Does Chicago "feel" like a megacity?

[Lookout Kid]

I'd say my notions about Center City Philly are very "post-conceived". I've spent time there, and the CBD is more vibrant than most, but isn't even close to a Chicago or New York in terms of vibrancy. It will get better, however. And most of the residential areas are more compact and walkable than what we have in large swaths of Chicago. I think Philly is vastly under-rated, though it seems to be catching on with the crowd fleeing New York housing costs! I know multiple New Yorkers who have pulled up stakes and moved to Philly in recent years.

Now if we could only do something about Baltimore... That city could be great, but seems to be sinking further into "hell hole" status. It's a sad sad thing.

[coldwine]

Originally Posted by rainrock

I was walking in Center City Philly a few weeks ago. Strolling down 18th amidst a sea of people rounding onto Walnut into an ocean of people. I overheard a couple businessmen ahead of me and I quote.

Businessmen #1 "Are you sure we didnt land in Chicago?"

Businessmen #2 " Ehh Chicago? I think we landed in Midtown Manhattan.

hsw apparently has Philly confused with some other city. I tend to laugh in bemusement of the pre conceived notions that outsiders have of Center City Philly.

Wow, is that contrived. It was so painful to read it took my breath away.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by coldwine

Wow, is that contrived. It was so painful to read it took my breath away.

That thud you just heard? That was me hitting the floor rolling in hysterics.

Thanks for the laugh.

Absolute true incident.

Keep in mind that Center City Philly is physically 4x smaller than downtown Chicago. That doesnt necessarily mean its 4x as less vibrant. Center City as compact as it is - is every bit as vibrant as Chicago. There just isnt as much of it.

In the 1 Sq. Mile of Center City you probably have an avg. daytime population of 500,000 people. In downtown Chicago its probably closer to 4 sq. miles and perhaps 1 M people. Is Downtown Chicago larger then Center City Philly? Absolutely. Does that necessarily equate into Downtown Chicago being more vibrant than Center City Philly? I'm afraid that is open to debate.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Does that necessarily equate into Downtown Chicago being more vibrant than Center City Philly? I'm afraid that is open to debate.

Uhhhh, lets not.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I'd say my notions about Center City Philly are very "post-conceived". I've spent time there, and the CBD is more vibrant than most, but isn't even close to a Chicago or New York in terms of vibrancy. It will get better, however. And most of the residential areas are more compact and walkable than what we have in large swaths of Chicago. I think Philly is vastly under-rated, though it seems to be catching on with the crowd fleeing New York housing costs! I know multiple New Yorkers who have pulled up stakes and moved to Philly in recent years.

Now if we could only do something about Baltimore... That city could be great, but seems to be sinking further into "hell hole" status. It's a sad sad thing.

Not sure when/where/how you spent time in Center City but would be curious to learn of further details?

On a percentage basis more people walk to work in Center City Philly then any other city in the country. There are a dozen college/universities/institutes of higher learning(100,000 enrollment) within a mile of Center City. Center City residential population is 92,000. 800 retail + restaurants in the expanded 3 sq. miles of Center City.Currently 5 B dollars of construction going on in Center City, another 5 B of construction in University City. Again in comparison to the sheer size of Chicago that may pale in comparison but when taken into context the difference in girth Center City Philadlephia is extremely vibrant.

Overall the city of Philadlephia mirrors the city of Chicago on so many levels. Its basically a smaller version of Chicago.

[DC's Finest]

I've spent time in the Loop as well as Center City. CC is more vibrant than the Loop. The Loop is dead after 5:30 during the week. Center City is a living urban neighborhood. Areas north of the Loop are thriving but it's not the Loop!

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

CC is more vibrant than the Loop. The Loop is dead after 5:30 during the week.

1. "Downtown" Chicago is more than just the Loop.

2. The Loop used to be dead after about 7:00 p.m., but that has changed drastically in the last ten years. Heck, the last five years have been a huge change because of the new condos, and especially the large dormitories that were constructed for the many colleges. State Street is once again lined with shops. Millenium Park is crowded with tourists well into the evening. The Symphony, Opera, Ballet(s), and theaters are packed. The Loop of 2008 is not the Loop of 1998 by any stretch. It's not all a 24-hour neighborhood, but it's bustling with activity long after the office workers have left.

3. CC Philly is NOT EVEN CLOSE to as vibrant as downtown Chicago. I don't know how anyone who has spent time in both cities could say that. It's a ridiculous assertion.

4. Much of the rest of Philly (i.e. neighborhoods) is more vibrant than much of the rest of Chicago. There are exceptions. But on the whole, Philly is more compact and pedestrian-friendly.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Not sure when/where/how you spent time in Center City but would be curious to learn of further details?

On a percentage basis more people walk to work in Center City Philly then any other city in the country. There are a dozen college/universities/institutes of higher learning(100,000 enrollment) within a mile of Center City. Center City residential population is 92,000. 800 retail + restaurants in the expanded 3 sq. miles of Center City.Currently 5 B dollars of construction going on in Center City, another 5 B of construction in University City. Again in comparison to the sheer size of Chicago that may pale in comparison but when taken into context the difference in girth Center City Philadlephia is extremely vibrant.

Overall the city of Philadlephia mirrors the city of Chicago on so many levels. Its basically a smaller version of Chicago.

Do you work for the Chamber of Commerce or something? Philadelphia has many strengths that outshine Chicago, but a vibrant downtown is not one of them. Philly's CBD bustles compared to most American cities, but it pales in comparison to Downtown Chicago--except perhaps in late January during a snowstorm.

[mattywo85]

So is this going to become Philly Vs. Chicago?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by mattywo85

So is this going to become Philly Vs. Chicago?

I sure hope not. Those are always a waste of time...