These Are the 8 "Coolest" Neighborhoods in the U.S. Right Now
What do you like about your neighborhood? Is it the affordable rent? Or your bodega owner who happens to remember your coffee and bagel order every morning? Or is it the fact that you have the opportunity to hear the birds chirping at the crack of dawn while you sip your morning brew on your porch? Or because you enjoy the friendly personalities of all your neighbors?
Although your definition of a “cool” neighborhood may vary, one thing is true — everyone loves to rank their favorites. And now, another new list of the so-called coolest neighborhoods in the world is making the rounds.
Time Out Magazine recently spoke with the experts to curate their annual ranking of the 38 coolest neighborhoods.
To create their ranking, Time Out consulted their global team of writers and editors, asking them to identify the coolest neighborhood in their city and explain why. They then narrowed down the selections and ranked the neighborhoods based on criteria such as food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community, and unique local flavor. The result is a final list that celebrates the charm of each city.
Out of the 38 coolest neighborhoods in the whole world, eight of them were in the United States — and they’re all uniquely charming and different from one another, which makes you realize how beautiful the country truly is.
What Are the 8 Coolest Neighborhoods in the U.S.?
Kerns: Portland, Oregon
Kerns ranks fifth among the coolest neighborhoods in the world. This artsy, mixed-use neighborhood is home of the historic Laurelhurst Theater, a landmark built in 1923.
The neighborhood also has a lot of hip cocktail bars and pubs mixed with coffee shops and vintage-clothing outlets. There are also plenty of green spaces like Riverside Eastbank Esplanade and parks like Oregon Park. If you ever visit, don’t forget to check out Beaverton — it’s a 20-minute drive away and one of our vibiest towns in America for 2024.
Little River: Miami, Florida
Little River, which ranks 12th on the list of the coolest cities in the world, is one of Miami’s little gems. The neighborhood takes its name from the Little River that runs along its northern edge. This neighborhood offers a delightful mix of coffee shops like the Imperial Moto and other food and shopping experiences.
Flatbush: Brooklyn, New York
Flatbush ranks 17th on the list — it’s a large and diverse neighborhood in central Brooklyn. Known for its vibrant Caribbean community, you’ll find hundreds of restaurants and tons of green space — the neighborhood is in close proximity to Prospect Park and is also home to the historic Kings Theater.
East Hollywood: Los Angeles, California
East Hollywood isn’t some obscure neighborhood — it’s a densely populated area within central Los Angeles, home to over 78,000+ residents, that Thrillist named one of the 17 best neighborhoods for eating in Los Angeles. It’s notable for being the site of Barnsdall Art Park and Los Angeles City College. Many young professionals live in this neighborhood, and it offers a dense, urban feel.
Mount Pleasant: Washington, D.C.
This primarily residential neighborhood, ranked 29th on the Time Out list, is just 10 minutes from the nation’s capital. Mount Pleasant offers a charming small-town feel with a variety of restaurants and shops along Mt. Pleasant Street.
To plan the perfect day exploring Mount Pleasant, start your visit with breakfast at Dos Gringos Cafe, then rent a bike to explore Rock Creek Park. End your day with a delicious ice cream at Mount Desert Island.
Brewerytown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Brewerytown, known for its rich history in brewing, is located in the northern section of Philadelphia and features a lively atmosphere with plenty to explore. With easy access to public transportation, Brewerytown serves as a convenient gateway to the rest of Philadelphia, allowing residents to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene throughout the city. Residents can take advantage of various breakfast spots, parks, museums, and bars.
Logan Square: Chicago, Illinois
Logan Square, named after 19th-century soldier and politician John Alexander Logan, is a thriving, multicultural neighborhood with a population of 57,939. It’s ranked at number 34 on the Time Out list. It’s filled with coffee shops, delis, art galleries, and music venues, and offers a rich array of activities. The streets are lined with locally owned businesses like boutiques and farmers markets.
There are beautiful parks across the neighborhood, but Logan Square Park tends to have a lot of community events and festivals that you could plan to attend when visiting. At the park, you can also see Logan Square’s prominent landmark, The Illinois Centennial Monument. The monument features a tall, obelisk-like structure, adorned with various sculptures and reliefs that represent important aspects of Illinois history. It stands 100 feet tall, symbolizing Illinois’ centennial celebration.
Union Square: Somerville, Massachusetts
Union Square, home to 81,045 people, is ranked at number 38. It’s a vibrant destination just 20 minutes from Boston in Cambridge’s neighbor, Somerville.
Whether you plan to visit one or all of these neighborhoods, you’re sure to be entertained and discover a variety of activities. It’s time to start planning your next adventure and see what these fantastic towns have to offer!
Interested in learning more about the other neighborhoods that made the list? Check out Time Out’s full list here.
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