Lisa O
Some cities spark fierce loyalty. Others? Just as fierce of a nope. These places tend to divide people—too weird, too hot, too expensive, too much of something. But that “too much” is exactly why others love them. You either get it, or you don’t. And if you don’t, someone else is already booking a one-way flight.
New York City
Some feel alive the second they step into it. Others feel instantly crushed. There’s endless food, art, chaos, everything—but it’s also loud, crowded, and expensive beyond reason. People love it because it never stops. People hate it for the same reason. You’re either built for New York, or New York will make sure you know you’re not. Even locals admit it’s both thrilling and exhausting at the same hour.
Los Angeles
Some people move here to chase something. Others leave to escape the traffic. LA has sunshine, ocean, Hollywood, and all the dream-sells you can imagine. But it’s also sprawling, smoggy, and often isolating. There’s beauty, but also a strange emptiness under it all. You’ll either see it as full of possibility or full of pretense. And parking—don’t even start. Nobody walks here, and everyone complains about driving.
Las Vegas
If you love neon, noise, and slot machines in the airport, Vegas delivers. To some, it’s fun in a bottle. To others, it’s the worst kind of artificial. It’s a place people go to let go—or lose it. Some folks find it thrilling, others find it exhausting. And no one ever believes it when locals say they live quiet lives.
San Francisco
Gorgeous views, tech money, fog rolling in like a movie shot—it’s a dream city for some. But the cost of living is shocking, and the contrast between wealth and struggle is impossible to miss. You either fall in love with its charm or get priced out before you unpack. Even fans admit it’s hard to stay madly in love with San Francisco for long.
Miami
For some, it’s the ultimate vibe: beaches, nightlife, music you can feel in your chest. For others, it’s all flash and noise. The heat doesn’t help. Miami never apologizes for what it is, and that’s what draws people in—or drives them out. If you love bold energy and don’t mind humidity, you’ll probably stay. If not, it wears you down fast.
Portland
You’ve got bookstores, bikes, beards, and food trucks on every block. Some folks love the quirky, overgrown energy of Portland. Others feel like it’s trying too hard. It’s a city with strong opinions and stronger coffee. For the people who find comfort in weirdness, it’s a dream. For everyone else, it might feel like a slightly damp personality test.
Chicago
If you’re into architecture, pizza, and people who say what they mean, Chicago wins. But winter hits hard, and the wind doesn’t care how prepared you think you are. Some love the balance of city life and neighborhood calm. Others find it too cold, too spread out, or too midwestern. The city doesn’t care either way. That’s part of the charm.
Austin
Live music, late nights, and barbecue dreams—it’s a magnet for artists and tech folks alike. But not everyone buys the hype. Traffic’s a mess. Prices have soared. And some locals feel like the city’s soul is slowly being replaced with condos. You either think Austin is still “weird enough” or believe it lost that edge years ago.
Seattle
Gray skies, rain, and quiet people—it’s cozy or gloomy, depending on who you ask. The scenery is stunning, but the mood can get heavy. Some people thrive in the calm, while others just miss the sun. Coffee helps. So does fleece. It’s a city that wraps around you like a blanket or weighs on you like fog. No middle ground.
New Orleans
It’s music in the streets, food you never forget, and history that hits you from every angle. But it’s also uneven sidewalks, unpredictable weather, and a pace that’s not for everyone. You have to lean into it. Some fall for the magic and never leave. Others admire it from a distance and quietly book their flight home.
Philadelphia
People either respect its grit or get rubbed the wrong way. Philly doesn’t try to charm you. It’s proud, loud, and more complex than it lets on. There’s a deep love for local everything—food, teams, history. But if you’re expecting a warm welcome, adjust your expectations. People here care—but they’re not always gentle about it.
Atlanta
It’s got trees, traffic, and a whole lot of hustle. Some people love the mix of Southern roots and modern energy. Others struggle with the sprawl and the car-dependency. Music, business, culture—it’s all there. But the city’s fast growth has left a few bruises. You’ll either feel the rhythm or get stuck in it. There’s rarely an in-between.
Boston
It’s brainy, historic, and walkable—but it can also feel closed off. People love its energy, especially during game season. But some say it’s cold, and not just the weather. The accent, the attitude, the pace—they’re not for everyone. Still, if you connect with it, it’s hard to love anywhere else quite the same. Boston has that kind of hold.
Denver
Outdoorsy types light up here. Snowboarding in winter, hiking in summer, and sunshine in between. Others find it a little plain, a little too focused on the weekend warrior life. Weed is legal, and the views are great, but not everyone clicks with the altitude or the vibe. Denver keeps growing, though. And the people who love it swear it’s only getting better.
Houston
Space, sprawl, and sweat. That’s Houston in a sentence. It’s big, diverse, and full of hidden gems—but it’s also humid, car-heavy, and not exactly known for charm. Some folks appreciate how unpretentious it is. Others just want it to be easier to navigate. You either find a groove in Houston or get overwhelmed and bounce. It’s a city that doesn’t chase anyone.
