Lonely Planet has named the hottest neighborhoods in America.
The list includes locations in cities that are travelers’ favorites, including New York City, Washington DC, and Seattle.
Because these areas are constantly changing, travel experts outlined the must-see neighborhoods so visitors can make the most of their trips.
From a small section of Brooklyn to an indie enclave in Austin to a low-key, beachy neighborhood in San Diego, these names are not commonly found in tourist guidebooks and are often off the beaten path.
Each destination will give visitors a unique, unexpected look into local city life.
Sunset Park, New York City
It comes as no surprise that the hottest neighborhood in NYC is located in Brooklyn, which is quickly rivalling Manhattan when it comes to borough popularity. Sunset Park sits below Park Slope on the south and western borders of Green-Wood Cemetery, and is home to a complex mix of cultures and traditions. The neighborhood is centered around Sunset Park itself, which sits atop one of Brooklyn’s highest hills. Brooklyn Chinatown sits on the east side, shown above during the Chinese New Year in 2015. On the east side is a large Latin American community
Capitol Riverfront & Yards Park, Washington, DC
Capitol Riverfront & Yards Park is a former Navy Yard with a dodgy past, but it underwent a transformation when the Nationals baseball team moved its ballpark in. The waterfront now features a boardwalk, small riverside parks and dozens of great places to eat and drink. Even non-baseball fans can enjoy a day in the area, renting kayaks and paddling along the Potomac or checking out the Trapeze School New York – Washington DC. After working up an appetite there are several places to grab some fresh seafood or a craft beer
East Liberty & Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
The Steel City likely isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of must-see American cities, but East Liberty and Lawrenceville offer a unique charm for anyone who comes through. Artists and entrepreneurs came in about ten years ago to give the empty warehouses of Lawrenceville a new life – at a hefty discounted price. It’s now home to small businesses focusing on fashion and microbrewing. Nearby East Liberty went through a similar transformation when Google set up show in the old Nabisco factory. It’s also the leading test site for self-driving cars. The neighborhood as a whole is a center for ‘money millennials’
East Nashville, Nashville
The Music City is known for its focus on the country music genre downtown, but across the Cumberland River, East Nashville has a much more eclectic vibe. There’s tattoos parlors, street murals and alternative music venues on nearly every corner in this area, along with rows of craftsman-style homes. Every summer there’s a Tomato Art Festival, as seen above. Of course no neighborhood would make this list without a number of great eateries to choose from. There’s even several places for classic Nashville hot chicken
Avondale, Chicago
Avondale is not an area where one will find tourist sites or even hotels to stay in, but among the two-flat homes there’s plenty of interesting destinations. This working-class section on the northwest side of Chicago is filling up with quirky entertainment and dining options, including Revolution Brewing, pictured above. At the center of the city’s Polish community, there’s no shortage of pierogis and kielbasa sausage that can be washed down with local craft beer. On the other end of the dining spectrum, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant. Lonely Planet suggests getting here soon because once it’s discovered it wont be the same
South 1st Street, Austin
Don’t be fooled – South 1st Street’s doesn’t look like much on first glance, but it’s got a dedicated fan base. Bakeries and vintage shops are go-tos for locals looking for something a little out of the ordinary. On top of classic Tex Mex, there are restaurants serving cuisines from across the globe for a price that won’t break the bank after a day of antiquing. On one corner, the Greetings from Austin mural gives visitors a great photo-op, if they can find it. This area is a start contrast to the jam-packed South Congress Avenue neighborhood to the east
River North (RiNo), Denver
This area of Denver’s inner city has managed to stick with its grungy, punk-rock vibe for the past few decades, even as the city has been growing. It’s an area where the city’s young tattooed locals hang out and street murals seemingly pop up overnight. Alongside quirky art galleries, there’s an abundance of creative food halls and alternative music venues that give RiNo a unique personality and character in the center of the western city
Point Loma, San Diego
Point Loma sits on the elephant’s trunk-shaped peninsula, separated from Downtown by San Diego Bay and Coronado Island. It’s home to an assorted collection of New England-style clapboard houses, tropical- themed hotels and exquisite modern hilltop homes with panoramic views of the city and harbor. It’s known for fantastically fresh seafood brought in by boat daily, but there are also local vendors serving anything and everything. At the southern-most tip stands the famous Cabrillo National Monument, where in 1542 Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo became the first European explorer to discover San Diego. The 144-acre national park surrounding the monument has hikes, tide-pools, a lighthouse and a history museum to explore
Frelard, Seattle
Frelard also got a nod on Lonely Planet’s global list, sitting between two of Seattle’s most popular areas. Its location makes it a great place to stop through during a day of sightseeing. The name comes from Seattle restaurateur Ethan Stowell, owner of Frelard Pizza Company, pictured, reflecting its neighbors: Fre(mont) and (Bal)lard. Visitors wandering from the Fremont Troll to the Chittenden Locks can now stop to sample one of the area’s growing restaurant, bar and brewery options
Montavilla, Portland
The city has more than 50 food carts with cuisines from across the world, making it one of the best foodie destinations in the U.S.. One of the most popular carts Nong’s Khao Man Gai serves up wildly popular Thai food. Montavilla is a quiet neighborhood in southeast Portland with a deeply-rooted arts scene. Its core is just a half-dozen blocks along Stark Street, lined with local shops, restaurants and bars. There’s also a busy Sunday farmers market