As Millennials enjoy more spending power in the travel market, industry professionals are seeing an increase in hip, off-the-wall neighborhoods and less of an interest in a major city’s tourist attractions. From coast to coast, many young travelers are opting to enjoy their trip like a local would or find alternative options to better experience their stay in a major metropolis. No matter what neighborhood you stay in, it is recommended to purchase trip insurance to better protect your investment during your stay.
Ballard – Seattle, Wash.
The Pike Place Market and Space Needle are still going strong, but a lot of young travelers to the Emerald City are looking to Ballard due to its youthful, tech-driven and creative atmosphere. Trendy locals have also embraced the neighborhood’s many boutiques, quiet bars and fun gastropubs as well.
West Town – Chicago, Ill.
Six Corners in Wicker Park began as an artist enclave in the 1980s, and over the past few decades the creativity and hip freshness has spread into several smaller neighborhoods on the West Side, including the Ukrainian Village, Bucktown and Logan Square. Some of the Windy City’s best restaurants, speakeasies, vintage shops, art galleries and dive bars can all be found here. It’s still Chicago though – expect Midwestern friendliness and no frills, but a great time.
Little Five Points – Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta’s image completely changed following the 1996 Olympic Games, and revitalized neighborhoods like Little Five Points were an excellent gem to come from the transition. Here you will find a string of independent bookstores, health food eateries, many record shops and tattoo parlors as well as several respected alternative music venues.
Silver Lake – Los Angeles, Calif.
This unique neighborhood in central L.A. near East Hollywood has a distinctive indie vibe that is still classic Californian – think Brooklyn with a dash of Santa Monica. Organic coffee shops, local food trucks, a burgeoning art scene and stunning avant-garde architecture make Silver Lake a breath of fresh air from the plastic (and expensive) sites in the Hollywood Hills.
East Austin – Austin, Texas
It’s not all barbecue and cowboy hats in Texas. In a small enclave in East Austin, you will find one of the hippest neighborhoods in the country. Here you can feast on nationally accredited Mexican food, a thriving farmers market as well as the expected bars and live music venues that make Austin famous.