Philadelphia of the west? (Oakland, Phoenix) (Denver, Liberty: transport company, crime, houses)

[jsupak]

I was wondering what you believe the Phildelphia of the west is.
I lived in San Francisco and I was not scared walking alone at midnight but in Philadelphia it is much different.
My question is what do you think the Philadelphia of the west is looking at quality of life, crime, demographics, parks, history, buildings, etc.
Oakland or maybe even Phoenix? How about Denver?

[kidphilly]

Probably neither but I find more similarities to Oakland (especially the neighborhoods) save size

But neither are really a good match, as much as people may not want to hear this SF probably is the closest fit or better said SF and Oakland together is probably a stronger comparator.

[bryson662001]

Only San Francisco comes closest because of it's age, traditions, history and level of cultural importance over time. It has been a "big city" longer than anyplace else in the west, although not as long as Philadelphia has. To the extent that there are any other "big cities" in the west, they have only just achieved that status.

[Lenses & Lights.]

Originally Posted by jsupak

I was wondering what you believe the Phildelphia of the west is.
I lived in San Francisco and I was not scared walking alone at midnight but in Philadelphia it is much different.
My question is what do you think the Philadelphia of the west is looking at quality of life, crime, demographics, parks, history, buildings, etc.
Oakland or maybe even Phoenix? How about Denver?

Why don't you take some up some Krav Maga or JKD training or something??
My goodness, it makes no sense to walk around anywhere being that darn scared.

I've been to SF many times & it most definitely has crime and scary people.

[big mike 80]

Being from Philly and living in AZ now, I can say Phoenix is nothing like Philly. Phoenix is like one giant suburb with a few short high rises. Doesn't feel like a city, has no culture. I would say SF Oakland combined. On my way to Denver in a few weeks and will let you know. I feel Philly is a truly unique city with its own distinct culture.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by jsupak

I was wondering what you believe the Phildelphia of the west is.
I lived in San Francisco and I was not scared walking alone at midnight but in Philadelphia it is much different.
My question is what do you think the Philadelphia of the west is looking at quality of life, crime, demographics, parks, history, buildings, etc.
Oakland or maybe even Phoenix? How about Denver?

In San francisco you can ride your choice of PTC (Philadelphia Transport company) trolley's down Market Steet and Outer Richmond has got to be Olney in the 1950s except most of the people are chinese. I'd say San francisco is Philly and Oakland is Camden

[MsChelle]

There really can't be a Philadelphia of the West because Philadelphia is one of a kind. It's historic - Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the first photograph in the world (taken of Central High). It was a former manufacturing center.

If I had to choose a city, I would say San Francisco. San Francisco has a lot in common with Philly in terms of housing - there are a lot of row houses in San Fran just as there are in Philly. Both cities are very dense. Both have a lot of history. Both have trolleys/streetcars. Both have a port and waterfront. I don't know about Oakland. Phoenix is NOTHING like Philly! Phoenix is spread out, very suburban, in the desert, and very, very new. It really didn't become a big city until after World War II. Phoenix has mountains in the surroundings whereas Philly and San Fran have waterfronts. I see very few parallels between Philly and Phoenix. I can't speak for the similarities between Denver and Philly.

Originally Posted by jsupak

I was wondering what you believe the Phildelphia of the west is.
I lived in San Francisco and I was not scared walking alone at midnight but in Philadelphia it is much different.
My question is what do you think the Philadelphia of the west is looking at quality of life, crime, demographics, parks, history, buildings, etc.
Oakland or maybe even Phoenix? How about Denver?

[gwillyfromphilly]

Originally Posted by MsChelle

There really can't be a Philadelphia of the West because Philadelphia is one of a kind. It's historic - Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the first photograph in the world (taken of Central High). It was a former manufacturing center.

If I had to choose a city, I would say San Francisco. San Francisco has a lot in common with Philly in terms of housing - there are a lot of row houses in San Fran just as there are in Philly. Both cities are very dense. Both have a lot of history. Both have trolleys/streetcars. Both have a port and waterfront. I don't know about Oakland. Phoenix is NOTHING like Philly! Phoenix is spread out, very suburban, in the desert, and very, very new. It really didn't become a big city until after World War II. Phoenix has mountains in the surroundings whereas Philly and San Fran have waterfronts. I see very few parallels between Philly and Phoenix. I can't speak for the similarities between Denver and Philly.

Definitely agree that San Francisco would probably be the closest on the west coast even though no city on the West Coast really compares to Philly in terms of similarities. Some people would say Oakland is the most similar to Philly but besides the large African American population that both cities have, they are two completely different cites. Philly and Oakland's infrastructure are worlds apart. Culturally both cities couldn't be more different. Oakland has more of a laid back West Coast Bay Area feel to it while Philly is a fast pace East Coast city that is Northeastern to the core.

[JHG722]

Yeah, pretty much a combination of SF and Oakland.

[big mike 80]

Just went Denver and its an awesome city. Seems to be very progressive. I see a great future for Denver. In know way is it a small city but it seemed small compared to the city of brotherly love. sorry no match. i do look forward to making it my next city of residence.