The Most Beautiful Town in New England: Discovering the Idyllic Gems

Voting rules: Choose the town you think is the most beautiful!

Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 2, 2023 18:32)

Welcome to StrawPoll's enchanting journey through the picturesque landscapes of New England! We're on a quest to crown the most beautiful town in this charming region, and we need your expertise. Join our adventure and explore a world of quaint cobblestone streets, lush gardens, and breathtaking coastal views by voting for your favorite town or suggesting a hidden gem we may have missed. With a tapestry of historic charm and natural beauty, New England awaits your verdict. So, cast your vote and let's unveil the ultimate destination that will captivate hearts and leave an indelible impression!

What Is the Most Beautiful Town in New England?

1

97
votes
MVASCO · CC BY-SA 3.0

Newport, Rhode Island

With its stunning coastline, historic mansions, and charming downtown, Newport is a quintessential New England town.
Description

Newport, Rhode Island is a charming coastal town located in Newport County. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in New England, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The town is known for its stunning waterfront views, historic mansions, and picturesque streets lined with colonial-era buildings.

Historic Mansions: Newport is famous for its collection of opulent mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.

Coastal Beauty: Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, Newport offers breathtaking coastal scenery and picturesque beaches.

Colonial Architecture: The town features numerous well-preserved colonial-era buildings, particularly in the iconic Historic Hill neighborhood.

Gilded Age Legacy: Newport served as a popular summer destination for wealthy elites during the Gilded Age, leaving behind a legacy of grand architecture and extravagant lifestyles.

Cliff Walk: The Cliff Walk is a scenic walking trail that stretches along the coastline, providing stunning views of the ocean and the mansions.
2

27
votes
John Phelan · CC BY 3.0

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Known for its picturesque streets lined with historic homes, Edgartown is a favorite destination among visitors to Martha's Vineyard.
Description

Edgartown, Massachusetts is a picturesque town located on the eastern shore of Martha's Vineyard. It is known for its charming streets, historic homes, and stunning waterfront views. The town exudes a classic New England charm with its white picket fences, beautiful gardens, and cobblestone streets. Edgartown offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Population: Approximately 3,200

Founded: 1642

Location: Eastern shore of Martha's Vineyard

Famous Landmarks: Edgartown Lighthouse, Old Whaling Church

Architecture: Colonial and Greek Revival styles
3

20
votes
Dudesleeper / Talk · CC BY-SA 3.0

Camden, Maine

With its harbor front location, quaint shops, and stunning natural beauty, Camden is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Maine.
Description

Camden, Maine is a picturesque town located in Knox County, on the coast of Penobscot Bay. Known for its stunning natural beauty and charming small-town atmosphere, it offers visitors a delightful blend of coastal and mountain views. Camden is often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in New England, attracting tourists and nature enthusiasts from all around. Its vibrant downtown area is lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and fantastic seafood restaurants.

Location: Knox County, Maine, on the coast of Penobscot Bay

Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking coastal and mountain views

Small-town Atmosphere: Charming and quaint

Downtown Area: Historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants

Tourism: Attracts visitors from all over
4

16
votes
VladislaV. Original uploader was VladislaV Tuchkov at ru.wikipedia · Public domain

Woodstock, Vermont

This charming village is home to a picturesque covered bridge, quaint shops, and some of the best fall foliage in New England.
Woodstock, Vermont in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in America
5

20
votes
Nantucket, Massachusetts

Native Wampanoag people

Known for its cobblestone streets, historic lighthouses, and stunning beaches, Nantucket is a true gem of New England.
Description

Nantucket is a picturesque town located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and well-preserved historic architecture. The town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Population: Approximately 10,000 residents

Size: Approximately 105 square kilometers

Geography: Located on the island of Nantucket, about 48 kilometers south of Cape Cod

Beaches: Nantucket offers numerous pristine sandy beaches, including Surfside Beach, Cisco Beach, and Jetties Beach

Architecture: The town features an array of well-preserved historic buildings, including stunning 18th-century mansions and charming cottages
6

16
votes
Dudesleeper at English Wikipedia · CC BY 2.5

Kennebunkport, Maine

A popular summer destination, Kennebunkport is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint harbor, and picturesque lighthouses.
Description

Kennebunkport, Maine is a charming coastal town located in York County, Maine, in the New England region of the United States. It is renowned for its picturesque scenery, historical significance, and welcoming atmosphere. Kennebunkport is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its beautiful beaches, quaint shops, delicious seafood, and rich history.

Population: Approximately 3,500 residents

Size: Approximately 31 square miles

Location: Southern Maine, along the Atlantic coast

Climate: Moderate with warm summers and cold winters

Beaches: Famous for its stunning beaches, including Goose Rocks Beach and Mother's Beach
7

14
votes
Daderot · Public domain

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Settlers from England in 1623

With its historic architecture, charming downtown, and waterfront location, Portsmouth is a favorite among visitors to New Hampshire.
Description

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a picturesque town located on the Piscataqua River in New England. Known for its charming streets lined with historic buildings, cobblestone sidewalks, and vibrant waterfront, Portsmouth is often regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the region. With a rich history dating back to the early 17th century, the town has preserved its colonial architecture and small-town atmosphere, attracting visitors from near and far.

Population: approximately 21,500

Location: Latitude 43.0718° N, Longitude 70.7626° W

Historic Sites: Strawbery Banke Museum, Moffatt-Ladd House, John Paul Jones House

Arts and Culture: Music Hall, Prescott Park Arts Festival

Outdoor Activities: Portsmouth Harbor Trail, kayaking on the Piscataqua River
8

6
votes
Juliancolton · Public domain

Mystic, Connecticut

This scenic town is home to a historic seaport, charming shops, and some of the best seafood in New England.
Description

Mystic, Connecticut is a charming waterfront town located in New England. It is known for its picturesque beauty, rich maritime history, and quaint New England charm. The town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its idyllic scenery, historic attractions, and vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Location: Mystic is situated on the eastern coast of Connecticut, bordering the Mystic River and Long Island Sound.

Maritime Heritage: Mystic is home to the renowned Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the United States, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the region's nautical past.

Historic District: The town's Historic District features well-preserved architecture, charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, creating a lovely atmosphere for leisurely strolls.

Mystic Aquarium: The Mystic Aquarium is a popular attraction, known for its diverse marine exhibits, including beluga whales, penguins, and a variety of other fascinating aquatic life.

Olde Mistick Village: This charming shopping village replicates a traditional New England village and offers a unique selection of boutique shops, specialty stores, and dining options.
9

6
votes
Dudesleeper at English Wikipedia · CC BY 2.5

Stowe, Vermont

With its stunning mountain views, charming downtown, and world-class skiing, Stowe is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Description

Stowe, Vermont is a charming town nestled in the picturesque Green Mountains of New England. Known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic charm, Stowe is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The town is a perfect blend of a quaint New England village and a vibrant mountain resort, offering a unique and memorable experience to visitors.

Population: 4,314

Elevation: 1,150 feet (350 meters)

Famous for: Stowe Mountain Resort, skiing, fall foliage

Historic Landmarks: Stowe Village Historic District, Stowe Community Church, Trapp Family Lodge

Outdoor Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing
10

9
votes
Skeezix1000 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bar Harbor, Maine

This charming seaside town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, and is known for its stunning views, historic mansions, and delicious seafood.
Description

Bar Harbor, Maine is a charming coastal town located on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Bar Harbor is often hailed as one of the most beautiful small towns in America. The town is surrounded by Acadia National Park, which boasts rugged coastlines, cascading mountains, and pristine lakes. Bar Harbor offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, rich history, and quaint New England charm.

Location: Bar Harbor is situated on Mount Desert Island, off the eastern coast of Maine.

Scenic Beauty: The town is surrounded by Acadia National Park, which showcases stunning natural features such as Cadillac Mountain and Sand Beach.

Outdoor Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and nature walks in Acadia National Park, as well as whale watching and lobster boat tours.

Unique Wildlife: The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including seals, puffins, deer, and even occasional moose sightings.

Rich History: Bar Harbor was once a popular vacation destination for the elite, with beautiful mansions that are now preserved as part of the historic district.
Bar Harbor, Maine in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful small town in America
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular beach on the East Coast

Missing your favorite town?

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Ranking factors for beautiful town

Natural Scenery

A beautiful New England town should have picturesque natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and coastline, that provide a vibrant and breathtaking setting.
Architecture and Historical Buildings

The town should have well-preserved colonial or Victorian-style houses and buildings with rich cultural history that reflect the unique architectural heritage of the New England region.
Downtown Area

A vibrant, charming, and clean downtown area with a mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and other amenities that cater to both residents and visitors.
Parks and Green Spaces

Well-maintained parks, gardens, and public green spaces, which provide an opportunity for various recreational activities and relaxation to both locals and tourists.
Walkability

The town should have pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks, allowing residents and visitors to leisurely explore its beauty on foot.
Community Events and Festivals

A lively community atmosphere, with regular events and festivals that celebrate the town's history, culture, and residents.
Safety and Cleanliness

A well-maintained and safe environment, with low crime rates and clean public spaces, contributes to the overall attractiveness of a town.
Cultural and Artistic Attractions

A thriving local arts scene, with museums, art galleries, and cultural events, add to the overall charm and character of a New England town.
Seasonal Activities

The town should offer a range of activities and scenic views, which change and remain attractive through different seasons of the year, such as fall foliage, winter snowscapes, and summer beach getaways.
Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere

Last but not least, a beautiful New England town should have a hospitable and friendly community that warmly welcomes visitors and newcomers, making them feel at home and appreciated.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful town in New England. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or town is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

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231 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each town once every 24 hours. The rank of each town is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful town in new england

New England is a region in the northeastern part of the United States that is known for its picturesque towns and gorgeous landscapes. The six states that make up the region - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont - are home to some of the most charming and beautiful towns in the country. From the quaint fishing villages of Maine to the historic towns of Massachusetts and the idyllic countryside of Vermont, New England has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the most beautiful town in New England, as voted by our StrawPoll community. So, get ready to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking scenery of this beloved region.