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There are a couple more potential megalopolis areas in America. California is one, the I-85 megalopolis is another. I've heard of Chi-Pitts becoming one in the next few decades. But yes, The Texas triangle has some potential.
I was about to say the same. There are several studies out there that suggest at least ten different megaregions in America. Very interesting dialogue and its something I think decision makers need to pay attention to so that responsible decisions can be made.
And those figures may be from city hall to city halls but wrong actually - the other thing is the MSAs have 0 miles between - they are continuous; only an imaginary census line
And it's not as if these cities cover huge foortprints (Philly is 146 sq miles - or basically 12x12 though is longer north to south than it is wide east to west)
Last edited by kidphilly; 04-22-2010 at 12:57 PM..
On a side note about these borders, I wonder how do they decide how far a city is. I'm not sure if it is based on the closest border. For example, on I-85 here in Charlotte exit 49 is the Concord Mills exit, which is obviously in Concord,NC. But as you drive down there is a sign that sign that says Concord,NC is 7 miles away. Go figure.
On a side note about these borders, I wonder how do they decide how far a city is. I'm not sure if it is based on the closest border. For example, on I-85 here in Charlotte exit 49 is the Concord Mills exit, which is obviously in Concord,NC. But as you drive down there is a sign that sign that says Concord,NC is 7 miles away. Go figure.
It is the closest point on a straight line - cool google app
On a side note about these borders, I wonder how do they decide how far a city is. I'm not sure if it is based on the closest border. For example, on I-85 here in Charlotte exit 49 is the Concord Mills exit, which is obviously in Concord,NC. But as you drive down there is a sign that sign that says Concord,NC is 7 miles away. Go figure.
I'm assuming that the sign for Concord, NC is the distance to the Downtown area rather than the actual city limits. Concord Mills is barely in the city limits itself.
Another example would be freeway signage for Houston when you're well within the city limits of Houston itself. Mostly seen on freeways approaching Downtown Houston before you hit the 610 loop. I see this quite often in Los Angeles, San Diego, or any other city that has lots of square mileage.
I'm assuming that the sign for Concord, NC is the distance to the Downtown area rather than the actual city limits. Concord Mills is barely in the city limits itself.
Another example would be freeway signage for Houston when you're well within the city limits of Houston itself. Mostly seen on freeways approaching Downtown Houston before you hit the 610 loop. I see this quite often in Los Angeles, San Diego, or any other city that has lots of square mileage.
I see the same thing. I find it quite odd. But back to the Texas Triangle. I definitely see this as a megaregion that already exists. People tend to think that if an area is not like BosWash then it is not a megaregion. It's just that BosWash is just so huge that hardly any region in the world can match up to it. Someone listed some extremely populated areas in the world, but a megaregion needs to be populated (urban atmosphere pretty much) and economic clout.
If there is rural pockets in between urban areas that does not make it less megareion-ness. Often these rural areas are influenced and connected to these urban areas just like a suburb is connected to the principal city of a metro area.
I see the same thing. I find it quite odd. But back to the Texas Triangle. I definitely see this as a megaregion that already exists. People tend to think that if an area is not like BosWash then it is not a megaregion. It's just that BosWash is just so huge that hardly any region in the world can match up to it. Someone listed some extremely populated areas in the world, but a megaregion needs to be populated (urban atmosphere pretty much) and economic clout.
If there is rural pockets in between urban areas that does not make it less megareion-ness. Often these rural areas are influenced and connected to these urban areas just like a suburb is connected to the principal city of a metro area.
The rural gaps between DC-Baltimore and Philadelphia-NYC are a lot smaller than the gaps between Dallas and Houston.
I could see a megalopolis develop between DFW and Austin and SA long before one developing between Dallas and Houston. I'd even say that the parts of California between the Bay Area and LA-Santa Barbara have more population centers.
I say that the Texas Triangle can be a megaregion, but it won't be a megalopolis anytime soon. I guess that's why I've always been so ambivalent about considering the I-85/Piedmont Corridor a true "megalopolis" anytime soon.
The rural gaps between DC-Baltimore and Philadelphia-NYC are a lot smaller than the gaps between Dallas and Houston.
I could see a megalopolis develop between DFW and Austin and SA long before one developing between Dallas and Houston. I'd even say that the parts of California between the Bay Area and LA-Santa Barbara have more population centers.
I say that the Texas Triangle can be a megaregion, but it won't be a megalopolis anytime soon. I guess that's why I've always been so ambivalent about considering the I-85/Piedmont Corridor a true "megalopolis" anytime soon.
I would agree the 12 mile stretch in Northern MD from Elkton to Perryville feels pretty rural to me; but that's about it
further north - there is a small stretch in CT that are fairly rural as well between Hartford and Providence
Last edited by kidphilly; 04-22-2010 at 01:48 PM..
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Go figure.
