With more space and located just outside major metro areas, it’s the best of both worlds.
Since the morning of the American suburbia , the idea of suburban living has been decidedly unsexy . It conjure up up images of eternal rows of uniform houses , where manicure lawns and aluminum turnout rule , and the solid food scene is limited to a collection of driving - thrus and chains with 90 - bit waits .
In many American suburbs , all of that is still dependable , specially as young masses and families have slowly returned to metropolis center . But some suburban area have sic themselves apart as urban center of their own , boasting bustle about downtowns full of art , culture , history , and awarding - win restaurants . And as snag toll in big cities keep soaring , the prospect of relocate to a smaller , trashy townspeople that ’s still close enough to sport and airports does n’t seem so speculative .
In 2022 , many suburbs are redefining the suburban lifestyle and , now , it can mean sip craft cocktails on a rooftop half an hr from Manhattan or relaxing at a homey college baseball game secret plan southwest ofMiami . It can mean paragliding just outsideDenveror race BMWs in South Carolina . Today , suburbscanbe sexy , if you know where to attend . If this new earned run average of ’ burb life sounds alluring , here are 10 you might want to check out .
The historic Biltmore Hotel has become the hallmark of Coral Gables, Florida, near Miami.|Galina Savina/Shutterstock
Coral Gables, Florida
A few miles west of Miami ’s neon and LED hobo camp sits a tropic enclave of Mediterranean Revival architecture and banyan trees called Coral Gables . TheCity Beautiful , as it ’s known , was among the firstmaster - design citiesin the land , home to the University of Miami and winding streets named after Spanish cities .
The Gables has its own thriving downtown along Miracle Mile , where nightspots likeThe Gramercyguard themselves with velvet ropes and still have tune out the door . Just down the street , theActor ’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theaterhosts some of Florida ’s best regional plays and musical theater . And not far from there , the footer - friendly Giralda Plaza allow for a European - mode gathering place , with eatery like Michelin - ratedLuca OsteriaandZitz Sumgiving it some serious culinary cred .
Despite its sophistication , the Gables still feel homey and relaxing , which is never more plain than when watching University of Miami baseball at Mark Light Stadium on a warm spring evening . Here , families who ’ve live in the Gables for generations collect to barrack on the Hurricanes and sip unfermented yield milkshakes fromRobert is Here , a class - owned tropical fruit rack . After the game , you ’ll get lifers trading stories about the old days over beers atTitanic Brewing , or a slice of pizza atMiami ’s Best .
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Golden, Colorado
Any kid who watched a Coors commercial message between 1980 and 2010 may remember imagine Golden , Coloradowas a made - up stead , give way the legendary light lagers a “ hometown ” whose name correspond its coloring . But Golden is very much real , and it ’s striking — a good deal town of 20,000 that produces more beer per caput than any metropolis in the country . Prolific production away , the close mountain metropolis to Denver sits nestled between two mesa mountains about 20 second from downtown , but feel like a nosedive into the warmheartedness of the American West .
The feeling is n’t subtle : A giant sign over Golden ’s main drag announces it is “ Where the West Lives . ” But the nip comes from more than a sign . It ’s from the full-blooded , out-of-door ethos , where dejeuner faulting spent fishing in Clear Creek are a way of life , and paragliding and mountain biking are more popular than travel to the gym . Western history is everywhere in Golden , fromDinosaur Ridgewhere archaeologist light upon the first dinosaur bones , toBuffalo Bill ’s gravesite and museum . And if you want to cool off with some brews after a day in the mountains , Golden pop the question nine craft breweries in accession to the grown tour at Coors .
Dog lovers will also enjoy Golden , not just because of its abundance of open space , but also because it hosts the world ’s largest Golden Retriever meetup duringGoldens in Golden . The metropolis added to the buzz with the opening of the newEddy Taproom & Hotelon the shoring of Clear Creek , countenance guests to tapdance into the Rockies , so to speak , from the minute they wake up .
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Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue was long reviled by grunge - era Seattleites as the capital of the generic , box-shaped Eastside , where city - dwellers only went to grab dinner party at the Cheesecake Factory and fall behind their identities . But the home of Microsoft has change state itself into an easier - living version ofSeattle , where vino degustation , wild , and the sparkling waters of Lake Washington are less than 15 minutes off .
Though the urban center is sleep together best for its tech companies and newer , family - friendly neighbourhood , Bellevue is also a terrific place to combine adventure and luxury . Within 20 proceedings , you could find yourself hike up along the scenic banks of Rattlesnake Ridge or gazing out into the muckle from the top of Poo Poo Point . In the city , body of water adventures abound , where you could catch a boat fromCascade Canoe and Kayakand paddle around Lake Washington past the mansions of tech giants .
Bellevue is also a short ride from Woodinville , where every wine maker deserving its sulfites has a tasting elbow room . Within a few minutes from business district , you’re able to sip limited vintages from names like Chateau Ste . Michelle and Columbia Crest , then cap it off with American craft whiskey from J.P. Trodden . For those who prefer mixed drink , theW Bellevue’sLiving Room streak has all the creative libations one comes to gestate from the rural area ’s best - know hospitality brand .
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Dining in Bellevue has travel far beyond the chains that once dominated the landscape , with Seattle hits like Asian - fusionMonsoonopening up outposts on the Eastside . Back at the W , you could also sample the local terroir at vegetable - forwardLakehouse , the brainchild of James Beard Award - succeeder Jason Wilson .
Montclair, New Jersey
New York City suburbsrun the gamut from cookie - cutter chamber community to historicsmall towns . Montclair combines the good of them all , in a variety of old - meets - new mashup where low - hike condominium and Hellenic Colonial homes pull back families and singles alike . Montclair is only about half an hour from Manhattan by wagon train , but the ’ burb is so much more than just a place to take a breather your head at night , tout its ownart museumfull of American and endemic art , as well as a performingoperetta club , though it ’s look for a new venue . Much of Montcair ’s in high spirits culture comes from Montclair State University , which bring a rich art programme and a 1,000 - seat theater to the residential district .
What might storm some about this Central Jersey suburban area is the variety of food for thought that can be found here . And while it ’s not exactly Manhattan , grab Ethiopian intellectual nourishment at
Mesob , Thai atKai Yang , or Italian transportation fromFascinois just as rewarding as it is in the city . But in 2022 , you ca n’t be coolheaded without a rooftop prevention , and Montclair has one of those high atop the MC Hotel . NamedAlto , it feel like a patio ready atop the area ’s colorful J. J. Hill , where light bites , beer , and cocktails pair utterly with a imperial sunset .
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There ’s even a little flake of celebrity coolheaded in Montclair , as it ’s often used as a pic limit and has welcome the likes of Diane Keaton , Susan Sarandon , and Richard Gere in recent months . It ’s not uncommon to spot other stars too , as Stephen Colbert and cosmetic magnate Bobbi Brown also call Montclair dwelling house .
Greer, South Carolina
Typically , if one wants to belt along high - speed cars by daylight and stroll narrow-minded , brick - pave streets by night , they ’d don they were going somewhere along theEmilia Romagna . Or , also , upstate South Carolina , where the Greenville suburbia of Greer offers the same thing — with a much shorter flight . Greer is where every BMW X3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 is made , but , more significantly , also extend a trial run track where you’re able to drive the late manakin on slalom races , off - route courses , and wet or dry tracks .
That alone make Greer a pretty badass goal , but the plaza pose even cool when you take the air the brick streets of business district and pass no fewer than 40 building on the National Register of Historic Places . One such bodily structure is an old ironware store that houses theCartwright Food Hall , where you could flow through jerk chicken , empanadas , and sushi before bellying up to theTrade Street Taproomor down the street to theBlue Ridge Brewing Company . For a more leisurely repast , enjoy Mexican nutrient under colorful flags atLos Portalesor grab coffee and a crape atBarista Alley .
To relax outside , post up atGreer City Park , a swath of green quad near the urban center centre that presents moony concerts all summer . The 12 - acre park has become a societal hub for the city , whereFourth of Julyfireworks and rotate cultural festivals bring the community together class - pear-shaped . Greer combines history and high - velocity excitement like few places in America , and more than any place you might call a “ suburb . ”
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Lakewood, Ohio
Are you depressed front at what kind of house half a million dollar buys in your city ? Might we hint taking a cheep at Lakewood , Ohio , where a medial home price of about $ 250 K nets you some of the most sensational houses from the early twentieth century ? Known as the City of Beautiful Homes , Lakewood — a classic railcar suburb of Cleveland — doesn’t oversell itself with its cognomen , as an good afternoon stroll through its streets is aHouse Huntersfantasy , offer space and architecture seldom found in bigger metropolis at a fraction the price .
Of course , it ’s one matter to own a beautiful firm ; it ’s quite another to experience in the berth where say house sit down . But Lakewood sports a diverse residential district thanks to a foreign - pay population of nigh 10 % . You ’ll take on your international neighbor while enjoying a Lake Erie sunset from theSolstice Steps , a series of concrete step built into a hillside in the 31 - acre Lakewood Park . When the weather condition collaborate , Lakewood offer beach days , too , via the lakeside at Edgewater Park . You might also make new friends grabbing beers atImmigrant Son Breweryor sip bourbon atWestern Reserve , Ohio ’s first organic distillery .
The food scene also muse Lakewood ’s unique cultural composition . for certain , the city has a James Beard - nominate eatery atSalt+ , where Chef Jill Veda earned a nod . But you ’ll also find fantastic Lebanese nutrient atAladdin’sor traditional Indian eats atIndia Garden . Lakewood is a courteous spot to own a house , but with so much else to do , you might want to go away it sometimes , too .
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East Aurora, New York
In America ’s collective mental imagery , East Aurora exists in a perpetualstate of Christmas . In reality , East Aurora exists about 20 mi southeast of Buffalo , but as its streets have been the context for countless Hallmark movies , a trip there is almost always a voyage into vacation nostalgia .
East Aurora leans into its merry repp , hosting weekly caroling fete during the holidays where thousands gather in the streets and Christmastime sunshine flows freely . It ’s also a home for year - pear-shaped Christmas shopping , include perusing the variety of knick - knacks atVidler ’s 5 & 10where the stock list of 75,000 item go the gamut from kitchenware to furry Viking helmets .
Buffalonians know East Aurora as the place ofBar - Bill Tavern , which many local — include most of the Bills NFL squad — will say you has the good wings in the city . If the hold there is long , as is usually the guinea pig , come out over next door to Aurora Brew Works and down some local draft until your table is quick .
Just off Main Street , you ’ll find42 North Brewing , a log cabin production taproom perfect with an Airbnb if you want to immerse yourself in the experience . Before Bills games , and especially before caroling nights , it ’s the societal nitty-gritty of the city , so bar in and enjoy a Craftsmen Lager or Daytripper IPA next to a roaring fire cavity .
The Woodlands, Texas
The last time anything from Houston won back - to - back titles , Hakeem Olajuwon was dunk all over a hapless cub named Shaquille O’Neal . But The Woodlands bring the dynasty heart back to Southeast Texas , notching its 2nd - successive denomination as thebest American metropolis to survive inthis year . In a state as suburb - with child as Texas , standing out is problematical , but The Woodlands does it with an slow - living mix of natural landscape , destination restaurants , and inescapable public art .
The city host a staggering 140 parks , 220 geographical mile of hike lead , and 1,800 landed estate of wilderness at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve . Once you ’ve work out up a sweat , you may reward your efforts atTRIS , which sources its steaks from its own hybrid breed of Bos taurus . Or tryCorkscrew BBQ , one of the top barbecue roast in the H - Town area .
The Woodlands also attend as the summer place of theHouston Symphony , which performs during the warmer calendar month in one of the best outdoor amphitheaters in the man at theCynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion . Outdoor art abounds elsewhere , too , as you ’ll discover one of the nation ’s bombastic collections of public works constellate nearly every street . ensure to stop and take a gander atThe Dreamer — a sculpture of a gentleman sleep under the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree — and theMillenium Sculpture , a 32 - foot untarnished sword pillar stand up over The Woodlands Waterway .
Alexandria, Virginia
you may almost see the lanterns dangling from the lampposts and hear the clatter of cavalry - draw carriages walk through historical Alexandria , a DC suburban area that dates back to 1749 . The forgetful , brick buildings and narrow streets seem rip from documentaries on the Revolutionary War . Now , instead of cobblers and haberdashers , you ’ll find sparkler emollient shops , farm - to - table restaurants , book shops , and yarn store .
Just as it was in Colonial times , beer is cardinal to everything in Alexandria , and you ’ll get a good sense of that along theHistoric Breweries Walking Tour . Step through centuries - old tavern , then move on toPort City Brewing , the city ’s best - known slyness brewery . If you favor to exercise without alcoholic beverage , bicycle along theMount Vernon Trail , which meanders next to the Potomac River all the way to Mt. Vernon with views of the DC apparent horizon start out along the way .
While Alexandria ’s Colonial yesteryear is quite obvious , a stop into the fresh reopenedFreedom House Museumreveals the area ’s captivating African - American history . It tell apart the story of both the enslaved and freed Black residents who made Alexandria the city it is today . For even more history mixed with some innovative graphics , hold in out theTorpedo Factory Art Center . As the name might imply , this gallery features over 100 artists in a building that was once a torpedo production facility .
Lake Nona, Florida
Much like theDisney resortsthat pierce Orlando into the spotlight as a major American city , Lake Nona is definitely a skipper - design community — but the plan is wreak , and it ’s undeniably cool . The gleaming new suburb rose up around theUSTA National Tennis Center , a futurist training facility with courts that pass over your swing music . It also houses a 650 - acre medical campus , which might not be particularly exciting , but does add with it a cell of immature professionals who most surely are .
The centerpiece of the urban center is the care - grabbingWave Hotel , whose lobby has a bigger collection of quizzical mod prowess than most present-day museum . The art show go forward on the hotel ’s back lawn , where a woods of chrome sculptures beckons guests to explore . It ’s also home to what might be Orlando ’s good cocktail bar by way ofLiving Room , where drinks are served in light bulb and enjoyed on couches slant sideways .
Though Central Florida is n’t exactly teeming with unpaid opportunities , Lake Nona Performance Clubis one of the most thinker - blowing gyms in America . Here , member can surmount a rock music climb paries , toy on a golf simulator , take dozens of exercise division , and otherwise sudate their way through 130,000 square feet of fitness bliss .
Disney has conceive enough of Lake Nona to move 2,000 of its Imagineers here in 2026 . They ’ll doubtlessly add to the creative vibe of the city , already teem with transplanted doctor , jock , and other professionals .
