst Downtowns video for NOLA.

[@KismetKat11]

I lived in Chicago for 20+ years and its vibe is like nowhere else. Thanks for including it! I think Austin and Charlotte are both nice too, especially Austin.

[@brendanbressler9807]

Totally agree with your list! Only city I haven't been to in your ranking is San Diego. I've lived in Detroit the last several years so have seen lots of exciting things happen. A lot of the nicest and best downtowns in the country are Midwestern and Rust Belt cities. Cincinnati's riverfront is my favorite. Have visited Nashville lots of times to see family, always enjoyed it but in recent years it's just gotten too touristy and crowded. It's been quite a few years since I went to Seattle and Boston but I loved both. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities. IMO Chicago is the best city in the USA and agree with being the best downtown.

[@35diamondgirl]

I’ve lived in or near several of these cities-Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati-and have visited Nashville multiple times. I’ve been to Pittsburgh twice. Each has unique charm, and I would happily return to visit any of them. Boston is my favorite, for personal reasons. Great list.

[@timothyforsythe3155]

I grew up in Cleveland but lived away from there for years. I was back visiting the Rock Hall of Fame and chatting with an out of town person. He had never been to Cleveland and was impressed and said it is unfairly judged.

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Kyle, still trying to get over that shirt... and a great video - Thanks

[@flamethefurry3516]

I love downtown Pittsburgh. I went to a convention there this summer and was absolutely blown away by how pleasant it is to look at

[@xsf2152]

As someone who's spent 3 years living in Cleveland, I'm not surprised at all that the land is at #4 in the list!

[@treywoody4706]

I used to live in an apartment on the street at 10:46 and it was great. I really loved my time in Cleveland and did not expect to at all when I first showed up.

[@mykael9447]

Cleveland has great amenities but the people suck imo

[@gano7297]

Politics affecting your opinions huh?

@@mykael9447 Clearly you haven't spent that much time there... nor Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Detroit, Cincinnati et. al. for that matter. I've lived in all except Seattle (but was there for work many, many times).

[@SofaSpy]

I think New York got Robbed. Because new York has numerous downtowns. Midtown, downtown, uptown, downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, long island city, Jamaica, flushing, etc etc not to mention all the cool neighborhoods in Brooklyn, queens and the Bronx...but it's your opinion so I respect it

[@Andyblueandgold]

New York is less of the typical American city which all these cities are. A typical American city has a "downtown" with the 10 tall buildings and offices and then all the office workers go home and its dead, except for the "hip" street or district that gets exciting at night. We know that's not NYC. (Chicago is also like NYC in that regard, but very few other cities are.)

[@tylerb2523]

for as good nyc is, there is a good amount of downsides with cleaniness in downtown brooklyn and manhattan that probably weighed it down his list. He's from the south and probably values certain things more than someone like me, who live in nyc my entire life.

[@williamedstrom5681]

It's weird that he never addressed it though. I literally rewatched intro and outro i was so surprised.​@@tylerb2523

[@jamiemaloney1552]

Most of what you mentioned sucks. And manhattan's downtown is where the courts are. Yuck.

[@crafterrium8724]

@@jamiemaloney1552 ragebait

[@tomiovino3542]

Visited Cleveland this past July 4th... I was so pleasantly surprised.

[@whitezzzzzzzzz]

Nice list Kyle! Thanks!

[@lauraweiss7875]

Suburban Chicagoan here who works downtown. Chicago at night during the holidays is unmatched in the world. Rode in on a commuter train decked out in Christmas lights head to toe, shopped at the Kristkindl Market and rode the L to Second City and dinner at a fabulous Japanese restaurant. Just one of a million days you can been entertained in downtown Chicago. Add in that it has a ton of jobs in almost every type of business sector and it’s unbeatable.

[@janeentumbao8690]

@@lauraweiss7875 I used to live in Skokie and Evanston. I miss it there.

[@jennyb.9984]

Great list! I was amazed how b3autiful the Pittsburgh and Nashville skylines were!

[@davekoser3938]

Just spent a day in Montreal. Loved it for all the reasons you mentioned, plus the poutine!

[@cur244]

Montreal is a great city. The transportation is super fast and easy. Far less rough than most US cities and awesome food.

[@gerardmackay8909]

I’ve been to Chicago (loved it) LA (loathed it) and had a good time in Boston, NYC and SF too but my favourite North American city of all was definitely Montreal.

[@SweeneyJeffreyJ]

Good list Geography King! I would say Philadelphia, NYC, Portland Oregon, and Denver could be honorable mentions.

[@dtraw9573]

Best thing I ever did was leave Florida and move to Chicago. Never been happier. An amazing amenity rich city. I approve of your ranking :)

[@janeentumbao8690]

I don't blame you. I would rather be warm than frozen. But I would rather be frozen than washed away 3xs a year!😂

[@rediron44]

My sons best friend lived in a Miami high rise. Left to Chicago for a job, and swears he will never leave. Loves Chicago

[@dtraw9573]

@@rediron44 and that is the sentiment of 99% of people that come here for the first time and realize it is the opposite of what theyve been told all their lives by conservative/republican liars. Not to mention global warming is making winters here a breeze

[@ChatGPT1111]

@@janeentumbao8690I've lived in Central Florida by the ocean since 1985. Never been 'washed away' even once. Never even had a roof leak.

[@g662dot]

I’ve traveled to plenty of places as well, and your list is pretty solid. I think I know why you left off my two favorite cities, Philadelphia and San Francisco, but I’m not entirely mad about it!

[@BWyatt76]

I went to Cleveland last year, and was very impressed with the downtown

[@erynpimentel915]

Cool video, thanks for your insight!

[@BGTuyau]

Thanks for putting Chicago in the top spot and adding Toronto and Montréal beyond the 10 -but how is Philadelphia not on this list? Ditto San Francisco, Washington DC, NYC [multiple downtowns]... and DTLA [i.e., Downtown LA].

[@larryjex6485]

I was a long haul trucker, so I've walked every one of these downtowns, but one I would include is Portland, Oregon. It's very walkable, there's a aerial tram just south of the CBD, and the variety of bridges, fountains, restaurants and bars is overwhelming.

[@NotSteveCook]

More craft breweries in Portland than in any other city, unless I'm mistaken

[@herschelwright4663]

Can’t wait for best and worst downtowns in Canada videos.

[@favjr]

You really do a fabulous job with these videos. Thanks.

[@coldsoldier313]

Detroit has come a long way. I was there for the NFL draft, and it was a blast. Very nice river walk

[@laurenhahn101]

Greektown in Detroit is fun, too.

[@tryagainbragg2569]

Respect from Chicago using the correct name for the Sears tower

[@jarynbradford5921]

I'm very surprised Philadelphia did not make this list. The downtown is very walkable and there are so many historic sites to visit. Plus excellent restaurants and good public transportation

[@SirManfly]

It's just HIS opinion. I wouldn't have had Detroit, Cleveland or Milwaukee in my top 10.

[@PhillyBagel]

I thought maybe he was trying to avoid the usual suspects for this list. NYC is honestly overqualified. But he included Chicago and Boston so maybe not?

[@JXY2019]

I like Cincinnati more than Cleveland but both are really underrated.

I've lived and worked in both Cle and Cin and I think Cleveland has more to do, has a more "big city" feel, actually safer (in the immediate downtown), less aggressive policing and now more people moving downtown (including near West side a la Ohio City, Tremont & Detroit-Superior). In fact, I totally agree w/ Kyle's list but wonder why S.F. didn't even make the 'top 10'?

[@pidgeotroll]

SF is a nice city but downtown is not the best part of it. It’s strictly business and poverty, not so much fun and culture. You have to go to other parts of the city to get that.

[@fixpacifica]

Downtown SF emptied out during the pandemic with everyone working from home. It still hasn't recovered, which means a lot of the shops and restaurants that depended on those workers are gone. Right now, downtown SF has a sort of dying mall feel to it. Pretty depressing.

[@alexrudd6512]

@@fixpacifica Correct. I live in SF and downtown kinda stinks. Not much going on there besides a couple high end restaurants here and there. It's other neighborhoods where all the positive activity is.

[@jaycasado5029]

Both are nowhere NEAR Miami or NY

[@jnmsks6052]

I appreciate your fair and honest assessments, as always. You actually visit all of these places and aren't swayed by all the biased opinions out there. So many cities on here people just pass by because of bad reputations, but in many cases, the biggest haters haven't ever visited, or they haven't visited in years. Their loss, I guess.

[@matthewrasero2349]

Thanks for shouting out Milwaukee! I just moved here back in May for a job and I was instantly taken aback by how lovely the downtown was. It's clean, safe, plenty of sights to see. The architecture of the old buildings is beautiful. Truly one of America's most underrated cities. There are some bad parts of town but honestly this is my favorite city I've lived in, and I've lived in a lot. Don't plan on leaving anytime soon.

[@a2jeano]

Detroit has come such a long way in the past 50 years, thank you for including it. The old Michigan Central Station that used to be Ground Zero for “decay porn” photography has been transformed into the beautiful Ford HQ in Corktown.

[@rws676]

As someone who lives in Northeast Ohio, it was awesome to see Cleveland get the attention it deserves! The changes it has made even in the past 15 years are definitely noticed

[@hughkremer4026]

Agree with Chicago at #1. So does Condé Nast, which voted in top big city in the US for the past seven years.

[@JonathonDenson]

This is a very odd list. While I like Cleveland and Pittsburgh, how can you possibly rank them higher than Manhattan or Center City Philadelphia?

[@onanthebarbarian9883]

Chicago is just plain awesome and I say that as a Minneapolis resident.

[@alejandrocervantes1527]

Thanks love from Milwaukee hoping to be higher up the list but maybe one day we’re not done with downtown yet 😊

[@brandontaylor6]

Milwaukee, very impressed with how waukable it is

[@mikebronicki8264]

Waukable 😂

[@sheaskateboarding]

Great to hear Cleveland getting some well-deserved recognition! The city gets its fair share of criticism, but it truly is a beautiful place.

[@jakebutler291]

BOSTON!!! I always say my love is biased but I’m glad you could confirm it here 🤩🤩

[@jakebutler291]

And Chicago and Boston being the Top 2 feels correct.

[@jaredsheinberg]

In my opinion, downtown Chicago beats downtown Toronto. Michigan Ave is more attractive than Yonge, the waterfront is significantly more interesting, the architecture is far more impressive, and Toronto has nothing like the River Walk. It also feels more distinctly like its own city with its own distinct culture, rather than borrowing culture from other places. I’d also argue that downtown Chicago actually feels cleaner than downtown Toronto.

[@brenrenn8306]

I have to agree with you totally, some of my family lives in Toronto and a couple others in Chicago and I prefer Chicago personally. Now I think Toronto is safer overall, but Chicago is just far more interesting, Yonge Street in Toronto I think is really quite disappointing. It’s busy but the sort of retail and crowds on it Are not thrilling. Chicago has way better shopping and just feels much bigger to me. Historically Chicago is miles ahead of Toronto also and has retained its appreciation of it.

[@sm3675]

King Street is arguably better than Younge Street.

[@rchilde1]

@@brenrenn8306 hehe, Chicago feels bigger than Toronto because Chicago IS bigger. I believe Chicago is older too, this could be part of Chicago feeling more authentic rather than Toronto borrowing from here and there.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

I agree Chicago makes better use if its lakefront than Toronto - or any other city, tbh. But Toronto still a pretty exciting city

[@ed4409]

I have lived (still do) in East Boston my entire life. I can definitely tell you that pre-Big Dig Boston and post-Big Dig Boston are no different. I remember the ugly green elevated I-93. My father would drive to work on it to get to South Boston and it was such an eye-soar, both for drivers and for walkers. Boston, generally speaking, has always been an amazing walking city anyways. So much so that I sometimes even prefer walking 2 or 3 miles in the downtown Boston area to my final destination over taking the T (I've once walked from The New England Aquarium to Kenmore Square just because it was nice weather). I would even put it up there with Chicago like you did. Both cities are phenomenal for walkers.

[@spm_hcmc]

Excellent video. It looks like you prefer the 'overachievers/underdogs' just as I do.

[@williamowsley9771]

Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have really attractive downtowns. I used to love Nashville but it's such a cheesy tacky mess now. Absolutely Chicago's Loop and Grant Park. Gorgeous. NYC.

[@Linkbetweenus27]

Nashville is still great outside of the entertainment district, but it does get too crazy inside it.

[@Beachbum471]

I’m so happy that you chose Chicago for number one in USA! I have lived quite a few places in the USA , even a few that you mentioned. I’m living in Portland, Maine currently for family reasons. I truly miss Chicago and if it happens that I no longer have to be here, I will definitely return to Chicago (and I detest the cold!)

[@PhilipGermani]

Nice to see the 3 C's getting their due....Chicago, Cincinnati, and Cleveland! Wonderful places!

[@mikebronicki8264]

And Columbus made the list for Worst 10! 😂

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

Went to college in Milwaukee. One of the most underrated cities in the US!!

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

I was in San Diego in June. I found the downtown pretty walkable while occasionally riding the trams. What surprised me is that there are intersections downtown with STOP signs, not traffic lights. It is not a crowded, noisy place even during a work day.

[@jonathanbraski]

I love your list! I used to live in Pittsburgh and it was a great city. The only change I would make would be to put Minneapolis in there instead of Milwaukee. Otherwise, there are some great picks in here! Thank you so much!

[@tmz85]

Agree. I’ve stayed in DT Chicago (River North/Streeterville) for 7 years and it’s easiest the best place I’ve ever lived. The one downfall for me was the occasional harsh winter.

[@DionysusAlS]

Chicago at number 1 is justified.

[@SalonGuillet]

You meat number 3 ;-)

[@johnholt890]

Good to see Rust Belt cities Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh making a comeback

[@adamkrauss303]

As a life long New Yorker, I only recently spent a long weekend really exploring Boston and can say I was very impressed. Very manageable size to walk, relatively clean and beautiful walkable waterfront areas.

[@TheDeadbone1961]

Chicago is great. Seven day vacation, walked every day, and maybe saw 10% of everything the city has to offer. Live there in a heartbeat.

[@maxpowr90]

Not surprised Boston is near the top. It's very walkable and public transit has gotten much better too.

[@krapug11]

Not to mention Boston still has substantial retail within the HUB, a rarity for most US cities. We were in the Prudential Center over the weekend, and you could barely move.

[@kraka2oanIner]

I LOVE Boston...lived here 52 years, and it's improved GREATLY. I never owned a car(!) I ride my bike everywhere. The bike lanes are popping up, like crazy. Before the BIG DIG, it was an eyesore(!) Post-BIG DIG, fantastic. The Zakim Bridge compliments the Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill) monument. It's a walkable town, probably one of the best. Historic districts melding with some of the recent architecture makes it really lovely. There is an all-night bike tour that goes through most of the neighborhoods, starting @ midnight...and we end up at Castle Island, JUST in time to see the sunrise. AWESOME. Then we end up at Columbus Park for breakfast. Superb town!

[@Scottrick]

Fun times in Cleveland today! CLEVELAND!

[@davekoser3938]

@@Scottrick come on down to Cleveland town everyone, come look at both of our buildings.

[@Scottrick]

@@davekoser3938 Buy some food that's prepared near the street. Who knows? You might even see this guy.

[@davekoser3938]

@@Scottrick my sons and I were in Cleveland a couple years ago, and we swear we saw “this guy”

[@kraka2oanIner]

CLEVELAND ROCKS (so I've heard). I'd like to visit the R & R Hall of Fame! My grandparents lived in Cleveland, right across the street from Lakewood, near Rt. #90. Haven't been there since the '70s!