Revealed: Top 10 Most Fun Cities in America

There are many things that draw would-be homebuyers to a city, including entertainment options, and that's exactly the case across hot spots in the United States.

WalletHub recently released its list of most fun cities after comparing more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 key metrics, which ranged from fitness centers per capita to movie costs to the average business hours of breweries.

"The most fun cities in America earn their place at the top of the list by offering a huge variety of entertainment options without overwhelming residents’ budgets," WalletHub writer and analyst Chip Lupo tells Realtor.com®. "What these top 10 cities share is scale and balance, from parks to theaters to nightlife, giving residents year-round fun options."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends over $3,600 on entertainment annually.

"Living in a city with cost-effective choices can make a big difference for both enjoyment and budgets," says Lupo.

1. Las Vegas, NV

Median listing price: $469,997

Sin City reigns supreme as the nation’s fun capital. "Las Vegas ranks No. 1 overall, leading the nation in both 'Entertainment and Recreation' and 'Nightlife and Parties' categories," says Lupo.

Michele Sullivan, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in Las Vegas, tells Realtor.com, "Las Vegas is truly one of the most dynamic and entertaining cities in the world. It’s a place that never sleeps and never stops evolving. What makes our city so fun is the constant access to world-class experiences."

Sulivan says locals love Las Vegas' 24-hour casinos and resorts, Michelin-rated restaurants, concerts at the Sphere, Cirque du Soleil productions, luxury shopping, sporting events, and cultural experiences. "There is always something happening here, which is exactly why people fall in love with this city," she exclaims.

2. Orlando, FL

Median listing price: $419,900

"Orlando is like a giant playground for both kids and adults," real estate agent and investor Ron Myers of Ron Buys Florida Homes tells Realtor.com. "Theme parks like Disney and Universal grab the headlines, but that’s just the start. You’ve got water parks, live shows, top-notch golf courses, outdoor adventure spots, nightlife on International Drive, and an ever-growing foodie scene."

In fact, Orlando tied with Miami for No. 1 in restaurants per capita, according to Lupo. "This shows why it remains a top destination for both tourists and locals," he says.

3. Miami, FL

Median listing price: $500,000

“Miami’s ‘fun factor’ isn’t just a perk but a part of the culture and the attraction of the city," says Carmen Casadella, vice president of sales for the Fortune International Group. "The city’s year-round entertainment calendar is unmatched, anchored by marquee moments like the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Miami Music Week, Miami Art Week, and Formula 1. And Miami’s dining and nightlife is among the most dynamic in the country."

Casadella says Miami’s international and out-of-state buyers choose the city specifically because of this energy, especially younger clients and those planning to use their apartment as a pied-à-terre. "They’ll rent their units when they’re away and return for the city’s biggest cultural moments," she says.

4. Atlanta, GA

Median listing price: $410,000

Elizabeth Perry, real estate agent at Harry Norman Forbes-Global Properties in Atlanta, tells Realtor.com, "Atlanta isn’t just a city, it’s a full-on entertainment playground. The moment people of all ages experience the city’s world-class music scene, family-friendly festivals, and culture, they’re hooked."

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Perry says, “No city compares to Atlanta when it comes to sports entertainment.”

5. New Orleans, LA

Median listing price: $300,000

New Orleans may be famous for Mardi Gras, but the city offers far more than its signature celebration.

"You just can't beat NOLA food and street life," real estate agent and investor Mike Grisham of SoldFast New Orleans tells Realtor.com. "The music, the promenades ... it's so alive. The city has so much culture and history packed into it, and offers plenty of family-friendly options despite Bourbon Street's rowdy reputation."

6. Houston, TX

Median listing price: $354,999

Ashley Peterson, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in Houston, tells Realtor.com, "I've had many clients move to our city because of its entertainment offerings, since the social scene is very prevalent here. We've got great food and restaurants all over the city. Not only do we have basketball, football, and baseball teams, there are always concerts and events happening as well."

Houston also delivers far more affordable options than many coastal cities, according to Lupo, which is another bonus.

7. San Francisco, CA

Median listing price: $915,000

"What makes San Francisco so fun is the range that it offers," Sam Fitz-Simon, a real estate agent with Compass in the Bay Area, tells Realtor.com. "From Michelin star dining to neighborhood staples, live music, comedy, pop-ups, and street festivals, there is always something happening. Pair that with the scenery and the fact that you are close to the ocean, beaches, hiking, and even wine country, and it’s hard to match."

From a real estate standpoint, Fitz-Simon says he sees this fun factor into buying decisions all the time. "I have had clients choose San Francisco because they value walkable neighborhoods, food, culture, and energy," he says. "Many are willing to trade square footage for lifestyle."

Fitz-Simon says he believes San Francisco is having a real comeback. "The momentum feels different right now," he explains. "Mayor Lurie is doing a phenomenal job restoring the city and pushing it back toward its glory with cleaner streets, more accountability, and a real focus on making the city livable and enjoyable again."

8. Austin, TX

Median listing price: $479,000

Austin is one of the most fun real estate markets to work in and live in, says Austin real estate broker Noá Levy of The Boutique Real Estate. "The city has this unique blend of outdoor lifestyle, live-music culture, and incredible food scene that stays busy year round," she tells Realtor.com. "Between the lakes and water skiing and other water sports, the hike and bike trails, paddleboarding and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and the endless lineup of festivals, there's always something happening."

Levy says that for her younger clients and her empty nesters, the entertainment factor is often just as important as the house itself. "They want walkability, access to restaurants, easy access to trails and a neighborhood that feels social with a good mix of energy levels and laid-back attitudes," she explains. "I believe Austin checks all those boxes, and that’s a big part of what keeps our market so dynamic."

9. Portland, OR

Median listing price: $589,000

Portland has "strong nightlife and recreation access," according to Lupo.

The quirky city that inspired the cult classic "Portlandia" offers a wide range of entertainment, from museums and art spaces to live comedy and music. The foodie mecca is also known for its vibrant food cart pods, coffee and craft beer scene, and unique events that make exploring Portland fun year-round.

10. Cincinnati, OH

Median listing price: $335,000

"Even less-expected places stand out as fun cities: Cincinnati ranks No. 10 overall and ties for No. 1 in park playgrounds per capita, highlighting how midsized cities can deliver high-value fun," says Lupo.

Cincinnati real estate agent Tina Rieder McClatchey of Hoeting Realtors® says "Cincinnati is a great big small town, and it's beautiful being on the Ohio River. The theater scene is amazing, we have great sports teams like the Bengals and the Reds, and everything is way cheaper than anything in the big cities. You get to do a lot more stuff here on a shorter dime, which adds to the fun."