x
Breaking News
More () »

Cleveland ranked among top ‘hygge’ cities in America

It's a study that says Cleveland is among the coziest places in the county.

CLEVELAND -- Our city earned high honors again… And it’s for something you’ve probably never even heard of.

Yep, Cleveland has been ranked by Sperling’s BestPlaces.net as one of America’s top “hygge” cities.

Huh?

“Hygge is the Danish concept of creating cozy environments that foster well-being and contentment,” according to the study.

Some of hygge’s most common attributes include:

- Relaxing in front of a fireplace

- Sipping on a warming beverage (tea, wine, coffee, brandy, etc.)

- Liberal use of candles, blankets and comfort food

- Hanging out with friends and family

THE TOP 10 ARE...

1. Seattle, WA

2. Portland, OR

3. Minneapolis, MN

4. Salt Lake City, UT

5. Denver, CO

6. Rochester, NY

7. Hartford, CT

8. Boston, MA

9. Cleveland, OH

10. Milwaukee, WI

HOW THE STUDY WORKED

To determine America’s top hygge Cities, Sperling’s calculated scores for each of the Top 50 metro areas in four main scoring categories: cozy weather, hygge pastimes, hygge venues and homes with fireplaces.

The “cozy weather” score was calculated from each location’s average snowfall, precipitation, minimum January temperature and cloudy days. Hygge is closely linked with cold weather and short days, so cities that have warm and sunny winters were considered to have less cozy weather and ranked lower in overall hygge-factor.

The study also measured common “hygge pastimes” such as reading books, board games, card games, cooking and knitting/needlework.

“Hygge venues” was included as a main scoring category because, while it is common to practice hygge in the comfort of your home, you can also get an authentic experience at a bar, restaurant or coffee shop. The venues included in the study were cafes/coffee houses, brew pubs, and wine bars, which provide community and togetherness, another key element of hygge.

Finally, cities were given a score for the percentage of homes with a fireplace, a feature which both brightens and warms in the dark and cold of winter.

HOW EACH CITY EARNED THEIR RANKING

Seattle: Top scores in reading books, knitting/needlework, and cafes/coffee shops/tea house. Also, a high percentage of homes with a fireplace.

Portland: Among the best scores for both hygge pastimes and hygge venues. Top scores for breweries and wine bars.

Minneapolis: Very cozy weather, as well one of the best scores in hygge pastimes like reading books, card games, and knitting/needlework.

Salt Lake City: The highest hygge pastimes score of the 50 metro areas included in the study. board games, card games, cooking and knitting/needlework are especially high.

Denver: A good number of breweries, as well as residents who love to knit/needlework.

Rochester: Coziest Weather in the study. That is, cold, snowy and dark.

Hartford: The weather is cozy and its residents love their knitting/needlework.

Boston: Reading books score is among the highest in the nation.

Cleveland: Among the coziest weather, as well as high scores for knitting/needlework.

Milwaukee: Cozy weather and a high score for hygge pastimes due to plenty of card games, cooking, and knitting/needlework.

THE LEAST HYGGE CITIES

50. Los Angeles: Warm weather and a lack of hygge pastimes and hygge venues, especially brew pubs, card games and cooking.

49. Riverside, CA: Despite a high percentage of fireplaces, the weather is warm year-round and its residents aren’t big on reading books and cooking.

48. Miami: Very few fireplaces and weather that is too warm and nice to be considered “cozy.”

47. San Antonio: Low scores in hygge venues, especially a lack of cafes/coffee shops/tea house and breweries.

46. Tucson: Some of the least cozy weather in the nation, along with a low number of hygge venues. very few wne bars.

Before You Leave, Check This Out