Our most well preserved historic cities (neighborhoods, living, centers)

[Stylo]

I love old cities and their architecture. In Canada, a standout is Quebec City. It's like stepping into old Europe.

In the United States, what cities are the best preserved? I'd like to exclude smaller historic sections, and speak more to cities where their centers are well preserved and very old (primarily 18th, 19th century). They will inevitably have modern sections, but their hearts are historic.

Here's the ones that stand out to me as truly well preserved historic cities/towns:

Charleston, SC
Newport, RI
Alexandria, VA
Essex, CT
Guilford, CT
Stonington Borough, CT
Old Wethersfield, CT
Edgartown, MA
Annapolis, MD

Here's what I feel to be really well preserved sections of cities that are otherwise fairly modern:

North End, Boston, MA
Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
Georgetown, DC
Old Port, Portland, ME

Any to add?

[kyle19125]

Savannah GA is noticeably absent from your list which may indicate you haven't visited? If not, I would highly recommend.

[annie_himself]

New Orleans and St. Augustine.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Savannah GA is noticeably absent from your list which may indicate you haven't visited? If not, I would highly recommend.

I have not. That is a good one.

[SunGrins]

Acoma - Sky City, NM
Taos Pueblo, NM
(Two of the oldest inhabited communities in the U.S. ~1,000 years)
Santa Fe, NM (1610)

[kidphilly]

Originally Posted by Stylo

I love old cities and their architecture. In Canada, a standout is Quebec City. It's like stepping into old Europe.

In the United States, what cities are the best preserved? I'd like to exclude smaller historic sections, and speak more to cities where their centers are well preserved and very old (primarily 18th, 19th century). They will inevitably have modern sections, but their hearts are historic.

Here's the ones that stand out to me as truly well preserved historic cities/towns:

Charleston, SC
Newport, RI
Alexandria, VA
Essex, CT
Guilford, CT
Stonington Borough, CT
Old Wethersfield, CT
Edgartown, MA
Annapolis, MD

Here's what I feel to be really well preserved sections of cities that are otherwise fairly modern:

North End, Boston, MA
Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
Georgetown, DC
Old Port, Portland, ME

Any to add?

Society Hill and Old City (believe the largest collection of colonial building in the country) in Philly would definitely be neighborhoods with a ton of well preserved history and buildings


There are also a ton of smaller towns on the East coast particularly the NE


Places like a New Hope PA, Doylestown PA, Lambertville PA, or even a Newtown PA would have great historically preserved cores. Just scratching the list but there are many


there also some cores in places like a Lancaster PA or a Fredrick MD that might be interesting

[lunetunelover]

Why isn't Williamsburg VA on your list?

[kyle19125]

Other oft-overlooked cities are Fernandina Beach FL (the only city in the US that has had 8 different flags fly over it) and Portsmouth NH.

Fernandina Historic District | Amelia Island e-Magazine
Explore Portsmouth, NH on Your Next Vacation or Weekend Getaway

[Bluefox]

Fells Point, Baltimore belongs on the list

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

Why isn't Williamsburg VA on your list?

Haven't been yet!