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I think this is kind of a good point. Diversity purley for diversity isnt sophiticated. Really has basically zero to do with it. Upper Darby PA is highly diverse but I would never consider it sophisticated (sorry Todd Rudgren and Tina Fey)
Nailed it. Diversity does not equal sophistication.
I don't look at Miami as sophisticated...I look at it as a little sleazy...drugs, materialistic, etc. My impression will never change, I don't think. It isn't at all a place I would want to raise a family.
I find many of those who brag about sophistication, have very little of it lol.
Definitely, sophisticates don't brag about it, they just are. Those who brag, are wannabes. I will say right now, I am not a sophisticate, but I know them when I know them. Not see them, but know them. You can't tell much of anyone's character, life, etc., by just "seeing" them. Some, try too hard. And, to me, at least, flashy is not sophisticated. I know it is to some, though.
I don't look at Miami as sophisticated...I look at it as a little sleazy...drugs, materialistic, etc. My impression will never change, I don't think. It isn't at all a place I would want to raise a family.
Well, that's the point. Its very flashy, very expensive. Yachts, expensive dinners, parties, champagne popping... but underneath it all its very trashy. I grew up there. Proud to call it my hometown, prouder to have left when I was 20 lol Wouldn't wanna raise my kids in that environment.
I'd say it plays an important role in a city's level of perceived sophistication. I don't really know of any nouveau riche cities that are truly seen as sophisticated. Cosmopolitan, yes...but not really sophisticated.
In that respect, while I wouldn't necessarily say Philly is a sophisticated city in absolute terms, I think it has an air of sophistication to it that a city like Denver probably lacks. That doesn't necessarily make it better or worse though.
I agree. Just because a city has blue collar people does not mean it's not sophisticated or worldly. Philly has that old money, ivy league vibe and presence. Definitely sophisticated.
Malden, MA is the best answer to this thread that I can think of.
I’m sure I could get some actual data to back it up, but what really sealed the deal for me was going to a dive-y, hole-in-the-wall pizza joint in the city the other day and finding authentic Himalayan momo on their menu alongside buffalo wings and onion rings.
Well, that's the point. Its very flashy, very expensive. Yachts, expensive dinners, parties, champagne popping... but underneath it all its very trashy. I grew up there. Proud to call it my hometown, prouder to have left when I was 20 lol Wouldn't wanna raise my kids in that environment.
Spot on description, I think what you’re describing is exactly why I dislike the word “glamour”.
I agree. Just because a city has blue collar people does not mean it's not sophisticated or worldly. Philly has that old money, ivy league vibe and presence. Definitely sophisticated.
Indeed. The "old money" sophisticated history of Philadelphia gets overshadowed by its much more recent reputation for blue-collar grit, but it's absolutely as much part of the city's DNA as its former "workshop of the world" status.
Philadelphia was one of the first and by far one of the largest hubs of residents on the "Social Register," for one, which was a "gold standard" for sophistication.
A city also doesn't start off as the nation's capital by being a "backwater" town.
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