What makes a city? (neighborhoods, moving to, beaches)

[Supernova7]

In your opinion and experience what defines a REAL city? You can use any examples you wish but please keep it focused on urban life.

[MattDen]

I think Pittsburgh is a good example of a real city as are most midwestern cities east of Chicago but they have others I guess.

I think Pittsburgh and Chicago are examples of real meat and potatoes non-plastic cities.

Anyway, a real city has great infrastructure, great arts and entertainment, great dense nationally recognized neighborhoods, tons of niche retail, many different types of people and also a diverse growing economy. It also high levels of socialization going on during a daily basis and not insular.

[Supernova7]

Good example. What are your thoughts about Philladelphia? Real city or not. I think Philly is a perfect example of a "real city" filled with immigrants, culture and variety.

[milquetoast]

Philly's o..kayyy..but L. A., now that's a REAL sushi and fish tacos kind of town! Fantastic infrastructure-the most extensive sewer system ever! More museums than anywhere, the most highly developed arts and entertainment in the world. Nationally recognized dense neighborhoods like Hollywood and ( LA area's Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Pasadena,etc..), niche retail on Rodeo and Melrose. The most diversified economy and population in the world ( hugh numbers of Britons, Japanese, Koreans, Armenians, half a million Iranians for some reason,..and Mud People. Do you have Mud People?) Social interaction is unreal, if insular , but that's o. k! If you're walking down a crowded sidewalk, you can't look other people in the eye but you can bump into them. Or even brush up against them. Can't do that in L. A. If you think about it, the Los Angeles freeway system is the largest example of mass cooperation in the country. All those wonderful people, moving together without touching each other in flowing rivers of humanity,..like dancing! Makes telephoto shots of New York sidewalks look..sad.

[Supernova7]

I would agree that LA is a world class city. A "real city" with all the amenities you can ask for. It's hard to notice the sprawl when you have millions of people sandwiched together. You're right, the entertainment is the best in the world and the beaches are beautiful. The diverse economy and populations gives the city a lot of flavor. NY is also what I consider a "real city." Would love to hear people's views on Philly as well as other places you'd classify as "REAL CITY"

[DefaultAlias]

What makes a city? Its people.

NOT decaying structures, tall buildings, "density", etc. Those things are subjective and there is no mutual exclusiveness with such and a city (read Phoenix). The people of the city serve as its true infrastructure and status.