The Northeast of the United States is filled with charming towns that invite you to explore them on foot. From cobblestone streets echoing with history to scenic waterfronts and mountain vistas, these towns offer the perfect blend of accessibility and beauty. Whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid explorer, here are 15 towns where you can leave the car behind and immerse yourself in the local ambiance.
15. Camden, Maine: Harbor Views and Mountain Backdrops
Camden is a picturesque seaside town where the mountains literally meet the sea. A 3-4 bedroom in this walkable town is going to run you about $795,000. Strolling through its walkable streets, you’ll find boutique shops and cozy cafes overlooking Camden Harbor. Don’t miss the Camden Amphitheatre and Public Library, a hidden gem with terraced gardens perfect for a peaceful retreat. For breathtaking views, a short hike up Mount Battie offers a panoramic vista of the town and Penobscot Bay.
14. Bar Harbor, Maine: Gateway to Acadia and Coastal Strolls
Bar Harbor combines natural beauty with small-town charm as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Its downtown is easily walkable, and homes with 3-4 beds cost around $630,000-$797,000. A stroll along the Shore Path provides stunning ocean views and glimpses of the Porcupine Islands. For a unique experience, watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, one of the first places to see daylight in the U.S.
13. Princeton, New Jersey: University Grounds and Bustling Streets
Princeton offers a harmonious blend of academic prestige and lively town life. Walking through the historic Princeton University campus, you’ll be surrounded by Collegiate Gothic architecture and serene courtyards. Nassau Street, the town’s main thoroughfare, is lined with independent bookstores, cafes, and shops. A little-known spot, the Princeton Battle Monument, commemorates the Revolutionary War and is worth a visit. If you’re looking to buy property in Princeton, prices range from about $650,000 – $950,000 on average for a 3-4 bedroom home.
12. Woodstock, Vermont: Covered Bridges and Country Lanes
Known for its quintessential New England charm, Woodstock invites leisurely walks through its quaint village green and alongside the Ottauquechee River. To live in this walkable town, expect to pay upwards of $625,000 – $900,000 for a 3 bedroom home. The town is home to the famous Middle Covered Bridge, perfect for a picturesque photo. For a hidden gem, visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, where walking trails wind through conserved forests and pastures.
11. Alexandria, Virginia: Historic Old Town and Waterfront Parks
Just outside Washington D.C., Alexandria’s Old Town is a historic enclave with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Stroll down King Street to explore boutiques and antique shops, and if you’re interested in moving here, $650,000 – $850,000 will get you a 3-4 bedroom home. The waterfront area offers tranquil parks and the chance to see the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions plant now housing artists’ studios open to the public.
10. Northampton, Massachusetts: Eclectic Shops and Cultural Walks
Northampton boasts a vibrant arts scene nestled within its walkable downtown, and a 3-4 bedroom house is $425,00 – $560,000 on average. Main Street is alive with unique shops, galleries, and various eateries catering to all tastes. The town’s commitment to the arts is evident in venues like the Academy of Music Theatre, one of the oldest municipally owned theaters in the country. Don’t miss the weekly farmers’ market, a local favorite.
9. Beacon, New York: Art Scenes and Mountain Trails
Beacon has transformed into an artsy haven, with Main Street hosting a plethora of galleries, including the renowned Dia:Beacon museum set in a former Nabisco box-printing factory. Take a walk to the Beacon Falls for a serene natural escape. For the adventurous, hiking trails up Mount Beacon reward you with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. A 3-4 bedroom home in Beacon is going to run you around $599,900.
Annapolis, the state capital, charms visitors with its rich maritime history and walkable downtown. For those looking to move to this walkable city, $565,000 – $750,000 will get you a 3-4 bedroom house, though expect to pay more in certain neighborhoods. The brick-paved streets lead you past colonial-era buildings and the impressive grounds of the United States Naval Academy. Stroll along Ego Alley at the city dock to watch boats come and go, and perhaps catch a regatta or naval event.
7. Saratoga Springs, New York: Parks and Victorian Architecture
Famed for its natural springs and thoroughbred racing, Saratoga Springs offers a delightful pedestrian experience. Wander through Congress Park to see its fountains and historic carousel. Broadway, the main street, is lined with Victorian buildings housing boutiques and cafes. For a unique treat, visit the Saratoga Spa State Park and sample the mineral waters that put the town on the map. Living in this walkable area will cost about $550,000 – $700,000 for a 3-4 bed home.
6. Newburyport, Massachusetts: Riverside Walkways and Antique Shops
This coastal town’s historic downtown features brick sidewalks and well-preserved Federal-style architecture. The Waterfront Park along the Merrimack River is perfect for a leisurely walk, and if you want to make Newburyport a more permanent location, plan to spend between $800,000 – $1,000,000 for a home with 3 or 4 bedrooms. Antique enthusiasts will enjoy the myriad of shops offering vintage finds. A local secret is the Custom House Maritime Museum, showcasing the town’s seafaring heritage.
5. Mystic, Connecticut: Maritime Heritage and Quaint Streets
Famous for its seaport museum and historic drawbridge, Mystic offers more than meets the eye. Walk through Olde Mistick Village, a charming shopping area designed to resemble a colonial village. The Mystic River Park is a lovely spot to watch boats sail by. Don’t forget to stop by the original Mystic Pizza, the inspiration for the Julia Roberts movie. If you want to move to this charming town, $550,000 – $800,000 will get you a 3 or 4 bedroom house.
4. Newport, Rhode Island: Historic Mansions and Cliff Walks
Newport is synonymous with grandeur and seaside beauty. It’s home prices reflect this, with 3-4 bedroom homes costing around $900,000 – $1,395,000. The famous Cliff Walk offers a unique walking path with the ocean on one side and Gilded Age mansions on the other. Exploring Bellevue Avenue on foot lets you admire architectural marvels like The Breakers and Marble House. For a hidden gem, visit King Park for a quiet spot overlooking Newport Harbor.
3. Portland, Maine: Art Districts and Waterfront Walks
Portland’s Old Port district is a harmonious blend of the historic and contemporary. Its cobblestone streets and converted warehouses now house art galleries, unique shops, and some of the best seafood restaurants in New England. Take a walk to the Eastern Promenade for panoramic views of Casco Bay and access to walking trails along the water. In Portland, Maine, you can buy a 3-bedroom home for about $599,000 – $699,000.
2. Burlington, Vermont: Lakefront Promenades and Mountain Views
Burlington combines urban flair with natural splendor, and if you want to move to this walkable town, a 3-4 bedroom home will run you about $549,000 – $725,000. The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only zone buzzing with street performers, shops, and cafes. Just a short walk away, the Burlington Waterfront Park along Lake Champlain offers stunning sunset views over the Adirondacks. For a unique find, visit the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet, an art installation that’s sure to spark conversation.
1. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Cobblestone Streets and Seaside Charm
At the top of our list, Portsmouth captivates people with its rich history and vibrant street life. The downtown area is a delight to explore on foot, with its cobblestone lanes leading to independent boutiques, bookstores, and an impressive culinary scene. Prescott Park offers beautiful gardens and seasonal outdoor performances. To move to Portsmouth and buy a home here, expect to pay at least $850,000 – $950,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home. For a hidden treasure, explore the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum spanning four centuries of New England life.
