Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society.

Block Island, Rhode Island
Score: 72

"Charming, old New England culture of the sea present everywhere. Sheep graze, horses on the roads, an old lighthouse which is simply open to visit. Very low-key. Big old hotels, many beautiful yachts come and go. Many homes have been owned for decades by the same family."

"One big problem: Suburban-style zoning that mandates large lot subdivisions that are marching cookie cutter-style across the island. The island desperately needs to require neo-traditional and cluster development to protect the remaining open spaces."

"Clean and well-kept, a real pleasure to visit. Locals run a set of independent B&Bs and gift shops, rather than chain franchises."

"Fortunate to have large areas set aside as nature reserves."

"The island purposely strives to maintain its bucolic atmosphere, and except for summer crowds, largely succeeds."