Would you consider Orlando to be a major city? (Jacksonville: home, live)

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by OrlandoRE_Miracle

yes, it's at about the same level as Denver or Dallas

Denver, yes. Dallas, no.

[johnatl]

I live in an area more than twice the size of Orlando, and I consider it a major city/metro area.

Any metro with more than 2 million people that can claim a world class airport, convention facilities, resorts and theme parks is a major city in my book.

And yes, I said world class in regard to all four things.

[DailyJournalist]

The only World City in Florida is Miami, which is considered a Beta World City. I would consider Orlando to be a mid sized city, but not a major city. In addition Tampa has a higher GDP than Orlando, which makes it more important nationally and internationally than Orlando. Being a vacation destination alone does not make a city a "major city".

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

The only World City in Florida is Miami, which is considered a Beta World City. I would consider Orlando to be a mid sized city, but not a major city. In addition Tampa has a higher GDP than Orlando, which makes it more important nationally and internationally than Orlando. Being a vacation destination alone does not make a city a "major city".

That's true, but could you imagine living in Miami? It's not what so many out-of-towners think it is. I'm not a huge fan of Orlando, but I'd take Orlando over Miami ANY day of the week.

[stars99]

Originally Posted by ComSense

That's true, but could you imagine living in Miami? It's not what so many out-of-towners think it is. I'm not a huge fan of Orlando, but I'd take Orlando over Miami ANY day of the week.

You need serious money to live in Miami.

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by OrlandoRE_Miracle

You need serious money to live in Miami.

Not so sure about that. I think prices have come down quite a bit - supply and demand. But what's harder to overcome in Miami isnt the money you need to make to live in a decent area, but the sanity you need just to stay positive in a town like that. Live there for a few yrs and you'll think everyone is rude, drives like idiots, etc... which isnt the case. I couldnt live there --- I take that back... I wouldn't live there if you gave me a nice house.

[stars99]

Originally Posted by ComSense

Not so sure about that. I think prices have come down quite a bit - supply and demand. But what's harder to overcome in Miami isnt the money you need to make to live in a decent area, but the sanity you need just to stay positive in a town like that. Live there for a few yrs and you'll think everyone is rude, drives like idiots, etc... which isnt the case. I couldnt live there --- I take that back... I wouldn't live there if you gave me a nice house.

I should have been clearer about what I meant. I mean you need serious money to live in a safe, upscale place, and insulate yourself from the BS that goes on there, and enjoy an upper middle class lifestyle.

[DavieJ89]

Originally Posted by ComSense

Not so sure about that. I think prices have come down quite a bit - supply and demand. But what's harder to overcome in Miami isnt the money you need to make to live in a decent area, but the sanity you need just to stay positive in a town like that. Live there for a few yrs and you'll think everyone is rude, drives like idiots, etc... which isnt the case. I couldnt live there --- I take that back... I wouldn't live there if you gave me a nice house.

Even if it was in South Beach Com?

I have never been to Miami, but I am going to make it a point to at least visit South Beach before I move to Vegas

So there is a city you dislike more then Orlando, didnt think it was possible
Just kidding

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

The only World City in Florida is Miami, which is considered a Beta World City. I would consider Orlando to be a mid sized city, but not a major city. In addition Tampa has a higher GDP than Orlando, which makes it more important nationally and internationally than Orlando. Being a vacation destination alone does not make a city a "major city".

Mid sized cities don't have nonstops flights to London, Brazil, the Caribbean, etc.

Mid sized cities aren't able to compete with the likes of Vegas, Atlanta & Chicago as a top tier convention venue.

Mid sized cities can't claim Four Seasons, Waldorf-Astoria's and other high end hotels.

And of course Tampa has a higher GDP than Orlando - the Bay Area is substantially larger. It usually tends to work that way. Speaking of Tampa, they would LOVE to have the flights offered at OIA. Orlando is much more connected nationally and internationally than Tampa, and the gap continues to widen.

Your attempts to minimize the importance of the Orlando area does not change the reality of the situation.

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by johnatl

Mid sized cities don't have nonstops flights to London, Brazil, the Caribbean, etc.

Mid sized cities aren't able to compete with the likes of Vegas, Atlanta & Chicago as a top tier convention venue.

Mid sized cities can't claim Four Seasons, Waldorf-Astoria's and other high end hotels.

And of course Tampa has a higher GDP than Orlando - the Bay Area is substantially larger. It usually tends to work that way. Speaking of Tampa, they would LOVE to have the flights offered at OIA. Orlando is much more connected nationally and internationally than Tampa, and the gap continues to widen.

Your attempts to minimize the importance of the Orlando area does not change the reality of the situation.

I respect your opinion but none of the points you mention are any different than what is found at other major resort cities. All your points illustrate is that Orlando is a major tourist (resort) destination, that does not make it a major city. Major cities are well rounded with large business districts and large GDP's which make them relevant nationally and internationally. I am not trying to minimize Orlando but major cities have advanced producer services such as accountancy, advertising, finance, and law. If Orlando was a major city the GWAC would have named it one with all the other major cities in America. Orlando should be content to be a tourist destination and stop trying to compare it self with places like Chicago just because it had a couple more conventions.