Best and worst places to 'staycation' this year

WalletHub looked at 150 of the country’s largest cities and, based on 28 key metrics, measured the most enjoyable and wallet-friendly staycation spots in America. It’s no surprise that in 2016’s Best & Worst Cities for Staycations Orlando, Fla., took the No. 1 spot. With DisneyWorld, Universal Studios and other attractions in your backyard, and discounts for annual passes, who wouldn’t want to staycation in Orlando?The worst place for a staycation — in other words, if you live there, save up and get the hell out — is Chula Vista, Calif. Actually, quite a few California cities nabbed the bottom, including Los Angeles at No. 143.

Southern states that fared well were:

Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, at No. 2 and 3;

Atlanta at No. 6;

            St. Petersburg, Fla., at No. 9;

            New Orleans at No. 15;

            Jackson, Miss., at No. 16;

            Knoxville, Tenn., at No. 20;

            Miami, at No. 21;

            and Chattanooga, at No. 27.

            Here’s a few more statistics to ponder, thanks to WalletHub.

            New Orleans has the most museums per 100,000 residents, 23.34, which is 79 times more than in Aurora, Colo., the city with the fewest, 0.29.

            Columbus, Ga., has the most parks per 100,000 residents, 213.37, which is 22.5 times more than in Hialeah, Fla., the city with the fewest, 9.47.

            Seattle has the most coffee shops per 100,000 residents, 109.43, which is nearly 30 times more than in Laredo, Texas, the city with the fewest, 3.67.

            Orlando, Fla., has the most ice cream and frozen yogurt shops per 100,000 residents, 57.15, which is 13 times more than in Detroit, the city with the fewest, 4.31.

            Columbus, Ga., has the most tennis courts per 100,000 residents, 70.11, which is 26 times higher than in Gilbert, Ariz., the city with the fewest, 2.69.

Columbus, Ga., has the lowest cost of house-cleaning services, $110, which is four times less expensive than in Salt Lake City, the city with the highest, $454.
You know what we think? Forget Orlando. Visit Columbus, Ga., and enjoy the parks, play tennis and let someone else do the cleaning.

Chattanooga