1. Detroit, MI – The Comeback City with Soul
Detroit’s name used to signal decline, but that narrative is outdated. The Motor City is revving up again with a creative engine that’s hard to miss. Downtown is buzzing with new life, from startups to stylish cafes and some of the best street art you’ll find anywhere. “There’s a renaissance going on,” says local artist Sydney James in The New York Times, “and it feels good to be part of it.” With Motown history, a thriving music scene, and restored architectural gems, Detroit is proving you can’t keep a soulful city down. Go see the transformation for yourself.
2. Cleveland, OH – Culture, Food, and the Element of Surprise
Let’s be honest, Cleveland jokes have been around forever. But they’re getting harder to justify these days. This lakefront city is rich in culture and packed with surprises. The Cleveland Museum of Art is world-class and totally free. The West Side Market is a food lover’s dream. And let’s not forget the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Cleveland is a foodie town now,” says Thrillist, pointing to its booming restaurant scene. Plus, the city’s medical and tech sectors are thriving. If you’ve written off Cleveland, it’s probably time to revisit and reset your expectations.
3. Newark, NJ – Not Just NYC’s Little Brother
Newark often gets passed over for nearby New York, but it’s not just a stop on the train route. It’s a city with serious substance. From the jaw-dropping architecture of the Newark Public Library to the Newark Museum of Art and the world-class Prudential Center, it’s rich in culture and pride. “Newark is finally being seen for what it is,” writes NJ.com, “not just where you land at the airport, but where you stay.” It’s a place where history and diversity meet, and locals are reclaiming the story on their own terms.
4. Buffalo, NY – Where Old Charm Meets New Cool
Buffalo isn’t just cold. It’s cool in every sense. Yes, it snows. But there’s more to this city than weather jokes. Buffalo’s downtown and waterfront have gotten major facelifts, and neighborhoods like Elmwood Village offer trendy cafes, breweries, and boutiques. “Buffalo’s revival is real,” says The Buffalo News, noting its thriving arts scene and architectural gems. And let’s not even start on the food. It’s way beyond wings. Try the beef on weck. This is a city of grit and heart, and it’s quietly becoming one of the most livable spots in the Northeast.
5. Birmingham, AL – Rich in History, Full of Flavor
People often freeze Birmingham in a single moment of history, but today’s city is layered, proud, and moving forward. It has one of the most vibrant food scenes in the South, and James Beard Award-winning chefs are no longer a surprise here. “This is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in the country,” notes Eater. Beyond food, there’s a strong arts community and a city center full of indie shops and local pride. Birmingham hasn’t forgotten its past, but it’s not stuck in it either. This is a Southern city rewriting its own narrative.
6. El Paso, TX – Safe, Stunning, and Full of Heart
Despite the headlines, El Paso is one of the safest big cities in the U.S., a fact that might surprise you. Nestled along the border, it’s rich with Mexican-American culture, warm hospitality, and sweeping desert views. “There’s no place quite like El Paso,” says Texas Monthly, highlighting its unique food, architecture, and bilingual flair. You’ll find incredible tacos, family-run shops, and festivals that bring the whole city out. It’s a proud, peaceful place that’s long been misunderstood. Spend a weekend here and you’ll wonder why it’s not already on more people’s radar.
7. St. Louis, MO – More Than an Arch
Sure, the Gateway Arch is iconic, but it’s just the beginning. St. Louis has free museums, quirky neighborhoods like The Grove, and a growing network of creatives changing the city’s pace. “We’re rebuilding through community,” says local artist Cbabi Bayoc in St. Louis Magazine. You’ll find jazz bars, vintage shops, and some of the most beautiful parks in the country. Forest Park is even bigger than Central Park. While challenges remain, this is a city fueled by heart, resilience, and no shortage of cool things to explore if you’re willing to look past the stereotypes.
8. Fresno, CA – Hot, yes. But Also Hot in Culture
Fresno might not have beaches or tech giants, but what it does have is soul and some seriously good food. Located in the Central Valley, it’s becoming a hub for farm-to-fork dining, boutique wineries, and art collectives. “Fresno is the place for people who want California without the chaos,” writes SFGate. The Tower District is a pocket of creativity, with murals, indie theaters, and music festivals. It’s also one of the most affordable major cities in the state. Fresno’s charm is quiet but steady. It’s not trying to impress, just inviting you in for a more grounded California vibe.
9. Providence, RI – Tiny but Bursting with Talent
Often skipped for Boston, Providence is a small city that punches way above its weight. Home to prestigious schools like RISD and Brown, it has a creative buzz running through it. WaterFire, the city’s riverside art installation, lights up summer nights and draws locals and tourists alike. “Providence has a strange magic to it,” says Condé Nast Traveler. It’s walkable, packed with art, and has a design-forward edge. Cozy cafes, cobblestone streets, and a rich immigrant history all add up to a city that’s full of stories waiting to be told.
10. Kansas City, MO – Sweet Jazz and Saucy BBQ
There’s a rhythm to Kansas City that’s impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of place where music, food, and people flow together like a good jazz solo. “Kansas City has soul,” writes The Washington Post, and it shows in everything from the smoky perfection of its barbecue to its friendly neighborhoods. You get big-city culture without the burnout, with museums, fountains, and live blues spilling onto the streets. KC isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s just real, and for many, that’s exactly what makes it shine. Sometimes, the most underrated places turn out to be the most unforgettable.
This story 10 Cities That Got a Bad Rap and Are Better Than You Think was first published on Daily FETCH
