18 American Towns Every Old-House Lover Needs to See

Dubbed “beautiful mountain” because of its proximity to Crowders Mountain, Belmont appeals to architectural aficionados as much as it does to nature lovers. The Downtown Belmont Historic District is home to 264 buildings dating from 1850 to 1949, among them stellar examples of Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Craftsman bungalow architectural styles.

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Nestled in the northwest of our nation’s capital is Dupont Circle, a cosmopolitan neighborhood lined with shops, restaurants, and stunning turn-of-the-century architecture. The Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque row houses that grace the area were built from the 1880s to 1910 and can claim many famous politicians and dignitaries as former residents.

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The National Register homes in this Tennessee town trace its evolution from frontier settlement to streetcar suburb. Old North Knoxville, a prominent historic neighborhood, features Queen Anne, Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival, and Neoclassical-style homes dating from 1880 to 1920. Plus, plentiful sidewalks lined with shady trees make it an easy walk from this venerable neighborhood to the lively restaurants and shops downtown.

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A self-guided tour of this former Gold Rush town offers a scenic trek back to the turn of the century. Wander down Hillside Street to find Queen Anne and Eastlake-style homes dating from 1880 to 1920. Or, stop by the Carson Mansion in Old Town to get a glimpse of one of the most photographed Victorian homes in America.

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Perhaps better known for its historic lighthouses, Providence is also home to some of the oldest houses in Colonial America. Old house buffs should seek out the fine specimens from the late 1600s to the late 1800s that span the Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Second Empire, and Queen Anne styles, and lend the city a centuries-old charm.

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Venture to this Bucks County borough on the Delaware River to soak up the vibrant theater scene and steal glances at historic homes with waterfront views. The New Hope Village District is home to 202 National Register houses in Georgian, Federal, and late Victorian styles. Constructed in the mid-18th through late 19th century, these old buildings are no less striking today.

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Once called the "most interesting spot in the state" by Thomas Jefferson, Lynchburg offers many architectural marvels. The city's four historic districts boast Federal, Greek Revival, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival homes built between the early 1800s and 1900s, giving downtown Lynchburg its old-town appeal.

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While "Keep Austin Weird" is the moniker of its southerly neighbor, Georgetown's plan seems to be to keep its city historic. Local ordinances that prevent commercial developments from encroaching on historic residences have allowed visitors to continue to revel in the striking Gothic Revival, Second Empire, and Queen Anne-style homes built in the region between 1860 and 1915.

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The largest of 10 historic districts in Boulder, Mapleton Hill also boasts the most ornate historic properties, more than half of which were built before 1910. These include Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, Shingle Style, and Colonial Revival homes.

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It’s easy to see why so many people flock to Portsmouth, named one of the best places to live by Money magazine. The city boasts four colleges, acres of gardens and parks, and charming homes from yesteryear. You'll find some of the most interesting homes, including Colonial Revival cottages and Cape Cods, in the Atlantic Heights neighborhood, developed from 1918 to 1920, near the Piscataqua River.

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This former copper mining town in the Southwest continues to prove its mettle as a heritage site through a collection of historic homes steeped in tradition. The meandering streets of the Bisbee Residential Historic District are filled with Queen Anne and Craftsman-style homes built between the 1880s and late 1920s, though visitors can also enjoy a small sampling of bungalows and American Foursquare-style homes.

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Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!