Indy named one of America's favorite cities by Travel + Leisure readers

We're No. 17!

OK, that might not sound like a super high ranking in Travel + Leisure magazine's reader-voted "America's Favorite Cities" ranking. The survey ran from Oct. 2015 to April 2016 and asked readers to submit their favorite city with a population of at least 100,000 and rate it in more than 65 categories — food, affordability, parks, you know the drill.

Readers cited Indy's affordability, welcoming nature and of course, the sports scene. But our museums earned attention too: "it also ranked well for more cerebral museums: check out the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and even the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, whose collection includes Warhol and Picasso."

What would make the Canal Walk cool?

Apparently people don't think we're very good drivers, though. Go figure.

30 cities were ranked, and we rated a bottom-half No. 17. But to know why that's actually a bit of a coup, you need to look at who we beat:

• Honolulu came in dead last. They have an ocean, perfect weather and are generally perfect in every way.
• Boston, a historic city filled with great food and a rich sporting tradition, was No. 27. Apparently they were dinged for rude locals.
• San Francisco, with all its food and culture and Silicon Valley techies, ranked just No. 26.
• We even beat out the Big Apple itself, New York City, which came in at No. 21.
• Move over, New Orleans: The Crescent City came one spot behind the Circle City.
• And finally, Chicago, our big brother to the northwest, came just one spot ahead of us. 

4 Indy restaurants recognized by 'Food & Wine'

Is this a scientific survey? Nah. It was reader-submitted which means it's very easily manipulated. But Naptown has come a long way, and people are noticing what we have to offer.

The winner is a surprise, too. Click here to see the full list.