Alexandria has something to celebrate: the city has climbed to No. 2 on Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious list of the best small cities in the United States — its highest finish in the publication’s history of rankings. It’s a well-deserved moment of pride for a community that has long offered visitors and residents alike a rich blend of history, waterfront charm, and vibrant local culture.

The recognition from one of the world’s most respected travel publications puts Alexandria in rare company, placing it just one spot from the very top among all small American cities. For the residents who call Alexandria home, the ranking is a reflection of what they already know: this is a city that punches well above its weight when it comes to livability, character, and community spirit.

The timing couldn’t be better for local businesses, restaurants, and attractions that depend on tourism. A top-two national ranking from Condé Nast Traveler is the kind of spotlight that draws visitors from across the country and beyond, filling Old Town’s cobblestone streets, waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, and historic sites with curious travelers eager to experience what the buzz is all about.

The honor also arrives alongside other good news for the city. The Alexandria Choral Society is opening its 57th season on October 24 with a concert titled Tapestry: A Festival of Belonging, and the Spooky Mad Science Expo returns October 17 with more than 100 hands-on science activities for families — both reminders that Alexandria’s calendar of community events is as lively as ever.

Whether you’re a longtime Alexandrian or planning your first visit inspired by the Condé Nast Traveler nod, there’s never been a better time to explore everything this remarkable small city has to offer. Congratulations, Alexandria — No. 2 in the nation, and counting.

Sources: The Alexandria Brief, The Alexandria Brief, The Alexandria Brief