Not only does Charleston rank high on the nation’s list of favorite places to visit, it is also apparently home to America’s most attractive people, according to aTravel + Leisuremagazine readers’ survey. The poll results indicate that beautiful people tend to live in places that offer sun-kissed beaches, like Miami and San Juan, a youthful culture, like Austin and Nashville, or an active lifestyle, like Denver. Or all three, like Charleston. In the same survey, Charleston was voted America’s friendliest city, which suggests a possible correlation between friendliness and attractiveness.

Or, the link could be with the Lowcountry’s 90 miles of white-sand beaches, which provide a powerful incentive to stay in bathing-suit shape all year long. Or perhaps it’s the area’s mild climate and high-profile athletic events (like the Cooper River Bridge Run) that encourage residents to remain active and fit. Or the fact that, with high-end shopping on King and Broad streets, and Charleston Fashion Week (think bright lights, big tents) showcasing distinctive apparel, locals have developed a sense of style that transcends fad or fashion.

Whatever the contributing factors, it’s easy to agree that there are a lot of lovely people here in Charleston—people who are as attractive on the inside as on the outside.

Photo courtesy of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

The 2010 most attractive cities

Charleston

San Diego

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Denver

Austin

Miami

Savannah

Honolulu

Phoenix/Scottsdale

Nashville

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