They know how say "please," they offer friendly assistance to lost tourists, and they are prompt with their thank-you notes. They are the good people of Charleston, South Carolina, which has once again--for the 11th time in fact, but it would be impolite to boast about it, now wouldn't it?--been hailed as the best-mannered city in the United States.

"The people...have such an affection for their city," said etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart told The Associated Press. She started compiling her annual list 28 years ago based on nominations she receives by letter and fax. "It's the soft, gentle way of behaving, and they do it with such ease," she graciously explained.

And while other cities come and go, Charleston has been a staple on this list, coming in at No. 1 or sharing the top spot every year. "When you pass people on the street, they will nod at you," said Nicholas Fuqua of Tour Charleston, which conducts city walks. "People who live here are, for whatever reason, polite. Whether it's breeding or in the water, it's hard to say," he told AP.

Top 10 Best Mannered U.S. Cities:

1. Charleston, South Carolina
   
2. San Diego, California
   
3. Seattle, Washington
   
4. Peoria, Illinois
   
5. Omaha, Nebraska
   
6. The Quad Cities: Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois
   
7. Hollywood, Florida
   
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
   
9. Houston, Texas
   
10. Salt Lake City, Utah