With websites upon websites devoted to chronicling surly sales clerks and shrill customers, it’s no secret that the relationship between businesses and their patrons can sometimes be fraught. That’s why it’s always a delight when exchanges are not just acceptable but positively warm-hearted. Groupon always hopes that our subscribers will have good things to say about every business they visit—that’s why we encourage them to evaluate their experiences.

Since we’re already naming hundreds of merchants across the country to this year’s Best of Groupon list (and embarking on a quest to declare the Most Groupon Experience on Groupon), we decided to put that data to work. If you’re looking for nothing but the most wonderful interactions, where should you go? The friendliest cities in America, of course.

By tabulating our customer-satisfaction ratings for every business in every market, we’ve come up with a list of locales where you can always expect service with a smile. Check them out below:

America’s Friendliest Cities

1. Providence, RI
2. Milwaukee, WI
3. New Orleans, LA
4. Tampa–St. Petersburg, FL
5. Hartford, CT
6. Dallas, TX
7. Houston, TX
8. Cincinnati, OH
9. Pittsburgh, PA
10. Charlotte, NC
    
    

How did Providence come out on top?

According to our data, the Providence area has the friendliest local businesses, whose products and services constantly satisfy our subscribers. As the capital of the nation’s smallest and second most densely populated state, it probably behaves a bit like a small town: word gets around when someplace is extra-friendly.

And if customers are spreading around comments that are anything like the ones they leave on our site, it’s no surprise friendly Providence businesses keep gaining fans. Take these merchants as just a few examples of why it’s No. 1 among the country’s friendliest cities:

Bocado Tapas Wine Bar

When the selection of small plates at this Spanish restaurant gets overwhelming for first-timers, the servers step in to recommend the best dishes and wines for everyone’s palate.

• “Our waiter was excellent on a very busy night.” – William H.
• “The service was great! They were friendly, prompt, and accommodating. It was our monthly ladies' night gathering and the restaurant was a hit!” – Nicole C.
• “Our wait staff helped us through the entire process of the experience!” – Rebekah J.

Clayground

This pottery studio’s friendly teachers ensure everyone creates a hand-painted piece they love, whether they’re supervising a raucous kids’ party or an equally boisterous girls’ night out.

• “Perfect place to take young children.” – Jennifer S.
• “It was so much fun! They assist you while you’re doing it so you need no prior experience to have a great end result!” – Pauline L.
• “The instructor managed the perfect balance of instructing without doing it for you. Therefore it’s your own creation!” – Barbara G.

Salon KG

At this salon, housed in a Victorian manse, skilled staffers work magic on haircuts, highlights, and mani-pedis after carefully consulting with clients about their desired results.

• “Heather B. was AMAZING!!!! Listened to my concerns about my hair and really helped to get it healthy again!” – Stacy S.
• “Molly did an amazing job! I love my new color and my hair is so soft!” – Kelsey A.
• “Beautiful interior, friendly management/owner, highly skilled stylists. Booked another appointment on the spot!” – Elizabeth T.

Illustration by Lacey Wright