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I haven't been to Richmond but I also think New Orleans would give off a more urban city vibe. Much more going on than your average city. New Orleans is more of a hate it or love it place. No in between. That's what a lot of people say. So Richmond may fit the average joe better and they may feel more comfortable.
^^^^youd be wrong to believe New Prleans gives off a "more urban city vibe". At worst, they are equally urban. Richmond is very urban...
In a way, I think NOLA does give off a more urban vibe because there is more around the clock activity in the core due to the large tourism industry and the nightlife.
^^^that argument is understood. And while Rich has these to a lesser degree, Richmond gives a sense of being in a larger city because it is far busier active than similarly sized cities. More things happening in NO at one time, I think the urbanity issue is a tight category and the argument can be had to swing the pendulum either way...
^^^that argument is understood. And while Rich has these to a lesser degree, Richmond gives a sense of being in a larger city because it is far busier active than similarly sized cities. More things happening in NO at one time, I think the urbanity issue is a tight category and the argument can be had to swing the pendulum either way...
In terms of structural urbanity and density, it's close to being a draw I think.
NO is culturally unique - its next closest peer would probly be the Chuck (Charleston, SC). That being said, I felt right at home when I was there for whatever reason. I also met a guy who was displaced for a few years after Katrina and said that of all the places he bounced around, Richmond was the only place that felt like home, so I guess that reinforced my perception as well.
Another interesting aspect, would have been if I had said "IF YOU WERE TO LIVE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS"....
I wonder if people's choices would have changed a bit...if you are viewing again, and you already voted, would that have influenced your choice?
Also add income level and single or with family. Those are big ones to consider as well. Living in the city limits would probably not have changed my vote.
I didn't read all of the comments, but as someone Who has spent a significant amount of time in both cities, I am baffled at the large contrasts that people are seeing.
One can not ignore history. New Orleans had the largest slave market in the US. The second largest was Richmond. This huge fact alone has held a connectivity to the two cities that many won't take the time to research. The rampant poverty, the culture of the people, the accents, and even some of the neighborhoods are extremely relative. For instance, Jackson Ward, once considered the Harlem of the South, was home to many blues lounges and many-a NOLA musicians would travel to and from the two areas. The Jackson Ward neighborhood has an abundance of architecture found in New Orleans (the iron gated porches and even some balconies).
After my first NOLA excursion, I was most instantly intrigued by the dialect of black New Orleans residents and the relativity to those here in Richmond.
That aside, New Orleans is indeed a much greater sports city than RVA. And I would dare say that they are both equally as artsy.
Tourism is New Orleans steam engine. This is new to Richmond (and the city is experiencing record breaking tourism numbers and airport passengers).
Food and festivals are happening in RVA, but not quite like what one would find in New Orleans. (my second favorite city to visit after London).
But as a good as time that one may have in NOLA, the city is plagued by violence and corruption, something that RVA has been shaking itself from for years.
Believe it or not the metro areas are similar in size and there is reason for that.
As much as I love visiting NOLA (going for a sixth time in October), the quality of life in RVA is by far superior and I'd choose this area over any place LA has to offer any day.
One can not ignore history. New Orleans had the largest slave market in the US. The second largest was Richmond.
I've seen the second-largest title attributed to Natchez, MS as well. It probably depends on the time period in question but there's no doubt that Richmond was among the largest.
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