"Real" Cities (state, place, Atlanta, Chicago)

[Kingsley]

I've heard this phrase bandied about here. But truly, what consitutes a real city? There are vey few cities are that are "real cities" by implied definition, e.g., NYC, Chicago, SF and maybe 3-4 other US cities. However, there are smaller cities that have elements of what "real cities" are expected to have, although on a small level, i.e., KC, ST. Louis, Seattle, and many others. And then there are larger cities somewhere in between such as DC, Atlanta, Dallas, etc. So, again what in fact consititutes a "real city" and what are the criteria?

[cdw1084]

A real city is any place that has a city limit sign.

[Melchior6]

I would say that Jacksonville, FL is a faux city.

[john_starks]

any city with a subway system

[rnc2mbfl]

On City-Data forums, "real cities" are typically associated by members as development that pre-dates the auto culture and its associated suburban planning models.

[Hollywood Inquirer]

Atlantis is a real city... so is Nirvana

[tmac9wr]

I think it would be more accurate to change the world "real" to "traditional".

[Melchior6]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Inquirer

Atlantis is a real city... so is Nirvana

No. Nirvana is a state of mind...

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by rnc2mbfl

On City-Data forums, "real cities" are typically associated by members as development that pre-dates the auto culture and its associated suburban planning models.

I don't know...Atlanta was well-developed prior to the auto culture, but it certainly isn't considered a "real city" by many city-data members.

[nycricanpapi]

Real cities is where there are many types of transportations like subways, Taxi's, Public Buses, and you are able to access these type of transportation with no problem.