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These three Great Lakes cities share much in common, from Eastern European (Polish, etc.) influences to industrial pasts. Chicago is obviously bigger than Detroit and Cleveland in this day and age, but all three cities were among the largest in the nation for many years. Focusing on Motown for this thread, which city is more similar?
Maybe 50 or 60 years ago, I could see an argument that Detroit and Chicago were major American cities while Cleveland was a more regional city. But in 2020, Detroit and Cleveland are far more similar than either is with Chicago.
Maybe 50 or 60 years ago, I could see an argument that Detroit and Chicago were major American cities while Cleveland was a more regional city. But in 2020, Detroit and Cleveland are far more similar than either is with Chicago.
Actually that's not true. 60 years ago, with the 1960 census, it had 878K and was the 8th largest city in the U.S. (10 years before that, it had 914K and was the 6th largest)... Even just 40 years ago when the city was in the serious throes of decline, it still hosted the 3rd highest number of Fortune-500 corporations. The city had deemed itself the "Best Location in the Nation" because it was within 500 miles of of over 50% of the nation's population; within a drive or a train ride; this was mainly geared toward freight rail as this was primarily a pro-business campaign... So Cleveland was clearly not a "regional city" back in the day.
Actually that's not true. 60 years ago, with the 1960 census, it had 878K and was the 8th largest city in the U.S. (10 years before that, it had 914K and was the 6th largest)... Even just 40 years ago when the city was in the serious throes of decline, it still hosted the 3rd highest number of Fortune-500 corporations. The city had deemed itself the "Best Location in the Nation" because it was within 500 miles of of over 50% of the nation's population; within a drive or a train ride; this was mainly geared toward freight rail as this was primarily a pro-business campaign... So Cleveland was clearly not a "regional city" back in the day.
Rough size comparison (city only):
1960 population:
1 Chicago = 2x Detroit = 4x Cleveland
2020 population:
1 Chicago = 4x Detroit = 7x Cleveland
I'm from Metro Detroit. The answer to this question is obvious......it's obviously more similar to Cleveland. Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US, and has a global presence (a stock/mercantile exchange, hub for global business/consulting firms, much larger international tourism, etc.), much more diverse, has a large Chinatown and many ethnic neighborhoods, 2 airports, much bigger food scene, high-end shopping districts, etc etc. Detroit is obviously not on the same tier as Chicago.
Parts of the South Side probably resemble Detroit's residential neighborhoods. But Detroit's downtown is obviously much smaller and more similar to Cleveland.
Detroit and Cleveland are pretty much on the same scale in terms of size, downtowns, demographics, etc.
1960 population:
1 Chicago = 2x Detroit = 4x Cleveland
2020 population:
1 Chicago = 4x Detroit = 7x Cleveland
But actually size or not, Cleveland was a Top 10 city in population. Anyway, I was reacting more to the comment that Cleveland was a "regional" city as opposed to being a national one. Even today, in its much-diminished state (but stabilizing and gaining strength), Cleveland is still a national city even given its considerably smaller size. I'll admit, its influence isn't what it was 50 years ago, but it's still a national city in most people's book.
Detroit really is not all that much like Chicago at all. The two cities share very little in common, outside of just being Midwestern cities.
Cleveland and Detroit definitely share much more in common.
I'll bite... I definitely agree with most and you that Detroit is more similar to Cleveland, but Chicago and Detroit do have quite a few similarities. Both received many Eastern European immigrants (Cleveland i believe as well). Both are among the most segregated cities of the US still. Both have rivalries in sports (Bulls-Pistons, Blackhawks-Red Wings, even Bears-Lions). Both have the two highest ranking Big Ten universities in close proximity. Both have massive funding issues (Detroit bankruptcy, CPS near bankruptcy). Both are among the most corrupt cities in the US. Both have two of the more famous organized crime leaders (Al Capine and Jimmy Hoffa). Both have strong music histories.
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