Atlanta, GA: Truly World Class?

[357wayz]

I will start off this thread by stating the fact that yes, I've actually been to Atlanta many times.

A great tourist town, with it's fair share of glit glamour and urbanity. And I appreciate all of the quality hip hop. But world class....

What defines a world class city? Deeply rooted history? Trend setting fashion? World recognized center of arts culture and high society? Most would argue these characteristics would be included.

Also most would agree that cities like London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles; have definetly secured world class status.

But Atlanta GA? Hmmm. London, Paris, Atlanta, GA, Tokyo, LA; doesn't quite seem like a fluid list, to me at least. So for those that claim Atl is world class, what criteria puts it on the level of those other bona fide world class cities? Does one Olympic Games, a ton of traffic and some big corporations a world class city make? If Atlanta is indeed world class, what makes it world class?

I assume this will quickly turn into a Atlanta, GA vs Charlotte thread, with brilliant points being made such as "Hey, at least we know Charlotte is chopped liver!" and "Charlotte wants to be Atlanta, GA!" But nevertheless please try to address the topic at hand.

[Style™]

why did this thread have to be created? and from someone from charlotte?

world class cities are : LA, NYC, Paris, London, Moscow, Sydney, Chicago, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Marietta.

[atlrvr]

In Europe when I say I'm from Charlotte, I usually get blank stares. When I say I live 500 km northeast of Atlanta, I typically get a nod of recognition, when I say I live half-way between Miami and New York then it's established for certain.
so.......
Charlotte = Not World Class
Atlanta = Sorta World Class
Miami and New York = Super World Class

[357wayz]

Originally Posted by atlrvr

In Europe when I say I'm from Charlotte, I usually get blank stares. When I say I live 500 km northeast of Atlanta, I typically get a nod of recognition, when I say I live half-way between Miami and New York then it's established for certain.
so.......
Charlotte = Not World Class
Atlanta = Sorta World Class
Miami and New York = Super World Class

So then name recognition makes a city world class?

[atlrvr]

Yes

[Style™]

yes.

[teshadoh]

I don't understand why this thread was started either - besides the fact it has been covered many times.

Atlanta is still an emerging national city, with it's roots being regional. No, I don't think the city is 'world class' - & I have to admit I don't care too much...

[357wayz]

Similar to how if people worldwide know the Bank of America Corporate Center to be 100 stories tall, then it must indeed be 100 stories. Not trying to be cynical, but doesn't seem like a good world-class defining criteria.

[texasboy]

truth of the matter is there are at the most two world class cities in the US, maybe three. the obvious being LA and NYC. A lot of cities in the U.S. lack the culture, identity, and sense of history that makes cities "world class".

[SkyHigh529]

Who claimed Atlanta to be on a level of New York or Paris? I don't think anybody, with the exception of maybe one person who shall remain nameless, would ever claim Atlanta to be a world class city like NYC or Paris. This is a stupid thread and should be deleted on principal. Thanks!

[SkyHigh529]

Originally Posted by texasboy

truth of the matter is there are at the most two world class cities in the US, maybe three. the obvious being LA and NYC. A lot of cities in the U.S. lack the culture, identity, and sense of history that makes cities "world class".

Chicago? San Francisco?

[Style™]

there are a ton of cities that are known simply by word of mouth. there are many america just like there are many in europe. many have become famous from war or business.

[AubieTurtle]

Atlanta is a class four gamma level world city. I think we've been over this before.

London, NYC, Paris: all class 12 alpha world cities.

But seriously, what does it matter? I care more about it being a nice place to live than what someone in Kuala Lumpur may (or more likely may not) think about it. Being known worldwide and having worldwide influence is nice and does have it's perks and opens doors but if the sewers are overflowing, traffic gridlocked, and the transit system decimated, the fact that someone in Budapest knows about Atlanta doesn't do a whole lot for me.

[ExYankee]

Other than The Bradley, CNN, the Weather Channel, and a *hit load of people who have to pass through the airport on their way to some place else, does anyone really give a crap about Atlanta?

[krazeeboi]

I guess it depends on which "world" you live in.

[AubieTurtle]

Hmmm.... well if you're a fan of Olmsted, we have a couple of his parks. Of course that only means we have some well designed parks (but certainly not a huge quantity of them) and not that Atlanta is world class. But I think most of Atlanta's "world class" status comes not from things like the Weather Channel but rather business connections.

[Jasonhouse]

Originally Posted by atlrvr

so.......
Charlotte = Not World Class
Atlanta = Sorta World Class
Miami and New York = Super World Class

I don't think Miami belongs next to NYC. Probably next to ATL, or just a hair below it.

But hey, who gives a toss? This is all very meaningless.

[Atlman1]

Originally Posted by ExYankee

Other than The Bradley, CNN, the Weather Channel, and a *hit load of people who have to pass through the airport on their way to some place else, does anyone really give a crap about Atlanta?

I would think so smartass.

[teshadoh]

Originally Posted by ExYankee

Other than The Bradley, CNN, the Weather Channel, and a *hit load of people who have to pass through the airport on their way to some place else, does anyone really give a crap about Atlanta?

Oh don't run away, if you call me Bradley you must like me (that's what my mom calls me) :love:

[gwiATLeman]

Originally Posted by ExYankee

Other than The Bradley, CNN, the Weather Channel, and a *hit load of people who have to pass through the airport on their way to some place else, does anyone really give a crap about Atlanta?

The fact that you constantly post about Atlanta says that you must care quite a bit.

So thanks for caring