9 Reasons Charleston, S.C., May Not Really Be The No. 1 U.S. City

Condé Nast Traveler rated Charleston, SC the USA's No. 1 City for three consecutive years. Though Charleston may be aesthetically appealing, here are nine factors Condé Nast may have overlooked.

9. Like any other city, parking is a pain.

gocharlestonsc.com / Via postandcourier.com

One local's blog reads, "[The parking enforcement officers] drive around all day in comfy air conditioned Crown Victoria’s papering the city with $22.00 tickets (I once received five in one day)."

8. If you decide to bike, just know that the city isn't top-rated for being "bike-friendly."

Via bikelaw.com

"You're either almost running someone over or almost being run over in Charleston. We need more bike lanes, NOW," says College of Charleston senior Jackie McKelvey. The above photo shows tourists biking on a pedestrian sidewalk.

7. The tourists of this city tend to walk super slow on our heavily crowded streets, which can be a huge problem if you have somewhere to be.

Via foxnews.com

"I work at Hyman's, and while tourists are the ones who pay my bills in the end, it can be stressful when the streets are crowded and you're running late for something. I have to walk on the street sometimes instead of the sidewalk," says College of Charleston senior Christina Piperato.

6. The cruise lines attract “Heavy-drinking, balloon hat, flip flop, fanny pack" wearing tourists - the type that should be avoided at all costs.

Via foxnews.com

"The cruise lines attract the same kind of tourist that walks ever so slowly in front of you down King Street when you have somewhere to get to," says College of Charleston student Elizabeth Amini.

5. Second Sunday is great, unless you're working it.

Facebook: 2ndSundayonKingSt / Via charlestoncvb.com

College of Charleston senior and Hyman's employee Christina Piperato says, "On Second Sunday, trying to find parking is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You better be downtown or close to work at least 45 minutes before you actually have to be there." (For those of you unfamiliar with Second Sunday, it's when the city closes down King Street from 1-5 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month for strolling, dining and shopping.)

4. Palmetto bugs seem to infest every nook and cranny here... It's practically a plague!

Via examiner.com

"I saw one in my kitchen today! Palmetto bugs are the bane of my Charlestonian existence. They're awful. Be ready to check all over your house or apartment for nests year-round," says Christina Piperato, a resident of James Island.

3. Even some of the nicest hotels in Charleston have multiple reports of bed bugs.

Via bedbugreports.com

Bedbugreports.com is a website created to serve those who have experienced bed bugs at certain locations so that others can be warned. One customer said, "They offered me points. What does that do? I had to throw out my suitcase, steam all of my clothes, and then dry clean them."

2. If you're looking for the great/amazing food Charleston boasts, you better know where you're going. Don't fall into a tourist trap!

Via tripadvisor.com

A customer on tripadvisor.com wrote, "Though the waitress was very nice, the poor food ruined his good intentions." Make sure to look at the reviews before choosing a restaurant!

1. Though Charleston may hold the top spot for cities, North Charleston is rated No. 7 in crime.

Via postandcourier.com

"People think Charleston is this glorious city without giving a thought to how bad certain areas are. I only go to North Charleston if I absolutely have to. Like if I need Chipotle. It's obviously not mine or anyone else's favorite area around here, and tons of friends have told me some pretty scary stories about their experiences there," College of Charleston student Elizabeth Amini says.