When you think of the US East Coast, you mostly remember the big cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C., don't you? These are some of the country's major cities, after all, and are as famous around the world as they are in America. But the East Coast has a lot more to offer apart from those prominent metropolises. There's Cape Cod, for example, which is a small seaside town known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. Cumberland Island in Georgia may not technically be a town, but it deserves special mention for how enchanting it is. The same goes for dreamy Portland in Maine and the charming Greenwich in Connecticut too.
Greenwich, Connecticut
It's easy to think that the most famous 'Greenwich' on the East Coast is the hipster haven of a
neighborhood in New York City. But there's another, a city in Connecticut, that's just as worthwhile. Though a fairly small town in southwestern Fairfield County, it's among the most affluent areas on the East Coast. This is thanks in large part to the hedge funds and financial companies that have set up shop here. Since the the city deals with big money, it only makes sense that the wealthy live here too. Of course, it helps that Greenwich is a beautiful city too!
Source: Flickr.com/ Doug Kerr.
Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine consistently ranks high among the lists of the best cities to live on the East Coast. A huge reason why is that the standard of living here is high but the costs are not. You can stay as comfortable as you can without spending more than you can afford. Add to that the relatively low crime rates in the city and you've got gold. Don't let the big metropolis fool you too! As busy as Portland may look at first glance, things are relatively peaceful here. It's not as crowded nor as hectic as New York,
Miami, and other cities on the East Coast.
Source: Flickr.com/ Wendell
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Truth be told, Cape Cod is more of a small seaside town than a regular city. Things are lively here, sure, but it's not so big that the place is comparable to New York, Boston, Miami, and more. So why did Cape Cod still make it onto this list? Simple: it's a definite must-see! From rows upon rows of vacation villas and cute cottages to the scenic coast, Cape Cod is probably unlike any other town you've been to before! Mostly because it's a queer town! The LGBTQ+ community flourishes here, making the place more vibrant with their drag, pride, and love.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
It's a shame that Lancaster, Pennsylvania isn't as popular of a city as, say,
Philadelphia is. Sure, the former isn't as big not as historic as the latter, but it's definitely just as charming! The city has its fair share of historic buildings and must-see monuments, not to mention a pleasant small-town vibe to boot. Though it's a sizable metropolis in its own right, it's nowhere near as busy as Philly. And the best part? Both the cost of living and the crime rates are low here. What could be better than a nice city that's safe and affordable?
Source: Flickr.com/ Joseph
Newport, Rhode Island
Majestic mansions and scenic docks are what await visitors of Newport, Rhode Island. A prominent city set on Aquidneck Island, this is where you'll find old money. Some of the richest and most influential families on the East Coast got their start here, some even still live in the city. And though it's a tad expensive to stay here, you'll find that every cent you spend is more than worth it. The standard of living is high, thanks in large part to the affluence of the area. If you ever do get lucky enough to go here, don't miss the historic mansions, not the least of which is the Renaissance-like Breakers museum.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Richmond, Virginia
In many ways, Richmond offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, it's a big city that serves as the capital of the state of Virginia. While it's far less busy than the East Coast's famous metropolises, it’s still a bustling town. There's a good sense of energy in the central parts of the city. On the other hand, Richmond offers a taste of the South too. You'll find many idyllic, rural-like areas as well as a faint hint of the bygone antebellum. All of this mixed into one city makes for a fascinating discovery, don't you think?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ron Cogswell
Beyond the world-famous major metropolises, you'd do well to visit any of these amazing East Coastal cities! They have their own charms, be they beautiful coasts or a taste of the idyllic American countryside.
