Detroit: Worst City in America, (World?)? (college, gated, places to live)

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by city animal

People may work in San Jose, but there's nothing to do in this boring city. They have SF to go for fun. It's one hour from San Jose. If I were them, I'd bag it and get a job in Washington DC or Seattle unless they can get a job in SF.

Well the fact of the matter is San Jose's growing and Detroit's shrinking.

So they're obviously doing something right.

[ForStarters]

Originally Posted by 313Weather

Well the fact of the matter is San Jose's growing and Detroit's shrinking.

So they're obviously doing something right.

People seem to equate population growth with high quality of life, but is there really such a good correlation? The subnbelt has had explosive population growth, but are those cities really nicer places to live? If so, what is so extraordinary about them? They are generally newer and have warmer climates, true. Taxes may or may not be lower. Average wages may or may not be higher. Amenities are probably not better. I really do not see their supreme advantage. I know San Jose is not a true "subnbelt" city, but it is similar in many ways. Yet, I'd take most midwest cities over over San Jose any day of the week.

[michigan83]

But would you say it's the worst major city in the first world (statistically)?

Well, with those qualifications... it is hard to argue.

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by michigan83

Well, with those qualifications... it is hard to argue.

And that was the point, since the OP was only asking that question in comparison to other major cities in America (the first world?).

[maclock]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

People seem to equate population growth with high quality of life, but is there really such a good correlation? The subnbelt has had explosive population growth, but are those cities really nicer places to live? If so, what is so extraordinary about them? They are generally newer and have warmer climates, true. Taxes may or may not be lower. Average wages may or may not be higher. Amenities are probably not better. I really do not see their supreme advantage. I know San Jose is not a true "subnbelt" city, but it is similar in many ways. Yet, I'd take most midwest cities over over San Jose any day of the week.

ForStarters, San Jose is better than Detroit in almost every conceivable way right now. It may not have been that way 50-60 years ago, but those days are long behind us. For the avoidance of doubt, I'm not here to suggest that San Jose will not face its own serious troubles with decline and crime at some point in the future.

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by maclock

For the avoidance of doubt, I'm not here to suggest that San Jose will not face its own serious troubles with decline and crime at some point in the future.

Perhaps, but it will never have to deal with the decline and crime that Detroit does, and likely any rust belt city.

They have completely different dynamics at work, economically, socially and especially politically.

[Retroit]

Originally Posted by ForStarters

... I'd take most midwest cities over over San Jose any day of the week.

It's not all about YOOOUUUUU! C'mon, you have to admit you are not "normal". When we are discussing major cities and major migration patterns, we need to step back and look at the "normal" people, not just our own peculiar preferences. And most "normal" people want to live out in the suburbs in a newer big house with a three car garage, near a big mall, with easy freeway access, preferably in a warm climate, etc. Sure some people like Alaska, but can they really be surprised that most people don't want to spend the winter in continuous frigid darkness in the middle of nowhere?

[MS313]

Originally Posted by 313Weather

Well the fact of the matter is San Jose's growing and Detroit's shrinking.

So they're obviously doing something right.

yea like being anywhere near Mexico. It gives just about every city a pretty good advantage. Cali and Texas are immigrant meccas. Half of those cities down there wouldn't be growing as fast as it is now if it were not that close to the Mexican border.

[313Weather]

Originally Posted by MarvinStrong313

yea like being anywhere near Mexico. It gives just about every city a pretty good advantage. Cali and Texas are immigrant meccas. Half of those cities down there wouldn't be growing as fast as it is now if it were not that close to the Mexican border.

You do know illegals aren't counted in the census, correct?

[Traeger]

Worst city in the world? Please come visit me; I'll set you up in our gated community and we will drive the neighborhood just outside the gate - that will give anyone a perspective on how great Detroit is!