Cities with a 'retro' feel? (compared, places, Boston, Chicago)
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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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Which cities feel the most 20th century 'retro', like it could still be the 1970s, for instance? (or any time from about 1950-1990).
I would say for me, New York City. Especially Harlem and the outer boroughs. I view this as a good thing, in a way. Going to Harlem felt like going back in time to the 70s (despite all I hear about gentrification). Not just the buildings, but the general look (shop signs, lots of delis etc). I got a similar feeling in much of Brooklyn, for example Coney Island and Brighton Beach.
I would say Memphis had this feel a little bit...New Orleans was historic, and the downtown felt a little 'oldish' but not retro like parts of New York. Boston has alot of history but it still felt very modern. Parts of LA like Hawthorne, Compton or El Segundo still look like they are stuck in the 90s. Or maybe even less developed parts of the Valley. LA seems to look either super modern (Santa Monica, Century City) or slighty dated with a very late 70s to late 90s vibe (i.e. Chinatown or West Hollywood even though I know it's a separate city).
I would imagine Philly might have areas that feel very 'retro'...as well as parts of Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis. Any other cities?
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I agree with NYC. Big parts of Manhattan haven't really changed since the 1800's. A lot of places just have a classic look to them(Greenwich Village pops into my mind). I think the outer boroughs are retro mainly for a different reason. Most store fronts seem to be dated and retro compared to younger cities. Plus the overhead subway tracks add to the retro-ness in my opinion.
Another place that comes to mind is Miami Beach. All the Art Deco architecture gives it a cool feel. The odd thing is I think of the 80's rather than the 20's or 30's when I see pictures of Miami. I blame Miami Vice for that.
Maybe parts of Vegas as well. Some of the older casinos like the Riviera, Caesars Palace and Fremont St(as long as you don't look up have a cool Rat Packish vibe to them.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,025,008 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by DTL3000
I agree with NYC. Big parts of Manhattan haven't really changed since the 1800's. A lot of places just have a classic look to them(Greenwich Village pops into my mind). I think the outer boroughs are retro mainly for a different reason. Most store fronts seem to be dated and retro compared to younger cities. Plus the overhead subway tracks add to the retro-ness in my opinion.
Another place that comes to mind is Miami Beach. All the Art Deco architecture gives it a cool feel. The odd thing is I think of the 80's rather than the 20's or 30's when I see pictures of Miami. I blame Miami Vice for that.
Maybe parts of Vegas as well. Some of the older casinos like the Riviera, Caesars Palace and Fremont St(as long as you don't look up have a cool Rat Packish vibe to them.
Interesting you mention Vegas. When I visited I forgot how old places like Caesar's were, they look just as modern as the newer casino. Downtown Vegas is a bit 'rundown' in parts, apart from maybe the Fremont Street Experience area.
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Portland, Oregon: dream of the 90's
