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When it comes to discussing favorite pizzas, get ready for a potential food fight. The burning question on everyone’s mind is: where can you find the best pizza? To answer this, a recent study by Clever Real Estate has ranked America’s top 100 pizza cities. Despite New York holding the top spot in 2025, the crown actually goes to Rochester, where delectable soft and chewy pizzas reign supreme.
The study took into account factors such as the number of pizza joints per capita, the average cost of large cheese or pepperoni pizzas, and the perceived quality of pizza in a city based on a survey of 2,000 Americans. These factors were then combined with Clever’s Pizza Passion Score, which reflects the level of interest in pizza via Google searches in different markets.
Determining the best pizza in the U.S. is no easy task, especially given the strong emotional connections people have with this beloved food. Pizza enthusiast Scott Wiener, who has transformed his pizza love into a career through pizza tours, describes pizza as “the great unifier.” He explains, “It’s ubiquitous because it lacks boundaries. Pizza isn’t merely a recipe; it’s a versatile format that caters to all, irrespective of dietary constraints. There’s a pizza out there for everyone.”
Some surprises emerged in the rankings. While Rochester may not be a top-of-mind pizza destination for many, its thick, chewy crust, flavorful sauce, and unique “cup-and-char” pepperoni have garnered above-average Yelp ratings (4.11 out of 5) and an impressive Pizza Passion Score of 98/100.
Although renowned pizza hubs like New York City and Chicago placed 8th and 10th respectively, they still rank among Americans’ top five pizza cities. Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Detroit also received praise for their pizza offerings.
The Northeast emerged as a pizza hotspot, boasting nine cities in the top 20 pizza rankings. Buffalo, New York, received a perfect 100 Pizza Passion Score. New Haven, Connecticut, boasts the highest concentration of pizza establishments per capita, while New York City reigns supreme in overall pizza quantity.
New York’s pizza style leads the pack, closely followed by Chicago deep dish, Sicilian, and Neapolitan. On the flip side, Connecticut’s clam-topped pie ranked as America’s least favorite. Respondents also displayed lukewarm feelings toward Hawaiian pizza, known for its controversial ham and pineapple combo, and breakfast pizza.
Pizza holds a special place in people’s hearts, reflecting their individual preferences and lifestyle choices more than any other food. A simple slice can communicate volumes about a person’s identity and desired way of life. The presence of top-notch pizzerias often signals the presence of other excellent dining options, enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal.
For about 35% of individuals, including 52% of millennials and 48% of Gen Zers, the quality of pizza could influence
Choosing a place to live is often influenced by the availability of nearby amenities, with restaurants playing a significant role. Joy Aumann, the founder of Luxury SoCal Realty, noted that buyers are willing to pay a premium of 10% to 15% to reside within walking distance of popular dining spots. Bramlett, a real estate agent in Austin, shared how families have selected specific neighborhoods based solely on the culinary offerings in the area.
Delving deeper into the impact of pizza on residential choices reveals insights into the character of a neighborhood or city. Areas with multiple pizzerias serving the same style are seen as stable with consistent populations, while those offering diverse pizza options tend to be more open to change and attract younger residents.
Real estate investor Cory Pinter emphasized the influence of restaurants on buyers’ perceptions of neighborhoods, highlighting that areas lacking quality dining options may struggle to attract interest, especially from younger individuals. Successful eateries not only draw in tourists and foot traffic but also contribute to increased property values and neighborhood safety.
Realtors advise sellers near dining hotspots to highlight this advantage to potential buyers, as properties in such areas can command up to 20% higher values. Aumann also suggests that first-time homebuyers take advantage of mortgage assistance programs available in these sought-after neighborhoods.
The presence of a vibrant restaurant scene, particularly top-tier pizza establishments, is a key factor in shaping a neighborhood’s identity and driving property values. Purchasers looking for a lively community should consider the proximity of quality dining options, as a thriving food culture often signifies a range of amenities and a desirable lifestyle.
While investing in a neighborhood with great food may come at a premium, buyers can explore cost-saving strategies to offset this expense, such as negotiating lower realtor fees. Ultimately, the appeal of residing in a lively neighborhood, where memorable experiences often revolve around a simple slice of pizza, can outweigh the financial considerations.
