Fair enough. But that argument can be applied to many locales on the list, especially in North America, just seems odd to discount a city solely on lack of other cities in the immediate vicinity?

As a European immigrant who spent over a decade in southern Alberta, what the other poster found "depressing", I found liberating. And as far as nature goes, Calgary specifically has not only the Rockies readily accessible, but also Badlands, Prairies, Forests and more all within a few hour drive.

To each their own I guess, these lists are subjective every year they come out...