Reviews and impressions of cities you have recently visited

[Northsider]

but frankly the express lines are what set it apart from other transit systems

I had no problem using the express trains in London and Berlin (skip stop in some places).

I used primarily the 6. But also the 7, 4, 5, 2, 3, R, N, Q, M, W...hmm, I think that's it.

It's incredibly convenient once you know how to use it. And it sounds like that's what you had confusion with since you were trying to figure out whether a train stops at a particular stop on a line? Local trains stop at every station.

I know how it works and which trains do which...my problem was with the signage and transferring to-from these trains. The subway maps weren't very useful, nor were platform signage. The only one I found particularly convenient as a tourist was the 7. The symbols and maps were easy to follow. I have no doubt once you master these lines it's a breeze. I'm speaking from a touristic/visiting perspective.

[massp88]

Originally Posted by Ichiban

I really do have to laugh at Detroit getting a 6 while other cities get less in that list. So a city with a ridiculously high crime rate and the worst urban decay are slightly above average in some peoples' eyes?

I give Richmond, CA a 15

Washington, D.C. has a high crime rate and people enjoy going there.

I rated Detroit above Indianapolis for example, because Indy is flat out boring and sterile. Bare in mind this is my opinion.

[massp88]

Originally Posted by Northsider

A little defensive are we? You were expecting all rave reviews? I'm more realistic than that. You can't seriously tell me NYC has no bad points whatsoever. You are in complete denial if you do.

Chicago better how? Well for one thing we don't have piles of trash in the middle of our sidewalks. Ohh, and I don't have to shell out 15+ bucks for a decent meal here.

My opinions of NJ if floating around here somewhere. I seriously doubt you want to read it.

Feel free to trash Chicago like I've seen you do, it's your opinion. However, I think you just trash it for no other reason than just as a retaliation. Stay classy NY, stay classy.

People from NY get VERY sensitive if you even mention something slightly negative about NY. I went to college in Boston with a TON of people from NY/NJ who claimed NYC as their own. To them, every other city is second class and anyone who says another city has or does something better than NYC gets attacked.

[iheartthed]

Originally Posted by massp88

Washington, D.C. has a high crime rate and people enjoy going there.

I rated Detroit above Indianapolis for example, because Indy is flat out boring and sterile. Bare in mind this is my opinion.

Same for New Orleans, Miami and Chicago.

[Northsider]

Originally Posted by massp88

People from NY get VERY sensitive if you even mention something slightly negative about NY. I went to college in Boston with a TON of people from NY/NJ who claimed NYC as their own. To them, every other city is second class and anyone who says another city has or does something better than NYC gets attacked.

Ohh I know. They're all in denial that so many other cities are catching up. Oh well....

[Ichiban]

Originally Posted by Northsider

A little defensive are we? You were expecting all rave reviews? I'm more realistic than that. You can't seriously tell me NYC has no bad points whatsoever. You are in complete denial if you do.

Chicago better how? Well for one thing we don't have piles of trash in the middle of our sidewalks. Ohh, and I don't have to shell out 15+ bucks for a decent meal here.

My opinions of NJ if floating around here somewhere. I seriously doubt you want to read it.

Feel free to trash Chicago like I've seen you do, it's your opinion. However, I think you just trash it for no other reason than just as a retaliation. Stay classy NY, stay classy.

Hmmm...this reminds me of a somewhat recent thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1077759

So before you made the claim that Chicago was right up there with New York and you had absolutely nobody (including myself) backing you up. Now all of a sudden New York is overrated? Well if Chicago is up there with New York what does that make Chicago? Sorry but I'm calling bullshit on all of this. Note: this isn't to say that New York is somehow above criticism, it isn't. I just think somebody is a little hurt in the posterior.

Stay classy Chicago indeed.

[Ichiban]

Originally Posted by massp88

Washington, D.C. has a high crime rate and people enjoy going there.

I rated Detroit above Indianapolis for example, because Indy is flat out boring and sterile. Bare in mind this is my opinion.

No worries. I wasn't attacking your opinion, merely playing devil's advocate (which I'm oft to do).

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by iheartthed

Four Brothers wasn't filmed in Detroit. I believe it was filmed in Toronto. I think significant portions of 8 Mile were also filmed elsewhere.

It was filmed in Hamilton, ON but they did show some shots of Michigan Central Station which showcased Detroit's grit.

Originally Posted by Northsider

I really wish Cleveland utilized its lakefront better than an airport.

Same here but there are plans to build some mixed use residential/commercial on the Lake Erie waterfront, so that may be happening in the near future.

[Northsider]

So before you made the claim that Chicago was right up there with New York and you had absolutely nobody (including myself) backing you up. Now all of a sudden New York is overrated? Well if Chicago is up there with New York what does that make Chicago? Sorry but I'm calling bullshit on all of this. Note: this isn't to say that New York is somehow above criticism, it isn't. I just think somebody is a little hurt in the posterior.

My critiques of Chicago are well documented, do some searching. Let me say this: No city in all of the United States is (in MY opinion) better than Chicago or NYC. With that said, people consistently say Chicago is a distant 2nd, NYC is well above the rest, etc etc. I say this isn't the case. I say NYC and Chicago, after a thorough tour of NYC, are more on par with each other than many would like to admit. In other words, NYC is completely overrated. It's still one of the world's best cities, no doubt, but I just don't see what all the hype is about considering my critiques.

What does that make Chicago? One of the best cities in the world. What does that make NYC? Still one of the best cities in the world (though I would take London over NYC). My only problem is that people don't give Chicago as much as a sideways glance, while treating NYC like god's gift to mankind. In my opinion this just isn't so.

I just think somebody is a little hurt in the posterior.

If you want to think that, go ahead. This is exactly what I mean, this is what I'm talking about. Whenever someone tries to put NYC in its place, or claim one city does something (or many things better), the response is always the same: you are jealous, you have an inferiority complex, etc etc. This is about as good an argument as "the Jersey Shore is a good show, you just don't like it because you are jealous of them.".

[spencer114]

Chicago is a really, really nice city but New York is considered leaps ahead of Chicago for a reason. More people prefer to visit and to live in New York for a reason. New York is superior because it is, not because Chicago isn't marketed as well.

[Northsider]

New York is superior because it is, not because Chicago isn't marketed as well.

Chicago isn't marketed well. Most people don't know anything about Chicago outside of the Loop and Lakefront. But that isn't my point. I don't want to get into another 30 page "discussion" about it...these are just my opinions. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind here. I'm saying what I feel based on all of my travels and seeing many many different cities.

[spencer114]

I would agree that Chicago wasn’t marketed well in the past but it is shown in a very positive light these days. Everyone knows how beautiful it is and how extensive its collection of world class amenities is. That hasn’t always been the case. I remember when I moved to Columbus OH for grad school in the early 90’s and a friend that I met there (a local) told me that he wanted to move to Chicago after school. I laughed at him. “Who would want to live there?” was my question. To me Chicago was a city of public housing and train yards. At the time my exposure had been limited to the opening scenes of “Good Times“.

I went there for my 23rd birthday and have been obsessed with the city ever since. In the past 20 years a much more rounded image of Chicago has been put out there. I think that most of us get that it is a great city. We also get that there is just more to NYC.



Just want to add this… If given the choice of a trip to Chicago or New York, I’d take the trip to Chicago. I usually have a better time there but it doesn’t match the energy or gravitational pull that I feel in NYC. Chicago better suits me but I’m more comfortable in smaller cities (not that Chicago is by any stretch of the imagination small, just seems really livable and manageable).

[Jennifat]

Having visited both New York and Chicago on numerous occasions, I'd say there's only one MAJOR difference in terms of feel for each city.

I find Chicago to be much more relaxed and "comfortable" than New York; it's less overwhelming and in-your-face. Chicago is definitely a world-class city, but it's not an egomaniac about it like New York is. Chicago just feels more instantly familiar and like I've never left home while I'm there, although that may be due to its Midwestern feel and similar neighborhood layout/architectural styles more than anything else.

[Ichiban]

Originally Posted by Northsider

What does that make Chicago? One of the best cities in the world. What does that make NYC? Still one of the best cities in the world (though I would take London over NYC). My only problem is that people don't give Chicago as much as a sideways glance, while treating NYC like god's gift to mankind. In my opinion this just isn't so.

You have brushed off cities you don't particularly care for with a "meh". Yet if somebody is of the mindset that NYC is the cat's pajamas while Chicago doesn't warrant a second glance you need to add your $0.02? Seems pretty hypocritical to me.

If you want to think that, go ahead. This is exactly what I mean, this is what I'm talking about. Whenever someone tries to put NYC in its place, or claim one city does something (or many things better), the response is always the same: you are jealous, you have an inferiority complex, etc etc. This is about as good an argument as "the Jersey Shore is a good show, you just don't like it because you are jealous of them.".

This has nothing to do with "putting NYC in its place". Reading through this whole thread from the start kind of amused me. First you had a list of cities you had recently seen using the Fodor approved meh/awesome criteria. But when the NYC critique appeared WE NEED THE ITEMIZED "NYC IS THE MOST OVERRATED CITY IN THE WORLD AND POSSIBLY UNIVERSE" LIST. Subsequently followed by "trash on the sidewalk" and "$15 to get a decent meal". I don't know, seems like sour grapes to me.

But this has veered offcourse so I'll stop.

[Northsider]

You have brushed off cities you don't particularly care for with a "meh". Yet if somebody is of the mindset that NYC is the cat's pajamas while Chicago doesn't warrant a second glance you need to add your $0.02? Seems pretty hypocritical to me.

Now that you mention it, it does. That doesn't change my opinion.

This has nothing to do with "putting NYC in its place". Reading through this whole thread from the start kind of amused me. First you had a list of cities you had recently seen using the Fodor approved meh/awesome criteria.

I didn't want to put much effort into this thread at first. An easy to read yay or ney list sufficed at the time.

But when the NYC critique appeared WE NEED THE ITEMIZED "NYC IS THE MOST OVERRATED CITY IN THE WORLD AND POSSIBLY UNIVERSE" LIST. Subsequently followed by "trash on the sidewalk" and "$15 to get a decent meal". I don't know, seems like sour grapes to me.

I was really excited to finally visit NYC (aka god's gift to the world)...not just drive through it, not just stay on Manhattan and do touristy stuff, but REALLY see the city. I felt I needed to go in detail because this was probably the biggest disappointment of a trip I've had all year...only because the damn city is hyped up beyond comprehension. If I went into detail about Rostov or Manaus nobody would give a shit...in fact probably the majority of the people on this thread wouldn't even know what country those cities are in. That's why. If someone wants me to give a detailed list for London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, I'd be happy to.

But this has veered offcourse so I'll stop.

It sure has. You seem pretty concerned to pick me out (and try to catch me fumbling my words or contradicting myself) because I have an honest opinion that doesn't line up with yours. That's fine, anyone is good and welcome to disagree with me. In fact I expected it...you think I'd assume everyone would be like "ohh, this guy seems credible, I don't like NYC anymore."? People are capable of forming their own opinions. But don't call it "bullshit" because you don't agree.

WE NEED THE ITEMIZED "NYC IS THE MOST OVERRATED CITY IN THE WORLD AND POSSIBLY UNIVERSE" LIST

Yea, never mind any of the pros I put in there. Just focus on all the the negatives I said and then say it's bullshit.

Same thing goes for you Nexis. "Shove it to you on the bad points you had"? Ohh, I'm sorry my list wasn't a beaming 300 page report on just how dang awesome New York City is. Actually, I'm not sorry. If you want people to suck your NY ego-dick I'm sure there's plenty of willing participants.

[Nexis]

Originally Posted by Northsider

Now that you mention it, it does. That doesn't change my opinion.


I didn't want to put much effort into this thread at first. An easy to read yay or ney list sufficed at the time.


I was really excited to finally visit NYC (aka god's gift to the world)...not just drive through it, not just stay on Manhattan and do touristy stuff, but REALLY see the city. I felt I needed to go in detail because this was probably the biggest disappointment of a trip I've had all year...only because the damn city is hyped up beyond comprehension. If I went into detail about Rostov or Manaus nobody would give a shit...in fact probably the majority of the people on this thread wouldn't even know what country those cities are in. That's why. If someone wants me to give a detailed list for London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, I'd be happy to.


It sure has. You seem pretty concerned to pick me out (and try to catch me fumbling my words or contradicting myself) because I have an honest opinion that doesn't line up with yours. That's fine, anyone is good and welcome to disagree with me. In fact I expected it...you think I'd assume everyone would be like "ohh, this guy seems credible, I don't like NYC anymore."? People are capable of forming their own opinions. But don't call it "bullshit" because you don't agree.


Yea, never mind any of the pros I put in there. Just focus on all the the negatives I said and then say it's bullshit.

Same thing goes for you Nexis. "Shove it to you on the bad points you had"? Ohh, I'm sorry my list wasn't a beaming 300 page report on just how dang awesome New York City is. Actually, I'm not sorry. If you want people to suck your NY ego-dick I'm sure there's plenty of willing participants.

I was joking....my Jersey ego is way bigger then my New York ego......i want your Jersey review...

[ThatDarnSacramentan]

Here's my Jersey review: the entire state stinks except for Asbury Park, and that's because of The Boss.

I might be exaggerating a bit since I haven't actually spent time there, but that's my impression.

[Northsider]

Originally Posted by Nexis

I was joking....my Jersey ego is way bigger then my New York ego......i want your Jersey review...

It's not my favorite state, I'll say that much. Traffic patterns make no sense. You guys think you are in Europe or something with your jughandles and no-lefts everywhere.

Some parts are pretty, and some of the suburbs are cool with old downtowns...but overall the state just seems run down: just spill over industry and grungy (and often shady) neighborhoods. I usually love the grunge, but in Jersey's case it just doesn't seem safe.

That's my overall impression...the only parts I've spent extensive time in are Middlesex-Somerset and Trenton.

[diablo234]

Originally Posted by Nexis

I was joking....my Jersey ego is way bigger then my New York ego......i want your Jersey review...

This is what I think when someone mentions New Jersey.

[Nexis]

Originally Posted by Northsider

It's not my favorite state, I'll say that much. Traffic patterns make no sense. You guys think you are in Europe or something with your jughandles and no-lefts everywhere.

Some parts are pretty, and some of the suburbs are cool with old downtowns...but overall the state just seems run down: just spill over industry and grungy (and often shady) neighborhoods. I usually love the grunge, but in Jersey's case it just doesn't seem safe.

That's my overall impression...the only parts I've spent extensive time in are Middlesex-Somerset and Trenton.

I'm holding back my angry on this....you need to get out more and explore my state you Chicagolander.....you spend your time in 3 counties a make an opinion on the whole state....you disgust me......