These are the 10 best cities in the US according to travel expert — with a shocker No. 1 pick

New York Post - May 16th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Travel writer Hannah Summers has sparked interest with her list of top 10 favorite cities in the United States, placing Detroit, Michigan, at the number one spot due to its recent resurgence and cultural revival. According to Summers, the city's transformation, exemplified by the upcoming reopening of the historic Michigan Central Station, highlights a new era for Detroit. Other notable cities on the list include San Diego, Miami, and an under-the-radar pick, Providence, Rhode Island, praised for its burgeoning food scene. Meanwhile, New York City was ranked eighth, with a nod to its diverse experiences beyond typical tourist attractions.

In a separate ranking by the Institute for Quality of Life, New York City was named the happiest city in the United States, despite its lower placement on Summers' list. This ranking underscores NYC's ongoing commitment to fostering happiness and quality of life, positioning it alongside Copenhagen, Denmark, which was named the happiest city globally in 2025. These lists highlight differing perspectives on urban appeal and livability, offering insights into how cities are perceived for tourism and resident satisfaction.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging overview of the top US cities as ranked by travel writer Hannah Summers, highlighting positive attributes and unique features of each location. While it captures reader interest with its focus on travel and city rankings, it lacks depth in its analysis and transparency regarding the methodology used for the rankings. The reliance on a single source without corroborative evidence limits the story's accuracy and balance, as it does not present alternative perspectives or critical viewpoints. Enhancing source diversity and transparency would improve the overall quality and reliability of the content. Despite these limitations, the article remains accessible and engaging, appealing to readers interested in travel and city development.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a list of top cities in the US as ranked by travel expert Hannah Summers, with Detroit, Michigan, surprisingly placed at the top. The story accurately attributes the list to Summers and provides specific claims about the cities, such as Detroit's resurgence linked to the reopening of Michigan Central Station. However, the article does not provide direct evidence or sources to verify some claims, such as the exact rankings or the specifics of why each city was chosen, which could affect the precision and verifiability of the information presented. The mention of the Institute for Quality of Life's rankings requires further verification, as there is no direct citation or source provided.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive attributes of the cities listed by Hannah Summers, providing a favorable view of each location. While it highlights Detroit's resurgence and Providence's food scene, it does not offer counterpoints or alternative perspectives, such as potential drawbacks or criticisms of these cities. The lack of critical viewpoints or a broader discussion on the criteria used for ranking suggests a limited range of perspectives, potentially leading to an imbalanced presentation.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the list of cities in a logical order and providing descriptions of each location's appeal. The language is straightforward and engaging, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context or explanations for certain claims, such as the specific reasons behind the rankings and the significance of the Institute for Quality of Life's findings.

7
Source quality

The primary source of information is travel writer Hannah Summers, who is presented as an expert in the field. While Summers is a credible source, the article does not provide additional sources or corroborative evidence to support her claims. The reliance on a single source without diverse viewpoints or additional expert opinions may affect the overall reliability and depth of the reporting. Additionally, the absence of direct links or references to the original article or the Institute for Quality of Life's report limits the ability to assess source authority comprehensively.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and the basis for the rankings of the cities. While it attributes the list to Hannah Summers, it does not explain the criteria or process she used to determine her rankings. Additionally, there is no disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest or biases that could have influenced Summers' selections. The story could benefit from greater transparency regarding the sources of information and the context behind the rankings to enhance its credibility and impartiality.

Sources

  1. https://www.instagram.com/hannahsummerstravels/
  2. https://muckrack.com/hannah-summers-1/articles
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WTWFewQ73E
  4. https://exploratornews.wordpress.com
  5. https://gopillinois.com/tag/female/