jaypkatl, what is it that everyone wants Atlanta to be? I think you need to scale back your comments to what 'you' want it to be. Atlanta is a product of the time just as all cities are. It amazes me how many people want to compare Atlanta and all the sunbelt cities to the cities that developed pre-auto and pre-middle class America. If NY had developed essentially since 1950, I promise it would not be the NY we see today. If Atlanta was landlocked by a major body of water or cliffs or huge mountains, Atlanta wouldn't be the same eihter; however it's not so it hasn't had a reason to build up instead of out. Why do others just not get this very simple and basic fact of development?
It's funny that so many on the board rant and rave about suburbia and sprawl and all the negatives.....blah blah blah....however the overwhelming majority of Americans for the past 50 years have choosen that lifestyle and even moved in large percentages from the northern cities to live in the hated sprawl of all the southern US cities (east and west coasts). While that attitude might be changing somewhat now, it's still what the majority prefers in America. I happen to be one that prefers living in the city eventhough I grew up in the sprawl of Atlanta and have witnessed the city transform for 30 years to what it is today. So who is right and who is wrong? NEITHER! It's your preference and what you find to be important in YOUR life. Is it really that hard to grasp people. Cities are products of their time just as you are a product of the time and environment you were born into. Does that mean nonchanging? Hell no, but for almost 6 million people to have choosen to live in the metro Atlanta area in a little over 100 years....some one here must like what the city/area has to offer......
Honestly, I think in the past 5 years the city has changed so drastically in it's feeling and attitude that I'm not in love with Atlanta like I was. Maybe it's just a change in me as I grow older and my experiences change me; however, Atlanta just doesn't feel like Atlanta to me anymore. I hate to admit that because I thought I'd never consider moving to another metro area eventhough I've had the honor and privilege to travel to many 'great' cities. The Atlanta that's developing just seems foreign to me and eventhough it's now more lively at night it also seems sorry if this ruffles anyone because that's not the intent....northern to me. The charm of Atlanta is no longer unique but becoming just another big American city.
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I live in my own little world but it's ok, they know me here!
The next time you are contemplating what the hell went wrong in your life, look in a mirror!
Last edited by Atlriser; Nov 9, 2007 at 4:01 PM.
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