Austin, San Antonio Rank Among Southern Living's Best Cities in the South for 2026

If you're a longtime Austinite, you'll probably agree that Austin is one of the best cities in Texas. But would you say that Central Texas cities are some of the best in the South?

Each year, Southern Living magazine publishes "The South's Best," a compilation of surveys voted on by the magazine's readers. The South's Best 2026 features all the reader's new favorites, spanning culture, food, shopping and more.

"For history, music, art, food, and culture, there's no better place to travel than a Southern city," Southern Living said in part. "One thing they all have in common? A sense of soul that's palpable in the vibrant green spaces, award-winning restaurants, and local shops that make these places so special."

Last summer, over 17,000 people submitted their takes on the best cities in the South. The results are in, and the Lone Star State got some well-earned praise. How did Central Texas cities stand out in the South? Here's what Southern Living's readers had to say.

Just as they did last year, the Texas capital and the historic San Antonio were highlighted by Southern Living. Here's what the lifestyle magazine had to say:

No. 14: Austin

"With a city slogan that celebrates being 'weird', you're bound to find something unexpectedly delightful in this college town. Go paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, dive into the deep blue water at Barton Springs, and enjoy some breakfast tacos to complete the Austin trifecta. You'll also want to chow down on Tex-Mex (and a number of other world cuisines), find great coffee, and sample the local brews."

No. 19: San Antonio

"Every spring, San Antonio comes alive with the annual Fiesta festival, a celebration of colorful culture hallmarked by the Battle of Flowers Parade, which was started to honor heroes who fought for Texas independence at the Alamo. No matter what time of year you visit, make plenty of time to savor the best of the city's exciting food scene, explore the buzzing Pearl District, and wander the city's many parks and museums."

Southern Living: 20 best cities in the South in 2026

Texas was among the five states to claim two cities on Southern Living's list. While North Carolina had three cities, Florida had more than any other state; one of every five cities called Florida home.

1. Charleston, S.C.
2. Savannah, Ga.
3. Asheville, N.C.
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. New Orleans
6. Lexington, Ky.
7. Wilmington, N.C.
8. Chattanooga, Tenn.
9. Greenville, S.C.
10. St. Petersburg, Fla.
11. Sarasota, Fla.
12. Franklin, Tenn.
13. Orlando, Fla.
14. Austin
15. Louisville, Ky.
16. Pensacola, Fla.
17. Atlanta
18. Charlotte, N.C.
19. San Antonio
20. Tampa, Fla.