Philly vs. Chicago (better, place, bigger, life)

[skintreesnail]

Originally Posted by PHL10

As an example, Graduate Hospital, the highest income per household neighborhood in the entire city looks like this in many parts.

You mean this graduate hospital?
1928 Bainbridge St
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJLT9onU4DCVuMXs9

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by PHL10

Dude, I think I know what you are getting at. There is an old, worn, tired look to many parts of Philadelphia that a visitor would likely view as "eww". As an example, Graduate Hospital, the highest income per household neighborhood in the entire city looks like this in many parts.

Well, what I was really trying to get at is: "pick your poison."

Urban blight is one form for sure of negative aesthetics, but "blight" doesn't just mean "tired and worn" to me. It's also bastardization of landscape, like eight-line highways littered with signs, billboards, and drive-thrus as far as the eye can see. This kind of stuff is all over the "new and shiny" Sun Belt, in particular.

Point-in-case: Suburban Atlanta.

And before someone pounces--yes, you can find this kind of yucky sprawl in the Northeast for sure, but it's not even close to the same scale. It would be like a bunch of DeKalb Pikes in King of Prussia all over the metro area; not just in a couple of places.

[PHL10]

Originally Posted by skintreesnail

You mean this graduate hospital?
1928 Bainbridge St
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJLT9onU4DCVuMXs9

Notice I said "in many parts"? We can play good picture/bad picture bingo but not sure what purpose that would serve.

[bridge12]

I think what you're seeing in graduate hospital is a pretty clear example of a neighborhood that gentrified in the past 20 years. It's still somewhat recent in the grand scheme of things and there are still plenty of properties that haven't flipped. Go down any one block and you'll find a couple of holdouts. It has this reputation for being super rich now but in reality, that's because the neighborhood stats include Naval Square.

[PHL10]

I'm really not trying to trash Graduate Hospital but only make the point that to outsiders, even very desirable neighborhoods aren't aesthetically pleasing to many people.

[skintreesnail]

As long as you mean to apply that logic uniformly, then i guess i agree. I still think it's easier to create something interesting out of urban blight that has good bones then deal with sprawl that prioritizes cars, but i suppose that's subjective.

As far as comparing Chicago and Philly though I can't say much sice i've only visited a couple times. Chicago seemed like the more impressive city, but i don't think by much. I really like the intimate streets in Philly. Seems pretty unique by US standards. Cultural institutions, food, and parks seem pretty close. Chicago has that big city feel with the number of high rises and planned parks. Philly is more organic.

[PHL10]

Originally Posted by skintreesnail

As long as you mean to apply that logic uniformly, then i guess i agree. I still think it's easier to create something interesting out of urban blight that has good bones then deal with sprawl that prioritizes cars, but i suppose that's subjective.

I fully agree! I'm pretty sure we are on the same side of the issue. I was just trying to make the point that our City is rough around the edges and we shouldn't be confused when there isn't mass appeal for 100 year old rowhome worker housing (especially those who haven't had much exposure to it).

[jobaba]

For young people, I think pretty similar.

Both have tons of bars and multiple neighborhoods to go bar hopping in.

I think Philly doesn't have as much of the yuppie, or at least aspiring to be yuppie, upper crust young people. It does have wealth but it's more of the Villanova old wealth.

I think if you want to be in the northeast and make a lot of money, you go to NYC, or at least Boston or DC, while if you're in the midwest you go to Chicago.

[BlueRedTide]

Originally Posted by TBideon

Pros of Chicago:
Relatively good white collar professional economy and plenty of openings for $15+/hr retail jobs.
Low cost of living compared to coast cities.
Affordable rentals and condos, even in vibrant areas.
Cultural attractions.
The lake.
Direct international flights.
CTA and Metra adequate for many residents; car generally unnecessary.
Beautiful summers.

Cons of Chicago
High crime in both violent and stable neighborhoods.
The worst mayor in the US; even worse is the Cook County State Attorney. Both nationwide embarrassments.
Tech scene lacks momentum.
Limited general development outside of West Loop.
Property tax doom.
Far too many grey and cold days.
Some limited forest reserves but you need to commute for real outdoor attractions.
Illinois. << That's so Sad (that people feel that way)
<<
Can't say I know enough about Philly to opine other than I've enjoyed my visits.

Awl Man, I had such High Hopes for Her, I remember seeing her in a few debates,
Now The State Attorney Is Awful, CarJackers getting caught, and being released two days later. Thats not helping the City's Crime problem,
Chicagos Lakefront and Riverwalk Is On A Whole different Level, seen it in person. Not many cities in the country, Really the Globe. are matching it. Only Seen Philadelphia's waterfront and Penns Landing on YouTube videos so can't really speak on that, Both Cities Deserve Praise for Affordability

[Kmanshouse]

Lightfoot has been mayor for about, what 2 years? This isn't a fair way to judge a city. She won't be mayor past the next election. She will be merely a blip in Chicago's long history.

I really like both cities. On a national and global scale, Chicago is pretty far ahead. But as for a "where would you rather live" a lot of people will prefer Philadelphia for the well articulated reasons listed.

Here, Chicago is 3 full tiers above.
https://www.spottedbylocals.com/blog...-gamma-cities/

Here, Chicago is #13 and Philadelphia is #57
https://www.bestcities.org/rankings/worlds-best-cities/

Here, Chicago is #28 and Philadelphia is not in the top 50
https://mori-m-foundation.or.jp/engl...i2/index.shtml

Here, Chicago is #13 and Philadelphia is not in the top 50
https://www.atlasandboots.com/remote...world-ranking/

Here, Chicago is #8 - it only goes to 10
https://www.kearney.com/global-cities/2021

Here, Chicago is #10 and Philadelphia is #13, found one that is pretty close - the only one
https://www.schroders.com/en/media-r...es-index-2022/


On a global scale, it's not close. The cities are not even comparable, really. But that doesn't mean people can't prefer Philadelphia.