What is the fourth principal U.S. city?

Submitted by FreeStater on November 24, 2025

You might've seen this question on social media, but I'm wondering to hear it from JetPunk… what, complimenting New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, is the fourth principal U.S. city?

My nomination is Atlanta. The other three cities all represent a major region of the country, so Atlanta can be brought up to represent the South. It has a massive metropolitan area to back itself up, as well.

15 Comments

Level 77

Nov 24, 2025

It's Washington for me. Although I've always had a fault with this recent trend cause personally I don't even agree Chicago is top 4, top 5 yes.

Level 72

Nov 24, 2025

I agree with Atlanta, or possibly DFW.

Level 56

Nov 24, 2025

Hmm

Maybe Philly or Miami or San Fran

Level 27

Nov 24, 2025

i would say DC, Philly, or Boston but NYC handles the entire Acela corridor imo. Chicago covers St. Louis. Atlanta is a good contribution for the south, but there's others that could work for the south, like Nashville, Memphis, Jacksonville, Tampa, Birmingham, New Orleans even. Maybe Denver for the Rocky Mtn. region? Phoenix for the southwest?

But my contribution would be Austin, representing Texas. Houston and Dallas are both larger, sure, but Austin is centrally located and it's the capital.

Level 51

Nov 24, 2025

Honolulu

Level 45

Nov 24, 2025

Houston.. it is the fourth most popular after all

Level 82

Nov 24, 2025

Houston, in my opinion. Maybe Miami.

Level 61

Nov 24, 2025

Anchorage