As the thermostat finally dips below “feels like: surface of the sun,” around here, a new study has emerged to validate our sudden urge to trade patios for plush armchairs. The folks at PrivacyJournal just released a ranking of America’s coziest cities, and it seems the Lone Star State is a real softie, landing an impressive 14 spots among the list’s top 100.
Researchers analyzed cities based on four pillars of peak coziness: walkability, comfort spots (like coffee shops and indie bookstores), home and hearth (think cozy lodging and a passion for interior design) and creative activities.
While Jersey City, of all places, snagged the top spot, our attention is firmly fixed on the local nooks. Seven North Texas cities made the cut, proving we’re more than just big hair and even bigger highways. Leading the local charge was Garland, coming in at a respectable No. 38 overall. The study notes Garland, along with Houston, scored particularly high in the “Home and Hearth” category, which confirms what we already knew: our suburbs have a secret love affair with throw pillows and scented candles…