Downtown is the place to be. It’s where art and music collide with small business and fine dining. The best downtowns exhibit a variety of cultures that reflect the areas: from historical buildings and modern new construction, to fine art galleries and community spaces. A successful downtown experience encompasses the best of the community, offering residents and tourists great activities and support for social interaction. The very top of the list of the best downtowns all have one thing in common; they are multifaceted and draw out people from the outer boroughs and the suburbs, while attracting out-of-town visitors at the same time.
Usually, we use the most up-to-date statistical information to compile The Top 10 Best Downtowns 2014 list. Don’t misunderstand, we still rely on accurate numbers related to population and business growth: but popularity depends on the aesthetic of the architecture and the energy only the locals can bring. Our best explorers have gone there and reported back with their honest opinions.
The best downtowns evolve over a long time span, sometimes going through different phases in city planning dependent on the local councilmen. From historical sites to man made attractions, residents and tourists alike shape these downtown areas.
Sheila Grant is the editor of Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter. She has some thoughtful insight into what makes a downtown area successful: “We think they are the most vital part of the city. They give everyone in the outlying areas a sense of community and heritage.” She goes on to state that “The way to have a really vibrant downtown is to have residents there who can support the businesses and provide that life on the street to make the area seem more lively and safer.”
Our picks for the Best Downtowns begin with Fort Lauderdale in Florida
Why Fort Lauderdale? Besides the hopping club culture, the real estate market has improved considerably: with a lowered vacancy rate over the past two years by 5.7 percent. Like many other downtowns, young career minded individuals are shaping the marketplace. People working entry level jobs and small business owners want to be close to their place of business. Besides the new wave of people moving in from out-of-town, longterm residents have experienced a rise in their salaries and property values. Previously known as a beach bum epicenter, urban planners and city officials saw the need to make an effort to change the structure of downtown to better serve the evolving community needs. Beginning in 2003, and amending the plan in 2007, their plans have been a success.
Taking their inspiration from the iconic Italian city of Venice, the community leaders made the New River a focal point. This made sense because over 40,000 residents live on the water, literally. Yacht owners love the lifestyle Fort Lauderdale has to offer. The views of the Atlantic Ocean were kept in mind in the architectural plans for new buildings. Himmarshee Village is the center for retailers, comedy and music venues and family run eateries and bars. Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a prominent theater, which funnels patrons from their shows to the locally owned businesses. Like many great town centers, Fort Lauderdale has not forgotten its past. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, plus the Nova Southeastern University Museum of Art make for a fine cultural experience.
Las Olas Boulevard bridges the gap between A1A and the Atlantic Ocean. 17 blocks offer a European experience: with alfresco dining, fine art exhibition spaces, and a contemporary club scene. Las Olas Boulevard inspired the city planning committee. With thoughtful landscaping, plus careful color choices for buildings new and old, Las Olas served as the inspiration for the new Fort Lauderdale.