by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Fri February 12, 2016
As the bitter cold of winter hits the United States, Honeywell portable heaters has joined forces with an environmental health scientist to compile a list of America's coziest cities.
According to the official Honeywell website, the third year of coziest cities rankings were compiled in association with scientist Ted Myatt. The criteria used for determining the list includes average winter temperatures, annual average snowfall, specialty grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores and bakeries.
Dr. Myatt released a statement about the study, saying, "We searched the entire United States for cities and towns of varying sizes that inspire coziness year round. Boston, for example, experienced record snowfall last year, yet has quaint winding streets lined with brownstones and local shops, which contribute to an overall cozy feel."
In a surprise this year, Asheville, North Carolina, has climbed all the way to No. 1 in the 2016 rankings, and Boston, Massachusetts, has cozied into the No. 2 overall spot. Rounding out the top three is Salinas, California.
Here is the official list of the top 10 coziest cities in the United States this year, via Honeywell:
1. Asheville, North Carolina
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2. Boston, Massachusetts
3. Salinas, California
4. Portland, Oregon
5. Portland, Maine
6. Santa Rosa, California
7. Providence, Rhode Island
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8. Spokane, Washington
9. Provo, Utah
10. Chattanooga, Tennessee
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