You can find a list for almost anything, it seems.

A friend of mine posted this list to social media, so I thought I’d share it here.

It’s a list of the “most underrated small cities” in America.

They appear to have something in common.

A vibrant urban life. Meaning, a thriving downtown district.

http://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/underrated-us-cities-small-markets-like-cincinnati-mobile-and-Chattanooga

It’s worth mentioning here because of the talk about Amarillo’s future seems to be turning once again on whether the city is making the right decisions while concentrating so much effort in restoring its downtown district.

All the cities noted in this survey are roughly the size of Amarillo. Our population stands a shade more than 197,000 residents. We aren’t some Podunk, one-horse burg — although some of us seem to think we are and are strangely anxious to keep it that way. Of course, no one admits to it, but the concept being discussed to breathe life into downtown Amarillo is getting resistance.

I’m not going to suggest the resistance is all that significant, that it represents a majority view of our city’s residents. Yes, we have three new members serving on our City Council (with the third new guy to be determined by the June 13 runoff election).

However, if this list of “underrated small cities” serves as a guide to anyone, then it’s important that the downtown restoration effort not be derailed by those who believe the city has misdirected its energy toward a loser.

Take a peek at the list, read the summaries of why these cities deserve more attention and you’ll likely appreciate what a little vision and imagination can bring to little ol’ Amarillo, Texas.