20 best cities to visit while in your 20s

[golden eagle]

I came across this on the Huffington Post's website. Here are the cities (not listed in numerical order):

Nashville, TN
Asheville, NC
Portland, OR
Kansas City, MO
Seattle
New Orleans
Austin
Missoula, MT
Burlington, VT
Eureka, CA
Eugene, OR
Minneapolis
Omaha
Bisbee, AZ
Anchorage, AK
Ocean City, MD
Honolulu
Albuquerque
Savannah, GA

Nashville and New Orleans are awesome, regardless of your age. I'm 39; ask me to ride to either one and I'll come running. I'm surprised cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami are not on the list.

[bugo]

Why limit it to your 20s?  I'm 40, and have mostly the same interests as I had when I was in my 20s and I haven't changed all that much.

[english si]

Eureka, CA

I was surprised, expecting big cities with thriving nightlife, live music, wide range of good food and drink, etc so I read the article and found out why such a small place without a well known college was on there.

The Daily Beast named Eureka the best pot-smoking city in the country, so that's cool.

Which explains Ethanman...

While I skew 'older' in my tastes, and enjoy art galleries and craft beers (both of which are not really young people's thing in the UK), other than the obsession with cannabis in the article, those descriptions fit my parents tastes better than those my age that I know. And cannabis is more a boomer thing in the states (think 60s hippies).

[formulanone]

Why limit it to your 20s?  I'm 40, and have mostly the same interests as I had when I was in my 20s and I haven't changed all that much.

Kind of agreed...but my wife and I would go to different locales as a couple than if we bring our kids places. Statistically, many thirty/forty-somethings have kids and do different things.

Admittedly, the list doesn't have to just be "twenty", you could probably put 147 good to great places, but that list would bore people.

[Grzrd]

The Daily Beast named Eureka the best pot-smoking city in the country, so that's cool.

Which explains Ethanman... TheAlan360...

FTFY. Is cannabis in Eureka the drug "gateway" to Alanland?  It would make for a long, strange trip .........

[74/171FAN]

Nashville and New Orleans are awesome, regardless of your age. I'm 39; ask me to ride to either one and I'll come running. I'm surprised cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami are not on the list.

Many people are not very fond of Atlanta for some reason.  As a Braves fan, I personally like the city of Atlanta.

[realjd]

Glaring omissions:
Vegas
NYC
Miami
Key West
LA
SF

[Duke87]

Why limit it to your 20s?

The point is likely that these cities are supposed to be fun for young single people. It's presumed, then, that by the time you're in your 30s you're going to be looking to settle down and get married, and thus will no longer fit that description.

It's also presumed that even if you don't follow this "normal" path in life, that once you get into your 30s a lack of other single people your age will prevent you from having the same kind of fun you did in your 20s.


Of course, this all is based on another presumption: that socializing with people is how you have fun when visiting a city. That, I say, is a crock of shit. I can socialize with people at home. When I'm on vacation I want to do things I can't do at home. I want to explore and see what there is to see in the area I'm visiting.

ETA:

Glaring omissions:
Vegas
Miami
Key West

These are not glaring omissions. Las Vegas and Miami are horrible places and Key West is only noteworthy for being the southern terminus of US 1.

[ET21]

Missoula Montana? Outside of national parks, what else is there?

[corco]

Missoula Montana? Outside of national parks, what else is there?

There's no national parks near Missoula- Glacier is about 3 hours away.

Probably just the fact that Missoula is awesome- very vibrant nightlife, a lot of non-national park and insanely scenic things to do outside nearby (<1 hour), a good, chill atmosphere, and it sits in a bowl so it's really scenic. When people say they want to move to Denver, they really mean they want to move to Missoula. It has everything Denver has except pro sports teams (though the Montana Grizzlies have, far and away, the most passionate fanbase in all of I-AA football.) and all the cool things are a lot closer.

The point is likely that these cities are supposed to be fun for young single people. It's presumed, then, that by the time you're in your 30s you're going to be looking to settle down and get married, and thus will no longer fit that description.

That's definitely true for some of these towns, but nobody goes to Bisbee, Arizona to get laid. That can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as can Missoula. These seem like fun cities to have ridiculous adventures in- some of those adventures would involve socializing, but others might not.

[realjd]

Why limit it to your 20s?

The point is likely that these cities are supposed to be fun for young single people. It's presumed, then, that by the time you're in your 30s you're going to be looking to settle down and get married, and thus will no longer fit that description.

It's also presumed that even if you don't follow this "normal" path in life, that once you get into your 30s a lack of other single people your age will prevent you from having the same kind of fun you did in your 20s.


Of course, this all is based on another presumption: that socializing with people is how you have fun when visiting a city. That, I say, is a crock of shit. I can socialize with people at home. When I'm on vacation I want to do things I can't do at home. I want to explore and see what there is to see in the area I'm visiting.

ETA:

Glaring omissions:
Vegas
Miami
Key West

These are not glaring omissions. Las Vegas and Miami are horrible places and Key West is only noteworthy for being the southern terminus of US 1.

Horrible places? How so? Like you said, the implication is that this lists places with great nightlife. Miami and Vegas both qualify. And Key West is one giant party year round. Duval St in KW is like Bourbon St in NO with better weather.

[corco]

Horrible places? How so? Like you said, the implication is that this lists places with great nightlife. Miami and Vegas both qualify. And Key West is one giant party year round. Duval St in KW is like Bourbon St in NO with better weather.

I think that's a very east-coast assumption of what makes a town fun for somebody in their 20s and not really with the spirit of the article. Nightlife is certainly one thing that can make a town worth visiting for somebody in their 20s, but not even close to being the only thing. Most of those western towns like Bisbee, Missoula, Albuquerque are equally, if not better, associated with their culture (not necessarily nightlife) and the awesome things you can do outside nearby. Nobody goes to the ABQ for the nightlife.

[realjd]

Horrible places? How so? Like you said, the implication is that this lists places with great nightlife. Miami and Vegas both qualify. And Key West is one giant party year round. Duval St in KW is like Bourbon St in NO with better weather.

I think that's a very east-coast assumption of what makes a town fun for somebody in their 20s and not really with the spirit of the article. Nightlife is certainly one thing that can make a town worth visiting for somebody in their 20s, but not even close to being the only thing. Most of those western towns like Bisbee, Missoula, Albuquerque are equally, if not better, associated with their culture (not necessarily nightlife) and the awesome things you can do outside nearby. Nobody goes to the ABQ for the nightlife.

Bisbee is mentioned specifically because of weed. Most of the other places on there are in the "interesting stuff during the day with plenty of booze and drugs" categories.

Vegas has gambling, shows, world class restaurants, attractions, and nearby sites like Death Valley and the Hoover Dam.

In addition to the nightlife, Miami has the Miami Beach Art Deco District, a US designated historic district. It has art galleries, shopping, and the best Cuban food in the world. It's one of the most culturally unique cities in the US and the unofficial capital of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Key West has a long and interesting history. There's several Civil War era forts and it was the only southern city controlled by the United States during the war. The city's history is full of interesting characters like Hemmingway or Count von Cosel. During the day, in addition to the historical museums, there's reef snorkeling, parasailing, deep sea fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, or just relaxing with a beer while exploring the city's many art galleries.

Those are better explinations than just "night life". But like I said, the article was mostly about places with beer and weed.

[golden eagle]

Nashville and New Orleans are awesome, regardless of your age. I'm 39; ask me to ride to either one and I'll come running. I'm surprised cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and Miami are not on the list.

Many people are not very fond of Atlanta for some reason.  As a Braves fan, I personally like the city of Atlanta.

I used to live in Atlanta and I wasn't too find of it. Traffic was the main reason.

[1995hoo]

I also don't care much for Atlanta. I find the panhandlers downtown to be considerably more pushy and aggressive than in most other cities I've visited.

I'm glad I visited New Orleans when I was in my 20s, but now that I'm 40 I'd happily go back except around Mardi Gras (I don't enjoy noisy drunken crowds these days). New Orleans has some of the best restaurants anywhere and I'd go dine at them in a heartbeat if given the chance.

[Desert Man]

Seattle remains a hip place for 20-somethings on the list, remember how popular it was for Generation Xers in the early 90s? Grunge and alternative rock began in Seattle before it became the mainstream rock genre, and it's high minimum wage at $15 took effect this year should make Seattle livable for young adult workers.

San Francisco and nearby cities (i.e. Berkeley known for its university) became too expensive for many young adults trying to earn a decent living. Eureka is on the coast, instead of Central Valley cities known for quality of life issues, and naturally Eureka is a smaller community without the problems associated with urban blight.

In the 1980s, Palm Springs was known for spring break before the city mayor Sonny Bono passed ordinances to killed the once-annual tradition of college students coming into town, and also the place was a setting of a book "Generation X" written in 1990 about young adults struggle to establish themselves in hard economic times of that era. Palm Springs and surrounding towns are known for a large senior citizen-retiree population (plus the seasonal "snowbirds"), but young adults frequently move to the area as well for cheaper cost housing compared to L.A., Orange County and San Diego...and hotel resorts are huge employers locally.

[Pete from Boston]

This is a highly personality-specific question, but a big destination in my 20s (and 30s) was Pittsburgh.  It's a playground for anyone interested in geography, industry, history, and bars.  I still make it back every few years and not only love the offerings, but people's unassuming attitude.  People appreciate that you came. 

[Duke87]

Las Vegas and Miami are horrible places

Horrible places? How so?

When I say that I'm talking about personal preference, not general preference. I am aware that Las Vegas and Miami are popular places and I understand why. But I personally despise them.

Las Vegas is over the top seedy and just creeps me out on account of that. I don't want to hang out in a downtown that's full of casinos, drive-trhough wedding chapels, strip clubs, and bail bond shops. Those are all establishments that I want nothing to do with.

Miami is mostly just suburban sprawl with almost no actual city, there are too many obnoxious gated communities, fun things to do are all overpriced (and the local cost of living is not that high so they have no excuse), too many of the roads are tolled, the terrain is flat and boring... and you have to drive for half a day from there just to get out of Florida, and can only go north to do so. This makes it feel stuck at the end of a looong geographical dead end which is horrible for road tripping since there's a lack of variety of ways to get there (although in this regard, Key West is a lot worse, since there is quite literally only one road that goes there... but at least it's a somewhat interesting road).

[ET21]

Las Vegas and Miami are horrible places

Horrible places? How so?

When I say that I'm talking about personal preference, not general preference. I am aware that Las Vegas and Miami are popular places and I understand why. But I personally despise them.

Las Vegas is over the top seedy and just creeps me out on account of that. I don't want to hang out in a downtown that's full of casinos, drive-trhough wedding chapels, strip clubs, and bail bond shops. Those are all establishments that I want nothing to do with.

Miami is mostly just suburban sprawl with almost no actual city, there are too many obnoxious gated communities, fun things to do are all overpriced (and the local cost of living is not that high so they have no excuse), too many of the roads are tolled, the terrain is flat and boring... and you have to drive for half a day from there just to get out of Florida, and can only go north to do so. This makes it feel stuck at the end of a looong geographical dead end which is horrible for road tripping since there's a lack of variety of ways to get there (although in this regard, Key West is a lot worse, since there is quite literally only one road that goes there... but at least it's a somewhat interesting road).

Don't forget the threat of a hundred-billion to near trillion dollar disaster waiting to unfold when the next Andrew-like hurricane hits Miami again

[oscar]

Las Vegas is over the top seedy and just creeps me out on account of that. I don't want to hang out in a downtown that's full of casinos, drive-trhough wedding chapels, strip clubs, and bail bond shops. Those are all establishments that I want nothing to do with.

I agree with your assessment of Las Vegas nightlife.  But you get away from downtown and the Strip, and Las Vegas is pleasantly normal and suburban.  Perhaps, though, not what the young squirts are looking for.

Miami is mostly just suburban sprawl with almost no actual city, there are too many obnoxious gated communities, fun things to do are all overpriced (and the local cost of living is not that high so they have no excuse), too many of the roads are tolled, the terrain is flat and boring... and you have to drive for half a day from there just to get out of Florida, and can only go north to do so. This makes it feel stuck at the end of a looong geographical dead end which is horrible for road tripping since there's a lack of variety of ways to get there (although in this regard, Key West is a lot worse, since there is quite literally only one road that goes there... but at least it's a somewhat interesting road).

Two words:  South Beach.  Not my cup of tea (I never tested its reputation for a lively nightlife, especially since at my age I'm into early bedtimes), but it might work as a place to visit for someone younger, more energetic, and better-looking.

I usually visit the Miami area for a week or so every winter, staying in the suburbs.  But as a place to live, I agree with your assessment, and would add that it's really hot and humid in the summer so you look to get away much of the year.  If I leave the D.C. area, going back home to southern California would be a better option (or suburban Las Vegas, to beat California's high taxes).

[Duke87]

Two words:  South Beach.  Not my cup of tea (I never tested its reputation for a lively nightlife, especially since at my age I'm into early bedtimes), but it might work as a place to visit for someone younger, more energetic, and better-looking.

The problem is lack of public transit access. This means that unless you are staying withing walking distance of where you are drinking, you will need a designated driver. That kind of spoils the party as far as I'm concerned.

Nonetheless, a good party is pretty low on my list of things I look for in a good city. Too much party is a negative (see Las Vegas).

Miami, surprisingly, even though it's in the middle of a swamp next to the ocean which makes building tunnels impossible, does actually have a real urban rail system and manages this by making it all elevated. It's not particularly extensive but there are expansion plans. This and the Marlins are the two most interesting things in Miami. But the city doesn't really have anything else going for it as far as I'm concerned, and there are all the aforementioned negatives.

[1995hoo]

....

I usually visit the Miami area for a week or so every winter, staying in the suburbs.  But as a place to live, I agree with your assessment, and would add that it's really hot and humid in the summer so you look to get away much of the year.  If I leave the D.C. area, going back home to southern California would be a better option (or suburban Las Vegas, to beat California's high taxes).

We do something similar, but we go in mid- to late-June and we stay four or five days as part of a two-week trip in which we loop around the southern half of Florida visiting multiple relatives. My brother-in-law's family lives off Pines Boulevard out near US-27 and we stay somewhere local since they don't have space for us to stay in their house (this year we're doing a timeshare exchange in Weston). The Miami area is a nice enough place to visit once in a while, and I'd like to get to a game at Marlins Park sometime if the Nationals are in town, but on the whole since I'm not a beach person I don't feel the Miami area offers anything we don't already have at home in the DC area aside from warmer/hotter weather, and downtown Miami felt kind of soulless to me.

I would like to make the trip down to Key West sometime, though, even though it means turning around and coming back the way you came. It just strikes me as a unique road to travel. Finding time to fit it into the itinerary has thus far proven impossible, though.

[bugo]

I would like to make the trip down to Key West sometime, though, even though it means turning around and coming back the way you came. It just strikes me as a unique road to travel. Finding time to fit it into the itinerary has thus far proven impossible, though.

It's worth it for the drive alone.  I'd drive it as soon as I could.

[1995hoo]

I would like to make the trip down to Key West sometime, though, even though it means turning around and coming back the way you came. It just strikes me as a unique road to travel. Finding time to fit it into the itinerary has thus far proven impossible, though.

It's worth it for the drive alone.  I'd drive it as soon as I could.

I see some mixed opinions in the thread about disappointing roads, but I doubt anyone in that thread would dispute that it's worth doing at least once. The problem, as I noted, is the time factor. From my brother-in-law's house down to Key West is around 170 miles via US-27 to the Homestead Extension and then down US-1. Normally I'd estimate 170 miles as taking around 3 hours, but from everything I've heard from people who have made the drive, getting to Key West is likely to take at least an hour longer due to slow traffic and lower speed limits, right? So figure four hours each way, and my wife won't be willing to do that roundtrip in one day, so we basically lose two days of our trip if we go down there. My wife would rather spend the time with our relatives while their kids are still kids and I guess I can't really blame her for that, given that we only see them twice a year most years (once in the summer, once at either Thanksgiving or Christmas).

[bugo]

It took us about 8 hours (IIRC, this was in 1997) to drive from Bradenton to Key West, and it only took about 2 1/2 to get to the Miami metro area.  The trip along US 1 is indeed a slow trip.  Parts are 4 lanes divided, parts are 2 lanes, it goes through small towns, the speed limit changes a lot.  Still, it's well worth it.