Traveling becomes a more pleasant experience when the locals are friendly and welcoming. With the help of Resonance Consultancy, National Geographic came up with a list of 28 of the friendliest neighborhoods in the U.S.
The list is a resource for travelers to find where they can go to meet people and fully immerse themselves into the local culture.
So, how exactly did they come up with this list?
According to National Geographic, Vancouver-based Resonance Consultancy combined its proprietary Best City analytics from more than 200 cities with statistics and user-generated data such as walkability, home affordability, public spaces, and the prevalence of third spaces (restaurants, breweries, cafes, and more).
Using social media and data from TripAdvisor and Yelp were also vital in determining which neighborhoods would make the list.
Below are the 28 friendliest neighborhoods in U.S. cities:
Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts
In addition to friendly locals, you’ll find cool cafes and bookstores.
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Get active while in Waikiki with a hike to the top of Honolulu’s Diamond Head.
If you’d rather relax, enjoy easy waves and powdery sand at the beach.
Ukranian Village/Wicker Park, Chicago, Illinois
Check out independently-owned boutiques, chic restaurants, and the Flatiron Arts Building while in this neighborhood.
Capital Hills, Seattle, Washington
Capital Hill is definitely a hipster neighborhood. If you’re into art, vintage shopping, and live music — this is definitely the place to be.
French Quarter, Charleston, South Carolina
This southern neighborhood boasts trendy hotels, art galleries, and colonial architecture.
Hyde Park, Boise, Idaho
This 11-acre green space has access to the Ridges to Rivers trail system. Just rent a bike at Tri-Town Bicycles and get to exploring!
Second Street, Austin, Texas
Home to Austin’s Moody Theater, this neighborhood is definitely suited for the music lovers.
North Beach, San Francisco, California
North Beach is a neighborhood heavily influenced by Italian culture by its immigrants.
Visit City Lights Bookstore and Coit Tower during the day. Head to Stella Pastry and Mario’s for a taste of Italy.
At night, check out Beach Blanket Babylon, a music-variety drag queen show.
Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
Old Town was established in 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost. Tour the city by renting a bike and exploring souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Head to the Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the history of the region.
Downtown Los Angeles, California
Check out the sub-neighborhoods of Little Tokyo and the Arts District to get the true vibrancy of Downtown LA.
Rogers Park, Anchorage, Alaska
Head to Rogers Park for a bit of moose spotting along the four-mile Chester Creek Trail.
Downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The downtown boardwalk is home to a 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel which you can ride to get a full view of the scenery.
Little Italy, San Diego, California
You have to visit the Little Italy Food Hall for an authentic taste of Italy.
Other notable places: Ballast Point Brewery and the Saturday farmers Mercato.
North Historic District, Savannah, Georgia
This neighborhood is filled with homes dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Make your way to River Street for shops, food, and tours of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters Museum.
Times Square/Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, New York
According to Ben Pundole, vice president of brand experience at Edition Hotels, “Times Square is such a world crossroads, which can make it such a friendly, accepting place whether you’re into Broadway, music, or whatever.”
Japantown, San Jose, California
This neighborhood is one of three official Japantowns in the U.S.
Check out the Japanese American Museum of San Jose to learn about the local history.
The Strip, Las Vegas, Nevada
The strip runs 4.2 miles and has plenty of hotels, shows, and fun along the way.
Foodies should head to Eataly for the ultimate foodie experience.
The Block, Asheville, North Carolina
Get to know this neighborhood with Hood Hugger’s tours. This neighborhood was once filled with thriving black-owned businesses. Now, because of gentrification, the old and new businesses co-exist.
The Heights, Houston, Texas
Filled with Victorian homes and mid-century Bungalows, The Heights is perfect for strolling. You can rent a bike and venture through a short bike-trail to discover vintage buildings, boutiques, and restaurants.
Old Naples, Florida
The historic district of Old Naples has vintage bungalows, outdoor cafes, and high-end boutiques. You can partake in a walking tour to explore the 1920s oyster-processing plant on Naples Bay.
University Area, Madison, Wisconsin
Visit in the summer for a bit of relaxation at Lake Wingra.
Thornton Park, Orlando, Florida
Thornton Park is filled with dog-friendly sidewalk cafes, live music, and a farmers market on Saturdays.
Brickell/Hammock, Miami, Florida
Get views of Biscayne Bay from this downtown Miami neighborhood.
Broadmoor/Stratton Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Above Broadmoor/Stratton Springs are the 101-year-old Broadmoor Resort towers. The area is a mountain-framed zone and is known for Seven Falls, housing trails and waterfalls.
Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma
Downtown Tulsa is filled with art deco buildings as a result of 20th-century oil tycoons. It is near the Tulsa Arts District which has galleries and Guthrie Green Park.
Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.
This charming neighborhood is filled with shops and restaurants in early 20th-century and contemporary buildings.
Amanda McClements, resident and owner of neighborhood decor shop Salt & Sunday says, “I love walking down 14th Street on a nice day when people spill out of restaurants onto the sidewalks.”
Chihuahuita/El Segundo, El Paso, Texas
These are two of the oldest neighborhoods in El Paso and was established in the late 19th century by Mexican immigrants escaping the Mexican Revolution. There are now guided walking tours of murals depicting Hispanic culture.
West Omaha, Nebraska
This town was originally founded as an orphanage in 1917 by a Roman Catholic priest Edward Flanagan.
You can tour the 1929 house and museum, which is still a home for the at-risk youth in Nebraska.
