Quote:
Originally Posted by thegoatman
There is no transit out of suburbia in Atlanta. Chicago has the largest commuter rail network in the country outside of New York. I just really gotta laugh at you saying Chicago and Atlanta have similar sprawl...Chicago is far denser with the best transit in this country outside of New York.
And (in my opinion) Chicago is a MUCH more beautiful city than Atlanta. Have y'all seen downtown Atlanta? yuck... All the inner city neighborhoods look the same, all big ass generic single family homes right next to skyscrapers. Chicago suburbs are way better than Atlanta suburbs. Atlanta has no water nor mountain features. Yeah the city is hilly, but the hills aren't visible and pretty like Austin. Chicago has beautiful Lake Michigan anchoring one of the world's best skylines, beautiful unique brick architecture, and tree lined streets in distinct neighborhoods on a perfect grid.
Not hating on Atlanta, lived in the city for many years. It has its positives (relatively safer, warmer weather, big black middle class that most of Chicago lacks, hilly), but its not in Chicago's league and never will be.
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I’ll co-sign to this general impression of Atlanta and Chicago. (Lived in FL but went to Atlanta often enough. FL entry-level wages in 2010 were $8.15 and rent $1,800 in FL, so bailed for the $18.00/hr wages and $600 rent in Chicago with classes on the side.)
I think people are missing the obvious
Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, Southern states had a MASSIVE rural population and very few established cities where they could go for opportunity. Most people do not want to move too far from home unless they are either very skilled and ambitious or very desperate.
One of the Southern cities was going to become a large metropolis no matter what. It just so happened to be Atlanta - with good access to railroads, ports, and major interstates. Not to mention being an excellent stop for people driving to and from Florida.