The Best North American Neighborhoods

From the list:

Best New Neighborhood: Pearl District in Portland, Oregon

"City planners and transportation officials from throughout North America come to the Pearl to study it as a model for urban neighborhoods. It was once an industrial zone, now a hip loft area with galleries, shops and restaurants. A new streetcar line plays an important role in its success."

Best Revitalized Neighborhood: Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut

"The College/Chapel Street District offers a few exceptional blocks of urban vitality in a struggling city that needs a reminder that such a thing exists. The area is across the street from Yale University, but until it was revitalized, a world away."

Best Hip Neighborhood: The Plateau in Montreal, Quebec

"Montreal's showcase neighborhood, featuring some of the city's finest architecture, cuisine and entertainment venues."