Los Angeles Ranked the Second-Best City in the United States for 2026
Los Angeles has once again secured its place among America's top destinations, earning the No. 2 spot in the latest America's Best Cities 2026 report by Resonance. The ranking evaluated all 393 metropolitan areas across the United States, with New York City taking first place, followed by Chicago and Los Angeles.
A major factor behind LA's strong performance was its exceptional "Lovability" rating. This category recognizes the city's vibrant restaurant scene, exciting nightlife, renowned museums, live entertainment, and overall cultural appeal. Together, these experiences continue to make Los Angeles one of the country's most attractive places to visit and live.
This recognition comes at an exciting time for the city, which is preparing to host several major international sporting events over the next few years. With the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, Los Angeles is expected to welcome millions of visitors from around the world.
Published in June 2026, Resonance's 10th annual report is its most extensive study to date, offering a detailed assessment of metropolitan areas across the United States.
It's also worth noting that while Los Angeles ranks second nationally in the America-focused report, it also performs strongly on the international stage. In Resonance's separate World's Best Cities rankings, the city ranks 12th globally, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world's leading urban destinations.

