Washington: Port Townsend

Score: 74

"Charming, charming, charming. This quiet port town has maintained a sense of the seaport that distinguishes the area. We stayed at a hotel on the edge of town and cheerfully walked the mile into town each day to partake of wonderful food and ambience. A good blend of modern-day life in an authentic, historic setting."

"Community appears to be stable. Tourism is well integrated."

"A great place to visit, not far from Seattle. It reminds me of what a Northwest rural fishing area was like not too long ago."

"Good pride of place with a strong local government guiding/controlling development."

"Friendly town, architecturally interesting, overall very aesthetically pleasing."

"Strong active retiree and alternative-lifestyle residents. Historical architecture heritage is good. Many bed-and-breakfasts. I find the town quite boring and too touristy in-season. I don't get the impression that tourists are informed about much other than go, shop, eat, and move on. It is a destination among Washingtonians for the jazz festival and other events."