2nd Best Massachusetts Downtown (Boston, Worcester: oceanfront, neighborhood, theater)

[btownboss4]

Obviously not including Cambridge because, let's be Honest its an extention of Boston's CBD VS being it's own entity.
So that Leaves
Worcester
Springfield
Lowell
New Bedford
Brockton
Lynn
Salem
Fall River

[495neighbor]

I vote Salem. History, unique shops and restaurants, Peabody Essex Museum, oceanfront, green spaces and highly walkable.

[in_newengland]

So one of the best downtowns, Northampton, isn't even included in the poll? It's way above all the others except Salem. Or was this poll for the best downtowns in EASTERN Mass?

Northampton has unique shops, historic buildings, parks, is adjacent to the campus of Smith College, has great independent restaurants, wonderful jewelry stores, at least one theater/hall, The Academy of Music, and more--and it's all easily walkable. It is also attractive to look at.

[AtkinsonDan]

No Newburyport option? I voted for Lowell out of the options given.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

So one of the best downtowns, Northampton, isn't even included in the poll? It's way above all the others except Salem. Or was this poll for the best downtowns in EASTERN Mass?

Northampton has unique shops, historic buildings, parks, is adjacent to the campus of Smith College, has great independent restaurants, wonderful jewelry stores, at least one theater/hall, The Academy of Music, and more--and it's all easily walkable. It is also attractive to look at.

In the OP's defense, they did include Worcester and Springfield which are not eastern Mass.

[btownboss4]

I did not add Northampton or Newburyport based of the fact they are sort of cutsy vs functional downtowns.

[CaseyB]

If this is a poll on Mass. cities then you forgot Quincy.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by btownboss4

I did not add Northampton or Newburyport based of the fact they are sort of cutsy vs functional downtowns.

I find it interesting that you used the term functional. I lived just outside downtown Lowell, in the lower highlands neighborhood, for almost seven years and I only went into downtown Lowell twice: once to the courthouse for a legal matter and the second time to the MetroPCS store to switch over from another cellphone carrier.

In our suburban world I don't know if any downtowns can survive as being functional. Most of them (including Lowell) have to embrace arts and events to maintain viability.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

If this is a poll on Mass. cities then you forgot Quincy.

Quincy does have a substantial downtown and unlike Cambridge, it operates independently of Boston's downtown being as the two are separated by South Boston and Dorchester.

[btownboss4]

Originally Posted by AtkinsonDan

I find it interesting that you used the term functional. I lived just outside downtown Lowell, in the lower highlands neighborhood, for almost seven years and I only went into downtown Lowell twice: once to the courthouse for a legal matter and the second time to the MetroPCS store to switch over from another cellphone carrier.

In our suburban world I don't know if any downtowns can survive as being functional. Most of them (including Lowell) have to embrace arts and events to maintain viability.

Downtown Lowell, Salem, Worcester has a lot of Offices and workers, even some small manufacturers, ever try to get through Downtown Lowell at 5? its horrible.
Newburyport and Northampton don't have as many 9-5 workers, its more of an outdoor mall.