America's Most Underrated Cities (best city, violent crime, hotels)

[Rwarky]

There are many great cities in this country, however, some of them get little respect or are rarely mentioned. Which cities do you feel, are the most underrated in the country?

[downtown1]

For a big city I would say Houston (as agreed in this article)

Houston is proof that everything is indeed bigger in Texas. While better known for its big business and energy interests, this sprawling city also hosts top-notch orchestra, opera, and ballet companies, a dynamic theater scene, great museums, and the world-renowned NASA Space Center. Shopping reigns supreme here — you'll find a huge concentration of shops and above-par outlet malls — and its cosmopolitan restaurant scene expands upon the state's traditional Tex-Mex offerings. Bold and impressive architecture helps define the cityscape, too — including the mammoth Astrodome — making this fourth-largest U.S. city a true star in the Lone Star State.

Why didn't we hear a lot of Houston? Blame it on the media.

Top 10 underrated U.S. cities - US and Canada - MSNBC.com

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by downtown1

For a big city I would say Houston (as agreed in this article)

Houston is proof that everything is indeed bigger in Texas. While better known for its big business and energy interests, this sprawling city also hosts top-notch orchestra, opera, and ballet companies, a dynamic theater scene, great museums, and the world-renowned NASA Space Center. Shopping reigns supreme here — you'll find a huge concentration of shops and above-par outlet malls — and its cosmopolitan restaurant scene expands upon the state's traditional Tex-Mex offerings. Bold and impressive architecture helps define the cityscape, too — including the mammoth Astrodome — making this fourth-largest U.S. city a true star in the Lone Star State.

Why didn't we hear a lot of Houston? Blame it on the media.

Top 10 underrated U.S. cities - US and Canada - MSNBC.com

So, you can be a tourist in Houston and not be a victim of violent crime despite what everyone likes to say?

[Billiam]

Baltimore, MD is one of the most forgotten, unless, that is, if you bring crime up, than its talked about

But people don't seem to see the historic and beautiful neighborhoods or the monuments or what lies outside of its hollywood image, and I wish people could just see it. Many people say they have gone to Baltimore, but they really havent, for they just stayed in the inner harbor, where you won't get the real vibe of Baltimore, you get the crappy toursty one. i wish one day baltimore would return to one of America's Premire cities, but I doubt that will happen, but I do hope one day it gets a good reputaion and isn't forgotten about every second

Edit: oh look! Baltimore actually comes in first for most underrated cities! And of course people don't know what baltimore looks like so they just look up baltimore, take that pic, and paste it there, not realizing the photo is over 10 years old!

[Stagger Lee]

agreed with the touring of the inner harbor. I been there once when I was a kid for the aquarium, but went back to visit the city two years ago. It has amazing architecture and neighborhoods. Something you can't find in many southern new cities.

[Rwarky]

Originally Posted by downtown1

For a big city I would say Houston (as agreed in this article)

Houston is proof that everything is indeed bigger in Texas. While better known for its big business and energy interests, this sprawling city also hosts top-notch orchestra, opera, and ballet companies, a dynamic theater scene, great museums, and the world-renowned NASA Space Center. Shopping reigns supreme here — you'll find a huge concentration of shops and above-par outlet malls — and its cosmopolitan restaurant scene expands upon the state's traditional Tex-Mex offerings. Bold and impressive architecture helps define the cityscape, too — including the mammoth Astrodome — making this fourth-largest U.S. city a true star in the Lone Star State.

Why didn't we hear a lot of Houston? Blame it on the media.

Top 10 underrated U.S. cities - US and Canada - MSNBC.com

I totally agree with MSNBC about Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and Fort Lauderdale. I've gotta say Pittsburgh is America's best city!

[Stagger Lee]

I personally wouldn't say best, but it is one of the most underrated. I mean it is very unique, beautiful, cool neighborhoods, etc. But to be the best it has to compete with Boston, San Fran, N.Y., and so many more. I have it tied for one of my favorites.

[Rwarky]

I meant to say finest American city, not best. Sorry!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by downtown1

Top 10 underrated U.S. cities - US and Canada - MSNBC.com

Surprised to see Fort Lauderdale on the list. I thought everyone hated us. Wait, they do!

2. Fort Lauderdale
Say goodbye to its days as a raucous spring-break spot — today's Fort Lauderdale is all about upscale beach chic, as confirmed by the swanky new hotels — the St. Regis Resort and W Hotel among them — set to open in the next 12 months. Stroll the stunning seaside promenade and comb a strand of sand that rivals Miami Beach, then set out for some irresistible shopping, and finally cap off your day with a culinary feast at one of the city's stellar international restaurants. Combined with a surprisingly sophisticated arts and museum scene, an extensive yachting and golfing network, and one of America's top gay and lesbian scenes, Fort Lauderdale's status as Florida's fashionable destination du jour is long overdue.

[quijote]

Milwaukee doesn't show up on that particular list, but has made other lists of "Most Underrated Cities." I've been here for nearly seven years and definitely think it's very underrated.

Other underrated cities include Columbus, OH and Buffalo, NY.