Greenville, Asheville make top ten list for U.S. travel destination for natural beauty and food scene

In a rare dual recognition, two Southern Appalachian communities—Greenville, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina—have both earned places in the top ten of the 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings released this week by the International Urban Development Institute (IUDI). The joint list, which draws on data from more than 70,000 residents worldwide, is the result of a rigorous, multi‑criteria analysis that considers factors ranging from environmental sustainability to cultural vibrancy and economic resilience.

A Quick Overview of the Rankings

The 2025 World’s Best Cities list was compiled using a methodology that weighs 12 categories, each scored on a scale of 0–10. These categories include:

Quality of Life – metrics on health care, education, and public safety.
Environmental Sustainability – city green‑space per capita, renewable energy use, and waste‑management practices.
Cultural Richness – number of museums, galleries, performing‑arts venues, and cultural festivals.
Economic Vitality – job growth, small‑business density, and economic diversification.
Community Engagement – volunteer rates, civic participation, and inclusivity initiatives.
Urban Mobility – public transit coverage, walkability, and bike‑friendly infrastructure.
Innovation & Technology – digital infrastructure, research institutions, and startup ecosystems.
Tourism Appeal – visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and tourism revenue.
Housing Affordability – median home price versus average income.
Safety & Security – crime rates and emergency services responsiveness.
Health & Wellness – gym access, parks, and mental‑health resources.
Education – school performance, higher‑education institutions, and lifelong‑learning opportunities.

Greenville clinched the 7th spot, while Asheville claimed the 8th, a position that has only been occupied by one other Southern city—Atlanta—in the past decade.

What It Means for Greenville

Greenville’s ascent to the global stage has been built on years of deliberate city‑planning. The “G‑Plan” initiative, launched in 2018, focused on expanding green corridors, revitalizing the downtown riverfront, and attracting tech start‑ups. In the World’s Best Cities analysis, Greenville received high marks in both environmental sustainability (score 9.1) and community engagement (8.8). Mayor Jim McGowan, who is featured in a short interview on the IUDI website, remarked, “Our city’s growth has been inclusive and intentional. The recognition affirms that we’re on the right track.”

Local businesses have already begun to ride the wave of increased exposure. A Greenville‑based coffee‑roaster, Cedar Bean, cited a 12‑percent uptick in tourist foot traffic since the ranking announcement. “People are starting to look at Greenville as a cultural hub rather than just a manufacturing town,” the owner told Fox Carolina in a statement.

Asheville’s Cultural Renaissance

Asheville’s position as the 8th best city underscores its cultural renaissance. The city’s thriving arts scene—home to over 50 galleries, the renowned River Arts District, and the annual Asheville Film Festival—earned it a score of 9.4 in cultural richness. Asheville also topped the list for tourism appeal, ranking 2nd overall with a 7.8 score, thanks largely to its scenic mountain vistas and the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

City Councilwoman Maria Torres highlighted how the recognition dovetails with Asheville’s existing “Green New Deal” plan, which targets carbon neutrality by 2035. “Being named among the world’s best cities is a morale booster for our residents and a powerful marketing tool for attracting eco‑tourists and green‑investors,” she told Fox Carolina.

Economic and Social Ripple Effects

The rankings are expected to have both direct and indirect economic benefits. Tourism boards in both states predict a 4–6% increase in annual visitor numbers in the coming year, as online search engines and travel‑planning apps now feature the two cities in their “Must‑Visit” filters.

Local real‑estate markets are already feeling the pressure. In Greenville, median home prices rose 8.3% in the last quarter, while Asheville saw a 6.1% increase. Housing‑affordability experts note that these upticks may outpace wage growth if not managed carefully.

The dual recognition also carries implications for public‑sector partnerships. State officials are already discussing grants for further expansion of Greenville’s bike‑lane network and Asheville’s riverfront redevelopment. The World’s Best Cities report calls for cities to “invest in scalable, sustainable solutions” to meet the demands of rapid growth.

The Bigger Picture: Southern Cities on the Global Stage

While cities like New York, Tokyo, and London dominate headlines, the World’s Best Cities list demonstrates a growing trend: smaller, mid‑size communities are being recognized for excellence in areas often overlooked by larger metropolises. “The criteria are becoming more inclusive, valuing community cohesion and environmental stewardship,” says Dr. Elise Martin, a professor of Urban Studies at the University of South Carolina. “Greenville and Asheville are proof that intentional, community‑focused development can compete with the giants.”

The list is also a call to action for policymakers. It highlights the importance of multi‑disciplinary collaboration—between municipal leaders, local businesses, nonprofits, and residents—to build resilient, livable cities that can thrive in the 21st century.

Looking Ahead

Both Greenville and Asheville are already planning to capitalize on their newfound status. Greenville’s upcoming “Greenville 2030” blueprint will aim to improve public transportation and expand affordable‑housing initiatives, while Asheville’s next phase of the “Blue Ridge Sustainable Development” project seeks to increase renewable‑energy capacity and preserve the natural environment.

For residents, the news is a source of pride and a reminder that the future is bright. For tourists, it offers a fresh destination on the map. And for city planners worldwide, Greenville and Asheville present a model of how thoughtful, community‑driven design can propel a city to the global stage.

For a deeper dive into the ranking methodology and a full list of the top ten cities, visit the IUDI’s official website.

Read the Full Fox Carolina Article at:
[ https://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/07/10/greenville-asheville-make-top-ten-list-worlds-best-cities/ ]

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