This is a thread where you can list and explain your favorite cities and metropolitan areas on the North American West Coast West Coast.

Mine:

1) Seattle
2) Vancouver
3) San Diego
4) San Francisco/Portland
5) Los Angeles

LA
SF
Seatle
Vancouver
Portland
SD

vancouver
seattle
san fransico
LA
san diego
portland

Is there a more beautiful pic of any west coast city

VANCOUVER

MAKE SURE TO SCROLL OVER TO THE RIGHT TO SEE THE WHOLE PIC------------------->

http://img140.exs.cx/img140/7577/3650839313001325web3jy.jpg

:eek2:

a few more during the day

SCROLL RIGHT ----------------------------------------------->
http://img99.exs.cx/img99/3639/40611347072407427io.jpg
http://img99.exs.cx/img99/4518/3650980008290834web3ns.jpg

^WOW those pics are tight.
All the best cities are on the west coast.
1. Vancouver
2. San Fran
3. Seattle
4. San Diego
5. LA
6. Portland

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3131.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3127.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/DowntownSeattle202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle4003Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/seattle5224Small.jpg

Why not put this in the North American Skybar?

1. SD
2. SF
3. Vancouver
4. Seattle
5. Portland
6. LA

I must say those pictures of both cities are incredible. I've never seen such good pictures of both cities. They're absolutely fascinating, why don't you guys put them on the skyline polls for Seattle and Vancouver?

Why do I have to write the messages to keep my threads up?

San Francisco
Seattle
Vancouver
San Diego
Portland
Los Angeles

Seattle
San Diego
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Vancouver
Portland

San Diego: soon to be mini-vancouver with palm trees and the boom continues to go.
Vancouver: one of the greatest urban settings
Seatlle: I like the rain and the buildings are great
San Francisco: Liberal, but beautiful
Portland: reminds me of a little seatlle
Los Angeles: ummmm, I'll get back to you on that one...

^yeah that'll be interesting to see how San Diego turns out. It's too bad that they're copying the ENTIRE concept of another city, which could be good or bad. It will be interesting to see.

San Francisco
Vancouver
Seattle
San Diego
Los Angeles
Portland

Vancouver(these shots are amazing)
Seattle
SF
Portland
SD
LA

Actually, I love all the westcoast cities. I could live in any of them and be happy.

^yeah that'll be interesting to see how San Diego turns out. It's too bad that they're copying the ENTIRE concept of another city, which could be good or bad. It will be interesting to see.

Hey! Where not trying to be a cookie cutter of Vancouver. If the concept works then were going to use it to be sucessful.

Hmm? Whats all this about San Diego copying Vancouver?

1) San Diego
2) Vancouver
3) San Francisco
4) Portland (Poor Portland:( Maybe its the name that turns people away;)
5) Seattle
6) LA

1 Vancouver
2 San Francisco
3 Seattle
4 San Diego
5 Portland

Sacramento! It's very underrated.

I have read that vancouver architects/developers are completely changing San Diego's downtown by building many residential buildings in the city's downtown core.

no offense people, but blah blah blah blah........blah! what a boring thread. And why is Seattle in italics?!?! :D

Vanman-

Bosa Development of Vancouver and Point Of View of Calgary, are the major Canadian developers who are helping to reshape the San Diego skyline. Between them, at least 8 new condo towers have already been built or are in the development stages.

Sacramento! It's very underrated.
Thats probably because It deserves to be. Nothing goes on there, its like an overgrown Fresno.

1-Seattle
2-Vancouver, BC
3-Portland, OR
4-San Francisco
5-Los Angeles

There, you go!

1. Los Angeles-San Diego tie (I love SoCal)
2. San Francisco
3. Seattle
4. Vancouver
5. Portland

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle4/9186Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/9015Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/8380Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/DowntownSeattle199Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle/8138Medium.jpg

Thats probably because It deserves to be. Nothing goes on there, its like an overgrown Fresno.

Wow you beat me to it. But yeah I agree, Sacramento is just not as big as the other cities.

San Diego is the one who deserves much more fanfare. We have always been the small, little (yet in reality much larger than little) sister of LA. San Diego has much more to offer then beaches or sun, its more along the lines of high rise condominiums right now.

Its so frustrating to see us behind Portland right now (no offence). Were are the SD supporters!?! This is why we need a SD development thread...I wish I wasn't so lazy...

Wow you beat me to it. But yeah I agree, Sacramento is just not as big as the other cities.

San Diego is the one who deserves much more fanfare. We have always been the small, little (yet in reality much larger than little) sister of LA. San Diego has much more to offer then beaches or sun, its more along the lines of high rise condominiums right now.

Its so frustrating to see us behind Portland right now (no offence). Were are the SD supporters!?! This is why we need a SD development thread...I wish I wasn't so lazy...

I love Portland. Of all the north american cities I've been to it was the biggest surprise for me. It's one of my favorite cities.

^sorry, I like Portland too. Just I love SD more.

SF and LA

Gotta represent my hometown... San Francisco

http://sfgate.com/c/pictures/2004/10/22/mn_skylinepano_mac.jpg

And San Diego and Vancouver aren't the only ones building residential high-rises:
http://sfgate.com/c/pictures/2004/10/22/mn_skyline-2vu.jpg

Thats probably because It deserves to be. Nothing goes on there, its like an overgrown Fresno.
Actually there's a lot going on in Sactown. Check out this thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=199020

Check out the "Sacramento Development News Thread", which actually appears a few items above this thread under the "West Coast and Interior West" forum (or see my previous post for the link). Sacramento's obviously no San Diego, but it is coming along quite nicely. We are definitely more than an overgrown Fresno. There's a lot of exciting stuff going on up here. The downtown is really coming along nicely. Sacramento won't ever be a San Diego or a San Francisco (since we don't have the weather or allure of being on the ocean), but we are fast becoming a lot like Portland (another city I happen to love). And, I know, Sactown doesn't have the beautiful geography of Portland, but it does have its beautiful rivers and the Sierras rising in the distance.

Also, you should check out my recent posting on the "Rate Our Skylines Chart" for Sacramento. I added a bunch of pictures...

why not a multiple choice poll?

my favorites:
seattle, San Fransico, Los angeles.

We want Portland, San Diego and Los Angeles Pics

1. Seattle
2. Frisco
3. LA
4. Vancouver
5. Portland
6. San Diego

And why Seattle is in italic?

Seattle
Vancouver
San Francisco
Portland
San Diego
Los Angeles

Portland
San Francisco
Seattle
Vancouver
San Diego
Los Angeles

http://www.vancouverbnb.com/FireWorks/sm-EnglishBay.jpg
http://img197.echo.cx/img197/9469/img3696sized6yh.jpg

^pretty :drool:

It's very tough to pick the best city on the west coast. I don't think I could separate San Fran, Seattle, and Vancouver from the number one position. While all 6 of the cities listed are great, those three have such incredible natural settings that IMHO they all belong to the top spot. :)

San Francisco
Vancouver
San Diego
L.A.
Seattle
Portland

For great San Diego pics, try this link..... http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=4287217#post4287217

San Diego's setting isn't so bad either.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/69983897flCmWa_ph.jpg

All West Coast Cities are natural wonders, lol. :D

Classic View

http://img39.echo.cx/img39/8264/lahome3kg.jpg

Gorgeous pictures! :eek2:
I love the WEST COAST! ;) :)

This has been making the rounds lately, I might as well continue posting it everywhere..

http://210.245.164.161/albums3/fangbiansile/fangbiansile/x.jpg

Those are all good pictures, lets keep em coming.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle5/11002Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle5/11010Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle5/11015Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle5/11034Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle5/11086Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle4/10415Medium.jpg

San Diego
San Francisco
Vancouver
Portland, Oregon
Seattle
Los Angeles

all of the vancouver buildings looks so trashy, like some dirty asian city.

all of the vancouver buildings looks so trashy, like some dirty asian city.

Have you ever been to Vancouver? Its one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities anywhere.


http://www.metroimagery.com/cityphotos/vancouverbc-09-18-05/sized_skyline_01.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9072/yaletownaqubus4hk.jpg
http://www.metroimagery.com/cityphotos/vancouverbc-09-18-05/sized_eastdowntown_01.jpg
http://www.metroimagery.com/cityphotos/vancouverbc-09-18-05/sized_dsc_7212.jpg
http://www.metroimagery.com/cityphotos/vancouverbc-09-18-05/sized_dsc_7521.jpg
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/3122/2470104609c3e27652o9wz.jpg

San Francisco
Vancouver
Seattle
Portland
San Diego
Los Angeles

San Diego's setting isn't so bad either.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/69983897flCmWa_ph.jpg
Loving this picture!

Thats probably because It deserves to be. Nothing goes on there, its like an overgrown Fresno.

Let me step in here. First of all, those were some childish remarks. Also, why is Fresno in the same sentence with Sacramento? You trying to bash Fresno too?

Sacramento is both and old and new city. Old in the sense that it has a lot of historic buildings but new since it is getting some strong highrise growth and there isn't any end in sight. And the proposals/construction towers are really tall. Well taller then what will ever be built in San Diego...

In 10 years, Sac will be a full blown international city with attractions and a very impressive skyline. And if you have a problem with that, I feel sorry for you.

It's amazing to me that San Diego and Portland were rated so low... but I suppose it has a lot to do with the skylines, this being the website it is haha...

PORTLAND

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2999/skylinefrombridge17fd.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2765/maxdowntown27bl.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8136/mounthood20vx.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9609/washingtonpark27oc.jpg

Portland may not have the height, but the quality of the buildings it does have makes up for it!

I'd say San Diego, San Diego, and then, ummmmm San Diego.

to me, skylines are so unimportant. Street Level to me is what really matters. We on the west coast are very lucky that the cities in this list all have healthy downtowns that bustle as downtowns should.

Wow you beat me to it. But yeah I agree, Sacramento is just not as big as the other cities.

San Diego is the one who deserves much more fanfare. We have always been the small, little (yet in reality much larger than little) sister of LA. San Diego has much more to offer then beaches or sun, its more along the lines of high rise condominiums right now.

Do you have an inferiority complex toward L.A. too? You people from San Diego remind me of a few individuals from San Antonio who have the same problem with nearby texas cities. And thus they try to make themselves feel better by bashing on other cities even if they don't know what the hell they are talking about.

Just admit it. San Diego will always be the little sister to LA and nothing will change that. SD skyline will also never catch LA since SD has the airport next door that makes the buildings short.

Sorry for the sidetracked posts.. Getting back to the topic, I would have to say Vancouver. The city has a vibe you'll never forget.

Let me step in here. First of all, those were some childish remarks. Also, why is Fresno in the same sentence with Sacramento? You trying to bash Fresno too?

Sacramento is both and old and new city. Old in the sense that it has a lot of historic buildings but new since it is getting some strong highrise growth and there isn't any end in sight. And the proposals/construction towers are really tall. Well taller then what will ever be built in San Diego...

In 10 years, Sac will be a full blown international city with attractions and a very impressive skyline. And if you have a problem with that, I feel sorry for you.

I've seen whats going on in Sacramento, and I have to say I am impressed. And yes Sacramento will have a couple of taller buildings in the near future in comparison to San Diego. BUT, thats not our fault. We could easily have multiple 600-700ft skyscrapers built throughout downtown San Diego. We just have an airport right next store. Were capable, we just can't.

Now about Sacramento being a "full blown international city" in 10 years... ummm... Have fun thinking that. ;)

Do you have an inferiority complex toward L.A. too? You people from San Diego remind me of a few individuals from San Antonio who have the same problem with nearby texas cities. And thus they try to make themselves feel better by bashing on other cities even if they don't know what the hell they are talking about.

Just admit it. San Diego will always be the little sister to LA and nothing will change that. SD skyline will also never catch LA since SD has the airport next door that makes the buildings short.

Whoa, now we lets step back from giving a psycho-analysis of people in cities.
In a way we did have an issue with LA, they tended to over step and take whatever chances at econamic growth we might have been able to have.

Yet now in reality I have at least come to thank LA for doing what it did to us. We are a beautiful city thanks to LA, thanks to the Navy and thanks to Mexico.

And we know we will never match LA in status, were to close and theres only one city that can take the region. I like second chair if it means less traffic, less smog and maybe a more quaint downtown.

Now Sac-town...It will be beautiful, it will be great. But it will always be 4th in California. ;)

I've seen whats going on in Sacramento, and I have to say I am impressed. And yes Sacramento will have a couple of taller buildings in the near future in comparison to San Diego. BUT, thats not our fault. We could easily have multiple 600-700ft skyscrapers built throughout downtown San Diego. We just have an airport right next store. Were capable, we just can't.

Now about Sacramento being a "full blown international city" in 10 years... ummm... Have fun thinking that. ;)

Sorry that I struck a nerve. I just don't like city bashing of any kind. A little razzing here and there is ok, but it shouldn't amount to more then that.

Sac is getting two large Asian trade centers that will employ 10,000s of workers. My guess is that nonstop flights to various cities in Asia and Europe will also happen at the same time since the airport is undergoing a complete overhaul right now. It is in the works to have a large international terminal below the to be built Concourse B.

Sorry that I struck a nerve. I just don't like city bashing of any kind. A little razzing here and there is ok, but it shouldn't amount to more then that.

Sac is getting two large Asian trade centers that will employ 10,000s of workers. My guess is that nonstop flights to various cities in Asia and Europe will also happen at the same time since the airport is undergoing a complete overhaul right now. It is in the works to have a large international terminal below Concourse B.

Like I said Sacramento will be a great city in the future.

Now Sac-town...It will be beautiful, it will be great. But it will always be 4th in California. ;)

That's fine with me;) I don't feel the need to move up in the rankings.

1. San Francisco
2. Emeryville (Near Oakland)
3. LA
4. Seattle
5. Sacramento -(Has Asian Town & it's much better than ChinaTown)

I think San Diego is my favorite from viewing the various photos.

Vancouver seems to have a table top look to the skyline, where the residential high-rises went overboard and are all very similar. the surrounding area is awesome

seattle is very pretty, and has a nice skyline. it is my second choice behind SD.

San Fran is stunning and I can really find no flaws. It is tied for second to me behind SD

I chose SD because I enjoy warm weather, beaches with palm trees and a pretty city all combined. SD has a great look, a great surrounding area, and is actually using the design of vancouver but modifying it so as not to create that table top/ overused style look. It is doing it right, and it appears to be working very well.

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2005/2005-03-31-san-francisco/IMG_2637.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2005/2005-03-31-san-francisco/IMG_3334.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2005/2005-03-31-san-francisco/IMG_3073.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2005/2005-03-31-san-francisco/IMG_3052.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2005/2005-03-31-san-francisco/IMG_3288.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2003/2003-11-15A-sf/022.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/2003/2003-11-15A-sf/003.jpg

http://cristian.francu.com/Photos/Persons/TwinPeaksApt2/2002-12-25-home/009.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~saness/img/sf/p139a.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~saness2/img/panorama/pan5sa.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~saness2/img/panorama/pan2b.jpg

http://www.mindspring.com/~saness2/img/panorama/pan8sa.jpg

San Francisco is awesome. :)

1) San Francisco

2) Los angeles (central)
3) Portland
4) Vancouver
5) Seattle

After san francisco its really hard to judge because they're all great cities, except for San Diego.

AND HERE IT IS: All you idiots that think a dozen condo towers going up in your downtown means anything? A downtown doesn't make a city, its the WHOLE city that makes a city. Its the stuff thats not downtown. Sacramento is not urban, san diego is not urban. A few condo towers are nothing in the face of 60 years of suburban development.

San Francisco

Portland
Vancouver
Seattle
San Diego
Los Angeles

AND HERE IT IS: All you idiots that think a dozen condo towers going up in your downtown means anything? A downtown doesn't make a city, its the WHOLE city that makes a city. Its the stuff thats not downtown. Sacramento is not urban, san diego is not urban. A few condo towers are nothing in the face of 60 years of suburban development.
Who are you calling an idiot? It's fine that you don't like San Diego, but don't try to trash a place you know nothing about.

1) San Francisco

2) Los angeles (central)
3) Portland
4) Vancouver
5) Seattle

After san francisco its really hard to judge because they're all great cities, except for San Diego.

AND HERE IT IS: All you idiots that think a dozen condo towers going up in your downtown means anything? A downtown doesn't make a city, its the WHOLE city that makes a city. Its the stuff thats not downtown. Sacramento is not urban, san diego is not urban. A few condo towers are nothing in the face of 60 years of suburban development.

Idiots? Idiots?? Im offended. :sleepy:

As if you can judge what is urban and what is not! I bet you haven't been to the places around downtown, the neighborhoods. Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Golden Hill, North Park, South Park, City Heights...Downtown is the center piece of all of this. And I think you might need to have people living downtown in order for you to have an 'urban' downtown. I haven't even gotton to La Jolla, or University City, or even the surrounding cities and townships.

We may have had a long run with suburbia, but doesn't LA, Seattle, and all other cities on the west coast have there share of sprawl?

You make yourself sound ignorant.

sdfan, an ignorant person can only sound ignorant. And basically he is a hater. If he is talking nature, Sd offers as much natural beauty and natural wonders than anything san fran can. City beauty wise, the same rings true. La Jolla, Point Loma, Downtown, Mission Valley, Mission beach, Pacific Beach, And all the others you mentioned rival anything san fran has. They have their rich areas mixed with forrests. We have our rich areas on oceans and cliffs. I will say if you are a cold weather person, san fran takes the cake, if you are a warm weather person, san diego takes the cake. But still, i love every city mentioned on this thread. I just love the west coast in general and i hate when people talk crap about particular portions. THE WEST OWNS THE EAST and that is all i care about.

Wow, some people make me laugh. So immature! We're just talking about which city you like better. Nothing to get up in arms over, I would think. I just like Seattle 'cause it's where I live. If somebody likes one city over another, how does that make them an idiot?

:dizzy: Where's Bakersfield in this poll? It deserves some consideration at least. . .

fair enough, im curious now lets see some pictures of these urban san diego neighborhoods such as...

golden hill
http://people.ucsc.edu/~ehellen/pictures/poop.JPG

which is strikeingly simmilar to other urban neighborhoods, say in san francisco

http://www.plantsf.org/web_SG_Before.jpg

EDIT:
don't worry, it was sarcastic

I can't see your picture of Golden Hill, but Im guessing your being sarcastic because from looking at your past posts on the central valley (and Fresno...) your an ass. That is if your being a sarcastic, if not (which I doubt) then I apologize.

:goodbye:

San Francisco - Liberal, beautiful and proud

My favorite cities are San Francisco and San Diego. Sacramento doesn't even make my top 8 in the West Coast.

Here's my vote for best West Coast cities:

Vancouver -- breathtaking locale with fascinating, diverse urban scene
San Francisco - a taste of Europe with a California twist
Los Angeles - in spite of its reputation, has many hidden gems to explore
Seattle - thank god for the Microsoft philanthropists
San Diego - has really come into its own the past few decades
Portland --hmmm...not quite the urban excitement of the bigger cities


Anyone want to vote on the West Coast's smaller cities? Here's my nominee:

Santa Barbara -- this quintessential southern California beach town on "America's Riviera" is as scenic as anything on the Mediterranean. With its palm-lined streets, red tile roofs, and beautiful architecture framed by the Santa Ynez mountains, it's a great getaway spot, even if you can't afford to live there. There's plenty of hiking and outdoor recreation options, numerous cultural attractions, and a thriving restaurant scene.

For me:

1. San Francisco
2. LA
3. Seattle/Vancouver
5. San Diego

Portland seems very nice, but a bit on the small side.

I nominate Oakland, because it always seems underrated.

I'm going to be bias and say Vancity because I live here but I love all the West coast cities. The West Coast is definately the best coast. :clown:

Some of those San Fran pics look so exotic like a Turkish holiday destination.

1-San Francisco
2-Vancouver
3-Seattle
4-Los Angeles
5-Portland
6-San Diego

My favorite cities are San Francisco and San Diego. Sacramento doesn't even make my top 8 in the West Coast.

Sacramento's not even in your top eight?!?! Have you been to Sacramento lately? Ever? Anyway, this poll doesn't even have eight cities on it. So, exactly what two North American West coast cities would top Sacramento, that aren't already on this poll's list? Oakland? San Jose? Long Beach? Please...

In a few years from now, all these people who bash Sacramento will be eating crow. Right now, Sacramento is an absolutely wonderful city - a real hidden gem. But, in a few years it's going to be a true world class city.

Sacramento's not even in your top eight?!?! Have you been to Sacramento lately? Ever? Anyway, this poll doesn't even have eight cities on it. So, exactly what two North American West coast cities would top Sacramento, that aren't already on this poll's list? Oakland? San Jose? Long Beach? Please...

In a few years from now, all these people who bash Sacramento will be eating crow. Right now, Sacramento is an absolutely wonderful city - a real hidden gem. But, in a few years it's going to be a true world class city.

Don't worry about them;) People living in Sacramento know this (as I can see you do), so in 5 years we can just post a massive photo thread.

Sacramento's not even in your top eight?!?! Have you been to Sacramento lately? Ever? Anyway, this poll doesn't even have eight cities on it. So, exactly what two North American West coast cities would top Sacramento, that aren't already on this poll's list? Oakland? San Jose? Long Beach? Please...

In a few years from now, all these people who bash Sacramento will be eating crow. Right now, Sacramento is an absolutely wonderful city - a real hidden gem. But, in a few years it's going to be a true world class city.

No doubt it will be great, but "world class"?

Are we going to see a New York or Tokyo pop up in central California?

World Class?

Sorry, but for as great a city I truely believe Sacramento is going to become over the next few years, world class is only for the few select cities in the world. Sacramento won't be one of those..but that's okay, it's doesn't have to be "world class" to be a great city.

World Class?

Sorry, but for as great a city I truely believe Sacramento is going to become over the next few years, world class is only for the few select cities in the world. Sacramento won't be one of those..but that's okay, it's doesn't have to be "world class" to be a great city.

Yeah, "world class" was a bit of hyperbole on my part. Sacramento will certainly never be on par with a New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Paris, etc. But, what I really meant to say is that Sacramento will be recognized as a very nice city throughout the world (as opposed to being largely unknown right now).

Also, before I get any complaints from the folks in Long Beach, Oakland and San Jose, I thought I'd clarify a few things. Those three cities are actually really quite nice. I've been to all three of them numerous times, and they all have a lot to offer. I just don't feel they are better than Sacramento. Of course, that's just my opinion, and people can feel free to disagree. :)

Sacramento isnt world class, on that list only LA, SF, Vancouver and Seattle could be considered world class cities.

Sacramento is a cool town, my fiance is from there, so I end up going to her family's house a lot. There is plenty to do, but I wouldn't list it on the same level as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. It's still a town that I wouldn't mind living in if I had to.

I also think that San Diego is a great town, sprawl or not. Sure the north county area is way to sprawly, but San Diego itself (and some of the surrounding suburbs) is great. I love that town. I think the Los Angeles area is great too because not only is there plenty of great stuff to do in the city (and yes, there are some ugly parts) there are plenty of suburb towns that would be great cities on their own...Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, etc.

Obviously I love San Francisco as well...who couldn't? Basically, there are plenty of great cities on the West Coast!

I realize I just wrote about the Californian cities. I have also been to Vancouver, Portland, and Seattle. I loved them all as well. I don't know how to vote in this poll, so I'll just be biased and vote Los Angeles since that's where I live! They are all great, though :)

Sacramento is a cool town

Im not saying its not a cool town, but that doesn't make it world class.

^I know, I said later in my post that I didn't think it was on the same level as other cities, therefore I would agree with you.

Sacramento is going to be a nice nationally known city in the coming years. As for this poll I have to say only LA, SF and Vancouver are well known. Seattle is up there and will be, but I don't think so yet. San Diego is known bi-nationally with the US and Mexico, but no were near world status (yet). As for Portland, I prefer it the way it is, a good old hidden American treasure. ;)

San Francisco

Sacramento is going to be a nice nationally known city in the coming years. As for this poll I have to say only LA, SF and Vancouver are well known. Seattle is up there and will be, but I don't think so yet. San Diego is known bi-nationally with the US and Mexico, but no were near world status (yet). As for Portland, I prefer it the way it is, a good old hidden American treasure. ;)

I'm pretty sure Seattle's better known than Vancouver. ;)

^^All a matter of opinion. :)

^^ However, as a Vancouverite who has spent time overseas, I'm certain Seattle's better known. Alone, Seattle has big headstart over Vancouver with Starbucks, Boeing and Microsoft. ;) Vancouver wasn't that well known till the 86' Expo, and Seattle had already held an internationally renowned World's Fair in 1962.

Well then I don't know anything.

mine
San Diego
Seattle
San Francisco
Vancouver
Los Angeles
Portland

San Diego
San Francisco
Vancouver
Seattle
Portland
Los Angeles

I'm pretty sure Seattle's better known than Vancouver. ;)

Not international. Vancouver is very well know in Asia and better know then Seattle outside of North America. When people in Europe think of Canadian cities they think of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, in the USA Seattle just doesn't get noticed. Vancouver is well known for being progressive and its distinced natural setting. Also Vancouver also hosts more international events; such as G8 meetings and 1997 APEC coming up are, 2006 World Junior Hockey, 2007 Under 20 FIFA World Cup, 2009 World Police and Fire Games, hosting the 2010 Olympics.

Seattle may have its head offices but not nearly as many as NYC or Chicago. Iv never been anywhere people haven't known about Vancouver. I would at least say the two are at par.

Not international. Vancouver is very well know in Asia and better know then Seattle outside of North America. When people in Europe think of Canadian cities they think of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, in the USA Seattle just doesn't get noticed. Vancouver is well known for being progressive and its distinced natural setting. Also Vancouver also hosts more international events; such as G8 meetings and 1997 APEC coming up are, 2006 World Junior Hockey, 2007 Under 20 FIFA World Cup, 2009 World Police and Fire Games, hosting the 2010 Olympics.

Seattle may have its head offices but not nearly as many as NYC or Chicago. Iv never been anywhere people haven't known about Vancouver. I would at least say the two are at par.

Internationally, I still think Seattle has the edge. I'm a Hongcouverite, and back when I first left HK (~ just before Expo), people in HK had a better impression of what Seattle was (especially the space needle, etc.), then what Vancouver was. They knew it existed, but other that it being a small WestCoast city with mountains, people weren't able to relate to it that well. Now, Vancouver has boomed on the scene with the Olympics, Expo, and all these other International size events, but personally I think Seattle's ahead by a smidge because they had the headstart to begin with.

I've travelled through at least 35 states, and everyone I've talked to knew what Seattle was. ;)

Personally, I find that Canadian cities aren't that well known in Asia. Most mix it up with American cities.

Isn't this all opinion...?

^^ I guess so... however, I do have quite a few friends working in travel agencies outside of Canada, and I usually base my opinions on their stats/feedback.

go SF! wohoo!

go SF! wohoo!

Yeah, San Francisco is just marvelous.

I never knew this thread could do so well.

Sacremento does have an opportunity to become a world class city, it will take time though.

Seattle is a great city, beautiful, and with it adding more residents to the downtown area it will slowly become a thriving metropolis like Vancouver, the one thing Vancouver can learn from Seattle is how to do business in a city. As for which is known more internationally i just dont see the evidence of how Seattle can be ahead, i think its really tilted the other way. Vancouver is basically a big event city, it along with Montreal are the only two in Canada with that status. It doesnt matter who has more high profile head offices compared with other things such as international recognition for something in the city, big events, etc. Vancouver is the real deal when it comes to interntaional awareness.

Seattle still takes the cake when it comes to international profile, but Vancouver is growing alot faster and will catch up soon.

Vancouver is basically a big event city, it along with Montreal are the only two in Canada with that status. It doesnt matter who has more high profile head offices compared with other things such as international recognition for something in the city, big events, etc. Vancouver is the real deal when it comes to interntaional awareness.

I agree. Seattle is no doubt a huge business centre, but the last big event Seattle hosted was dubed "the battle in Seattle". In terms of being know on the world stage Vancouver take it.

nice pictures

1. SF
2. LA
3. Vancouver
4. San Diego
5. Seattle
6. Portland

another van pic
Scroll >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7233/3650839313001325web3jy2dc.jpg

Portland, very underated, amazing vibe
Vancouver, simply beautiful
Seattle, great downtown
San Francisco, best city in California by far
San Diego, nice setting, not like the Northwest though
Los Angeles, reminds me too much of where i live now, Dallas

In order of Importance
1. LA
2. San Francisco
3. San Diego
4. Vancouver
5. Seattle.

These are just some greatest cities on the westcoast (in no particular order)

1. Los Angeles (Although L.A. has a very bad reputation)
2. San Francisco
3. Seattle
4. Vancouver
5. San Diego

And Portland. Too bad not much is going on in Portland. I think Portland is very underrated on this site and needs more recogonition.

another van pic
Scroll >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7233/3650839313001325web3jy2dc.jpg



Thats the best picture of Vancouver ive seen yet. Awesome photo.

1. Seattle
2. San Francisco
3. Vancouver
4. Los Angeles
5. Portland
I don't like San Diego at all.

SF
SD
Seattle
Vancouver
Portland
LA

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13138Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/14105Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/14398Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/14387Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/14380Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/16063Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/16048Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13424Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13395Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13381Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13349Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle6/13166Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle/8157Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle/8162Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle/8164Medium.jpg

this thread has picked up speed!

Awesome pics pwright1 !!

awesome, but i prefer san diego

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle104Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/DSC01165Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/MountRainiertrip012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/DowntownSeattle059.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/9002Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/9015Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle3/DowntownSeattle199Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/pwright1/seattle2/seattle4/9187Medium.jpg

I definitely prefer Seattle over anything else on the American West Coast.

And although the natural setting of the city is quite different, the city itself reminds me a lot of home.

I definitely prefer Seattle over anything else on the American West Coast.
So are you saying you prefer Vancouver over all of them (since it's not on the American West Coast)? ;)

Oh, I like all the cities. If I had to put in order...

1. Vancouver (most unique vibe and spectacular natural setting on the West Coast)

2. San Fran (looks like something out of Turkey with all of its rolling hills)

3. San Diego (best climate in North America)

4. Seattle (what can I say, I love Fraser. Vibrant and fairly liberal, Pacific Northwest)

5. Portland (reminds me of a Canadian city)

6. Los Angeles (I like the surrounding areas, the california beaches, but way too many freeways for my liking)

Vancouver (homerism at play)
San Fran
Seattle
SanDi
Portland
LA

Mind you, I've never been to and am not all that qualified to comment on the last three.

1. SF
2. Vancouver
3. Seattle
4. LA
5. Portland/ SD

1. Bakersfield
2. Medford
3. Escondido
4. Yuba City
5. Manteca

^^Escondido?? Your serious? :lol:

Well its not that bad, but its not great either. ;)

hm

again i have a bias. however, as of right now my order goes like so

1. Vancouver (probably the best skyline in the world IMO)
2. San Diego ( with what i know about the future, by 2010, it will rival vancouver)
3. San Francisco ( I love!!! this city. Amazing natural setting)
4. Seattle (the pics look beautiful, i want to visit)
5. laguna beach (sick ass small city)

LASTLY, LA IS SO WACK. uuGHH

These are just some greatest cities on the westcoast (in no particular order)

1. Los Angeles
2. San Francisco
3. Seattle
4. Vancouver
5. San Diego

And Portland. Too bad not much is going on in Portland. I think Portland is very underrated on this site and needs more recogonition.

There might be more going on in Portland than many people realize! I'll have to get an updated list of projects on these boards...

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4156/sowa5nl.jpg

My list:

San Francisco
LA
Seattle
San Diego
Portland
haven't been to Vancouver, but it looks beautiful, probably would be between SF and LA.

I'm living in San Diego right now but come on be real San Diegans. San Diego is nice and has beaches, some semblance of culture in the Gaslamp and Little Italy, but it doesn't hold a candle to San Francisco.

Oh, I like all the cities. If I had to put in order...

1. Vancouver (most unique vibe and spectacular natural setting on the West Coast)

2. San Fran (looks like something out of Turkey with all of its rolling hills)


1. The "East" Coast offers nothing to compare with either Vancouver or San Francisco as far as natural setting is concerned.

2. Cause everyone knows that rolling hills are a trademark of Turkey. LOL

1. Vancouver
2. Seattle
2. SF
4. LA
5. SD
6. Portland

Im going to admit, i have never been to any of the west coast American cities yet, but my uncle is from SF and during my stay in Vancouver i heard and saw a lot of Seattle. I love the west coast cities. They all look so clean and have a higher quality of life than the east, not to mention the scenery.

Vancouver is truly the most beautiful city i have ever been to, and I am going to get tickets to some of the 2010 Olympic events so I can go back and experience more. If anyone is planning to visit Canada, Vancouver has to be one of your stops. I rate it the #1 city in Canada next to Montreal.

1. Bakersfield
2. Medford
3. Escondido
4. Yuba City
5. Manteca

barf

^oh yeah they are, didn't you know that? LOL

1. The "East" Coast offers nothing to compare with either Vancouver or San Francisco as far as natural setting is concerned.

Why did you put "east" in brackets? Are you trying to critique me, or....?

2. Cause everyone knows that rolling hills are a trademark of Turkey. LOL
I supposed I should have qualified the statement in the context of its architectural palette (in combination with the rolling hills)? I figured we already knew the context since we know what San Francisco's palette looks like....

Confused by your post.... What's your intent?

1. San Francisco
2. Seattle
3.Portland
4.Los Angeles
5.Vancouver
6.San Diego

I think all these cities are great in their own way, but I think truly great cities are those that are known for some type of cultural movement or artistic sense that is unique to them, that's why S.F. and Seattle are on top IMO. I also like that these two cities have iconic buildings S.F. (transamerica, golden gate) Seattle(space needle).

SF
San Diego
Vancouver
Seattle
Los Angeles
Portland
Sacramento
Fresno
Bakersfield

I'm living in San Diego right now but come on be real San Diegans. San Diego is nice and has beaches, some semblance of culture in the Gaslamp and Little Italy, but it doesn't hold a candle to San Francisco.

Come on what? You must get out more and see the rest of the city. And yes San Fran has more "culture" in your opinion, but personally I think we have enough as it is.

Glad you enjoy it here.

no, you must get out and see more of San Francisco and LA. I'm not saying San Diego isn't nice, it's just not on the level of those two. Ugh it's finals week, maybe I'll elaborate more when they're over.

no, you must get out and see more of San Francisco and LA. I'm not saying San Diego isn't nice, it's just not on the level of those two. Ugh it's finals week, maybe I'll elaborate more when they're over.

No In know San Fran and LA are great, but that doesn't mean that SD is lacking.

San Francisco
San Diego
Portland
Vancouver
Seattle
Los Angeles

The first two are above the rest.

I'm living in San Diego right now but come on be real San Diegans. San Diego is nice and has beaches, some semblance of culture in the Gaslamp and Little Italy, but it doesn't hold a candle to San Francisco.
I think every West Coast city pales in comparison to San Francisco.

Vancouver
Scroll------------------------------------------------------>
http://xs58.xs.to/pics/05496/68192935_9875e8c55a_o.jpg

Did all the buildings in Vancouver get the same architect or did it just happen to end up that way?

i know..BLAH!

I can enjoy the density, but it needs some unique buildings mixed in

Did all the buildings in Vancouver get the same architect or did it just happen to end up that way?
Ive often wondered that myself. Like a highrise subdivision of tract towers.

I think its what the city wanted, uniformity. San Diego is turning in to that... hopefully some new architecture will be thrown in soon.

See like this kind of different:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Jaygergon/downtown%20development/image5Finterns12Ejpg.jpg

Did all the buildings in Vancouver get the same architect or did it just happen to end up that way?

Yes and no. Alot of the buildings are by the same architect and developer, however most of this blandness has to do with the fact that Vancouver's planning commission set a million strict guidelines & squeezed every ounce of creativity left out of every residental proposal. Now, the city is trying to rectify this problem by approving buildings that ten years ago would have never passed.

Vancouver also has a view cone policy in place, and this has kept every building short and stubby. Shangri-La is one of the few new buildings under U/C that can bypass this bylaw.

This is one area where Vancouverism has failed miserably.

I think its what the city wanted, uniformity.

They weren't purposely aiming for uniformity, but in an effort to comply with layer after layer of bylaws, this is what developers resorted to in order to avoid delays. An advice to SD.. cut down on the bureaucracy if you don't want a Vancouver clone!

Ive often wondered that myself. Like a highrise subdivision of tract towers.

Kind of reminds you of HK, doesn't it?

The difference with Vancouver is that it still looks good overall. And San Diego actually has a very good bureaucratic system, CCDC has done a wonderful job here.

Vancouver
Scroll------------------------------------------------------>
http://xs58.xs.to/pics/05496/68192935_9875e8c55a_o.jpg

This is a nice pic, but that angle shows almost exclusively residential apartments and condos.

I prefer this angle. (I couldn't find a better pictures)
http://img175.exs.cx/img175/7508/vcc566bw7gp.jpg

and this one >>>>>>
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7099/inhere16ll.jpg

and this one too >>>>>>
http://img285.echo.cx/img285/2097/2053816614b8ac4246o6fa.jpg

http://img285.echo.cx/img285/2097/2053816614b8ac4246o6fa.jpg

Wow :eek2:

Another view of Vancouver

http://www.pbase.com/cityflyer/image/53294655/original.jpg

Vancouver is the number one North American city to plan business trips to! To those people who were saying Vancouver isnt recognized as much as Seattle, this may be able to change your mind.

..Business trips...

..Business trips...
He means international conferences... Conventions etc.

Lol... Has no one ever seen the other side of Vancouver's skyline? The residential side, yes, is full of a lot residential buildings.
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/93/vanpic0960th.jpgVery Old pic... But still... Amazing.

1)Vancouver
2)San Francisco
3)Seattle - San Diego
4)Los Angeles
5)Portland

This is a nice pic, but that angle shows almost exclusively residential apartments and condos.

I prefer this angle. (I couldn't find a better pictures)

Yeah, I've never really been crazy about the False Creek condo view myself, but unfortunately everyone seems to take/show those kind of pictures because of the mountains backdrop.

VANCOUVER!! It is such an ASIAN city. Seattle at #2, SF 3

Well, I like them all. But if I had to put them in order:
1. San Francisco
2. Los Angeles
3. Vancouver
4. Seattle
5. Portland or San Diego
6. Portland or San Diego

Yeah, I've never really been crazy about the False Creek condo view myself, but unfortunately everyone seems to take/show those kind of pictures because of the mountains backdrop.

Because the combination of city and nature can just be so surreal, even if you live there....

http://www.pbase.com/joecanada/image/41056210/large.jpg

vancouver different angles
http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_394.jpg
http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_378.jpg

Vancouver has by far the most advanced and developed downtown in the PNW.

Vancouver is beautiful in many ways but i prefer downtowns to be made up of more office buildings than condo towers. What would downtown Vancouver look like without its condos? Probably not that impressive.

^ Vancouvers downtown works so well because of the condo's and apartment buildings. Downtown Vancouver would suck if it was just a place to work, but its awsome because its a place to live, work and play. Thats what makes it so urban, the streets in Seattle are near dead on a Sunday morning, but in Vancouver they still bustle with people. There are a good number of office buildings in Vancouver its not like the whole city is condo towers.

I agree that it is great for street life. As far as the skyline goes, i don't like it, although i know many of you do and many cities including Seattle are wanting to emulate it in some ways. I do think Seattle has a brighter future as far as the downtown goes. While many live in downtown Van, not many work there as you said. Opposite problem in Seattle, yet easier to solve. There is a large working population in downtown Seattle. Now, all that's left is to use whatever available downtown land for residential to fill in our skyline and create more streetlife. From what i understand ,Vancouver is running out of space in their core for any more office space.

From what i understand ,Vancouver is running out of space in their core for any more office space.

The physical area of downtown can always be expanded. It's just a matter of policy. Broadway, DTES are possible contenders for new space (only problem is NIMBYism).

Also, Vancouver can develop a midtown (best along the RAV line) if downtown "runs" out of space, similiar to that of NYC.

A high residental population downtown is the most important thing for having a lively city IMAO. Office towers don't do anything for city life. Thats why i like vancouver more than Seattle. I live in Toronto and i don't care if the city ever builds an office tower again aslong as the condo boom continues.

The only thing that I see as a problem with a mainly residential downtown is that it becomes a suburb. Everyone in what was supposed to be downtown are commuting to outlying areas and sprawl. This is the fear that many San Diegan leaders have. That over time all the new office's will move out into the what was the suburbs, and then downtown will become just another suburb of a suburb.

Scary ain't it? :)

A high residental population downtown is the most important thing for having a lively city IMAO. Office towers don't do anything for city life. Thats why i like vancouver more than Seattle. I live in Toronto and i don't care if the city ever builds an office tower again aslong as the condo boom continues.
Seattle is a lively city in its neighborhoods bordering downtown, that's where all the music venues,bars, etc... are located. That's pretty typical of most cities. San Francisco has the same thing where there is an office core and around the core there is North Beach, the mission etc. Older areas close in to the core. While i do agree van is lively because you see a lot of people walking around to and from where they live and shop, i don't think it is a lively city as far as culture or nightlife. To me, that's what makes a city alive.

So city VS city is still kicking around...;)

Seattle is a lively city in its neighborhoods bordering downtown, that's where all the music venues,bars, etc... are located. That's pretty typical of most cities. San Francisco has the same thing where there is an office core and around the core there is North Beach, the mission etc. Older areas close in to the core. While i do agree van is lively because you see a lot of people walking around to and from where they live and shop, i don't think it is a lively city as far as culture or nightlife. To me, that's what makes a city alive.


Are you kidding me, what more could you want in terms of nightlife?

So city VS city is still kicking around...;)

shhhh, nobody has to know. ;)

The physical area of downtown can always be expanded. It's just a matter of policy. Broadway, DTES are possible contenders for new space (only problem is NIMBYism).

Also, Vancouver can develop a midtown (best along the RAV line) if downtown "runs" out of space, similiar to that of NYC.

What should have happened (or should in the future) is that the condos should be placed in a midtown corridor roughly around Broadway, 10th and 12th areas, and more of the penninsula should have been reserved for commercial. There'd be and undergound metro line, as well as offices and commecial buildings, but to a lesser extent. The condo corridor would have awesome views of both downtown and the mountains, and the downtown office buildings could be higher without blocking the mountain views, since most of the people doing the viewing would be elevated in highrises. This is where much of the citylife and hustle and bustle would have been located, and the neighbourhood would have been awesome with the glassy condo canyons.

Another thing that this would address is the suburban nature of the Vancouver city-proper mainland. Most of Vancouver's urbanity and density is currently on the peninsula, and I'd like the city-proper as a whole to gain some density.

shhhh, nobody has to know. ;)
im not complaining

im not complaining

I know. :)

Are you kidding me, what more could you want in terms of nightlife?
No i'm not kidding, and if you have to ask what more could you want then that means it's good enough for you and thats all that matters since you live there.