One of my favorite threads from a few years ago. Someone mentioned it in a recent thread and I enjoyed reading it. Times have changed so I thought I'd start it again. Just remember-overrated doesn't mean good and underrated doesn't mean bad. Someone listed Detroit as overrated, which is impossible if you think about it.


Underrated

Portland,Maine-Really cool vibe in a city where people are trying to please themselves rather than tourists. Great brewpubs and restaurants. Still has a gritty edge to it, and although a lot of out- of- towners have moved in, it hasn't been completely raided
by Boston and New Yorkers just yet.

Asheville,NC- Maybe its just me but I rarely hear people talk about Asheville. Cool town and stunning scenery.

Overated

Cleveland- Yes we all know that Cleveland was in bad shape in the 80's and made a nice comeback in the 90's when it went from terrible to mediocre, but it has lost its momentum. Except for a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I don't see any reason to go back. Especially when so many other cities are going through urban renewal. A pretty nice place but overrated.

Charlotte-Just too much new development and sterile. Feels like a giant suburb with guys who transferred from Jersey for the cheaper golf.

Good question, Celfan.

I'd have to say Grand Rapids, MI (where I live) is both overrated & underrated.

Underrated because, for a smaller-sized midwestern city, there really is a lot to do. We have three very nice museums, a growing downtown area, a cool historic district, a new and very large convention center along with a decent-sized arena that seats 12,000. (I'm going to see Eric Clapton there in a few weeks!) We're situation on the Grand River which, although a little dirty for swimming, is a nice backdrop to the city. We have almost a dozen good colleges around here, lots of good restaurants, and it's still a pretty safe place to live.

Overrated because many people here think we're becoming the next 'Chicago'. We're not. And because there are quite a few people around here who can't possibly open their minds even wide enough to let a little air in, let alone a different viewpoint than theirs.

You've missed the boat on Asheville.

Real Estate prices have skyrocketed because it has been over run.

I assume the question is in regards to travel? A city may be overrated in terms of travel but still be a great place to live. For example, I don't think Cincinnati even makes the radar for travel, but I've found it underrated in terms as a place to settle down.

I think Savannah is underrated for travel. I know lots of people who travel to the general area but don't take the time for a quick trip to Savannah and it is really a beautiful city.

I should clarify. This is a travel site so I'm looking at cities through the eyes of a traveler, not someone looking to live in a city. A city may be overrun by by outsiders, and that often takes away some of the local charm, but still may offer a nice vacation. For instance, Ashville has such beautiful scenery that I still consider it a great destination, regardless of who owns the land.

Had a laugh over this one:

>>Charlotte-Just too much new development and sterile. Feels like a giant suburb with guys who transferred from Jersey for the cheaper golf.<<

Asheville could be considered overrated. Look at the questions people here ask about coming to see the mountains, they only tend to be interested in Asheville. There are lots of pretty, scenic towns in western NC. If Asheville wasn't overrated, the real estate might be more affordable.

So true, snowrooster, the travel versus the liveability features- quite different all around, IMHO.

You know, I have had some plans implode, and I think instead I am going to take 2 days to see Grand Rapids in more depth this Fall- maybe in Oct. (9th week).

travel addict, look for a post elsewhere as I don't want to hijack the thread.

IMHO, there's nary a mid-size city in the USA that I can't find some cultural plus surprises, so I would be hard set to say underrated about anyplace. But I am easy to please, and require authenticity more than fashion. I keep seeing- "sprawl" and "all the same" but find that outside the basic shopping malls etc. this hasn't been true in all my baseball city travels.

I had a great time and found fun things to do, cultural/historic as well, in Detroit just a month ago.

Once in awhile I'll come across a Traverse City, MI, or a Prescott, AZ, or even a Valparaiso, IN and wonder why no one ever mentions them.

Lots of times, not just in Europe or USA either, the hype and marketing get us all to the same places. Of course some are SO unique, but actually many others have their own undiscovered uniqueness, as the ones I mentioned, and you seldom hear about their pluses or beautiful architecture etc.

There are some really lovely cities in the population range 50,000-400,000 out there. And not just in the USA.

What are some of the other nice towns in western NC. I'd love to get the insight from someone who knows the area.
Small towns with nice shopping b and b's etc.Thanks

Excuse me while I interrupt this thread... (imagine Jimi Hendrix singing that!)

JJ5 - please e-mail me at heidi623 at gmail dot com when you get a chance... Thanks!

Underrated- Blowing Rock North Carolina- it is the epitome of a mountain retreat.

Underrated and Overrated (or maybe just overrun)- My husband and I love to get away to this hill country spot- Fredericksburg Texas.

Underrated: Oklahoma City. It was MUCH more interesting and colorful that I had expected. Nice art museum, terrific zoo, historic homes, Bricktown, and the Cowboy museum all very enjoyable. It was a pleasant surprise.

(I know I will get slammed for this one)over-rated - Portland, OR - seems like it would be a really nice place to live, but not all that interesting to visit.

Gail,
Portland is a good place to live -- and visit. There's quite a bit to do, sightseeing-wise, and it's got great restaurants. Plus, it's a good base for day trips to the coast, Mt. St. Helens, the Columbia Gorge/Mount Hood.

I love Portland OR! But fortunatly we don't all love the same place or it should would be crowded!

One place that I don't enjoy as much as I use to is Santa Barbara although I love the surrounding areas.

Underrated:

Washington, D.C. (another thread made me think of this). Is there a more varied, more inspiring collection of museums & monuments & history in such a small, walkable area as the Mall?

Silver City, NM . . . definitely off the beaten path, but that's what makes it special. A real city, not a tourist city, lots of neat quirky shops, galleries & restaurants for such a small town. Beautiful mountain country all around.

Overrated:

I honestly can't think of a city in the U.S. that I've traveled to on vacation that really surprised me in a negative way.

I think that Fredericksburg, Texas and really, the entire Texas "hill country" is overrated. Everyone gushes about how beautiful it is....and it is, by comparison to the flat, brown Texas suburb in which I live. But compared to other locations, the scenery isn't much. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to have a tin roofed, limestone cottage in the Hill Country, but I think that if outsiders came there to see "great scenery" they'd be disappointed.

I agree wholeheartedly about Fredericksburg. I just don't "get it". The last of the good shops just closed its doors making there now absolutely nothing but perhaps a good German sausage and beer to draw me there after hiking Enchanted Rock.

I wouldn't come from CO to see the Hill Country, but as Texas goes, it's certainly the most beautiful part I know of. I've even got the tin roofed limestone "cottage"...but if I had my druthers, I'd still be in FL, on my boat, in a nice breeze with the sails sheeted in, skimming along about 6 knots across a stretch of bluegreen Gulf of Mexico...with dolphin at our side! LOL (sigh)

We enjoyed visits to Portland OR so much we now live here!

Overated: Boston- not a ton to do, not very friendly, not what I expected from a top city in the U.S.
Overated: CHarleston- I think maybe it was built up too with everyone's super postive input so I had nowhere to go but down with my expectations. A cute small city, didn't see too much special. Liked Savannah much better for it's charm and squares.

Underated: because it's not on many radars: Couer D'Alene Idaho. Just went here and what a pretty place with plenty to do for a few days. Plus not far from Glacier!

I've heard the exact same about C. D'Alene from three different people.

Must get there for sure.

Eroz--We have driven thru Coeur d' Alene quite a bit, but never spent any time there. So planned to go next summer, but the Canadian Rockies won out. We will stop on our way though. It really is such a beautiful area!

I am glad to hear someone say that Portland is overrated Don't get me wrong, I love it here...but I just don't want it to become another big city mess with tons of people moving in. So I am glad that people have different taste!

In that same thought...Seaside, OR is way overrated in my book. But, that way there is room for people who enjoy it because I wont go near it.