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Not that hard actually. I'd agree if you're just basing it on things like fortune 500 HQs, number of high-rises or specific types of job opportunities then maybe sure. Specific types of entertainment? Yeah, okay I can see that. But you're not going to be bored in any of these cities.
COL- This is pretty much a tie, they're all really reasonable in the grand scheme of things. based on an online calculator Phoenix is 3.5% less expensive than Atlanta. Dallas is 2.0% less expensive than Phoenix.
Outdoor activities- I don't see this as competitive, Phoenix stands out here. In Phoenix metro area you can be on peaks that are as high as the tallest mountain East of the Mississippi River, Brown's Peak- 7,600'). Then within a 2 hour drive you're in places like Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, Rim Country, etc.. and a bit farther than that you can be in Havasupai at the Grand Canyon. North Georgia is beautiful but I can't give it an edge to Arizona.
QOL- For me, this goes to Phoenix as well. Primarily because I can't stand sitting in traffic and both Dallas and Atlanta have magnitudes worse traffic congestion than Phoenix and all 3 require a car to get around.
Entertainment/Leisure- Depends on what you're looking for, if your entertainment means major league sports action only 1 city on this list hosts spring training... as one example.
Proximity to other cities- If were talking drive time within around 5ish hours from Phoenix you can be in Vegas, LA, Orange County (some call this LA, locals are adamant it is not), San Diego, Tucson and the beaches in Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point. Within a similar drive from Atlanta other large cities you can get to would be Charlotte, Nashville, Chattanooga, Jacksonville? This also comes down to personal tastes but I don't see this as a slam dunk in Atlanta's favor myself. I love taking road trips to SoCal and Vegas personally, Nashville is cool but don't I'd be heading to Charlotte or Jacksonville much at all.
As an Atlantan, instead of Charlotte or Jacksonville, I go to the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee (Harrah's Casino), Asheville, Nashville, Memphis (for the BBQ), Savannah and Charleston (two of the most beautiful European-like cities in the US), Destin and Panama City (Beaches), Biloxi (Casinos), and New Orleans. There are very cheap and short roundtrip flights from Atlanta to NYC, Chicago, Washington DC, Orlando, and Miami.
As an Atlantan, instead of Charlotte or Jacksonville, I go to the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee (Harrah's Casino), Asheville, Nashville, Memphis (for the BBQ), Savannah and Charleston (two of the most beautiful European-like cities in the US), Destin and Panama City (Beaches), Biloxi (Casinos), and New Orleans. There are very cheap and short roundtrip flights from Atlanta to NYC, Chicago, Washington DC, Orlando, and Miami.
I figured there must be some nice small town options in the southeast, those all sound really cool. From the Phoenix area it's a similar story, SoCal and Vegas are popular tourist destinations which makes it awesome to live nearby. But then you have a lot of smaller town options, which are outdoor meccas and have large elevation changes resulting in much different scenery, temperatures and weather within just a few hours. Places like Sedona, Grand Canyon, Prescott, Payson, Jerome, Bisbee, the Salt River Canyon (great white water rafting), many places in the largest contiguous pine forest in North America (running from the White Mountains to Flagstaff), hiking to the various sky islands including Mt. Lemmon or the highest peak in Arizona (Mt. Humphreys at nearly 13,000'), there are multiple wine regions (Verde Valley, Sonoita, Temecula, Antlope Valley). There are smaller/quieter beach towns to visit for the weekend like Coronado Island or Santa Barbara or the more well known OC beaches like Huntington and Laguna. Some amazing history trips both within Arizona and elsewhere in the Southwest Montezuma Castle, Casa Grande Ruins, Tonto National Monument and countless others. Like Atlanta, Phoenix also has cheap/short flights to San Francisco, Denver, Salt Lake City, Reno/Tahoe, Portland, Austin, Seattle and Vancouver BC (one of my favorite summer spots). Even Chicago is only a 3 hour flight from Phoenix versus a 2 hour flight from Atlanta. Hartsfield does have better international flight options.
Not that hard actually. I'd agree if you're just basing it on things like fortune 500 HQs, number of high-rises or specific types of job opportunities then maybe sure. Specific types of entertainment? Yeah, okay I can see that. But you're not going to be bored in any of these cities.
COL- This is pretty much a tie, they're all really reasonable in the grand scheme of things. based on an online calculator Phoenix is 3.5% less expensive than Atlanta. Dallas is 2.0% less expensive than Phoenix.
Outdoor activities- I don't see this as competitive, Phoenix stands out here. In Phoenix metro area you can be on peaks that are as high as the tallest mountain East of the Mississippi River, Brown's Peak- 7,600'). Then within a 2 hour drive you're in places like Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, Rim Country, etc.. and a bit farther than that you can be in Havasupai at the Grand Canyon. North Georgia is beautiful but I can't give it an edge to Arizona.
QOL- For me, this goes to Phoenix as well. Primarily because I can't stand sitting in traffic and both Dallas and Atlanta have magnitudes worse traffic congestion than Phoenix and all 3 require a car to get around.
Entertainment/Leisure- Depends on what you're looking for, if your entertainment means major league sports action only 1 city on this list hosts spring training... as one example.
Proximity to other cities- If were talking drive time within around 5ish hours from Phoenix you can be in Vegas, LA, Orange County (some call this LA, locals are adamant it is not), San Diego, Tucson and the beaches in Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point. Within a similar drive from Atlanta other large cities you can get to would be Charlotte, Nashville, Chattanooga, Jacksonville? This also comes down to personal tastes but I don't see this as a slam dunk in Atlanta's favor myself. I love taking road trips to SoCal and Vegas personally, Nashville is cool but don't I'd be heading to Charlotte or Jacksonville much at all.
I visited Phoenix on the Fourth of July and was surprised that it was a mostly white city, like a big city version of Peoria, IL. I was eating pizza in Scottsdale and only saw white people and a couple of Asians (more likely transplants/economic refugees from California). This would never happen in the Galleria here in diverse Houston with all the transplants and travelers from around the world! I instantly understood the appeal of Sheriff Joe, the Hispanophobia, and the green grass obsession around there.
I would rather live in Palmdale or the I.E. over Phoenix. At least L.A. is an hour away! The only reason Phoenix is popular with CA transplants is its geographic proximity back home and its western location in the U.S.
I visited Phoenix on the Fourth of July and was surprised that it was a mostly white city, like a big city version of Peoria, IL. I was eating pizza in Scottsdale and only saw white people and a couple of Asians (more likely transplants/economic refugees from California). This would never happen in the Galleria here in diverse Houston with all the transplants and travelers from around the world! I instantly understood the appeal of Sheriff Joe, the Hispanophobia, and the green grass obsession around there.
I would rather live in Palmdale or the I.E. over Phoenix. At least L.A. is an hour away! The only reason Phoenix is popular with CA transplants is its geographic proximity back home and its western location in the U.S.
Yes, Houston is more diverse. It's one of the most diverse cities. Other than that, your post is full of sweeping generalizations and faulty assumptions. Furthermore, you live in Katy, TX which is pretty white itself.
I visited Phoenix on the Fourth of July and was surprised that it was a mostly white city, like a big city version of Peoria, IL. I was eating pizza in Scottsdale and only saw white people and a couple of Asians (more likely transplants/economic refugees from California). This would never happen in the Galleria here in diverse Houston with all the transplants and travelers from around the world! I instantly understood the appeal of Sheriff Joe, the Hispanophobia, and the green grass obsession around there.
I would rather live in Palmdale or the I.E. over Phoenix. At least L.A. is an hour away! The only reason Phoenix is popular with CA transplants is its geographic proximity back home and its western location in the U.S.
Wow. It's posts like this that make you wish there was some way City-Data could filter out certain intellect levels. Oh well, I guess we should be accepting of a "diverse" range of intellect levels. Still, what a shame.
I could easily make sweeping generalizations about Southern California. The areas I've been to have little diversity and are primarily poor and hispanic. Hmm, maybe all of SoCal is like that.
Yes, Houston is more diverse. It's one of the most diverse cities. Other than that, your post is full of sweeping generalizations and faulty assumptions. Furthermore, you live in Katy, TX which is pretty white itself.
Scottsdale > Katy
Yeah, this.
Other than Asian and Venezuelan food, Scottsdale blows Katy out of the water.
Yes, Houston is more diverse. It's one of the most diverse cities. Other than that, your post is full of sweeping generalizations and faulty assumptions. Furthermore, you live in Katy, TX which is pretty white itself.
Scottsdale > Katy
This is true in Houston but Scottsdale is more like the Woodlands and commenting on the diversity in either is silly.
Phoenix is a minority majority city with more people of Hispanic ethnicity than anything else, the whole state is expected to be the same by 2030.
Not that hard actually. I'd agree if you're just basing it on things like fortune 500 HQs, number of high-rises or specific types of job opportunities then maybe sure. Specific types of entertainment? Yeah, okay I can see that. But you're not going to be bored in any of these cities.
COL- This is pretty much a tie, they're all really reasonable in the grand scheme of things. based on an online calculator Phoenix is 3.5% less expensive than Atlanta. Dallas is 2.0% less expensive than Phoenix.
Outdoor activities- I don't see this as competitive, Phoenix stands out here. In Phoenix metro area you can be on peaks that are as high as the tallest mountain East of the Mississippi River, Brown's Peak- 7,600'). Then within a 2 hour drive you're in places like Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, Rim Country, etc.. and a bit farther than that you can be in Havasupai at the Grand Canyon. North Georgia is beautiful but I can't give it an edge to Arizona.
QOL- For me, this goes to Phoenix as well. Primarily because I can't stand sitting in traffic and both Dallas and Atlanta have magnitudes worse traffic congestion than Phoenix and all 3 require a car to get around.
Entertainment/Leisure- Depends on what you're looking for, if your entertainment means major league sports action only 1 city on this list hosts spring training... as one example.
Proximity to other cities- If were talking drive time within around 5ish hours from Phoenix you can be in Vegas, LA, Orange County (some call this LA, locals are adamant it is not), San Diego, Tucson and the beaches in Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point. Within a similar drive from Atlanta other large cities you can get to would be Charlotte, Nashville, Chattanooga, Jacksonville? This also comes down to personal tastes but I don't see this as a slam dunk in Atlanta's favor myself. I love taking road trips to SoCal and Vegas personally, Nashville is cool but don't I'd be heading to Charlotte or Jacksonville much at all.
Im not trying to make Atlanta out to be some bastion of ubanity but its more urban than Phoenix.
Looking at Walkscore Atlanta highest rated neighbohood is 96 with its highest Transit score of vs Phoenix at 79 with its hoghest transit score of 63. https://www.walkscore.com/AZ/Phoenix https://www.walkscore.com/GA/Atlanta
I know in many cities access to transit(namely heavy or light rail)makes properties command a higher housing cost.That also comes with areas that are more walkable.
Phoenix really is not a urban city .Id say its the least urban largest major city in North America.
So just like a city like Boston is super expensive, the moest expensive areas of a city will be more urban hence higher cost of living.
Add traffic to that as well.As good as transit is in Boston ,NYC etc,there is still mind numbing traffic.
So yes COL is lower but for obvious reasons.Jacksonville is cheaper than Atlanta too.
I think QOL living could be tied to the best urban living balance since we are discussing major cities but I can see either city winning this argument.
Entertainment-
Quote:
Entertainment/Leisure- Depends on what you're looking for, if your entertainment means major league sports action only 1 city on this list hosts spring training... as one example.
I can see why you kept your answer real short this showing your bias.Spring Training?Thats your reason why PHX is better for entertainment?lol
I guess had you brought up museums you know Atlanta would blow it out of the water right?
The Georgia Aquarium,World of Coke,National College Football Hall fo Fame,The National Center for Human and Civil Rights,Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site,Margaret Mitchell House(Gone With the Wind ),Center for Puppetry Arts, and a list of other top notch museums
Not to mention theatrical productions with the many outfits of national notorietyAtlanta has.
What about college sports of which Atlanta has mutitude of colleges?
The SEC Championship.The Chick Fil A bowl etc. In the last 10 years Atlanta hosted a Superbowl,a Final Four(COVID Cancel),MLS Cup,
There are a lot more parks in Atlanta. Pidemont Park and the new Westside Park opening this year are better than any park in Phoenix but that can be subjective.
The Beltline is unlike anything Phoenix can claim and that should go in both the QOL and Leisure
Night life in Atlanta is without question head over heels above Phoenix.The club life and even food options open late.
Proximity-
There is a ton of stuff to do in between big cities on the East Coast.Not like in the West where its desolate for miles on end.I lived in ABQ years ago and had to drivr back and forth on accaasion to Phoenix for work.
Not just Phoenix but to Oklahoma City,Tuscon,White Sands,Las Cruces,El Paso etc. Ive driven all around to know what Im talking about
Nashvillle is one city but there are smaller locations that are certainly very popular and worth visitin.
Chattanooga,Charleston,Savannah are very popualar cities.
You mention San Diego whcih is almost 6 hrs. Well New Orleans ,Memphis,Tampa-St.Petesburg, and Orlando are all about the same distance.
Jacksonville too is close and next to it is St. Augustine.One of he oldest settlement in America
You have the North Georgia Mountains with historic towns and waterfalls. Remember GA is the last of the original thriteen colonies.
Circling Back to the leisure category, Atlanta with its estensive Civil War historical sites and other prominent histororical events like the Olympics give its that much more to see and do.
Im not trying to make Atlanta out to be some bastion of ubanity but its more urban than Phoenix.
Looking at Walkscore Atlanta highest rated neighbohood is 96 with its highest Transit score of vs Phoenix at 79 with its hoghest transit score of 63. https://www.walkscore.com/AZ/Phoenix https://www.walkscore.com/GA/Atlanta
I know in many cities access to transit(namely heavy or light rail)makes properties command a higher housing cost.That also comes with areas that are more walkable.
Phoenix really is not a urban city .Id say its the least urban largest major city in North America.
So just like a city like Boston is super expensive, the moest expensive areas of a city will be more urban hence higher cost of living.
Add traffic to that as well.As good as transit is in Boston ,NYC etc,there is still mind numbing traffic.
So yes COL is lower but for obvious reasons.Jacksonville is cheaper than Atlanta too.
I think QOL living could be tied to the best urban living balance since we are discussing major cities but I can see either city winning this argument.
Entertainment-
I can see why you kept your answer real short this showing your bias.Spring Training?Thats your reason why PHX is better for entertainment?lol
I guess had you brought up museums you know Atlanta would blow it out of the water right?
The Georgia Aquarium,World of Coke,National College Football Hall fo Fame,The National Center for Human and Civil Rights,Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site,Margaret Mitchell House(Gone With the Wind ),Center for Puppetry Arts, and a list of other top notch museums
Not to mention theatrical productions with the many outfits of national notorietyAtlanta has.
What about college sports of which Atlanta has mutitude of colleges?
The SEC Championship.The Chick Fil A bowl etc. In the last 10 years Atlanta hosted a Superbowl,a Final Four(COVID Cancel),MLS Cup,
There are a lot more parks in Atlanta. Pidemont Park and the new Westside Park opening this year are better than any park in Phoenix but that can be subjective.
The Beltline is unlike anything Phoenix can claim and that should go in both the QOL and Leisure
Night life in Atlanta is without question head over heels above Phoenix.The club life and even food options open late.
Proximity-
There is a ton of stuff to do in between big cities on the East Coast.Not like in the West where its desolate for miles on end.I lived in ABQ years ago and had to drivr back and forth on accaasion to Phoenix for work.
Not just Phoenix but to Oklahoma City,Tuscon,White Sands,Las Cruces,El Paso etc. Ive driven all around to know what Im talking about
Nashvillle is one city but there are smaller locations that are certainly very popular and worth visitin.
Chattanooga,Charleston,Savannah are very popualar cities.
You mention San Diego whcih is almost 6 hrs. Well New Orleans ,Memphis,Tampa-St.Petesburg, and Orlando are all about the same distance.
Jacksonville too is close and next to it is St. Augustine.One of he oldest settlement in America
You have the North Georgia Mountains with historic towns and waterfalls. Remember GA is the last of the original thriteen colonies.
Circling Back to the leisure category, Atlanta with its estensive Civil War historical sites and other prominent histororical events like the Olympics give its that much more to see and do.
Atlanta would be thrilled to know that they have you as a cheerleader. Tell us more about your Phoenix experiences since you mentioned that you know what you're talking about.
Atlanta would be thrilled to know that they have you as a cheerleader. Tell us more about your Phoenix experiences since you mentioned that you know what you're talking about.
Im sorry I dont know you so dont owe you anything but I will say this
You have a problem with my rebuttal but cant put to words how Im wrong?
Why didnt you question the posters Atlanta experiences?I have a resonable amount of knowledge to comment on both cities collectively, so on both regions I spoke.
Why is that so objectionable to you?
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