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Funny thing is more of Washington DC is French designed than New Orleans is. DC was completely laid out by L'Enfant and its wide boulevards and monuments are very European style.
In New Orleans only the French Quarter was laid out by the French before the Louisiana Purchase and even there the architecture is mostly Spanish because Spain also controlled the colony and rebuilt the French Quarter after a major fire. The Garden District/Uptown didn't exist until after the city became American and was laid out in the typical antebellum Southern fashion with the closest comparison being Charleston SC.
Out of these 3, surely Montreal. To this day there is an overwhelming French influence. As far as measuring what makes a good city (your criteria listed), I would say its a draw between DC and Montreal, the only area where DC steals the show would be suburbs.
Goode pointe. It is smaller than Montreal and Washington but when compared to New Orleans its city proper has 200,000 more people whereas its metro has about 400,000 less.
Out of these 3, surely Montreal. To this day there is an overwhelming French influence. As far as measuring what makes a good city (your criteria listed), I would say its a draw between DC and Montreal, the only area where DC steals the show would be suburbs.
Based on the cities included in the discussion, my pick would be Montreal, but actually when I consider the criteria, D.C. is no slouch and the more I think about it, the more I believe it deserves the win. When it comes to walkability, economy, suburbs, weather, monuments, public transit and green space, Washington is a tier above the others. Montreal can compete in most of these categories and likely is superior in downtown, recreational activities and competes with New Orleans in nightlife and food, but as a city it does not pack quite the punch the American capital does.
Last edited by 585WNY; 06-20-2018 at 12:38 PM..
Reason: Words
Using the criteria list set forth, I think objectively DC is the winner. But Montreal is really my favorite. I like all three a lot actually, and plan to "live" in all three at some point in the future.
Based on the cities included in the discussion, my pick would be Montreal, but actually when I consider the criteria, D.C. is no slouch and the more I think about it, the more I believe it deserves the win. When it comes to walkability, economy, suburbs, weather, monuments, public transit and green space, Washington is a tier above the others. Montreal can compete in most of these categories and likely is superior in downtown, recreational activities and competes with New Orleans in nightlife and food, but as a city it does not pack quite the punch the American capital does.
Agreed, the question and the categories are a little confusing.
If we are looking strictly at French influence/design, then Quebec City is clearing number 1, then Montreal number 2, then New Orleans, and DC would be last (the French influence is rather minimal). Anyone who thinks DC has the most French influence is not well traveled.
If you are looking at the categories listed, then yes, DC runs away with it in most categories.
1. Downtown: Montreal
2. Walkability: DC
3. Economy: DC
4. Nightlife: New Orleans - DC
5. Bars/Restaurants: New Orleans - DC
6. Suburbs: DC
7. Weather: New Orleans
8. Recreational activities: DC
9. Green Space: DC
10. Monuments./Museums: DC
11. Transportation Car/Public: DC
12. Where would you rather live? DC
Would rather live in DC, it just fits me more personally, culturally speaking; it's like living in Atlanta.
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