What are the coziest cities in the US? To determine this, we ranked each city based on seven different factors from the amount of snowfall to the number of libraries and coffee shops. We’ve given each a score out of 100 to find out which cities in the US are the best to escape the hustle and bustle this winter.
The Full Cozy Index
The Full Ranked List!
Our research threw up a few surprises, with cities that you might not readily associate with winter taking some of the top positions in our ranking of the coziest cities in the US. Atlanta tops the charts in four of our seven cozy metrics, while the coziest city overall performed well all around but wasn’t the top city in any single category. Some cities, such as Minneapolis, have a head start when it comes to snow, but cities further south, like Nashville and Charleston, win out on accommodation and libraries.
While snow can make for photogenic cityscapes, it’s not the only factor in winter coziness. Great places to relax with coffee, read a book, and enjoy delicious baked goods all help to create that special, comforting winter magic. If you’re looking for some cozy indoor entertainment during the winter months, check out PlayStar Casino, where you can enjoy a variety of games from the comfort of your home.
So, Which City is the Coziest?
According to our range of cozy metrics, with its reliable snow, warm coffee shops on every corner, and plentiful bookshops that invite exploration, Boston is the best city in winter. With 125cm of snow every year, it’s one of the snowiest cities on our list. It’s also a city passionate about coffee, and with over 326 coffee shops for every 100 thousand people, there’s no shortage of places to relax with your favorite brew while watching the snowfall. Boston also won’t let you down if you have a sweet tooth, with 272 bakeries for every 100 thousand inhabitants.
While the historic and photogenic Massachusetts capital may not be surprising in taking the top spot among the coziest cities in the US, the city in second place is slightly less obvious.
Atlanta may only get 6cm of snow on average yearly, but it’s a well-deserved runner-up with 328 coffee shops and 428 bakeries for every 100,000 people. It’s not just great places to eat and drink that make the city so special during the winter; there’s also a thriving arts scene with 50 studios for every 100,000 locals.
Detroit takes the third spot in our list of coziest cities. This resilient Midwest city sees an average of 114cm of snow every year, making it a cool destination in more ways than one. Detroit has a strong showing across all of our metrics, from farmers’ markets to libraries and bakeries, so there is plenty to offer when it’s cold outside.
The States With the Most Cozy Spots!
Libraries, Coffee Shops, Bakeries and More! Which City Has the Most?
We chose a range of cozy features that help make the coziest cities in the US. How do cities and states compare when it comes to providing the individual ingredients that make for the perfect cozy winter city?
- Average Snowfall
Snow has a magical way of transforming a city into a picturesque winter wonderland. We explored the average snowfall in various US cities, and the findings were certainly interesting.
Topping the list was Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an impressive annual average of 130 cm of snow. This vibrant city offers plenty of winter activities, from ice skating on the scenic Lake of the Isles to skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. Close behind were Denver, Colorado, and our ultimate winner, Boston, Massachusetts, both receiving an average of 125 cm of snow each winter.
For those looking to escape the snow, a trip to Jacksonville, Florida, or Phoenix, Arizona, will keep you well away from winter’s white embrace.
- Libraries
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book in a warm, cozy spot. Public libraries provide the perfect refuge from the winter chill, and we examined how various cities stack up in terms of library access.
Leading the way is Charleston, South Carolina, boasting an impressive network of 19 libraries for every 100,000 residents—far surpassing its nearest competitor, Kansas City, which has just 10 libraries for the same population size. Whether you’re seeking a quiet reading nook or a place to explore new stories, Charleston truly stands out as a literary haven during the colder months.
- Coffee Shops
On a cold day, there’s little better than enjoying quality coffee in great surroundings. The warm surroundings, the scent of coffee and hot chocolate, and the low buzz of conversation all combine to create the perfect cozy ambiance. When it comes to coffee shops, Atlanta, Georgia, is just ahead of Boston, with 328 shops for every 10,000 local people.
- Art Studios
When it’s chilly outside, immersing yourself in captivating art amidst serene surroundings can be the perfect cozy cultural escape. Our analysis of cities reveals that Atlanta takes the lead for art enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 50 art venues for every 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Boston comes in a close second with 38, followed by Portland, Oregon, which has 23. Each city offers its unique charm, but Atlanta truly stands out as the destination for art lovers this winter.
- Bakeries
Whether you prefer a hot, flaky croissant, a spiced cinnamon roll, or a slice of apple pie, bakeries provide the comfort food you need to get through the colder winter months. No survey of the coziest cities in the US would be complete without examining bakeries. We found that once again, Atlanta was leading the pack when it came to bakeries, with an incredible 428 per 100,000 people. That put it some way ahead of its nearest rival, Boston, on 272.
- Farmers’ Markets
Crisp air and an array of seasonal produce, artisan goods, and local treats make farmers’ markets a great place to spend time during the winter. With 20 farmers’ markets for every 100,000 people, Newark in New Jersey is our top city for the sense of community and great produce you can find at your local market. For those in New Jersey, the NJ casino app offers a convenient way to access your favorite casino games anytime, adding an extra layer of fun to your winter days when you get home from the market.
- BnBs
If you’re planning a cozy winter getaway, the variety and availability of accommodation can significantly influence your experience and budget. With an impressive 48 BnBs for every 100,000 residents, Nashville stands out as an ideal destination to indulge in genuine Southern hospitality during the winter months. Whether you’re seeking warmth, charm, or a unique local touch, Nashville has everything you need for a memorable winter stay.
Methodology
To determine the “coziness” of various US cities, we ranked each city based on seven different factors, with equal weighting applied to each. The ranking was derived from a normalized score for each factor, and each city received a score between 1 and 100.
The factors and data sources used to calculate the scores are as follows:
Amount of bookstores/libraries
https://librarytechnology.org/libraries/uspublic/
Amount of ‘dry’ and cozy activities including workshops and craft studios
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
Craft stores
Amount of coffee shops
https://thelocalcoffeehouse.com/
Amount of bakeries
Amount of homemade goods and candle shops
Amount of pilates and yoga classes
Farmers’ markets
https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets
BnB’s
Snowfall
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/annual-snowfall-by-city.php
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-Mexico/annual-snowfall.php
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-Jersey/annual-snowfall.php
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/South-Carolina/annual-snowfall.php
