This Pacific Northwest Neighborhood Was Just Named the Coolest in the U.S.

Sometimes the hardest part of planning a trip isn’t deciding on a destination but rather narrowing down the myriad things to see and do there. While emblematic landmarks, acclaimed museums, and scenic viewpoints certainly deserve a spot on any well-crafted itinerary, to experience the true ethos of a city, you’ve got to dig a little deeper. That means venturing beyond the obvious attractions to suss out more in-the-know, local spots.

Time Out recently released its seventh annual list of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods. “The neighborhoods on this year’s list have a lot in common: great places to eat and drink, cutting-edge culture, street life, and a thriving community,” Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, said.

While Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille claimed the top spot, you don’t have to fly all the way to France to do some on-trend travel. One hood in North America made the top 10: Kerns in Portland, Oregon came in fifth, just below Seongsu-dong in Seoul, South Korea.

The top nine North American neighborhoods include:

1. Kerns, Portland, Oregon
2. Little River, Miami
3. Saint-Henri, Montreal
4. Flatbush, New York
5. East Hollywood, Los Angeles
6. Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C.
7. Brewerytown, Philadelphia
8. Logan Square, Chicago
9. Union Square, Boston

Why did editors and writers choose this pocket of Portland above Little River in Miami and Saint-Henri in Montreal, Canada? Located on the east side of the Willamette River, Kerns is decidedly urban yet it gives off the impression of “a perfectly-formed small town.” For travelers who like the walkability and action of a city break but still crave a sense of comradery and friendliness, it’s the ideal mix.

Northeast 28th Avenue has great restaurants, bars, and shops. The low-rise brick buildings and locally owned businesses give the main drag soulfulness. Yes, there’s plenty of newness and trendy spots to grab a cocktail or queue up at the hottest chef-driven pop-up, but Kerns still looks and — more importantly feels — like a tight-knit community with a hit of nostalgia. For evidence of that, comb through the racks of vintage frocks at Goodbye Horses, browse the record selection at Music Millennium, see a movie at Laurelhurst Theater, an old-school cinema, or admire the craftsman homes that line the residential streets.