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Im not trying to single you out but i'm using this post as an example.
Peoples understanding of cities and their statuses always intrigues me. So much of it is experience and not fact based. However to see Chicago on a list of "next hot up & coming cities" baffles me.
But then the way people try and spin Chicago on here I shouldn't be suprised. Chicago is considered an "Alpha " world city by the Globalization and World Cities research network (GaWC). The GaWC is a think tank out of the UK. I do not think they have any special interest in elevating or promoting anything. Chicago being an Alpha+ world city puts it in an elite class with about ten other cities globally. This is a site for city enthusiasts I feel like we should all educate ourselves on the true size and impact the cities we talk about have. Even Detroit is considered a Beta world city meaning it has a significant impact economically both nationally, and to some extent globally.
Chicago is not an up and coming city, Chicago arrived decades ago, if not a century ago. Even Detroit which is a favorite punching bag holds clout given the nature of it's region.
Can't say I'm surprised an LA poster was quick to jump on that. Out of curiosity, since Chicago is at the top of the Alpha category, does that mean they are the highest ranked Alpha city whereas Brussels would be the lowest ranked Alpha city?
Can't say I'm surprised an LA poster was quick to jump on that. Out of curiosity, since Chicago is at the top of the Alpha category, does that mean they are the highest ranked Alpha city whereas Brussels would be the lowest ranked Alpha city?
I'm with you those were all good cities. I'd add Grand Rapids to this list but I'm an adopted homer. Even so the amounts of investment, the transformation, and it's uptick in population growth speak for itself.
I can see Omaha and Columbus, but don't see the others being "up and coming."
Boise has actually been "up and coming" for some years now and for instance has one of the most vibrant downtowns in the Intermountain West and downtown has also been pegged as one of the best in the west with the mix of housing, retail, nightlife, activities, parks, etc. I know top 10 lists can be redundant, but this city is no stranger to the "best of top 10" lists. The current growth in Boise and also with new downtown buildings is impressive. I have friends who come to Boise from Salt Lake City and Portland (yes Portland) to experience the local music scene and night life among other aspects of Boise.
I guess on the list above I would say Omaha is the one city I would not expect to be up and coming, but that is just my opinion.
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