The home of the Alamo, San Antonio beats in-state rival Dallas this year, thanks to a better local economy and significantly lower crime. Mayor Julian Castro is a rising political star, the first Hispanic person to give the keynote address at the Democrat

Oakland may be San Francisco’s rougher, smaller next-door neighbor. But it’s a great place to live in its own right, even if you can’t afford a unit in the stunning Cathedral Building. Oakland’s expanding restaurant scene has brought it some buzz. Residen

Rochester may be closely identified with the rust belt towns of the Erie Canal, but it still boasts a full slate of events to keep residents busy, from Oktoberfest celebrations to its annual Fringe festival over five days in September. History buffs can w

San Jose already has pro sports teams, but Oracle Chief Executive Larry Ellison has tried to add an NBA team to the city for years. Ellison’s attempt to buy and move the Memphis Grizzlies this spring was stymied, so for now this Silicon Valley center will