Many of North America's best old-house neighborhoods are in long- or formerly forgotten cities, towns, and 'burbs that are worth a fresh look. They're also places where you'll discover some of the best, most architecturally eye-popping older houses on the continent. With help from our friends at Portland, Oregon-based PreservationDirectory.com-who distributed our nomination forms to more than 14,000 historical societies, neighborhood groups, and preservation nonprofits-we've tracked down off-the-beaten-path places that are home to block after block of stately brownstones, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, Victorian-era cottages, and more. Check out the following gallery to see six of the old-house neighborhoods that won over the editors of This Old House this year. For all 64 Best Old House neighborhoods, visit thisoldhouse.com
The West and Northwest: Astoria, Oregon
If Astoria's old-house-lined streets look familiar, do not adjust your screen. This town of 10,000, situated at the mouth of the Columbia River, has provided a backdrop for Hollywood flicks, most notably '80s cult classic The Goonies. Long before that, Lewis and Clark spent the winter here during their legendary expedition-and by 1811, Astoria was an established fur-trading post, then a fishing, canning and logging center. The Houses With nearly 70 percent of the town's housing stock eligible for Historic Landmark status, Colonial Revival and kit-built Craftsman homes tend to be better bargains, selling move-in ready for less than $200,000. Why Buy Here? This is Astoria's bicentennial year, making it an ideal time to check out the place. Property values have remained strong with the recent influx of retirees and architectural preservation is a priority here. In fact, the local community college offers an associate's degree in historic preservation. See all of the Best Old House Neighborhoods in the Western and Northwestern region at thisoldhouse.com
The Southwest: Downtown Mesa, Mesa, Arizona
Located just east of Phoenix and neighboring Tempe, downtown Mesa (sometimes called Town Center) is home to about 3,000 residents. The area attracts young professionals, empty-nesters and families with its easy access to the city. The Houses Craftsman bungalows, which comprise the most prominent architectural style, provide cool sanctuary during Mesa's hot, arid months with wide porches and flowing air circulation. Why Buy Here? Phoenix and its neighboring communities have long been public transportation-challenged, but by 2016, a light-rail extension will run through Main Street in Mesa and into downtown Phoenix, providing jobs, raising property values and taking vehicles off the city's congested highways. See all of the Best Old House Neighborhoods in the Southwestern region at thisoldhouse.com
The Midwest: Atchison, Kansas
This northeast Kansas city (population 11,000) on scenic, rolling hilltops along the Missouri River retains its longtime downtown businesses, including prosperous locally owned hardware stores, bakeries and mom-and-pop drug stores. The reason behind this refreshing scenario? Jobs-yes, real middle-class jobs! The area's largest employers include a textile manufacturer, a hardware distributor and more. The Houses Victorian-era houses, such as Queen Annes and Italianates, are par for the course, as are Colonial Revivals and bungalows. Why Buy Here? Got the restoration bug and a good eye? "We have an unusual market in Atchison," says Realtor Scott Noyes. "You'll often find a run-down $20,000 Victorian fixer-upper right down the street from a restored one that costs $200,000." See all of the Best Old House Neighborhoods in the Midwestern region at thisoldhouse.com
The Northeast: Tariffville Village, Simsbury, Connecticut
In Tariffville, locals are known to hold old-fashioned community cookouts or head to the Farmington River for tubing, kayaking, or rafting. But despite its many pleasures, few people outside Connecticut have ever heard of it. "This place has sort of been forgotten over the years," says Chet Matczak, president of the Tariffville Village Association. "That's one of the things that make it such a nice place to live." The Houses Greek Revivals and Gothic Revivals in Tariffville date back to the 19th century, while the late 1800s and early 1900s produced a whimsical array of Folk Victorians. Prices range from $180,000 for four-bedroom homes in disrepair (but with plenty of motivating character) to about $400,000 for large houses in beautiful condition. Why Buy Here? Tariffville is one of the few places where you can find a five-bedroom home for under $200,000. It's an affordable hamlet for old-home lovers who want bang for their buck and for families buying for the first time and looking for access to quality education. See all of the Best Old House Neighborhoods in the Northeast region at thisoldhouse.com
To see all of the regions, visit thisoldhouse.com
