Philadelphia Tops This Year's List of the Most Facial Hair-Friendly Cities in America

It's a complicated time for people sporting facial hair. While one recent study claims beards make people healthier and more attractive, there's also research that suggests they're a magnet for germs. No matter the risks and rewards, bearded and mustachioed individuals should be free to sport their facial scruff with pride, and if they live in one of the cities below, that shouldn't be a problem.

This list, spotted by Philadelphia magazine, comes from the men's grooming company Wahl's annual roundup of the most facial hair-friendly cities in America. This year, Philadelphia claimed the No.1 ranking as the best city in the U.S. for anyone who prefers a rugged mug to the clean-shaven look. "Facial hair enthusiasm from the women of Philadelphia" was apparently among the deciding factors that pushed the City of Brotherly Love into the top spot. The fact that Philadelphia hosted a beard festival on April 29 probably didn't hurt its cause.

Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco rounded out the top five most facial hair-friendly cities in America. For the top 25, check out the ranking below. And if you're a beard lover or a bearded individual looking to make a connection in one these cities or elsewhere, there's an app for that.

1. Philadelphia
2. Chicago
3. Atlanta
4. Washington, D.C.
5. San Francisco
6. Seattle
7. Los Angeles
8. Austin, Texas
9. Portland, Oregon
10. Denver
11. Dallas
12. New York City
13. Nashville, Tennessee
14. San Diego, California
15. Houston, Texas
16. Phoenix, Arizona
17. San Antonio, Texas
18. San Jose, California
19. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
20. Orlando, Florida
21. Miami
22. Winter Haven, Florida
23. Palm Springs, California
24. Irvine, California
25. Sarasota, Florida

[h/t Philadelphia]