best downtown atmosphere w/o feeling threatened (best cities, rent)

[sillygal]

Love old historic downtowns, and waterfronts.........PLEASE where do I go? And I love road biking in these towns? Where should I move too?

[DeLaSalle]

Originally Posted by sillygal

Love old historic downtowns, and waterfronts.........PLEASE where do I go? And I love road biking in these towns? Where should I move too?

Wow, That's a good one...

[FistFightingHairdresser]

Originally Posted by sillygal

Love old historic downtowns, and waterfronts.........PLEASE where do I go? And I love road biking in these towns? Where should I move too?

Hi,

How big of a city are you talking? Port Townsend, WA is a lovely historic town near the water, but it's pretty small. Years back I visited Marquette, MI and absolutely feel in love. The East Side has some great older homes, a gorgeous L. Superior waterfront, and backwoods trails abound. But again, it's not huge.

But if you move to either place, can I rent your basement?

[ChampWSox05]

Chicago. The best downtown area of any city. The skyline and the lakefront are beautiful. Biking on the lakefront is popular here. BTW, the food is the best in the world.

[nhyrnut]

Burlington VT, Littleton NH, Portsmith NH, Denver CO

[mariatherese]

I've never been, but I hear Portland, OR is very cool.

Very historic downtown, built on a river. It is considered to be one of the best cities for cyclists. It has it's crime, I'm sure, but they say not nearly as much as most cities. Most people say it feels more like a big town than a small city. I'm thinking of moving there in a few years.

[exhdo1]

I would say lower Manhattan. Anything south of 8th street. Why do I say 8th. street because then I can include McSorleys Ale House which is on 7th. street. Seriously though. There is so much to do, see and eat in lower Mahattan it's incredible. I've never felt threatened when I've been downtown. I would also add the inner harbor in Baltimore which is another great place to visit, although I believe it's a place where you wouldn't want to stray to far from the beaten path. Again I've been there quite a few times and never had a problem.

[chaz longue]

Burlington VT
Montreal Canada

...did I mention Burlington VT? Miles and miles of lakefront bike path, including miles if it going THROUGH the lake on a 20 foot wide former railroad bed. Burlington also has a lovely old downtown with a pedestrian core.

[tarvi]

Originally Posted by sillygal

Love old historic downtowns, and waterfronts.........PLEASE where do I go? And I love road biking in these towns? Where should I move too?

mmm, I would suggest you to check TALLINN in northern Europe middle-age old town and waterfront... but yea, sorry, guess you are looking for a place in the U.S.

[fish2026]

I don't feel threatened in Buffalo and it has the nicest old buildings. Its really a big museum. Ive walked all parts- night and day- love it but live in Texas. Elmira from the pics has lovely old bldgs as well,however I havent been there.