Which neighborhood would you choose to live in? (metro, suburban, Atlanta)

[prelude91]

There has been a lot of discussion around walkability and density lately, and everybody has an opinion and preference. Some people like a more spread out, auto-centric environment; while others prefer a more urban, walkable neighborhood. So, based on the two homes below, which represent different types of neighborhoods, which would you choose to live in, and why?



or



For the record: The first home is in Philadelphia, while the second home is in Atlanta.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

1st. The 2nd neighborhood can't be that cohesive based on that photo. One thing I really want for our family in the future is a cohesive neighborhood where people get along and look out for one-another. It's becomming a rare thing in this country but I grew up in one in South Minneapolis and I'd love to live in one again!

[prelude91]

Originally Posted by Min-Chi-Cbus

1st. The 2nd neighborhood can't be that cohesive based on that photo. One thing I really want for our family in the future is a cohesive neighborhood where people get along and look out for one-another. It's becomming a rare thing in this country but I grew up in one in South Minneapolis and I'd love to live in one again!

Yes, I agree with you....I grew up in a neighborhood similar to the bottom house in the Chicago suburbs, and litterally everyone on the block treated their property as a fortress: drive their car into their garage, hang out in their home and never walk their neighborhood. There really wasn't a sense of pride in the neighborhood.
I have basically lived in urban neighborhoods since, and find the freedom to not drive everyday (although I do own a car), and walk to the grocery store, restaurants, bars, etc a much better QOL (plus more environmentally friendly).

[waronxmas]

Originally Posted by prelude91

There has been a lot of discussion around walkability and density lately, and everybody has an opinion and preference. Some people like a more spread out, auto-centric environment; while others prefer a more urban, walkable neighborhood. So, based on the two homes below, which represent different types of neighborhoods, which would you choose to live in, and why?



or



For the record: The first home is in Philadelphia, while the second home is in Atlanta.

Are you under the impression that first picture of a neighborhood in Philly doesn't exist in Atlanta and conversely a house like the one you posted from Atlanta doesn't exist in Philly?

OR

That all of the houses in Atlanta look that way? For example, plenty of the same (though far less) rowhouse style houses can be found in Atlanta:

http://www.brunningandstang.com/announcement/image/26/rowhousejune-.jpg (broken link)

[prelude91]

Originally Posted by waronxmas

Are you under the impression that first picture of a neighborhood in Philly doesn't exist in Atlanta and conversely a house like the one you posted from Atlanta doesn't exist in Philly?

OR

That all of the houses in Atlanta look that way? For example, plenty of the same (though far less) rowhouse style houses can be found in Atlanta:

No, why would I be under that impression? Of course that is not the case, this wasn't meant to be an Atlanta vs. Philly thread, the homes just happen to represent two different types of neighborhoods.

I am farily familiar with both Atlanta and Philly, and know that several different styles of neighborhoods and homes exist in both cities.

[waronxmas]

Originally Posted by prelude91

No, why would I be under that impression? Of course that is not the case, this wasn't meant to be an Atlanta vs. Philly thread, the homes just happen to represent two different types of neighborhoods.

I am farily familiar with both Atlanta and Philly, and know that several different styles of neighborhoods and homes exist in both cities.

Fair enough, but if you are familiar with both then you wouldn't present this thread in the way that you did. You started with the assumption that all of Philadelphia looks like the first picture, when in fact it wouldn't be an uncommon sight to see a house like in the second picture in suburban Philadelphia.

Likewise, you also presented the thread as if the City of Atlanta was in fact full of houses like that of the second picture or is representative of a neighborhood in the city, when in fact it is not and more representative of what you would find (just like in Metro Philly) in suburban Atlanta.

Basically, your thread has merit if it is "which would rather live in: A rowhouse in the city or a mcmansion in the suburbs" not "which would you rather live in: a neighborhood in Philly or a neighborhood in Atlanta"

[WestbankNOLA]

Originally Posted by prelude91

There has been a lot of discussion around walkability and density lately, and everybody has an opinion and preference. Some people like a more spread out, auto-centric environment; while others prefer a more urban, walkable neighborhood. So, based on the two homes below, which represent different types of neighborhoods, which would you choose to live in, and why?

The first. I prefer the walkability and I assume that it's in a convenient location. The other house looks like it's in some pretentious gated area or back off in a wooded area.

Originally Posted by waronxmas

Likewise, you also presented the thread as if the City of Atlanta was in fact full of houses like that of the second picture or is representative of a neighborhood in the city, when in fact it is not and more representative of what you would find (just like in Metro Philly) in suburban Atlanta.

I seriously didn't come to that conclusion from reading the OP, but o..k...
If it makes you feel better here's a house from Suburban Philly

[waronxmas]

Originally Posted by WestbankNOLA

I seriously didn't come to that conclusion from reading the OP, but o..k...
If it makes you feel better here's a house from Suburban Philly

Maybe I'm just on red alert since there has been an over abundance of "Atlanta vs {insert city here}" threads lately (seriously mods, it might be time for another moratorium). We both know that there is a perception on C-D that the City of Atlanta is one big cul-de-sac with a bunch of tall buildings in the middle. As a city kid, that bothers me to no end. Oh well, move along now...

[Ohiogirl81]

I'd never choose a neighborhood based on a couple of random photographs. Your question and your premise are meaningless.

[prelude91]

Originally Posted by waronxmas

Fair enough, but if you are familiar with both then you wouldn't present this thread in the way that you did. You started with the assumption that all of Philadelphia looks like the first picture, when in fact it wouldn't be an uncommon sight to see a house like in the second picture in suburban Philadelphia.

Likewise, you also presented the thread as if the City of Atlanta was in fact full of houses like that of the second picture or is representative of a neighborhood in the city, when in fact it is not and more representative of what you would find (just like in Metro Philly) in suburban Atlanta.

Basically, your thread has merit if it is "which would rather live in: A rowhouse in the city or a mcmansion in the suburbs" not "which would you rather live in: a neighborhood in Philly or a neighborhood in Atlanta"

Im not sure why your taking such offense to the thread, in no way was it meant to imply all of Philly looks like that row house and all of Atl is McMansions....I said in my post that the homes represent a type of neighborhood, not a city. I even said in my post that I grew up in that style home in Chicago, of course homes like that can be found anywhere....Long Island is full of them too.