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The furious debate over the US's fourth-best city

After New York,multiway poker Los Angeles and Chicago, the fight is on: locals make the case for the city that should be number four.

The United States is renowned for its iconic cities. New York City undoubtedly tops the list as the nation's largest city (8.5 million residents) and one of the world's great fashion, culture and finance capitals. Los Angeles comes in just behind, the US's second-most populous city and the centre of the film industry, gateway to beaches and laid-back lifestyles. The third-largest city, Chicago, was home to the world's first skyscraper and has long vied with New York in a race to build the world's tallest, most impressive buildings.

With the top three seemingly fixed, one question recently set social media aflame: what city deserves the US's fourth spot? Residents from across the country made their case, but a few consistently rose to the top – whether by population, tourism or historical importance. We asked locals what makes their city worthy of the title and why tourists should add it to their itineraries.

This centre of federal power was purposefully built to be separate from the states and serve as the nation's capital. Named after the first president, the city sits alongside the Potomac River and still reflects its early design by Peter Charles L'Enfant, anchored by The National Mall – the central stretch of federal buildings that includes Congress, Smithsonian museums and many of the US's most famous national memorials.

Residents argue that DC deserves the "fourth city" title because of its seat of power and deep connection to history, much of which can be accessed through the free Smithsonian museums. "Washington DC has a unique focus on power, not wealth. It's not ostentatious, but discreet," said Nicolas Beliard, managing director of The Hay-Adams hotel. He also notes the welcoming nature of its residents, who tend to be open and curious about others.

The city is both walkable and accessible by its efficient Metro and bus system. "Walking around the National Mall is something I never get tired of," said resident Alyson Chadwick. "From the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, it is beautiful, and is super budget-friendly, with all the Smithsonian museums on the Mall and the National Zoo [a short Metro ride away] free to visit."

She recommends visitors check out the U Street Corridor for its role in shaping Black culture, from clubs where hometown jazz legend Duke Ellington performed to iconic eatery Ben's Chili's Bowl, famous for its "half-smokes" (a beef-pork sausage topped with chilli). And when Congress is in session, you might even overhear political chatter at Bullfeathers, a longtime watering hole for staffers, or at The Monocle, a Capitol Hill steakhouse.

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As the metropolitan hub for Silicon Valley, San Francisco's global influence on technology is something locals are quick to point out, as well as its history as a multicultural centre since the 1850s gold rush, which transformed the city's population almost overnight.

The city maintains its pioneering energy with those looking to strike it rich in Silicon Valley. "Here you can meet important people in tech very easily," said resident Yesim Saydan. "Any encounter you have at a cafe, restaurant or party can result in making powerful connections."

For visitors without a startup idea in mind, the city has plenty of daily free events, museums and art galleries. The food is also world-famous, anchored by one of the largest Chinatowns and Japantowns in the world. "Whenever I have tourists visit from out of town, I always take them on a food tour of the best Mexican food in the Mission and the best dim sum in Chinatown," said resident Amrita Bhasin, co-founder and CEO of retail company Sotira .

Bhasin also finds the city to be very liveable. "San Francisco has many green open spaces and large outdoor parks, and the weather is solid year-round," she said. "While it can be a bit chilly, it is never humid or too hot."

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Home to the world's busiest airport, with more than 100 million annual passengers, Atlanta has positioned itself as a global hub and cultural capital. The city even beat out heavily favoured Athens, Greece, to host the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, leaving behind Centennial Olympic Park, now surrounded by top attractions including the Georgia Aquarium (among the world's largest), the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the World of Coca-Cola.

The Olympic Games helped transform the city, sparking an influx of new residents and fuelling a population boom that has nearly doubled Atlanta's size in the years since. "I moved here from the Midwest to work at the Olympics and stayed to pursue my career," said resident Nicholas Wolaver. "Thousands of others who visited or moved here chose to stay. Atlanta is a city of transplants."

Residents rave about Atlanta's thriving cultural scene; the city is home to dozens of Grammy winners and is sometimes called the hip-hop capital of the world. Many performers play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened in 2017, features a domed, retractable roof and will host matches for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. "Whenever there's a Broadway or concert tour, you know the show or artist will be stopping in Atlanta," said resident Melissa Reinecke. "Beyoncé brought Jay-Z out on stage this year and she said she saves some special things for Atlanta since she loves the city so much."

Reinecke recommends exploring the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile loop that will eventually encircle the city and connect trails, parks and transit across 45 neighbourhoods. Though some sections are still under construction (with plans for full completion by 2030), the Westside is nearly finished. "It's a very wide sidewalk where people can bike and walk their dogs [with] tons of shops and eateries along the way," she said.

From an international visitor perspective, Miami earns a spot on the list, ranking as the second-most visited city by overseas travellers. It is also known as the country's gateway to Latin America, with 70% of residents identifying as Hispanic and Latino, and is home to numerous multinational corporations.

"Beyond its economic strength, Miami is also one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a vibrant cultural landscape that influences music, art, food and fashion worldwide," said resident David Whitaker, president of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Its population growth, influx of talent and rising global profile further solidify its position as a city of influence."

The south Florida city is also quickly becoming an international sports hub, with football team Inter Miami CF signing Lionel Messi in 2023 and the 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park set to open in 2026. The city will host seven 2026 Fifa World Cup matches, including the Bronze Final.

Locals recommend Wynwood, the growing arts district that features colourful street art museum Wynwood Walls, craft breweries like Cerveceria La Tropical (which traces its roots back to one of Cuba's oldest breweries), and newly opened Novatore, an Italian restaurant founded by two Michelin-starred chefs.

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As one of the oldest US cities (established in 1630), Boston helped shape the nation's beginnings and continues to influence its future, particularly as an education hub. Home to Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and 40-plus other higher education institutions, the city combines a classic, campus New England feel with the restaurants, museums and industries of a major metropolis.

"Because of its history and charm, there really isn't anywhere else in the country that feels like Boston," said resident and photographer Angela Tyler. "I've spent years traveling North America and still, Boston just feels particularly special. We're tight-knit, and the city being so walkable and compact is a huge plus."

Residents also appreciate Boston's four distinct seasons, especially autumn when the city's many trees blaze in deep yellows and reds. Engagement photographer Jodi Blodgett recommends tourists visit Paul Revere Park at sunset for photo-worthy views of Zakim Bridge. "Go on a weeknight when locals are actually using the space," she said. "You'll capture the real Boston energy that makes this city worth ranking so highly."

Learn more about the best of Boston:

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