US versus European Cities

[DanS]

There's a short, superficial article on BBC comparing US and continental European cities, which ends up being basically a list of what people like about European cities and hate about US cities. There are of course tons of bad aspects of US cities and many good aspects of European cities (at least the handful that I have seen -- Munich, Rome, Prague, Vienna, Antwerp, Paris, etc.).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5271276.stm?ls

I'm looking for your opinions about things you don't like about European cities and things you like about US cities. I'm especially interested in hearing the opinion of people who don't live in the headline cities of the US and Europe. For instance, we all know Paris has a great metrorail to many areas, but what about in the Parisian suburbs and other French cities? Is it easy to get around? Lots of amenities? Lots of things to do? Cheap? Good economy and lots of jobs? Good universities? Friendly people? Convenient store hours? Good public schools and libraries?

[Dinner]

That article was very one sided and full of generalizations but it was an editorial so that is to be expected. City services such as parks, light rail, large libraries, and other public places cost a lot of money first to build and then to maintain. Having less of these does mean a lower tax burden and that does encourage more economic growth and thus job creation.

Luckily, there is a happy middle ground which many cities have found. Places like Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and San Diego have found them by concentrating on a strong urban core while allowing for natural growth at the edges. This results in things like light rail & subways being built in the densely populated areas which can support them but with increasingly less access as the population density declines in the suburbs. You want to have both becaue city living is expensive and often young families can't afford it. Thus having less expensive housing available further out allows them to stay in the area without having to spend $2000 per month for an apartment downtown.

That said I would like to see more planning put into this. A nextwork of urban centeers connected by light rail along densely populated corridors which get progressively less dense the further away from the train lines is a good idea. LA is currently trying to convert to this format though it will take them a good 20-40 years to complete it.

[Dinner]

I can't believe some guy left a comment that more cities in the UK should be like Sheffield. Doesn't Sheffield have a reputation for being a pit?

[SlowwHand]

For one thing, Paris has too many French people.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by Oerdin
I can't believe some guy left a comment that more cities in the UK should be like Sheffield. Doesn't Sheffield have a reputation for being a pit?

No, it has a much worse reputation than that.

[LordShiva]

What I hate most about US cities is that the nightlife revolves around bars rather than clubs

And the few clubs that exist play mostly hip-hop music rather than house

Ironic, since house music was born in Chicago and Detroit

Granted, I've never been clubbing in Miami nor LA

[Dis]

what's the difference between hip-hop and house music? They all sound the same to me.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Dis
what's the difference between hip-hop and house music? They all sound the same to me.

That's worse than saying house and techno sound the same

[SlowwHand]

Come on to Dallas, Shiva. Par-ty!

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Come on to Dallas, Shiva. Par-ty!

I don't like line dancing

[Dinner]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
For one thing, Paris has too many French people.

I think London is actually one of the biggest cities in the world in terms of the French population living there. It seems many young French people can't get jobs in their homeland so they head to England to get employment and experience.

[SlowwHand]

Let me put you on this ever-growing ****list I'm keeping.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by LordShiva
What I hate most about US cities is that the nightlife revolves around bars rather than clubs

And the few clubs that exist play mostly hip-hop music rather than house

Ironic, since house music was born in Chicago and Detroit

Granted, I've never been clubbing in Miami nor LA

You live in the wrong city my friend. In SoCal we have our bars but most of the actual night life takes place in night clubs, coffee houses, smoke shops, lounges, and caberets. It's a good scene.

There are hip hop places but mostly it is not hip hop. Electronica is in as is various other music styles. There is room for everything.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Oerdin
You live in the wrong city my friend. In SoCal we have our bars but most of the actual night life takes place in night clubs, coffee houses, smoke shops, lounges, and caberets. It's a good scene.

There are hip hop places but mostly it is not hip hop. Electronica is in as is various other music styles. There is room for everything.

Sounds good. On the east coast, bars, either full of frat boys and popped collars and 80s music, or full of hippies and hipsters and indie music, outnumber clubs and lounges 10:1. I hate that

In Europe, they have pubs and bars and stuff too, but more for the early evening, before going to a club later.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by Oerdin
That article was very one sided and full of generalizations but it was an editorial so that is to be expected. City services such as parks, light rail, large libraries, and other public places cost a lot of money first to build and then to maintain. Having less of these does mean a lower tax burden and that does encourage more economic growth and thus job creation.

Libraries, parks and light rail help boost the economy.