Which metropolitan area do you prefer: ChicagoLand(Chicago Metro Area) or The Delaware Valley(Philadelphia Metro Area) (compared, population)

[MikeG2011]

Chicagoland

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

^ well he's obviously never been to Chicago either if he actually think 2/3 of the city is a dump. Or I guess he has really high standards.

As much as I don't like to admit it, I understand where he's coming from. A lot of the attractions are centered around downtown and the northside. I think what he really means by sayng 2/3rds of Chicago is a dump is that a huge swath of the southside and westside is generally ignored by visitors and even by the local media, unless it is about crime. Alot of it is for good reasons, while some of it is exaggerated claims. I wouldn't say 66% of Chicago neighborhhods are a dump, because there are some nice neighborhoods on the southside. Despite that, even most of the nice areas of the southside lack the amenties found on the northside. The crazy thing about it is the southside is the largest area in sq. miles. Chicago is still in need for a lot of improvement. And also a large chunk of the southside and westside are considered "food deserts", which is a concentrated area that lacks access to fresh meat or a grocery store,but have convenience stores and fast-food outlets. In 2008, 609,000 Chicagoans live in areas that lacks a grocery store or some store with fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables, which is 21% of Chicago residents. An interesting fact is that these food deserts are entirely south of Division street.

I still think Chicago is better than Philly. Chicago and Philly have some things in common. Chicago just a bit more sophisticated and gentrified and lower crime. Both cities still have a large chunk of there areas that are ghettos or run-down.

[rainrock]

I have to admit the results of this poll so far are a bit perplexing to me(65% Chicago).

If it were strictly a city vs city poll I could see the poll being justified. But not metro areas.

Can I blame it on biased ignorance? I dont think so because there are arguably just as many C-D east coast posters who should be familiar with suburban Philadephia as there are midwest Chicago backers.

The only thing I can come up with is that nationally people don't know that Philadlephia metro extends from the beaches of South jersey/Delaware to the magnificient lehigh Valley and Amish Country. To me the Chi/Philly metro matchup goes to Philly, and no offense but its not even close.

[Gtownoe]

^^ I think many people are arguing that Chicago proper itself pushes Chicagoland over the edge.

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by rainrock

The only thing I can come up with is that nationally people don't know that Philadlephia metro extends from the beaches of South jersey/Delaware to the magnificient lehigh Valley and Amish Country. To me the Chi/Philly metro matchup goes to Philly, and no offense but its not even close.

Never underestimate the power of the "Negadelphians" reach. It is nationwide, and certainly colors peoples perception of your area.

Oftentimes, one visit to the region is all it takes to turn people off to the entire area. Fair? Hardly, but it's reality.

Just by dealing with random people and moving around both metro areas, Chicago should win this (and appears to be) by a landslide.

[Libertine]

As a person living in Chicago, I don't particularly care for the that much burbs, but for the sake of arguing I've got 3 words that give Chicagoland the victory... JOHN HUGHES MOVIES!

[justme02]

Originally Posted by johnatl

Never underestimate the power of the "Negadelphians" reach. It is nationwide, and certainly colors peoples perception of your area.

Oftentimes, one visit to the region is all it takes to turn people off to the entire area. Fair? Hardly, but it's reality.

Just by dealing with random people and moving around both metro areas, Chicago should win this (and appears to be) by a landslide.

Absolutely. Philly isnt a bad place, but its no Chicago. Chicagoland offers more on just about every level plain and simple. It should since its 3 million larger.

The only things i can think of that Philly bests Chicago on it history and perhaps outdoor activities since Philly has some nice hills to its west.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Gtownoe

^^ I think many people are arguing that Chicago proper itself pushes Chicagoland over the edge.

But one could argue that Philadelphia city proper is much closer to Chicago City proper in quality than Chicagoland is to the Delaware Valley.

As far as metro Chicago having 3 million more people than Philly? Mere semantics, spindoctoring. If you look at the big picture Philadelphia has approximately the same number of people in its surrounding 10,000 sq mi. as Chicago does. The BEA would like to tell you Philadephia is compressed into a little box and I am telling you that is B.S..

Its insane to have one metro span (10,000 sq mi)100 miles from Kenosha Wi.-Portage In and then coop Philadlephia into (5,000sq mi)

Trenton-Princeton(500,000 people is 15 miles from Philadlephias border yet is included in NYC's metro. Why. Because of commuting patterns? NO. Its Because federal and state politicians get a cost of living kicker if they align themselves with more expensive NYC metro.Hunterdon County NJ(3rd wealthiest in USA) is 30 miles from Philly,60 miles from NYC. Its part of Philly metro right? Wrong. Part of NYC eventhough its has virtually no ties with NYC.

The anti-biasness that the Philadlephia area perserveres with is simply outrageous.


Upper Bucks County looking towards Blue Mountain


Stone harbor NJ

[grindin]

Originally Posted by rainrock

I have to admit the results of this poll so far are a bit perplexing to me(65% Chicago).

If it were strictly a city vs city poll I could see the poll being justified. But not metro areas.

Can I blame it on biased ignorance? I dont think so because there are arguably just as many C-D east coast posters who should be familiar with suburban Philadephia as there are midwest Chicago backers.

The only thing I can come up with is that nationally people don't know that Philadlephia metro extends from the beaches of South jersey/Delaware to the magnificient lehigh Valley and Amish Country. To me the Chi/Philly metro matchup goes to Philly, and no offense but its not even close.

1) Just because you feel a certain way about a place, everyone doesn't think as you do. Your opinion is not fact.

2) Get over it

3) Just because you feel a certain way about a place, everyone doesn't think as you do.

4) Both Philly and Chicago offer wonderful things, but there must be something to Chicago if the the majority of people who voted on this poll are voting for it.

5) Your opinion is not fact.

6) Just because you feel a certain way about a place, everyone doesn't think as you do

[justme02]

Originally Posted by rainrock

I have to admit the results of this poll so far are a bit perplexing to me(65% Chicago).

If it were strictly a city vs city poll I could see the poll being justified. But not metro areas.

Can I blame it on biased ignorance? I dont think so because there are arguably just as many C-D east coast posters who should be familiar with suburban Philadephia as there are midwest Chicago backers.

The only thing I can come up with is that nationally people don't know that Philadlephia metro extends from the beaches of South jersey/Delaware to the magnificient lehigh Valley and Amish Country. To me the Chi/Philly metro matchup goes to Philly, and no offense but its not even close.

Quit treating your opinion as fact. You shouldnt be confused because people dont think like you. Obviously, most people dont think like you. It has NOTHING to do with ignorance or bias. Ive spent ample time in both cities, I know what both offer, and I say Chicago hands down.