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Toronto is about the same as Chicago in comparison. It's not on NYC's level but it's one of the greatest cities in the world imo. I lived in Toronto for many years before and loved every minute of it
I think Toronto and Chicago are roughly on the same tier. Neither are close to NYC, but I think To/Chi are pretty comparable.
Maybe it's in the eye of the beholder. The first time I visited all three cities -- which happened in a span of a few weeks some years ago -- I felt quite a big gap going from Toronto to Chicago but actually not as big of a gap from Chicago to New York. Others may disagree but that was my impression. Realistically I think Chicago is somewhere close to the middle between Toronto and New York. But depends on what you are comparing of course. Since I spent most of my time in and around the CBDs, thats what I am comparing. And if you look at the stats on skyscrapers and employment density you will see that the numbers largely support my impression.
Maybe it's in the eye of the beholder. The first time I visited all three cities -- which happened in a span of a few weeks some years ago -- I felt a very big gap going from Toronto to Chicago but actually not as big of a gap from Chicago to New York. Others may disagree but that was my impression. Realistically I think Chicago is somewhere close to the middle between Toronto and New York. But depends on what you are comparing of course. Since I spent most of my time in and around the CBDs, thats what I am comparing. And if you look at the stats on skyscrapers and employment density you will see that the numbers largely support my impression.
Agree with this wholeheartedly. When I visit Toronto, it just seems smaller, similar in scope to Philadelphia and frankly, it feels a lot like Washington, DC. in feel. However, in certain areas Toronto does have a nice bustle, which I think can best be attributed to narrower streets (relative to Chicago) and the fact there are transit nodes. Small areas of high density scattered throughout the city. I love those areas.
Well let me put it this way, if I was forced to leave NYC the only places on the continent left for me are Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco (same order). I have very high standards and these are the only livable places for me. Ironically all 3 end in "o". Sure I can live a satisfying life in Boston or Dallas (or Montreal, LA, Houston, Philly, Miami) but I would never be happy in those places.
Toronto definitely leans more toward being on Chicago's level now than it does Philadelphia's. Five or ten years ago it may have been more comparable to Philly, but the amount of growth and change in just the last 5 years has been incredible. Looking at recent aerial views of the three cities shows that downtown Toronto now dwarfs Philly's Centre City and looks much more comparable to Chicago. Here's a recent aerial of Toronto:
Photo by thingsmelissamakes on Flickr
Toronto definitely leans more toward being on Chicago's level now than it does Philadelphia's. Five or ten years ago it may have been more comparable to Philly, but the amount of growth and change in just the last 5 years has been incredible. Looking at recent aerial views of the three cities shows that downtown Toronto now dwarfs Philly's Centre City and looks much more comparable to Chicago. Here's a recent aerial of Toronto:
Photo by thingsmelissamakes on Flickr
I agree, anyone who claims Toronto is closer to Philly than it is to Chicago needs to be banned ASAP for their asinine remarks. For those who haven't been to Toronto I encourage seeing it, very worth it imo
Toronto definitely leans more toward being on Chicago's level now than it does Philadelphia's. Five or ten years ago it may have been more comparable to Philly, but the amount of growth and change in just the last 5 years has been incredible. Looking at recent aerial views of the three cities shows that downtown Toronto now dwarfs Philly's Centre City and looks much more comparable to Chicago. Here's a recent aerial of Toronto:
Photo by thingsmelissamakes on Flickr
I can see this. I'd put Toronto between Philadelphia and Chicago, but it's evolvng higher (oddly as is Philadelphia). Both strong cities, getting stronger.
Last edited by JMT; 05-16-2012 at 05:57 PM..
Reason: Removed personal attack
Toronto definitely leans more toward being on Chicago's level now than it does Philadelphia's. Five or ten years ago it may have been more comparable to Philly, but the amount of growth and change in just the last 5 years has been incredible. Looking at recent aerial views of the three cities shows that downtown Toronto now dwarfs Philly's Centre City and looks much more comparable to Chicago. Here's a recent aerial of Toronto:
Photo by thingsmelissamakes on Flickr
Nice pic Atticman. I would love to see a fair side-by-side comparison of Toronto and Chicago at the same scale. Where is Urbanologist when you need him?
Toronto's really on a roll, lots of construction going on.
They have a great mayor, Rob Ford, making sure
T.O. continues to keep getting better
As for vibe... every city has a unique vibe, hard to compare
chicago & toronto seem close
the only big cities outside nyc
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