From the North to the South to America’s heartland and across the country to the West Coast, the USA has no shortage of hip, up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Smith Ninth Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn. (Photo: courtesy of NY Tourism & Conventions)
Within every big city, clusters of neighborhoods – from the center of downtown to its suburban fringes – reflect the people, history, and culture of the place. New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago; Portland, Nashville, and Detroit, among other urban centers, are only as compelling as their neighborhoods, the very heart and soul of each city.
To determine some of the country’s most appealing districts, TravelMag used specific criteria, curating a list of 16 up-and-coming places, with 16 major cities represented from a total of 25 on our list. For example, we looked at the number of cool cocktail bars, fancy coffee houses, and trendy eateries that have popped up in the past few years. We also noted LGBTQ-friendly and vegan spots, as well as eclectic boutiques in these neighborhoods, all of which could be considered hip districts in their respective cities but not quite the trendiest.
Some of these areas have witnessed a flurry of new development, and rents have risen more substantially than in other neighborhoods in the same city. Likewise, the demographic in these districts is shifting towards young professionals, leading to more demand for studio flats and one-bedroom apartments.
While challenging, we have selected just one neighborhood in each destination. Listed from A to Z, here’s TravelMag’s selection of up-and-coming neighborhoods in the US.
Brewerytown, Philadelphia
Stories say that lager, one of the most quaffed brew styles in the US, originated in Philly in 1840. So, it’s no surprise that Brewerytown – a primarily residential neighborhood hugging Fairmont Park’s western edge – housed the most breweries in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although the district declined in the 1970s and ‘80s, Brewerytown got a new lease on life after its historic district designation in the early ‘90s, and the neighborhood continues to develop.
The enclave is considered one of Philadelphia’s most storied neighborhoods, offering cultural attractions and culinary hotspots—some of which pour local beer–along Girard Avenue, the main drag. This district north of Center City is also strong in a community sense. In 2015, Marathon Farm transformed into Brewerytown Garden, a half-acre, volunteer-maintained community garden where locals plant fruits and vegetables.
Brewerytown in Philadelphia continues to develop. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Buckman, Portland
Don’t be fooled by the industrial streetscape in Buckman. One of PDX’s most under-the-radar neighborhoods, this area of Southeast Portland has a budding food and beverage scene in line with the town’s reputation as a culinary hotspot. Leading the pack is Haitian-inspired Kann – a live-fire eatery steered by Top Chef finalist Gregory Goudet –James Beard’s Best Restaurant of the Year in 2023. Meanwhile, Nong’s Khao Man Ghai, the Thai mainstay, churns out flavor-packed plates of chicken and rice garnished with Nong’s signature sauce.
Beer is having a moment in Buckman, too. Grand Fir Brewery and Fracture Brewery are new kids on the block, and employee-owned Workers Tap is a Victorian-style pub and beer garden offering 20 rotating European brews on draft. Meanwhile, Schilling Cider House & Gluten-Free Kitchen is the largest cider bar in the world, tapping out more than 50 hard ciders and serving only gluten-free food. Small businesses and a growing creative community also mean that Buckman is a Portland neighborhood to watch.
Schilling Cider House in Buckman taps more than 50 hard ciders. (Photo: Nick Mendez Photography)
Butchertown, Louisville
As the name implies, Butchertown was Louisville’s original meatpacking district in the 1800s. Fast-forward to the present day, and only one meat shop remains. However, this historic neighborhood east of downtown has morphed into one of Bourbon City’s hippest areas, and rents continue to increase.
Nightlife choices range from Butchertown Brewing and TEN20 Craft Brewery to Copper & Kings – the only brandy distillery in town – to Play Dance Bar, Louisville’s largest LGBTQ dance club. But outdoor pursuits reign supreme here as well. Butchertown is home to Louisville Waterfront Park along the Ohio River and Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville’s pro soccer venue. Eat wood-fired pies at Pizza Lupo and shop vintage at Hard Times Collective. No matter what brings you to Butchertown, it’s easy to recognize why this enclave is among Louisville’s premier spots to live, work, and play.
Bywater, New Orleans
Derived from its locale along the Mississippi River, Bywater is a neighborhood to watch. While gentrification has taken hold – Curbed labeled the neighborhood “New Orleans’ rapidly changing gem” – preserving Bywater’s charm isn’t lost. Colorful Creole cottages and shotgun-style houses dot this historic 19th-century district that’s blossomed into an art and culture hub. StudioBe is Brandon “BMike” Odums’ 35,000 square foot art gallery, aiming to inspire, promote local artists, and create change. Likewise, JAMNOLA (Joy, Art, and Music—New Orleans) allows visitors to explore interactive exhibits celebrating the Crescent City’s diverse culture.
Top Chef alum Nina Compton’s Bywater American Bistro, Bacchanal Wine, a destination for food, wine, and music, and Crescent Park, a 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban green space hugging the river, are other reasons why Bywater is one of the most exciting, up-and-coming neighborhoods in the US.
Corktown, Detroit
Perched on the city’s southwest side, this Detroit neighborhood is miles from County Cork, Ireland. But it’s no secret that Corktown’s Irish settlers were the reason for the name and essential to the district’s history. These days, Corktown offers some of Motor City’s favorite spots, including Mercury Burger & Bar, Bobcat Bonnie’s, Brooklyn Street Local, and Detroit Institute of Bagels, arguably some of the best bagels in the US. Not to mention, the June 2024 reopening of Michigan Central Station. The train station and landmark that shuttered in 1988 is poised to become a tech epicenter.
Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and the character alone is an attraction. Couple the charm and Federal-style architecture with a thriving culinary scene, cocktail bars, vintage shops, and revitalization, and it’s easy to see why Corktown is a booming Detroit neighborhood that is creating tons of buzz.
Michigan Central Station in Corktown reopened in June 2024. (Photo: Visit Detroit)
Deep Ellum, Dallas
Visitors know they’ve arrived in Deep Ellum when they eye the trio of giant robot sculptures known as “The Traveling Man.” Becoming a National Historic District in 2023 might have pushed this Dallas neighborhood into the spotlight, but Deep Ellum has a storied past tied to blues and jazz and two Texas railroads that arrived in the late 1800s. Nowadays, this lively cultural district just east of downtown promises plenty of shopping, art galleries and theaters, 25 live music venues, and over 100 restaurants and bars.
Deep Ellum’s diverse culinary choices range from Hawkers, an eatery inspired by Asian street food stalls, to Terry Black’s BBQ to Local, an upscale mainstay in the Boyd Hotel presenting a la carte options and a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. But these few mentions don’t even scratch the surface in terms of cuisine here. Eater deemed Deep Ellum one of Dallas’s best food neighborhoods, so it’s easy to understand its desirability and why Texans and transplants want to settle here.
“The Traveling Man” in Deep Ellum. (Photo: Christina Childress)
Edgewood, Washington D.C.
Bryant Street Market, a multi-stall food hall featuring tacos, dumplings, poke, and breakfast sandwiches, opened in 2023 in Edgewood, one of the District’s up-and-coming neighborhoods on the northeast side of town. Also the locale of the interactive Van Gogh exhibit, this area of D.C. has a vibrant artist and writers community, so expect studios and open mics sharing the streets with breweries, cafés, and drinking dens.
Poetry, art, and music collide at the American Poetry Museum. Edgewood has its own outpost of Busboys and Poets, a popular D.C. eatery, bookstore, and gathering spot all rolled into one. Likewise, Dew Drop Inn is a dive bar pouring beer, crushes, and twisters, and Metrobar, set inside a repurposed metro car, features cocktails crafted from local spirits. Folks are active in this up-and-coming neighborhood, too. Neighbors volunteer at the Edgewood Community Garden and participate in workshops and fundraisers.
Frogtown, Los Angeles
Coolness and creativity abound in Frogtown, also known as Elysian Valley, an east Los Angeles neighborhood along the LA River whose name comes from the toads that ravaged the area in the 1930s and again in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Once considered rough and tumble, Frogtown has evolved over the past five to ten years. While artists have long been drawn to this laid-back community, Frogtown’s art scene is currently booming, with famed creatives like Thomas Houseago and Shepard Fairey connected to the neighborhood.
Vintage shops like The Left Bank and Frogtown Flea Crawl, Frogtown Brewery and Spoke, an open-air restaurant, beer garden, bike rental and repair shop, and generally just an ultra-cool place to hang out, round out the amenities. An excellent alternative to pricier nearby Silver Lake and Atwater Village, Frogtown and its real estate will likely “move on up” as the neighborhood evolves.
Govalle, Austin
Situated north of the Colorado River, this enclave in East Austin has Swedish roots. Hence, the name Govalle translates to “Good Grazing.” What began as a cattle ranch attracting Swedes in the 1800s is becoming one of Austin’s coolest places to live and visit.
Eater Austin awarded Holiday, a watering hole where you can imbibe on beer cocktails and Mezcal and cold brew martinis, the title of Best Bar of 2023. Hi Sign Brewing assumed a Govalle address in 2022, and new restaurants are continually opening. Of note, are Bambino for cacio e pepe pizza and frozen bloody orange negronis, and Lil Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar for gumbo, étouffée, and “The Best Damn Daiquiri.” Also in the neighborhood, Canopy – an artist community – features 89 studios, a handful of galleries and offices, and a coffee shop. Not your ordinary fitness center, Austin Bouldering Project provides 50,000 square feet of space for climbing as well as strength and conditioning, barre, Vinyasa, and Vin/ Yin classes.
Gowanus, Brooklyn
‘Emerging’ is a term best used to describe Gowanus, a neighborhood in south Brooklyn, where nearby enclaves like Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens command some of the borough’s highest rents and home prices. The Gowanus Canal, a once polluted waterway cleaned up in recent years, flows through this industrial neighborhood that’s become a hub for creative types. New high-rise developments will edge the canal and reveal a very different Gowanus in the not-too-distant future.
While Gowanus doesn’t come to mind when one imagines quintessential Brooklyn, the neighborhood holds its own in terms of character and entertainment. The Black Mountain Wine House, staged in a rustic cabin, features an impressive lineup of wines by the glass; Threes Brewing offers a Brooklyn brewery experience; and The Bell House is a comedy and music venue set in a 1920s warehouse. These Gowanus establishments are just a handful of spots proving why Brooklyn wins the title as New York’s coolest borough, and Gowanus is an exciting piece of it.
A view of Gowanus, Brooklyn, looking at Manhattan. (Photo: courtesy of NYC Tourism + Conventions)
Greenwood, Seattle
Drinking dens like Dark Room and Bar Sur Mer prove that Greenwood, a burgeoning and walkable neighborhood in north central Seattle, deserves recognition. While this area won’t garner the attention nearby Ballard does, Greenwood has its share of good eats, some of which occupy a few-block stretch along its namesake avenue.
At the top of the list is FlintCreek Cattle Co., a New American spot focused on meat from responsibly raised animals, along with arguably one of the best happy hours in town. Coyle’s Bakeshop, Coffeeholic House, and Halcyon Brewing Co. are other neighborhood favorites. Sophon, a highly-rated Cambodian eatery named after chef and owner Karuna Long’s refugee mother, is one of the latest additions. Since a one-bedroom flat can still be had for less than $2,000 per month, it’s no surprise that Greenwood was TravelMag’s pick for an up-and-coming neighborhood in Seattle.
FlintCreek Cattle Co. has one of the best happy hours in town. (Photo: courtesy of Mandy Porter-Circlespey Restaurant Group)
Little River, Miami
A little river streams along this Miami district’s northern rim, one of four rivers emptying into the Biscayne Bay. And so it’s a given how one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods earned the name “Little River.” Once an industrial hive, this area north of Little Haiti and trendy Wynwood – Miami’s design district – is now a magnet for entrepreneurs and artists readapting industrial buildings and art spaces and galleries opening. A major attraction, The Citadel is a rooftop food hall where dining meets shopping and entertainment. But there’s more.
In Little River, discover cool cocktail bars like Bar Kaiju, shaking and stirring some of Miami’s best libations, Plant the Future, a botanical art gallery, and Imagine Farms, a sustainable, hydroponic farm. With so much on offer here, people are flocking to live and work in Little River.
The Citadel in Little River, Miami. (Photo: courtesy of the GMCVB– www.MiamiandBeaches.com)
North Park, San Diego
As much a place for families as it is for singles, this San Diego parcel offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques, and bars. Labeled San Diego’s “liveliest hipster neighborhood” by The Los Angeles Times, North Park is north of Balboa Park and centered on the brewery-studded intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street. Also known for its culinary scene, the area presents dining options like Mabel’s Gone Fishing for Iberian-inspired dishes, The Smoking Goat, a French mainstay, and City Tacos, serving arguably some of San Diego’s tastiest tacos.
Beyond North Park’s restaurants, there’s culture aplenty. Verbatim Books, a hub for gently used titles, is San Diego’s largest independent bookshop, and the neighborhood’s many colorful murals can be explored using the North Park Mural Guide. For nightlife, watch live bands perform at The Observatory, North Park, a restored theater dating to 1939.
Verbatim Books in North Park is a hub for gently used books. (Photo: courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority)
Outer Sunset, San Francisco
A surfer’s paradise with killer sunsets is a solid reason to love this neighborhood just south of Golden Gate Park in the Sunset District. The Pacific Ocean borders this serene neighborhood where Ocean Beach, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, a smattering of restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and the quiet lifestyle draw the crowds.
Some may say Outer Sunset assumes a suburban feel and is not as walkable as some areas of San Francisco, but the picture-perfect setting undoubtedly enhances residents’ quality of life. This foggy slice of San Fran lured people looking to escape the city during the pandemic and the popularity didn’t end there. One long-lasting effect is The Great Highway, a roadway and park hugging Ocean Beach. The weekend pedestrians-only thoroughfare, dotted with eateries and stores, has made Outer Sunset all the more alluring.
A skyline view at Ocean Beach. (Photo: courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association)
Pilsen, Chicago
Finding an affordable place to call home in Chicago has gotten more challenging. But one place where you can score a flat for under $1,500 per month, though who knows for how long, is Pilsen, a neighborhood offering a taste of Mexico in the Windy City. This once Bohemian and now arts district is recognized for its music venues, colorful street art, and robust Mexican culture.
The National Museum of Mexican Art exhibits one of the largest Mexican art collections in the US. What’s more, Pilsen East – home to more than 30 art galleries – has become known as the Chicago Arts District due to a thriving art scene. On the second Friday of each month, Gallery Night draws locals and visitors alike as they hop from one gallery to another. Then there’s the food and drink – Pilsen’s Mexican eateries dole out tacos, tamales, carnitas, and beef birreira while pouring Margaritas and Horchata.
The National Museum of Mexican Art exhibits one of the largest Mexican art collections in the US. (Photo: Tequila Graphics)
Wedgewood-Houston, Nashville
Startups, creatives, and entertainment companies like Apple Music and Live Nation have established headquarters in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston, also called “WeHo.” Music studios, breweries, coffee houses, and art galleries, not to mention an outpost of Soho House – the global members’ club and hotel group – exist side by side in this rapidly changing neighborhood just south of downtown.
Part of WeHo’s allure is the diversity of things to do. Nashville’s Major League Soccer team, Nashville SC, plays at Geodis Park, and a farmers market and various events happen at The Outfield, an acre-sized green space. On every first Saturday, galleries and art collectives stay open late for the WeHo Art Crawl. On the boozy side, Nashville Craft Distillery produces whiskey and sorghum spirits and gives guests an up-close look at the distilling process through tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottles to go.
Wedgewood-Houston is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Nashville. (Photo: courtesy of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.)