Los Angeles
Rank: 50
Population: 3,811,518

The country's second-largest city squeaked into this year’s rankings at 50th place, dragged down by poor air quality and high unemployment. But with its iconic beaches, celebrity culture, and more than 8,000 restaurants to keep 3.8 million inhabitants occupied, Los Angeles never lacks something to do. Other highlights: comedy staples such as the Laugh Factory and spotting Jack Nicholson at a Lakers game.

Bars: 393
Restaurants: 8,305
Museums: 106
Libraries: 108
Pro sports teams: 5
Park acres per 1,000 residents: 6
Colleges: 30
Percent with graduate degree: 6.7
Median household income: $56,558
Percent unemployed: 11.1