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If this list (as horribly unscientific as it is) is any indication, there is a general consensus that Philadelphia is not considered overrated. I think most people here agree it is, in fact, the colon of the East Coast and most certainly the 4th city of this region - a place that peaked in the 1790s. It is probably the only major city on the East Coast that people move to with a sense of resignation and disappointment.
Well looking at all of its negative qualities as a big city, it's not really that surprising.
1. horrible infrastructure
2. too much sprawl
3. poor urban planning (ex. lack of zoning)
3. non-vibrant downtown
5. poor mass transit
6. mediocre local cuisine compared to other it's peers (NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles)
7. horrible architecture
8. mediocre education system
9. Usually ranks among the most obese cities in North America
First off... horrible infrastructure?
Second, this entire post basically tells you that Houston should never be labeled as overrated, especially on city-data. And honestly, some of those "negatives" are exaggerated, typically by east coast snobs.
I dont think LA is at all overrated. Why do people think LA is overrated?
What is LA known for to someone who hasnt been to the LA area: earthquakes, fake people, fake body parts, actors and celebs everywhere, large distances between places, suburban sprawl, heavy heavy traffic, freeways, Hollywood glitz and glam lifestyle seen on TV/movies, LAPD, drought, smog, small tall skyline, Lakers, Dodgers, sunny warm weather the same all year, beach lifestyle, driving a car. surfing, valley girl. theme parks, palm trees, Getty museum, High wealth Beverly Hills Bel Air, Hollywood Hills mansions and pools vs. poor high crime like Watts, Compton, South Central. Lots of poor mexicans.
Based on that, what do people expect of LA? Most of that is considered negative to many people when comparing it to other US cities or world cities. I dont see the hype or being overrated. Are people expecting tall buildings and a skyline like Chicago, NYC? Are people expecting amazing public transit like San Francisco, NYC, Chicago, Boston? Are people looking for beautiful historic tree lined streets and buildings like Boston, DC, NYC? Are people expecting vibrant walkable streets where people walk everywhere, hail taxis or catch public transit? Do people even know what there is to do in LA outside of Hollywood Blvd, shopping Rodeo Drive and the beaches then party in West hollywood/Hollywood. People think downtowns are the centers of the city but for decades no one thought Downtown LA is the place to be. You kind of know it is not like the other cities beforehand, so what is the hype/overrated things about LA. I think the sunny warm weather lives to the hype. The glitz and glam of the rich and famous is not everywhere though but it is if you live in the nice places like near the beach or Beverly Hills/Westside and also if you hang out with the celebs. But thats overrated.
What I know is LA is not like other cities I know. It didnt follow the rules of what a city should be or try to emulate other cities. LA is often misunderstood and often corrected by LA people on what it is really like. Downtown is changing, more urban and vibrant for the better much like many other cities across America. More rail lines built similar to other cities, too that were mostly car centered. It is getting denser and more urban even if doesnt look like what a dense urban area should look like. It wont ever be compact and easily walkable everywhere. NYC/LA are often compared and disappointed that LA isnt like NYC.
Second, this entire post basically tells you that Houston should never be labeled as overrated, especially on city-data. And honestly, some of those "negatives" are exaggerated, typically by east coast snobs.
Sadly, I have to agree with Atlanta. I love Atlanta, but I only came to love it when I accepted it for what it is .. not what it's hyped as. It's one of the best mid tier cities (those cities that come after the first tier of NYC, Chicago, LA, SF, DC, Boston and Seattle ... strictly subjective list based on cities people seem to love the most), but it's not the urban wonderland it sometimes portrayed as.
Because an amazing amount of people here are beyond clueless, and have never traveled beyond their parents subdivision.
REP, Hilarious and so true.
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