America's most overrated, overhyped, or overpriced cities to live (middle-class, good schools)

[ScranBarre]

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but can somebody please tell me why North Carolina has become so unbelievably popular on this forum? From what I've seen from Microsoft Virtual Earth, the vast majority of the central 1/3 of the Tarheel State seems to be incessant urban sprawl, especially in Raleigh/Cary and Lake Norman. There are more important things in life than having a bigger house for less money, aren't there?

[gameguy56]

Originally Posted by SWB

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but can somebody please tell me why North Carolina has become so unbelievably popular on this forum? From what I've seen from Microsoft Virtual Earth, the vast majority of the central 1/3 of the Tarheel State seems to be incessant urban sprawl, especially in Raleigh/Cary and Lake Norman. There are more important things in life than having a bigger house for less money, aren't there?

You're telling that to the wrong people. The people who love NC are those who like big houses and cul-de-sacs. They move down there almost specifically for that.

[Mark_CT]

Boston's not overpriced. But, it is waaaaaaaaay overrated and overhyped, especially because of very recently successful sports teams. There is honestly not that much to do there (you could pretty much do it all in a day)... Boston tries to market itself as "managable;" It's taking a direct stab at NYC, vying for more New Englanders to visit it. One would find much more to do in NYC without being disappointed about not meeting expectations. New York is pretty much as awesome as everyone says it is (unless they say the streets are paved with gold).

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by gameguy56

You're telling that to the wrong people. The people who love NC are those who like big houses and cul-de-sacs. They move down there almost specifically for that.

That's kind of sad. How can people not realize that if you pay more for a smaller home but the quality-of-life is MUCH higher, then sometimes it is worth the expense?

[john_starks]

i hate this thread only beacuse i love the cities mentioned. think about it though, overpriced, overcrowded, overhyped, unsafe, bla blah blah.... that's what makes a city. either you love it or you dont.

[Greatday]

"Quality of Life" is very subjective

Quality of Life to some is large metropolitan areas and very high density of population

Quality of Life to others are green rolling hills and very low density of population

While to others, Quality of Life may be very rural, low density, desert and cactus with few neighbors nearby

And yet others, want a medium density - larger home, overlooking the ocean

What makes the US wonderful is there is something out there for everyone

[Dieter]

Chicago. The food is merely OK, the novelty of "Chicago style ____" wore out on me by the second week I was living there. I was also single at the time so the lack of attractive women was startling. Everyone was fat. The guy's I befriended would never admit the women were fat, either. Living in Chicago felt like living in a denser Mississippi, with more Mexicans and less Baptists. I think the real reason for the racial tensions in Chicago is jealousy of the White man. The only attractive women I saw in Chicago were Latinas.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by Dieter

Chicago. The food is merely OK, the novelty of "Chicago style ____" wore out on me by the second week I was living there. I was also single at the time so the lack of attractive women was startling. Everyone was fat. The guy's I befriended would never admit the women were fat, either. Living in Chicago felt like living in a denser Mississippi, with more Mexicans and less Baptists. I think the real reason for the racial tensions in Chicago is jealousy of the White man. The only attractive women I saw in Chicago were Latinas.

Holy crap. What part of Chicago were you in?

Chicago is one of the best restaurant towns in the country. Bar none. You can find cuisine from every part of the world, plus excellent experimental cuisine.

As for everyone being fat, I know it's the stereotype, but I find that (at least where I live, on Chicago's North Side) people are very slender compared to, say, places down South where no one ever walks and everything is fried.

I read these threads sometimes and just wonder how someone's experience can be so different from mine.

[desert student]

Originally Posted by Dieter

Chicago. The food is merely OK, the novelty of "Chicago style ____" wore out on me by the second week I was living there. I was also single at the time so the lack of attractive women was startling. Everyone was fat. The guy's I befriended would never admit the women were fat, either. Living in Chicago felt like living in a denser Mississippi, with more Mexicans and less Baptists. I think the real reason for the racial tensions in Chicago is jealousy of the White man. The only attractive women I saw in Chicago were Latinas.

OH NO YOU DIDN'T~!

I can here the Chicago lovers coming now! You better go into hiding for awhile! (Just between you and me though. Don't try hiding in the Phoenix forum. They are all there and they will never let it go!)

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by SWB

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but can somebody please tell me why North Carolina has become so unbelievably popular on this forum? From what I've seen from Microsoft Virtual Earth, the vast majority of the central 1/3 of the Tarheel State seems to be incessant urban sprawl, especially in Raleigh/Cary and Lake Norman. There are more important things in life than having a bigger house for less money, aren't there?

I am incredulous that you would draw a conclusion as to how, or why, one would like an area without knowing anything but a satellite picture of it?

Impossible