In 2024, is Washington D.C. closer in stature to New York City or Baltimore? (bigger, people)
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Driving through them, DC looks a lot bigger than Baltimore and has a sprawl that feel like the suburbs of NYC whereas Baltimore especially to the north and east away from DC goes from hardcore urban to farmland somewhat quickly. Also although nothing compares to the vastness of NYC's subway system, DC's does have many lines which go pretty far. What makes DC unique is the lack of skyscrapers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joakim3
Depends on how we are defining stature in the context of cities relative to NYC.
On an economic/physical scale, baring Greater LA, every city is way closer to Baltimore than they are to NYC. It really comes down to how heavy their cultural clout is.
There's literally lists from everywhere at this point.
AT Kearney's most recent is NYC #1, and DC #19 globally. The list just goes to 30, but based on what I'm seeing in any type of comparable cities, unlikely that Baltimore would even make a top 50.
So here’s the thing there is like a normal distribution of relevancy. NYC is way out on one end. DC is kind of at the front edge of the big central bulge.
So there is more space between NY and DC on a linear scale but far more cities between Baltimore and DC.
So in my opinion DC is closer to Baltimore in most statistics. But in Stature, DC is closer to NY simply because it stands above that Minneapolis, St Louis, Vancouver, Cincinnati, Nashville, Vegas, San Diego, Cleveland, Charlotte, Denver, Portland, etc. mess of midsized cities,
Revisiting this post, it's really not hard to objectively compare the importance of DC in this OP comparison at all. The OP is asking whether DC is more comparable to Baltimore, typical of many people when speaking on how relevant DC is, to start bringing in London, and Brussels, when that ain't the topic. Baltimore has nothing a City Center DC or Wisconsin and M shopping districts and this is with a larger city proper land area. DC has many many theaters actually that you haven't recognized, and Baltimore has a few that are much less recognized. Entertainment venues in DC proper overall blow Baltimore out of the water.
Washington DC is levels ahead and multiple tiers ahead of Baltimore in importance. This matters most in this comparison. DC's agencies being boring to you do nothing to pull it back towards Baltimore vs NYC.
IMO, if we are comparing the cities based on urban amenities: shopping, theaters, restaurants/nightlife, etc DC is clearly a tier above Baltimore and punches a little above its weight with the national museums/Kennedy Center. But, NYC blows the doors off DC on those metrics. DC has no comparison for Broadway theater, 5th Ave shopping, SoHo boutiques, the multiple art scenes. I feel like the MSA populations are are pretty good proxy for the difference in scale. 2.7 vs 6.1 vs 18m.
IMO, where it becomes closer is the nebulous idea of power/influence. DC obviously doesn't run the world or even the country. But, DC is where some of the most impactful decisions on the plant are made.
Just looking at a random scan of the BBC, Economist, the FT website right now. Almost every story has a DC element.
1) Biden State of the Union (DC)
2) An article on the southern border/US immigration policy (DC)
3) An article on affirmative action/college admissions post Supreme Court decision (DC)
4) TikTok lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill (DC)
5) Congress passes budget to avert federal gov shutdown (DC)
6) US to create humanitarian corridor for Gaza (DC)
7) Navajo nation wants federal government to block a company from launching rockets near their reservation. (DC)
8) Ex- President of Honduras found guilty of drug trafficking. (Case tried in NYC, but prosecuted by feds in fed court after arrest by DEA). (NYC/DC)
9) Central Banks views of inflation. (DC)
10) Equinox raises money to avoid bankruptcy (NYC)
11) Open AI (SF Bay)
12) Arab world angry at US policy in Middle East (DC)
There's literally lists from everywhere at this point.
AT Kearney's most recent is NYC #1, and DC #19 globally. The list just goes to 30, but based on what I'm seeing in any type of comparable cities, unlikely that Baltimore would even make a top 50.
Driving through them, DC looks a lot bigger than Baltimore and has a sprawl that feel like the suburbs of NYC whereas Baltimore especially to the north and east away from DC goes from hardcore urban to farmland somewhat quickly. Also although nothing compares to the vastness of NYC's subway system, DC's does have many lines which go pretty far. What makes DC unique is the lack of skyscrapers.
Even Chicago?
As far as the feel of the the metros, DC would go into the same category as Philly, Atlanta, Miami, Boston.
Baltimore is the same category with Charlotte, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St Louis.
As far as the feel of the the metros, DC would go into the same category as Philly, Atlanta, Miami, Boston.
Baltimore is the same category with Charlotte, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St Louis.
Is Washington DC closer in stature to NYC or Baltimore?
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Washington, D.C. is closer in stature to New York City than to Baltimore. As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. holds significant political, cultural, and economic influence, similar to New York City, albeit with different emphases. Baltimore, while an important city, is generally considered to be of lesser stature compared to both Washington, D.C. and New York City.
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What Makes DC closer to NYC?
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Washington, D.C. and New York City share several characteristics that make them closer in stature compared to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore:
1. Economic Importance: Both Washington, D.C. and New York City are major economic centers. New York City is a global financial hub, home to Wall Street and numerous multinational corporations, while Washington, D.C. has a strong economy driven by government institutions, lobbying firms, and international organizations.
2. Cultural Significance: Both cities boast rich cultural scenes, with world-renowned museums, theaters, galleries, and restaurants. New York City’s Broadway, museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and diverse neighborhoods contribute to its cultural vibrancy, while Washington, D.C. is home to iconic landmarks such as the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
3. Political Influence: While Washington, D.C. is the political capital of the United States, New York City also wields significant political influence due to its economic power and status as a global city. Both cities attract political leaders, diplomats, and international delegations, contributing to their political importance.
4. Global Recognition: Both Washington, D.C. and New York City are internationally recognized cities with iconic landmarks, institutions, and cultural exports that shape global perceptions and interactions.
These factors collectively contribute to Washington, D.C. being closer in stature to New York City compared to Baltimore.
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What Are the Arguments it’s closer to Baltimore in Stature?
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While Washington, D.C. shares many similarities with New York City, there are also arguments that could suggest it’s closer in stature to Baltimore:
1. Size and Population: Both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore are smaller in terms of population and land area compared to New York City. Baltimore’s population is closer in size to that of Washington, D.C., and both cities have a more similar scale in terms of urban development.
2. Historical Significance: Baltimore and Washington, D.C. share a significant historical connection, particularly during the early years of the United States. Baltimore played a crucial role in the War of 1812 and was a key port city during the nation’s early years. Washington, D.C., as the capital, has its own rich history, but Baltimore’s historical significance cannot be overlooked.
3. Economic Focus: While Washington, D.C. has a strong government-driven economy, Baltimore has a diverse economic base that includes industries such as shipping, healthcare, education, and technology. Both cities have their own economic strengths and challenges, which can make them more comparable in stature.
4. Cultural Identity: Baltimore has a unique cultural identity that sets it apart from both Washington, D.C. and New York City. From its distinct neighborhoods and local cuisine to its renowned sports teams and arts scene, Baltimore offers a different cultural experience compared to the other two cities.
These arguments suggest that Washington, D.C. may be closer in stature to Baltimore due to factors such as size, historical significance, economic focus, and cultural identity.
I've been to Dallas. Dallas/Ft Worth felt like a bigger metro than DC in my opinion.
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