HGTV Names The Most Charming Downtowns To Live Near Along The East Coast

If you're searching for an enchanting new town to visit or place your roots, HGTV has a few ideas. They have awarded 20 East Coast cities the distinct honor of having the cutest downtown areas in the U.S. From historic sites to adorable architecture, it's easy to get lost in the charm of these city centers. Forget strip malls and cookie-cutter buildings. These cities are dripping with picturesque attractions and romantic street corners.

We've discussed the best neighborhoods in Denver to buy a home and the best place to live in Tennessee, but this selection is exclusively for the East Coasters. If you take a trip to one of these quaint areas, you're bound to fall in love with your surroundings. Whether you prefer the southeast states or the northeast region, there is something for everyone on this list. Discover your next neighborhood based on your recreational hobbies, budget, and overall preferences.

A college town at heart, Athens, Georgia, is a center for creativity and artistry. One of the biggest draws is the live music almost every single evening. There is buzzing nightlife, delicious dining options, and of course, a picturesque downtown strip. Located 73 miles northeast of Atlanta, this vibrant community offers the perfect escape from the city without sacrificing amenities. The average home value is currently $333,998, and it is steadily climbing.

If you love port towns with outdoor activities and seafood, Mystic, Connecticut, is right up your alley. Imagine colonial-era waterfront homes, quintessential New England architecture, and over 80 independent shops and art galleries. Whether you love sailing, fishing, or just breathing the sea air, Mystic is an ultra-charming destination famous for its award-winning sea-to-table cuisine and classic pubs. The median listing home price is $1.1 million, and the average rent is $3,000 a month.

If a proper beach town is what you're after, Fernandina Beach, Florida, is located on the shores of Amelia Island. With soft white sand and crashing waves, it combines the beauty of nature with a playful approach to life. From their famous shrimping festival to the Fernandina Pirates Club, the residents and visitors truly make the most of this coastal town. Plus, Fernandina Beach Historic District has been awarded a space on the National Register of Historic Places. The median home listing price is $705,000.

Nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Middleburg, Virginia, blends rich history with modern charm. Often celebrated for its equestrian heritage, the intimate downtown area features museums, antiques, and exceptional dining. You can embrace its cozy ambiance while enjoying horse competitions, acclaimed wines, and seasonal festivals. It has a unique historic district with curated storefronts, and the downtown is located only 45 miles from Washington D.C. The median listing home price is quite high, coming in at $2.39 million.

Downtown Concord, North Carolina, is a lively hub full of southern warmth. Its revitalized streets have been recently updated, guiding visitors to countless unique shops, diverse dining options, and a flourishing arts community. With its balance of heritage and progress, this vibrant destination offers an energetic urban lifestyle while preserving its timeless character. In spite of the revitalization, the median listing home price has dropped to $410,000. However, plenty of new builds are being erected in the downtown center, a possible sign of increasing demand.

Another stunning location for outdoor enthusiasts, Dahlonega, Georgia, is a mountainous town with nearby waterfalls, streams, vineyards, and more dreamy landscapes. From wine tastings to gallery exhibitions, the town is always hosting community events. With a legacy as a gold rush town, there is a ton of history to absorb in this Blue Ridge Mountains destination. The median listing price is just above $498,000, and the median rental price is $2,000 a month.

Downtown Cape Charles, Virginia, offers a lively mix of galleries, shops, and boutiques showcasing local creations, specialty foods, and distinctive finds. Unlike typical small-town main streets, each business brings its own personality and charm. They also prioritize preserving historic character and living in harmony with the seaside surroundings. The median listing price is on the rise, currently coming in at about $702,000.

Conway, South Carolina, is a historic river town with brick buildings and a warm, welcoming attitude. Located along the Waccamaw River, it is visually charming while still brimming with amenities. The Conway Riverwalk is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. It's filled with historic buildings, public artwork, and countless southern restaurants. The average home value has dropped to $285,820, making it a tempting area to invest.

Another Blue Ridge Mountains gem, Greenville, South Carolina, has a modern downtown with a waterfall in the city center. It boasts an award-winning cosmopolitan craft food and beverage scene that combines local and global cuisine. Their tourism website includes curated travel itineraries so that visitors can experience the best that the downtown area (and beyond) has to offer. The real estate market is slowly rising, with the current median home value settling at $321,675.

While it's not exactly a hidden gem, there's a reason Charlottesville, Virginia, has been steadily growing in population – 3.2% since 2020. Residents can access nearby rivers and lakes, offering the chance to paddle, kayak, fish, and picnic in natural spaces. The downtown area features charming boutiques, antique stores, and artisanal shops. For wine aficionados, the Monticello Wine Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. The dining selection is world-class, with a dense selection of restaurants per capita. Unsurprisingly, the real estate market has followed the growing population, with the median home price rising to $509,225 this year.

Could this be the best place to live in Rhode Island? Wickford Village in Rhode Island captures the essence of classic Americana with its historic homes and scenic harbor. You can browse cute boutiques and art galleries, savor local cuisine by the water, or explore nature via kayak or paddleboard. A carriage ride along Main Street reveals a quaint, timeless charm reminiscent of Newport, yet much less crowded and focused on local life. The town has very little real estate inventory, making each property highly coveted.

As the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, is a quaint, cottage-filled town set among striking natural scenery. Imagine having homemade ice cream along Main Street as you stroll past independent stores with handcrafted gifts by Maine-based artisans. With oysters and lobsters galore, seafood lovers will fall head over heels for the fresh dining options. Although the town is known as a summer vacation destination, it is also a charming place to live. Now is a tempting time to buy, as the average home price has dropped 1.7% in the past year to $658,797.

In the heart of Lewes, Delaware, everything is within easy reach. The downtown spans just a half square mile, where visitors can stroll through the Historic district, explore museums, and enjoy a range of fine shops. Quaint inns, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants complete the scene, making the walkable center a perfect reflection of the town's charm and heritage. The average home value is currently at $590,204.

Lewiston, New York, is a picturesque, vibrant, and ultra-quaint town in Niagara County. The village comes alive with vibrant celebrations, from lively jazz events to the much-loved Annual Peach Festival, drawing visitors to experience its unique charm. It also has a strong agricultural community with working farms, vineyards, and more. The housing market has skyrocketed a whopping 4.7% this year, resulting in an average home value of $335,194.

When it comes to the best place to live in Maryland, you shouldn't overlook St. Michaels. A postcard town along the Chesapeake Bay, built on the traditions of generations of watermen. Brick sidewalks wind past historic cottages with slate and cedar roofs and white-columned porches adorned with flowers. The downtown area is a true exemplification of the small-town American dream, with Talbot Street guiding visitors down a row of antique shops and art galleries. The housing market is rising fast, with a 3.5% increase in just one year and an average home value of $718,303.

If you dream of spending autumn in a New England town drenched in golden leaves, Lake Placid, New York, is the ultimate fall destination. Located in the picturesque Adirondack region, there are plenty of family activities all year round. The charming Main Street is full of cozy cafes, sweet shops, and souvenir stores. The median sale price is $363,000, which has dropped 34.4% since last year. This is an opportunity to purchase a home in a quaint East Coast town when the market is low.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, sits at the meeting of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. This 19th-century town is listed as a National Historic District by the National Register. Visitors can enjoy locally owned shops, inviting restaurants, fascinating museums, and scenic hiking trails. Located only an hour from Washington, D.C., it offers both rich history and natural beauty. The average home value has risen since last year, currently resting at $392,542.

Known as the City of Bridges, Montpelier, Vermont, offers a sparkling downtown area — literally. After the sun goes down, golden lights illuminate each bridge throughout the historic district. The colors of the lights vary throughout the year, adding to the magic of the changing seasons. Montpelier also includes an eclectic array of local art galleries and historic buildings to explore. The typical home in Montpelier is valued at about $424,083, reflecting a 3.4% increase compared to last year.

Downtown York, Pennsylvania, is a delight for anyone who loves exploring a city. Its lively streets are lined with cozy cafes, unique shops, and historic architecture. Visitors can browse charming boutiques, enjoy dinner theater, or unwind at a wellness retreat. York combines the attractions of a bustling city with the warmth and community of a small town. The typical home in York is valued at $268,966, reflecting a 5.5% increase over the past year.

When it comes to the best place to live in New Hampshire, downtown Portsmouth has a lot to offer. Market Square serves as the lively center of downtown. Visitors can join guided walking tours that leave from the Market Square kiosk twice a week, offering a deeper look at the city's history. Along the way, it's easy to stop for a meal, shop for something special, or enjoy a pint beneath the view of the town's iconic steeple. The average Portsmouth house value is $763,866, a 1.9% increase over last year.