North Carolina: Asheville

Score: 71

"This is an excellent tourism town, both for its natural attributes (mountains) and historic sites. Both have been well maintained and very well promoted (think Biltmore). The city is quite diverse in its racial, economic, and sexual-orientation dimensions. The outlook for sustaining these seems bright."

"A wonderful downtown with strong historic preservation and design and many unique businesses. The region's popularity is creating growing pains and could result in a loss of character."

"This is one of America's best small cities. Livable, walkable, interesting. They have done a great job of downtown revitalization, trail development, and historic preservation."

"While the area has grown dramatically in recent years, the downtown maintains its uniqueness, without chain stores. Asheville is a premier arts and handicrafts destination and also offers many excellent natural attractions."

North Carolina: Wilmington

Score: 60

"Wilmington is of two minds: conservation or renovation. It also has permitted too much erosion of its beach areas to vacation tourism; likewise for nearby Wrightsville Beach. It is in danger of becoming far too upscale and commercialized to make it an attractive destination."

"The battleship is enjoyable to visit. Far enough away from the Research Triangle sprawl to have a bit of relaxation."

"Much of the downtown's late 19th-century and early 20th-century fabric is gone, especially along river and railroads."

"Several well-preserved residential blocks adjacent to downtown. A couple of good restaurants by the waterfront, but some poor development as well. Lots of sprawl on the fringes."