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I've lived in Portland and I think it may win this as a standalone city for the charming downtown and coastal location. But it's greatest strength (being a rare example of a small, thriving, fully-independent city) is also it's greatest weakness for me. Portland's small and can feel fairly isolated if you're someone who enjoys bigger city amenities.
Lancaster punches above its weight in many areas (though I don't think it's as unique or charming as Portland in terms of the look/feel of the city center) and is a very livable city. It's also only a little over an hour from Philly by train which is ideal (Portland is nearly 3 hours from Boston via slow, infrequent Amtrak or 2ish by bus). Lancaster is also closer to a number of peer cities than Portland is. That doesn't help Lancaster to stand out, but it's nice to have that proximity.
Overall, I think I'd go with Portland, but it's close. As much as I like visiting Roanoke, it's very much a distant 3rd for me.
Lancaster punches above its weight in many areas (though I don't think it's as unique or charming as Portland in terms of the look/feel of the city center) and is a very livable city. It's also only a little over an hour from Philly by train which is ideal (Portland is nearly 3 hours from Boston via slow, infrequent Amtrak or 2ish by bus). Lancaster is also closer to a number of peer cities than Portland is. That doesn't help Lancaster to stand out, but it's nice to have that proximity.
Honestly curious about your comment regarding Lancaster's charm, as it tends to get high points from most folks in that regards. It's long been lauded for having very ambitious and thorough historic preservation mindset in its downtown and surrounding residential streets, with fantastic examples of colonial American architecture. Here's a few street views to depict what I mean:
I can understand the comment about uniqueness, as there indeed a number other cities on the East Coast, large and small, with that kind of colonial-era charm/preservation in at least some neighborhoods (although I could argue that Portland also follows a fairly common template for coastal New England towns/cities, as well). But Lancaster is still notable for how cohesive it is, particularly for a small city setting.
Don't mean to come off as contrarian; just interested in how that judgement is made from your perspective.
Honestly curious about your comment regarding Lancaster's charm, as it tends to get high points from most folks in that regards. It's long been lauded for having very ambitious and thorough historic preservation mindset in its downtown and surrounding residential streets, with fantastic examples of colonial American architecture. Here's a few street views to depict what I mean:
I can understand the comment about uniqueness, as there indeed a number other cities on the East Coast, large and small, with that kind of colonial-era charm/preservation in at least some neighborhoods (although I could argue that Portland also follows a fairly common template for coastal New England towns/cities, as well). But Lancaster is still notable for how cohesive it is, particularly for a small city setting.
Don't mean to come off as contrarian; just interested in how that judgement is made from your perspective.
I agree with all you stated. I think most who have visited "Lancaster" have visited the surrounding countryside and the "touristy kind of trappy" Pennsylvania Dutch attractions and very few actually have been to the Lancaster City core which is extremely historic and charming.
That is just my take and what I find most people know about Lancaster. This poll is proving that Lancaster is actually the Mid Atlantics and perhaps the entire Northeast best kept secret.
I have been told Lancaster is far more vibrant, interesting, charming and more bustling than Burlington, VT when I have taken people who have never been for day trips.
I think few people know that the world renowned Tait studios is located just outside Lancaster city and is a high profile production studio where where the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, U2 and other major artist actually prepare their concert production tours. Lady Gaga knows Lancaster very well. I assume its the lower profile setting but still being close to NYC that attracts them. You can fly from NYC to Lancaster in probably about 40 minutes.
It is also the most diverse city of the three, with a significant Puerto Rican population and also is a sanctuary city so it has a nice influx of immigrants which add a strong culture mix for such a small city and it is fully displayed with its food scene. Lancaster is definitely a foodie city.
It is also the most diverse city of the three, with a significant Puerto Rican population and also is a sanctuary city so it has a nice influx of immigrants which add a strong culture mix for such a small city and it is fully displayed with its food scene. Lancaster is definitely a foodie city.
That's interesting and I don't think Lancaster comes to mind with diversity. You're right, the first thought is more rural.
Honestly curious about your comment regarding Lancaster's charm, as it tends to get high points from most folks in that regards. It's long been lauded for having very ambitious and thorough historic preservation mindset in its downtown and surrounding residential streets, with fantastic examples of colonial American architecture. Here's a few street views to depict what I mean:
I can understand the comment about uniqueness, as there indeed a number other cities on the East Coast, large and small, with that kind of colonial-era charm/preservation in at least some neighborhoods (although I could argue that Portland also follows a fairly common template for coastal New England towns/cities, as well). But Lancaster is still notable for how cohesive it is, particularly for a small city setting.
Don't mean to come off as contrarian; just interested in how that judgement is made from your perspective.
I'm not saying that Lancaster doesn't have a good deal of charm (it really does!) and isn't "cohesive" (it is!). My point about Portland is that it's also both of those things but much of its charm stems from more than just the built environment. Those street views are great and could likely be interchangeable with many spots in Portland to the untrained eye. I would argue that Portland's built environment isn't really that similar to the bulk of New England's coastal cities/towns. There's some similarity to the brick you see in parts of Boston as well as Portsmouth NH and Newburyport MA. But the vast majority of coastal New England is noted for wood being the material of choice (this, this, or this being pretty well-known examples).
What sets Portland apart (to me, anyway), is that it has done as good as any city in terms of preserving its core in addition to having a fantastic natural setting and an interesting layout.
The coast is the obvious talking point (this is easy walking distance from the heart of downtown Portland, this is one of the many wharves to explore) with sweeping views of Casco Bay and bars, lobster shacks, and restaurants dotting the waterfront. That, in conjunction with the preserved core, is the primary appeal of Portland. But it's more than that. The topography (a peninsula with the core at sea level and two hills rising on either side of it) creates an somewhat irregular street grid that provides both interesting (and fairly unique for the U.S. with cities dominated by the grid) vistas bot at the street level (here's an example) and over a distance (Here's a view of Mt. Washington, NH, the tallest peak in the Northeast, from Portland's Western Promenade). It's also one of a few small cities in the U.S. that I think takes really good advantages of what would be unused space in other places (like Wharf St).
It's the combination of all of those elements, not just the preserved core, that give Portland the "unique" edge for me over Lancaster. Of course, unless you want to brag about "bones," you need those spaces to be active and vibrant. Portland and Lancaster both get high marks on that front. But again, Portland would be my choice.
It's the combination of all of those elements, not just the preserved core, that give Portland the "unique" edge for me over Lancaster. Of course, unless you want to brag about "bones," you need those spaces to be active and vibrant. Portland and Lancaster both get high marks on that front. But again, Portland would be my choice.
That's all very fair, and I do appreciate your in-depth explanation. The unique layout and natural vistas are indeed strong points in Portland's favor. In fact, this Olmsted-designed park gem overlooking Casco Bay was very impressive; that part of my jaunt to Portland will always stick with me.
Last edited by Duderino; 02-25-2021 at 04:38 PM..
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