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Well yeah I realize that but if you look at the poll it's not like it's neck and neck, Philly is killing DC and I find that shocking. I wouldn't be surprised if they were tied or at least close.
Well considering this is a website full of urbanists, I'm not surprised at all. The core of Philly is much bigger and denser than DC's, which more history, (arguably) better design, and (arguably) a lot more character.
There's nothing bad about DC. I just find Philly to be more urban and historic. And DC is known for being pretentious and uppity with all the suit n tie folks. Of course there are plenty of people who don't fall into that category, but Philly is more down to earth. Categories were things Metro, Education, Population, Economy, etc. The DC Metro is good, but so is SEPTA. Neither is NYC or Chicago though. Both have great universities. The people of Philly are more down to earth and COL is much lower. Philly has a lower unemployment rate. Philly has more local culture since DC is a city of transplants and is more transient.
DC is a great place too though. Great metro system. Beautiful neighborhoods. Lots of restaurants and nightlife. Walkable and urban. Plenty of culture and things to do. There are just obviously more people who prefer Philly for one reason or another.
Thanks - interesting report. I note this report defines each city's "downtown" as the area within a 1 mile radius of their city hall. This is, of course, an arbitrary and random standard. Nevertheless, my impression of the area of Baltimore within a mile of city hall are a collection of neighborhoods without a contiguous relationship. For example, I certainly don't imagine anyone in Fells Point feeling that are of the same urban fabric as Mount Vernon or Federal Hill. There is too much brownfield between them. Although the authors of this report feel otherwise, it doesn't comprise what I consider a "downtown" for Baltimore. Over time, however, if Baltimore continues to gentrify as it is currently doing, these neighborhoods may infill and create a more cohesive "downtown" for the city.
I understand others may have a different understanding of what comprises a "downtown," hence my question. I appreciate you taking the time to post this report (+1).
The neighborhoods that you mentioned are adjacent to the Baltimore's CBD, and almost completely build up. Federal Hill is just south, Mount Vernon meshes seamlessly to the north, and Fells Point to the east. There are no breaks in the urban fabric between any of these neighborhoods and downtown. However, Harbor Point is a new neighborhood, currently under construction, just south of Harbor East which also has more projects soon to start construction, which fills in the are between Fells Point and the CBD. So those adjacent areas are well connected to the CBD.
Well yeah I realize that but if you look at the poll it's not like it's neck and neck, Philly is killing DC and I find that shocking. I wouldn't be surprised if they were tied or at least close.
They're both beating Baltimore, and I for one won't rest on the fact that "Baltimore should be happy just to be invited," I certainly feel, after spending time in Philly and DC, that Baltimore, at least on some criteria at the city level, gives DC and Philly a run for their money. Baltimore is probably the most underrated city in the country.
They're both beating Baltimore, and I for one won't rest on the fact that "Baltimore should be happy just to be invited," I certainly feel, after spending time in Philly and DC, that Baltimore, at least on some criteria at the city level, gives DC and Philly a run for their money. Baltimore is probably the most underrated city in the country.
It's definitely not a distant third in any category, I just think DC and Philly do most things slightly better than Baltimore. They all have plenty to offer and no city runs away with this comparison. Just in a poll, you only get one choice, and to most people, Philly eeks out a slight win.
The neighborhoods that you mentioned are adjacent to the Baltimore's CBD, and almost completely build up. Federal Hill is just south, Mount Vernon meshes seamlessly to the north, and Fells Point to the east. There are no breaks in the urban fabric between any of these neighborhoods and downtown. However, Harbor Point is a new neighborhood, currently under construction, just south of Harbor East which also has more projects soon to start construction, which fills in the are between Fells Point and the CBD. So those adjacent areas are well connected to the CBD.
I am familiar with Baltimore. It is one of my favorite cities. Perhaps you and I interpret the definition of downtowns differently, as I stated in my post. I certainly don't consider using a 1 mile radius from city hall as an accurate way to designate and compare "downtowns." I now know, however, how you came up with the figure of 44K people a few pages back. That was the intent of my question.
I am familiar with Baltimore. It is one of my favorite cities. Perhaps you and I interpret the definition of downtowns differently, as I stated in my post. I certainly don't consider using a 1 mile radius from city hall as an accurate way to designate and compare "downtowns." I now know, however, how you came up with the figure of 44K people a few pages back. That was the intent of my question.
Washington, D.C., jumped ahead of Baltimore on the list of U.S. cities ranked by downtown populations. Baltimore's downtown population ranks ninth, with 41,606 people, about 3,500 people behind D.C.'s eighth-ranked 44,120, according to Downtown Partnership.
Thanks. I can't find the source for the numbers I used, but it had Downtown DC's population slightly higher as well. I'll stick to 41k going forward until I can locate my source.
Location: That star on your map in the middle of the East Coast, DMV
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Originally Posted by i'm not a cookie
Well yeah I realize that but if you look at the poll it's not like it's neck and neck, Philly is killing DC and I find that shocking. I wouldn't be surprised if they were tied or at least close.
Never fear this isn't the first poll involving the two, plenty of Philly boosters this time around though I assume.
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