An “America’s Most Boring Cities” survey conducted by personal finance and lifestyle website Finance Buzz ranks the capital city as the ninth dullest on the list.
The survey which looks at data points in 75 of America’s biggest cities used criteria relating to excitement, culture and popular activities to determine each city’s placement.
The survey says that despite Tallahassee’s population being 24.7% young adults ages 20 to 34 — the highest of any city in the country — it still falls short in a number of areas.
“If any of those young people are interested in award-winning food, however, they are out of luck, as there are zero award-winning restaurants in Tallahassee,” it said. “The city also ranks in the bottom five in the number of sports teams available to watch and is in the bottom 15 in terms of both concert venues and must-see attractions per capita.”
Jacksonville, Florida, was ranked the most boring of the 20 listed.
However several reviews from celebrity chef Guy Fieri on his Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” may speak differently to the jab at local restaurants.
The Emmy Award-winning chef and host referenced Backwood Crossings as a “Southern standout,” or Coosh’s Bayou Rouge as the “real deal” and Halisi Africa as small place with big flavor.
National awards might not define Tallahassee’s reputation or flare but that doesn’t mean talent isn’t harbored here.
A James Beard nomination from former Kool Beanz pastry chef Sylvia Gould and Leon Brunson’s features in Hulu Originals’ show “Secret Chef,” proves otherwise. While those accolades may not attract or draw outsiders, they are awarded daily by patrons who come to visit often.
The support generated for local eateries on social food groups like Tallahassee Foodies with over 100,000 followers and other foodies throughout the city would say differently.
In 2023, HGTV published a list of “The 20 best mid-size cities in the United States” based on each city’s outdoor activities, public artworks, and sporting events.
Tallahassee was one of three Florida cities on the list, recognized for “appealing for a feel that is both urban and suburban.”
Visitors and residents of the capital of the Sunshine State can partake in its nightlife which sometimes includes special appearances from Tallahassee artists like George Clinton, T-Pain, Luh Tyler, Real Boston Richey as well as museums, and public destinations, like Cascades Park and Lake Ella.
What are ‘America’s Most Boring Cities?’
1. Jacksonville, Florida (Score: 14.3)
2. Wichita, Kansas (Score: 14.7)
3. Corpus Christi, Texas (Score: 14.8)
4. Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Score: 18.2)
5. Memphis, Tennessee (Score: 19.0)
6. San Antonio, Texas (Score: 19.2)
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Score: 20)
8. Columbus, Ohio (Score: 20.3)
9. Tallahassee, Florida (Score: 20.5)
10. Phoenix, Arizona (Score: 20.5)
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee ranks as one of ‘America’s Most Boring Cities’ in finance site survey
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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