AP: 30 cities so recognizable, no state name needed in articles and writings

[wwmiv]

IMHO: Austin is just beneath Nashville. Neither has reached that point yet where the state name is not required. Nashville will beat Austin there, but only barely—and they’re the next U.S. cities likely to reach that point.

And both are absolutely above Sacramento, Tampa, Charlotte, Columbus, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA Beach/Norfolk, Tucson, Portland class of cities.

And commentary: Oklahoma City is only on the list to avoid the repetition of the word Oklahoma twice. I mean, the state and the city share the name so why bother? The state as a whole is more anonymous as it is than the aforementioned cities. And I live here currently—and can vouch for the generic-ness. I also find it ironic that Virginia Beach requires Virginia.