Oldest Cities in the U.S. 2025 | Stats & Facts about Oldest Cities

Oldest Cities in the U.S. 2025

The oldest cities in the United States represent living monuments to centuries of American history, each telling unique stories of exploration, colonization, and cultural evolution. These historic settlements, some dating back to the 1500s and 1600s, serve as tangible connections to our nation’s earliest European colonial periods and indigenous heritage. From Spanish conquistadors establishing fortified settlements in Florida to English colonists creating permanent trading posts in Virginia, these ancient American cities have withstood the test of time, natural disasters, wars, and urban development to remain vibrant communities today.

Understanding the oldest cities in America 2025 requires examining not just founding dates but also continuous inhabitation, historical significance, and preservation of cultural heritage. These communities have evolved from small colonial outposts into modern cities while maintaining their historical character through preserved architecture, cultural traditions, and archaeological sites. As we analyze the 2025 statistics and data for these historic settlements, we discover fascinating demographic trends, economic developments, and tourism patterns that reflect both their ancient roots and contemporary relevance in American society.

Key Stats & Facts About America’s Oldest Cities in the U.S. 2025

Fascinating Facts & Statistics	Data
Oldest continuously inhabited city	St. Augustine (460 years old)
Age gap between oldest & newest states’ capitals	415 years (Santa Fe vs. Juneau)
Total combined age of top 10 oldest cities	3,924 years
Oldest city with over 100,000 residents	Hampton, Virginia (415 years old)
Most visited oldest city annually	St. Augustine (6.8 million tourists)
Highest elevation oldest city	Santa Fe (6,998 feet above sea level)
Only oldest city that’s a state capital	Santa Fe, New Mexico
Oldest city founded by women	Anne Hutchinson’s Portsmouth (1638)
Percentage of oldest cities on East Coast	85%
Average founding year of America’s oldest cities	1621
Oldest city with a major university	Boston (Harvard, 1636)
Most photographed oldest city landmark	Castillo de San Marcos (2.3 million photos/year)

America’s oldest cities hold a unique place in the nation’s history, with some dating back over 460 years. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States is St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565, making it a living reminder of early colonial history. Interestingly, the age gap between the oldest and newest state capitals is 415 years—from Santa Fe (1610) to Juneau (1925). Collectively, the top 10 oldest cities in the U.S. add up to an impressive 3,924 years of history, showcasing how deeply rooted urban development is in America. Many of these historic cities, especially on the East Coast (85%), continue to attract millions of visitors annually, preserving their legacy as cultural and tourist hubs.

Among these cities, Santa Fe stands out as the only oldest city that is also a state capital, located at a striking elevation of 6,998 feet above sea level, making it the highest elevation oldest city in the U.S. Meanwhile, Hampton, Virginia, founded in 1610, is recognized as the oldest city with over 100,000 residents. Tourism also plays a major role in preserving these historic places—St. Augustine alone welcomes 6.8 million tourists annually. Academic and cultural heritage is equally prominent, with Boston home to Harvard University (established in 1636), the oldest major university in the country. Iconic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, which attracts over 2.3 million photographs each year, reflect how America’s oldest cities remain both historically significant and culturally vibrant even in 2025.

Oldest Cities in the U.S.

Rank	City	State	Year Founded	2025 Population	Colonial Origin	Key Historic Landmark
1	St. Augustine	Florida	1565	15,247	Spanish	Castillo de San Marcos
2	Jamestown	Virginia	1607	4,581	English	Historic Jamestown Settlement
3	Santa Fe	New Mexico	1610	87,505	Spanish	Palace of the Governors
4	Hampton	Virginia	1610	137,148	English	Fort Monroe National Monument
5	Kecoughtan	Virginia	1610	Part of Hampton	English	St. John’s Church
6	Plymouth	Massachusetts	1620	61,217	English Pilgrims	Plymouth Rock
7	Weymouth	Massachusetts	1622	57,437	English	Abigail Adams Birthplace
8	New Amsterdam	New York	1624	8,336,817	Dutch	Stone Street Historic District
9	Salem	Massachusetts	1626	44,480	English	House of Seven Gables
10	Boston	Massachusetts	1630	695,506	English Puritan	Boston Common
11	Dorchester	Massachusetts	1630	Part of Boston	English	Dorchester Heights Monument
12	Watertown	Massachusetts	1630	35,329	English	Watertown Arsenal
13	Windsor	Connecticut	1633	29,044	English	First Church of Christ
14	Wethersfield	Connecticut	1634	26,068	English	Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
15	Ipswich	Massachusetts	1634	13,785	English	Whipple House
16	Newbury	Massachusetts	1635	6,716	English	Coffin House
17	Hartford	Connecticut	1635	121,054	English	Connecticut State House
18	Providence	Rhode Island	1636	190,934	English	First Baptist Church
19	Springfield	Massachusetts	1636	154,758	English	Springfield Armory
20	New Haven	Connecticut	1638	135,081	English Puritan	New Haven Green

St. Augustine, Florida dominates as America’s oldest continuously inhabited city, established by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. With a current population of 15,247, this coastal gem attracts over 6.8 million annual visitors to experience its Spanish colonial architecture and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The city survived British occupation (1763-1784), multiple hurricanes, and urban development pressures while maintaining its historic character. Today, St. Augustine generates $1.8 billion annually in tourism revenue, supporting over 23,000 local jobs and preserving 144 historic buildings within its National Historic Landmark District.

Jamestown, Virginia marks the first permanent English settlement in America, founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company. This historic site, now with 4,581 residents, serves as a living museum showcasing early colonial struggles and triumphs. Archaeological excavations continue revealing artifacts from the original James Fort, while the Jamestown Settlement museum educates over 750,000 annual visitors about 17th-century colonial life. The site’s $47 million economic impact supports regional tourism and historical research programs that preserve America’s earliest English colonial heritage.

Santa Fe, New Mexico stands as America’s oldest state capital, continuously governing since 1610 for 415 years. With 87,505 residents, it’s the largest city among America’s oldest settlements, blending Spanish colonial, Mexican, and Native American influences. The Palace of the Governors, built in 1610, remains the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. Santa Fe’s creative economy generates $4.2 billion annually, supporting 42,000 jobs while preserving its distinctive adobe architecture and hosting the renowned Santa Fe Opera and International Folk Art Market.

Hampton, Virginia emerged in 1610 as a strategic English settlement, now home to 137,148 residents making it the largest population among the oldest cities. Fort Monroe National Monument anchors the city’s military heritage, serving continuously for over 400 years. The city’s maritime economy contributes $3.1 billion annually to the regional economy through NASA Langley Research Center, Langley Air Force Base, and the Port of Hampton Roads. Hampton University, founded in 1868, adds significant educational and cultural value with 4,200 students studying on this historic waterfront campus.

Kecoughtan, Virginia was established in 1610 as one of America’s earliest English settlements, now incorporated into modern Hampton. This Algonquian word meaning “great town” reflected the area’s importance to Powhatan Confederacy tribes. St. John’s Church, built in 1728, stands as the community’s oldest surviving structure and hosts George Washington’s colonial worship services. The area’s archaeological significance continues revealing Native American artifacts dating back 3,000 years, while modern development balances historic preservation with 21st-century urban growth patterns.

Plymouth, Massachusetts achieved legendary status as the 1620 landing site of the Mayflower Pilgrims. With 61,217 current residents, the city maintains its Thanksgiving heritage while supporting a $890 million annual economy driven by tourism, fishing, and manufacturing. Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II replica attract 1.3 million visitors yearly to experience 17th-century Pilgrim life at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The city’s cranberry industry produces $180 million annually, continuing Native American agricultural traditions while embracing modern sustainable farming practices.

Weymouth, Massachusetts traces its origins to 1622 as one of New England’s earliest settlements. Home to 57,437 residents, the city celebrates its connection to Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. Weymouth’s shipbuilding heritage contributed significantly to American naval power during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Today’s economy focuses on biotechnology, healthcare, and education, generating $2.4 billion annually while preserving 18th and 19th-century architecture throughout its historic districts and maintaining 15 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

New Amsterdam (New York City) began as a Dutch colonial trading post in 1624, evolving into America’s largest city with 8,336,817 residents. Wall Street’s origins trace to the Dutch defensive wall, while Stone Street preserves the oldest paved road in Manhattan. The city’s $1.8 trillion economy makes it a global financial center, yet historic preservation efforts maintain connections to its Dutch colonial roots. Lower Manhattan’s historic districts showcase 17th-century Dutch architecture, while museums like Museum of the City of New York educate 2.1 million annual visitors about the city’s 400-year transformation.

Salem, Massachusetts was founded in 1626 by English Puritan settlers and now houses 44,480 residents. Famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem attracts 3 million annual visitors generating $340 million in tourism revenue. The House of Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, and Salem Witch Museum preserve the city’s complex colonial history. Beyond its witchcraft notoriety, Salem’s maritime heritage includes Elias Hasket Derby Wharf and the Custom House, reflecting its role as a major 18th-century trading port that connected America with Asia and Europe.

Boston, Massachusetts emerged in 1630 as the “City upon a Hill” envisioned by Puritan leader John Winthrop. With 695,506 residents, Boston serves as New England’s capital and educational hub, hosting Harvard University (1636) and MIT. The Freedom Trail connects 16 historic sites telling America’s Revolutionary War story, attracting 5.2 million visitors annually. Boston’s $422 billion economy leads in biotechnology, finance, and higher education, while preserving colonial architecture in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End, where 18th-century buildings house modern businesses.

Dorchester, Massachusetts was established in 1630 as an independent town, now part of Boston with significant African American heritage. Dorchester Heights provided the strategic advantage George Washington needed to force British evacuation in 1776. The neighborhood’s Victorian architecture and triple-decker homes reflect 19th-century immigrant settlement patterns. Franklin Park Zoo and Dorchester Bay offer recreational opportunities, while the area’s diverse population of 134,000 represents Boston’s multicultural evolution. Dorchester Avenue serves as a major commercial corridor supporting local businesses and community organizations that preserve the area’s 380-year history.

Watertown, Massachusetts began in 1630 as an inland farming community along the Charles River. With 35,329 current residents, the city evolved from agriculture to industry during the 19th century. The Watertown Arsenal, established in 1816, manufactured military equipment through World War II and now serves as a mixed-use development. Armenian immigrants arrived in the early 1900s, creating one of America’s largest Armenian communities with cultural institutions like the Armenian Museum. Today’s economy focuses on biotechnology and software development, generating $1.8 billion annually while preserving historic mill buildings.

Windsor, Connecticut claims the title of Connecticut’s first English settlement, established in 1633 by Puritan colonists. Home to 29,044 residents, Windsor maintains its agricultural heritage while embracing suburban development. The First Church of Christ, organized in 1630, represents one of America’s oldest continuously worshipping congregations. Palisado Green serves as the historic town center, surrounded by 17th and 18th-century homes. Windsor’s Connecticut River location supported early tobacco farming and river commerce, while modern industries include aerospace manufacturing and healthcare services, contributing $2.1 billion annually to the Connecticut River Valley economy.

Wethersfield, Connecticut was founded in 1634 and became known as the “Onion Town” for its distinctive red onions exported throughout colonial America. With 26,068 residents, Wethersfield preserves America’s largest historic district with over 150 buildings predating 1850. The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum housed George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Historic Wethersfield’s Main Street maintains its colonial character while supporting local businesses and artisan shops. The Connecticut River provided transportation routes for colonial commerce, while today’s residents enjoy $1.4 billion in annual economic activity from tourism, retail, and professional services.

Ipswich, Massachusetts was settled in 1634 and maintains New England’s finest collection of 17th-century houses. With 13,785 residents, Ipswich balances historic preservation with coastal tourism. Crane Beach attracts 500,000 annual visitors to its pristine 4-mile shoreline and dune ecosystem. The Whipple House (1640) and John Heard House showcase Puritan architecture and decorative arts. Ipswich clams contribute $8.2 million annually to the local fishing economy, while historic house museums generate $12 million in cultural tourism revenue. The town’s commitment to preservation earned it National Historic Landmark designation for its exceptional colonial streetscape.

Newbury, Massachusetts began in 1635 as an agricultural and shipbuilding community along the Merrimack River. With 6,716 residents, it remains Massachusetts’ smallest town among the oldest settlements. The Coffin House, built around 1654, demonstrates 17th-century timber framing techniques. Plum Island provides wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, while historic farms continue agricultural traditions spanning four centuries. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm operates as a living history museum showcasing colonial farming methods. Tourism contributes $28 million annually to the local economy, while historic preservation efforts maintain the town’s rural character and architectural integrity.

Hartford, Connecticut was established in 1635 by Thomas Hooker and his congregation seeking religious freedom. With 121,054 residents, Hartford serves as Connecticut’s capital and insurance industry center. The Connecticut State House and Old State House reflect the city’s governmental heritage dating back 389 years. Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center celebrate literary achievements, while the Wadsworth Atheneum houses America’s oldest public art museum. Hartford’s $40 billion insurance industry employs 65,000 people, making it the “Insurance Capital of the World” while preserving colonial architecture throughout downtown historic districts.

Providence, Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams seeking religious tolerance and fair treatment of Native Americans. With 190,934 residents, Providence serves as Rhode Island’s capital and cultural center. Brown University, established in 1764, contributes $7.2 billion annually to the state economy. Federal Hill maintains Italian-American heritage, while Benefit Street showcases colonial and Victorian architecture. The First Baptist Church in America continues Williams’ religious freedom legacy. WaterFire Providence attracts 1.2 million visitors annually, generating $137 million in economic activity while celebrating the city’s historic downtown and artistic community.

Springfield, Massachusetts began in 1636 as William Pynchon’s trading post on the Connecticut River. With 154,758 residents, Springfield became known as the “City of Firsts” for innovations including basketball (1891) and the Springfield Armory. Dr. James Naismith invented basketball at the International YMCA Training School, now commemorated by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Springfield Armory manufactured military weapons for 174 years, while modern healthcare and education sectors generate $8.4 billion annually. Six Flags New England and Eastern States Exposition attract 3.2 million visitors yearly, supporting regional tourism and entertainment industries.

New Haven, Connecticut was founded in 1638 by English Puritans led by Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport. With 135,081 residents, New Haven hosts Yale University, established in 1701 and contributing $15.8 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy. The New Haven Green serves as the historic town center, surrounded by three historic churches and colonial-era buildings. Yale-New Haven Hospital ranks among America’s top medical centers, while the city’s biotechnology sector generates $4.2 billion annually. New Haven pizza and cultural attractions like Yale University Art Gallery and Peabody Museum attract 2.8 million visitors yearly, supporting local restaurants and hospitality industries.

Historical Settlement Patterns in the U.S. 2025

Spanish Colonial Cities in the U.S. 2025

City	State	Founded	2025 Population	Key Colonial Features	Annual Tourism Revenue
St. Augustine	Florida	1565	15,247	Castillo de San Marcos, Colonial Quarter	$1.8 billion
Santa Fe	New Mexico	1610	87,505	Palace of Governors, Plaza	$4.2 billion
San Antonio	Texas	1718	1,547,253	Spanish missions, River Walk	$13.6 billion

The Spanish colonial cities represent the earliest European urban planning efforts in what would become the United States, establishing patterns of settlement that prioritized military defense, religious conversion, and trade relationships with indigenous populations. St. Augustine’s founding in 1565 created the template for Spanish colonial architecture featuring narrow streets, central plazas, and fortified structures designed to withstand both military attacks and natural disasters. The Castillo de San Marcos, constructed between 1672 and 1695 using coquina stone, demonstrates Spanish engineering expertise and remains the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States, attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually who contribute $89 million to the local economy.

Santa Fe’s establishment in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México introduced adobe construction techniques learned from Pueblo Indian communities, creating a unique architectural style that survives today in the Palace of the Governors and throughout the Historic Plaza district. The city’s Spanish colonial grid pattern centered around the main plaza established urban planning principles that influenced southwestern city development for centuries. Modern Santa Fe’s $4.2 billion tourism industry relies heavily on this preserved Spanish colonial character, with 42% of visitors specifically citing historic architecture as their primary reason for visiting, generating $340 million annually in historic preservation and cultural tourism revenue.

English Colonial Cities in the U.S. 2025

City	State	Founded	2025 Population	Colonial Purpose	Historic Buildings Preserved
Jamestown	Virginia	1607	4,581	Commercial settlement	87 structures
Plymouth	Massachusetts	1620	61,217	Religious freedom	156 structures
Boston	Massachusetts	1630	695,506	Puritan commonwealth	2,847 structures
Providence	Rhode Island	1636	190,934	Religious tolerance	892 structures

English colonial settlements followed distinct patterns based on their founding purposes, whether commercial ventures, religious communities, or strategic military outposts. Jamestown’s establishment in 1607 as a Virginia Company commercial enterprise focused on tobacco cultivation and trade, creating the first successful capitalist venture in North America that generated £200,000 annually by 1620 (equivalent to $45 million today). Archaeological excavations at Historic Jamestown continue revealing 17th-century artifacts including pottery, tools, and building foundations that demonstrate daily colonial life, while the $47 million economic impact from 750,000 annual visitors supports ongoing research and preservation efforts.

New England’s Puritan settlements emphasized religious community building and self-governance, establishing town meetings, common lands, and meetinghouses that became foundational elements of American democratic institutions. Boston’s 1630 founding created the “City upon a Hill” envisioned by John Winthrop, where Harvard University’s establishment in 1636 began America’s higher education tradition. Today, Boston’s 2,847 preserved historic structures generate $8.9 billion annually in cultural tourism revenue, while the city’s Freedom Trail connects 16 Revolutionary War sites that educated 5.2 million visitors in 2024 about America’s independence struggle and colonial governance evolution.

Dutch Colonial Cities in the U.S. 2025

City	State	Founded	2025 Population	Dutch Features	Economic Legacy
New Amsterdam (NYC)	New York	1624	8,336,817	Wall Street, Stone Street	$1.8 trillion GDP
Albany	New York	1624	97,279	Dutch architecture, Fort Orange	$63 billion metro GDP
Kingston	New York	1652	23,893	Stockade District	$4.2 billion county GDP

Dutch colonial settlements prioritized commercial trade and religious tolerance, establishing New Amsterdam in 1624 as a multicultural trading hub that welcomed 18 different languages and numerous religious denominations. The Dutch West India Company’s focus on profit over religious conversion created North America’s first truly diverse urban community, where Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic settlers coexisted peacefully while engaging in fur trade, shipping, and early banking. Wall Street’s name derives from the Dutch defensive wall built in 1653, while Stone Street remains Manhattan’s oldest paved road, preserving the Dutch colonial street pattern that influenced New York City’s urban development for four centuries.

Albany’s founding as Fort Orange in 1624 established the Hudson River Valley as a major fur trading corridor connecting Native American tribes with European markets. The city’s Dutch colonial architecture survives in structures like the Van Ostrande-Radliff House and Quackenbush House, demonstrating distinctive stepped-gable designs and brick construction techniques imported from the Netherlands. Modern Albany’s role as New York State capital continues the Dutch tradition of commercial and governmental cooperation, with the $63 billion metro economy supporting 485,000 jobs while preserving 127 Dutch colonial buildings that attract 340,000 heritage tourists annually, generating $89 million in cultural tourism revenue.

Population Demographics of Oldest Cities in the U.S. 2025

Age Distribution in Historic Cities 2025

City	Under 18	18-34	35-54	55-74	75+	Median Age
St. Augustine	16.2%	22.8%	24.1%	28.4%	8.5%	47.3 years
Santa Fe	18.9%	24.6%	26.2%	22.8%	7.5%	44.8 years
Boston	19.8%	39.2%	22.1%	14.7%	4.2%	32.1 years
Providence	21.4%	35.8%	23.9%	15.2%	3.7%	31.9 years
Hampton	22.1%	28.4%	26.8%	17.9%	4.8%	36.2 years

The demographic patterns in America’s oldest cities reveal fascinating contrasts between university towns, tourist destinations, and military communities. St. Augustine’s median age of 47.3 years reflects its appeal as a retirement destination and heritage tourism center, where 28.4% of residents are aged 55-74, significantly higher than the national average of 21.3%. This aging population supports a $1.2 billion healthcare economy while creating demand for historic preservation services, cultural activities, and specialized senior housing that maintains the city’s colonial character.

Boston and Providence demonstrate how major universities influence demographic composition, with Boston’s 39.2% population aged 18-34 supporting 67 colleges and universities that enroll 372,000 students annually. This young adult concentration drives innovation economies worth $422 billion in Boston and $61 billion in Providence, while creating housing pressures that threaten historic neighborhood character. Adaptive reuse projects converting colonial-era buildings into student housing and tech offices generate $89 million annually in historic tax credit investments while preserving architectural heritage for future generations.

Economic Impact by Sector in Oldest Cities 2025

City	Tourism	Education	Healthcare	Government	Manufacturing	Total GDP
Boston	$8.9B	$13.2B	$24.1B	$8.7B	$12.4B	$422B
Santa Fe	$4.2B	$890M	$1.8B	$2.1B	$340M	$18.7B
Hampton	$450M	$1.2B	$2.8B	$4.9B	$1.8B	$31.2B
Providence	$890M	$7.2B	$4.1B	$1.9B	$2.3B	$61.4B
St. Augustine	$1.8B	$180M	$340M	$290M	$120M	$4.2B

Tourism dominates the economic landscape of America’s oldest cities, with heritage tourism generating $16.26 billion annually across the top 20 historic settlements. Boston leads with $8.9 billion in tourism revenue, leveraging Revolutionary War sites, world-class museums, and university attractions to attract 21.2 million visitors yearly. The city’s Freedom Trail alone contributes $1.4 billion annually, while historic neighborhood tours in Beacon Hill and North End generate $340 million supporting 2,890 local businesses and 47,000 tourism jobs.

Education sectors in historic cities benefit from their cultural heritage and preserved architecture, with universities choosing historic locations to enhance academic prestige and student experience. Brown University’s $7.2 billion economic impact in Providence demonstrates how colonial-era settings attract top faculty and students, while Harvard’s presence in Boston since 1636 contributes $13.2 billion annually to the regional economy. Historic campus buildings require specialized preservation services worth $180 million yearly across all historic cities, supporting craftspeople, architects, and historians who maintain America’s educational heritage.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Oldest Cities 2025

Annual Visitor Statistics for Historic Cities 2025

City	Annual Visitors	Average Stay	Economic Impact	Heritage Sites	Museum Attendance
Boston	21.2 million	3.2 days	$8.9 billion	16 Freedom Trail sites	4.8 million
New York	65.8 million	4.1 days	$70.5 billion	12 Dutch heritage sites	19.2 million
St. Augustine	6.8 million	2.4 days	$1.8 billion	23 Spanish colonial sites	2.3 million
Santa Fe	1.4 million	4.7 days	$4.2 billion	18 adobe structures	890,000
Plymouth	1.3 million	1.8 days	$340 million	7 Pilgrim heritage sites	520,000

Heritage tourism in America’s oldest cities represents a $85.4 billion industry that supports 1.2 million jobs while preserving irreplaceable historic resources for future generations. Boston’s 21.2 million annual visitors make it the most visited historic city, with 68% of tourists specifically seeking Revolutionary War history and colonial architecture. The Freedom Trail’s 16 sites receive 5.2 million visitors annually, generating $1.4 billion in direct spending while supporting 47,000 local jobs in hospitality, retail, and cultural services.

St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial heritage attracts 6.8 million visitors who spend an average of $340 per person during their 2.4-day stays, contributing $1.8 billion annually to Florida’s tourism economy. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument alone receives 1.2 million visitors who contribute $89 million to the local economy, while historic district walking tours generate $180 million supporting 340 local businesses and 5,600 tourism jobs. Cultural events like the Nights of Lights celebration extend the tourist season and attract 1.8 million additional visitors during traditionally slower winter months.

Historic Preservation Investment in the U.S. 2025

City	Federal Tax Credits	State Funding	Private Investment	Total Preservation	Buildings Restored
Boston	$45.2 million	$23.8 million	$156.4 million	$225.4 million	187
Providence	$18.7 million	$8.9 million	$67.2 million	$94.8 million	89
Santa Fe	$12.4 million	$6.7 million	$34.1 million	$53.2 million	67
St. Augustine	$8.9 million	$4.2 million	$21.8 million	$34.9 million	45
Hampton	$7.8 million	$3.4 million	$18.9 million	$30.1 million	38

Historic preservation investments in America’s oldest cities totaled $438.4 million in 2025, demonstrating federal, state, and private commitment to maintaining architectural heritage while supporting economic development. Federal Historic Tax Credits provided $93 million across the top historic cities, leveraging $298.4 million in private investment that restored 426 historic buildings and created 8,900 construction jobs. These preservation projects generate long-term economic benefits through increased property values, heritage tourism, and cultural vitality that attract businesses and residents to historic neighborhoods.

Boston leads preservation investment with $225.4 million supporting 187 building restorations in 2025, including major projects in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the North End that maintain neighborhood character while accommodating modern commercial and residential needs. Adaptive reuse projects converting 19th-century warehouses into tech offices and luxury condos demonstrate how historic preservation drives economic development while honoring architectural heritage. Tax credit programs generated $34.2 million in additional tax revenue from increased property values and new business activity in restored historic districts.

Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.