5 Cities Snobbier Than San Francisco

Culture

If you associate with high culture, claim to understand art, or have a thing for that random Wilco album no one else listens to, chances are you live in a pretty snobby city. Metropolitan life lends itself to endless levels of snobbery, and it's easy to discern that some cities are more about guitar chords than grit.

Is your hometown in the running for snobbiest in America? San Francisco was recently crowned the country's most pretentious city, although plenty of other worthy candidates come to mind. Here are five other hubs of snobbishness that may outdo San Fran.

1. Seattle

Okay, hipsters and high-culture loathe conglomerates like Starbucks, but Seattle's coffeeshop communities make for pretty snobbish living. The city that claims it gave you grunge rock to go along with your venti latte is also the most tech-savvy in the U.S.

We get it, you guys are real damn smart.

The city's intricate architecture is also pretty snobbish, and Seattle nightlife is complemented by a sprawling art scene and a quiet indie music culture. And to top it off, these people care about the MLS. That's clearly too hip for the rest of the sports-watching nation.

2. Providence

Home to some of the country's best cafes and performing arts sectors, Providence is the shining gem of snobbishness in a relatively humble New England. The city rebranded itself (nothing's more hip than self-involvement) as the "Creative Capital" in 2009, and was previously known as the Renaissance City. If you're not into postmodernism or expressionism or any other -ism, you probably won't fit in.

The city was founded in the 17th century by Roger Williams, a religious exile who believed Providence to be a sacred haven for settlers. Their first major industry? Silverware.

With a burgeoning gay community, a summer environmental art exhibit and three massive theater troupes/orchestras, Providence is just about the coolest city you've never thought of going to.

3. Minneapolis

The city that gave us Prince? You don't say.

Minneapolis is second only to New York City (oh, we'll get to you) in per capita live theater and houses the Walker Art Center, one of five major art museums in the country. It's America's third-most literate city, it's host to an eclectic underground music scene, and it was recently named the "best new food city." The acceptance speech was far from humble.

That's not to say that Minneapolis is pompous, as the vibe of Midwestern hospitality still circulates up North. But not having your face burrowed in a book is just as surprising as not cheering on the hometown Vikings.

4. Portland

The "greenest city in the country" birthed the Decemberists, the Dandy Warhols, the Shins and probably a good half of your snobbiest friend's iTunes library. Portland's proximity to the water, unique architecture and emphasis on greenery has lead to its use as the backdrop of countless movies, including Extraordinary Measures and Blue Like Jazz.

The city's growing subculture of foodies and abundance of microbreweries are game for consideration as well.

5. New York City

Well duh. Even the Manhattan-based PolicyMic can admit that much NYC is a snobfest. Manhattan's Meatpacking District and Brooklyn's Williamsburg are stuffed with high fashion, pricey restaurants, and an air of importance. The city ranks atop arts and culture lists with its vibrant presence on Broadway and it's busy electronic, alternative and hip-hop scenes.

The Big Apple is the most expensive city to reside in the country, and New Yorkers' most distinguishable trait is their effervescing pride in their own hometown.