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Without looking at a Census map (and basing this on experience in the city), I'd guess that's because Miami has a relatively even population distribution. It doesn't have particularly high or particularly low density neighborhoods. It's pretty much a medium range of density throughout most of the city.
I also don't think there's as strong a nexus between population density and walkability as some people suggest. Charleston and Annapolis are both low density cities but yet enjoy a more vibrant pedestrian life than much larger and denser cities.
Yeah, think you nailed it. It just doesn't have those 20k-30k+/psm neighborhoods like you see in Philly/DC/Chicago, which give those cities that dense feel.
agree on Miami as dense in terms of ppsm but I think it is difficult to compare to to a Philly or DC in this regard. The developed areas are different (i.e you dont drive to a garage or valet in either those two in general. Plus to say Miami is more dense than a place like Philly is a little silly as well.In the core 36 sq miles Philly is likely 3 or 4 times the density of Miami. Philly is more dense than SF as an example when reduced to a core sq mileage of SF and DC is similar in this regard but on your original point of not feeling this way well agree but because in its core it really isnt more dense, and not even close really and coupled with the functional set up the feel is even more reduced...
It's not silly, it's a fact. I am comparing entire cities within their municipal boundaries. Core, shmore...
I'll agree with you that it's a great downtown, and much better in reality than by reputation. But 4th, it isn't. Boston, Philadelphia, DC, possibly Atlanta are all better than downtown LA.
I agree with you up to when you say possibly Atlanta downtown. It's big for the size of the city, but as far as activity, it's not that busy from the times I visited. My first visit I actually spent the entire day downtown and because it was a bank holiday I figured that was the reason it was so quiet. Buy when I mentioned this at the Visitor Center, I was told my a lady at the information desk this was how it is on a typical business day.
The next visit I spent several hours again downtown looking around from early 6am until about 1pm as I was on a long layover between flights and had time to kill.. It was a regular business day, and I got to experience the am rush hour. There was a lot of people on the subway that exit by Atlanta Underground, myself as well. But I didn't see the hustle and bustle I'm used to seeing during rush hour in downtown LA and during the noon lunch rush. I don't recall any part that even matches the large pedestrian activity the LA Fashion District have on weekends.
The only cities in the US Ive seen that large of a crowd was in NYC (obviously) , Chicago's North Michigan Avenue, and Boston downtown. Downtown Philly from what I've seen is busy but not at the pedestrian level of the weekend crowds in LA Fashion District. Although I'm pretty sure South Street gets very crowded and especially nights and weekends.
I'm not an authority on Philly's South Street as my experience is limited and it was during the day. At that time it not very crowded and it actually reminded me a lot of Melrose Avenue on west side of LA, this kind of funky vibe and the type of stores. It was the middle of the week, so I think I may have missed the large crowds.
Without looking at a Census map (and basing this on experience in the city), I'd guess that's because Miami has a relatively even population distribution. It doesn't have particularly high or particularly low density neighborhoods. It's pretty much a medium range of density throughout most of the city.
Also because the city limits of Miami are small compared to the metro. Unlike Boston, there are no large areas of parks, undeveloped land or airports. A similar sized area of Philadelphia would be much denser than Miami.
Still probably denser than Seattle or Portland, though.
I agree with you up to when you say possibly Atlanta downtown. It's big for the size of the city, but as far as activity, it's not that busy from the times I visited. My first visit I actually spent the entire day downtown and because it was a bank holiday I figured that was the reason it was so quiet. Buy when I mentioned this at the Visitor Center, I was told my a lady at the information desk this was how it is on a typical business day.
The next visit I spent several hours again downtown looking around from early 6am until about 1pm as I was on a long layover between flights and had time to kill.. It was a regular business day, and I got to experience the am rush hour. There was a lot of people on the subway that exit by Atlanta Underground, myself as well. But I didn't see the hustle and bustle I'm used to seeing during rush hour in downtown LA and during the noon lunch rush. I don't recall any part that even matches the large pedestrian activity the LA Fashion District have on weekends.
Downtown Atlanta has activity during a normal day during business hours, especially when school is in (GSU), but not so much after business hours.
I agree with you up to when you say possibly Atlanta downtown. It's big for the size of the city, but as far as activity, it's not that busy from the times I visited. My first visit I actually spent the entire day downtown and because it was a bank holiday I figured that was the reason it was so quiet. Buy when I mentioned this at the Visitor Center, I was told my a lady at the information desk this was how it is on a typical business day.
The next visit I spent several hours again downtown looking around from early 6am until about 1pm as I was on a long layover between flights and had time to kill.. It was a regular business day, and I got to experience the am rush hour. There was a lot of people on the subway that exit by Atlanta Underground, myself as well. But I didn't see the hustle and bustle I'm used to seeing during rush hour in downtown LA and during the noon lunch rush. I don't recall any part that even matches the large pedestrian activity the LA Fashion District have on weekends.
The only cities in the US Ive seen that large of a crowd was in NYC (obviously) , Chicago's North Michigan Avenue, and Boston downtown. Downtown Philly from what I've seen is busy but not at the pedestrian level of the weekend crowds in LA Fashion District. Although I'm pretty sure South Street gets very crowded and especially nights and weekends.
I'm not an authority on Philly's South Street as my experience is limited and it was during the day. At that time it not very crowded and it actually reminded me a lot of Melrose Avenue on west side of LA, this kind of funky vibe and the type of stores. It was the middle of the week, so I think I may have missed the large crowds.
Center city Philadelphia definitely gets more crowded than LA's fashion district.
Downtown Philly from what I've seen is busy but not at the pedestrian level of the weekend crowds in LA Fashion District.
That's like saying "Downtown Philly is not at the pedestrian level of the weekend crowds in Five Points and Underground Atlanta." The comparison is apples and oranges. If you wanted an apples-to-apples comparison, you would compare the Gallery, the Fashion District and Five Points/Underground Atlanta. The only difference between the Gallery and the latter two is that the latter venues are outdoors.
Also because the city limits of Miami are tiny. Unlike Boston, there are no large areas of parks, undeveloped land or airports. A similar sized area of Philadelphia would be much denser than Miami.
Still probably denser than Seattle or Portland, though.
The area directly west of Downtown Miami (Google Maps says Little Havana) actually looks a lot like Hollywood, though probably slightly less developed, and over a smaller area.
Center city Philadelphia definitely gets more crowded than LA's fashion district.
It was a terrible comparison. It's like saying Fort Greene, Brooklyn is "not at the pedestrian level" of Five Points Atlanta. The former functions as a full-service, multi-dimensional, walkable, residential neighborhood that's seamlessly woven into the Borough's larger urban fabric. The latter functions as a discrete, commercial shopping district.
Actually Mr. Yankee the fashion district is always packed with people its just that it gets even more crowded on the weekends, so yes the fashion district probably does have more pedestrian activity then center city, it may be composed of mostly undesirables but that's for another topic
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