The Big Three: Who's Ready to Join? (America, population, Atlanta)

[S.D. Calif]

So we are all familiar with the big three cities of America: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. For discussions sake, tier one cities. The question now is which other American city is most ready to join this group. Keep in mind the idea of prominence i.e. Boston is in New York's shadow which takes away from its readiness. The following list wasn't created based on meticulous calculation so some will readily disagree. I've tried to keep a relatively small list to keep discussion relatively streamlined. At any rate, my top candidates would be Houston, Miami, and Washington. Other's may however find Philadelphia, Atlanta, and San Francisco on their lists.

Thoughts?

[BigCityDreamer]

That's easy:

Washington D.C. Its CSA GDP is already larger than that of Chicago. Its CSA population is 8.7 million, which is just over a million shy of Chicago's.

Plus, it's of course the nation's capital, the seat of all 3 branches of the federal government, the headquarters of the CIA, FBI, Pentagon, World Bank, IMF, NASA, etc.

[ClarenceBodiker]

1. San Francisco
2a. Houston
2b. Washington, DC

[SiIj]

Washington D.C., Houston or Philly.

[killakoolaide]

SanFran or Miami. Houston, Atlanta, Dallas are on undesirable land, DC is an extremely restrictive city for security reasons, and ultimately that will hold it back, Philly is too close to NYC, and Boston is too cold.

[BigCityDreamer]

Take a look at this global cities index (FIG. 1 on page 3), and you'll get some idea of where the cities being discussed rank:

http://www.atkearney.com/images/glob...ook-FINAL3.pdf

[S.D. Calif]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

Take a look at this global cities index (FIG. 1 on page 3), and you'll get some idea of where the cities being discussed rank:

http://www.atkearney.com/images/glob...ook-FINAL3.pdf

According to this list it's Washington. Followed much later by Boston and San Francisco.

Not only that, but Houston, Atlanta, and Miami are all ranked in relative proximity. Interesting.

[kidphilly]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

Take a look at this global cities index (FIG. 1 on page 3), and you'll get some idea of where the cities being discussed rank:

http://www.atkearney.com/images/glob...ook-FINAL3.pdf

I find it interesting Philly is many times left out of these rankings, many tmes due to proximity to NYC. This includes Detroit and no Philly

Would have been interested to see how it ranked, as when included it usually does pretty well.


Here is a World Commerce where it was included

Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Would Have NYC, Chicago and the LA/Philly at 3/4 with nearly identical scores


All these with a grain of salt but hate when cities are excluded as there is no way to know


On this think you are right. DC (with Balt) would be next (without not as sure) and then the Bay (again SF in isolation with DC alone is in that busier pack) with the next set very crowded

[TAM88]

Originally Posted by killakoolaide

SanFran or Miami. Houston, Atlanta, Dallas are on undesirable land, DC is an extremely restrictive city for security reasons, and ultimately that will hold it back, Philly is too close to NYC, and Boston is too cold.

Chicago is a little bit colder than Boston is and NYC is only slightly warmer than Boston.

[Dog Star]

Objectively speaking it'd have to be Washington. I'd prefer Philadelphia, but this is due to my distaste for DC's fear of heights.