Top 10 underrated cities

[vivo]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18024681/

The first link is the story. The second link is to a forum talking about the story. I wonder if St Louis, Cleveland, or Milwaukee should have been there? Haven't really explored these cities so no first hand knowledge. bmore is #1!
Providence, Portland, and Minneapolis are my top 3 to visit.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=462198
1. Baltimore
2. Ft. Lauderdale
3. Houston
4. Kansas City
5. Louisville
6. Minneapolis
7. Pittsburgh
8. Portland
9. Providence
10. Sacramento

[PenforPrez]

Kansas City and Pittsburgh are both underrated cities; they belong on that list. I think St. Louis belongs on that list too; of course I'd say that. :D

Paul

[vivo]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18024681/

The first link is the story. The second link is to a forum talking about the story. I wonder if St Louis, Cleveland, or Milwaukee should have been there? Haven't really explored these cities so no first hand knowledge. bmore is #1!
Providence, Portland, and Minneapolis are my top 3 to visit.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=462198
1. Baltimore
2. Ft. Lauderdale
3. Houston
4. Kansas City
5. Louisville
6. Minneapolis
7. Pittsburgh
8. Portland
9. Providence
10. Sacramento

actually replace Minneapolis w/Louisville.

[dacrunkest]

Kansas City. :D

Having grown up relatively close to Cleveland (about 3 hours away), I would DEFINITELY put that on the list.

[old_school_soul]

Houston? There's nothing special about Houston, unless you consider strip malls and lots of highways special

[Winter Storm]

Baltimore #1? I cannot believe that!

I was just having a convo with a bunch of natives the other day and we all were talking about how badly its gone down hill and how completely wack this town is.

Just goes to show, true Baltimore natives are true haters. :rolleyes:

[wordsmith]

1. Baltimore
Had a roommate who hailed from there, and I know she loved it (and particularly crabcakes). I've been to DC, but not Baltimore itself.

2. Ft. Lauderdale
Florida does absolutely nothing for me.

3. Houston
I'd pick Austin and San Antonio over Houston, in terms of Texan cities, myself

4. Kansas City
Dying to go there. BBQ, parks with fountains, and lovely jazz musicians...how do I lose?

6. Minneapolis
Minneapolis and St. Paul are both quite cool.

7. Pittsburgh
I would tend to fill in either Madison or Milwaukee, here. Or, hell, Philly.

10. Sacramento
Been there, but didn't see so much of the city.

[dacrunkest]

4. Kansas City
Dying to go there. BBQ, parks with fountains, and lovely jazz musicians...how do I lose?


Yeah but not a lot of hot newspaper women like other Midwest towns...

[wordsmith]

Hot newspaper women like hot BBQ. Does KC ship? :p

[dacrunkest]

I think I know a good delivery man.

[SunDevil]

1. Baltimore
5. Louisville
6. Minneapolis
7. Pittsburgh

I think there are a few better towns out there than those 4. Reno, Tampa, Flagstaff, and Austin would get my vote before the ones they picked. Although there might not be too many skyscrapers in Reno and Flagstaff. Nashville and Albuquerque might also make my list.

[pisces2473]

No one commented on Providence.

<3 Providence <3

[redav]

3. Houston
I'd pick Austin and San Antonio over Houston, in terms of Texan cities, myself

The topic is cities that are underrated. Everyone knows what San Antonio & Austin offer. However, Houston is underrated.

[dacrunkest]

KC is underrated for sure. I love this town! Every weekend I find something neat and new. We have an unbelievable art gallery, great parks, a baseball team that hasn't been good since I was in grade school but loveable nontheless, AMAZING architecture, good people, great music (American Jazz Hall of Fame is here), excellent food, the list goes on....

[vivo]

1. Baltimore
5. Louisville
6. Minneapolis
7. Pittsburgh

I think there are a few better towns out there than those 4. Reno, Tampa, Flagstaff, and Austin would get my vote before the ones they picked. Although there might not be too many skyscrapers in Reno and Flagstaff. Nashville and Albuquerque might also make my list.
why? austin's a music capital. what else? what about the others?

[TinyDancer]

I love Houston. I find that there are so many diverse activities and people. Tons of jobs, tons of young people. It's a big city, but it's so easy to meet people here. Ridiculously low COL, too.

Austin and San Antonio are fun places to visit. . . but I'm not sure that I would pick either over living in Houston. . . Especially San Antonio.

[Kitty]

Sacramento? eek. Not so good.

[aggiegrad05]

I second what redav and TinyDancer said about Houston. It's a great city and terribly underrated. You've gotta know where to go, but once you figure that out, it's really a fun, culturally diverse place with a lot of things to do.

[vivo]

Baltimore #1? I cannot believe that!

I was just having a convo with a bunch of natives the other day and we all were talking about how badly its gone down hill and how completely wack this town is.

Just goes to show, true Baltimore natives are true haters. :rolleyes:

how old were they?

[vivo]

why? austin's a music capital. what else? what about the others?oops maybe u just meant they were more underrated. from the very little i know i wouldn't be inclined to visit flagstaff or reno. don't know if tampa has much.

[and1grad]

Sacramento? eek. Not so good.
Hater!!

[pisces2473]

WTF is Providence good for? I am from there and the first to admit it sucks donkey balls.
HATER!

It's the mafia capital of New England... :evil:

[emmyb]

Providence is a cute little city. I have spent lots of time there as I have some friends there. They have some great restaurants, shopping, etc. Sucks donkey balls?? that's funny but I don't agree.

[Winter Storm]

how old were they?
All 20-somethings. Older generations love this city.:rolleyes:

[mishl982]

Fort Lauderdale is really pretty and a nice place to visit. Although, it's the only beach I've been to where the water was actually blue (not brown) and had palm trees :)

I'm also a bit biased because my cousin lives there and I can stay for free ;):

[LakeJay]

I have family in Kansas City and Lousiville. I was just in KC a couple of years ago and I am going back this summer. It is a nice area from what I have seen. We did Arthur Bryant's for BBQ...delicious.

Last time I was Louisville was a few years ago for my cousin's wedding. Didn't see too much of the city though. I do remember visiting Churchill Downs when I was younger though.

I've been up to Providence for work-related day visits. From what I saw I liked it. Especially when I walked from the train station. I hope to get up there soon since a childhood friend of mine lives up there and we caught up with each other on Easter.
I've been meaning to check out Pittsburgh too especially the baseball field.

[pisces2473]

Thank you, Lake Jay.

[EmberMae]

Houston is the WORST city in Texas. Ugh. I would never live there, no matter how much you paid me. DFW is similar, but at least there's more trees and it's less humid. I'd love to live in Austin, but I wouldn't call it underrated by any stretch of the imagination. Housing prices are the highest in the state, due in part to expatriate Californians and reputation as a good place to live, and jobs are the hardest to come by, due to its reputation and overabundance of educated recent college graduates.

Sadly, I haven't been to any of the other cities on the list. I LOVE Oregon though. It would be my dream come true to live in Portland or Eugene. However, the job/money situation is much similar to Austin, where I'd also be thrilled to live again could I afford it.

[wordsmith]

The topic is cities that are underrated. Everyone knows what San Antonio & Austin offer. However, Houston is underrated.

I think that's perspective...to me, St. Louis and Minneapolis/St. Paul were may more on my radar than either of those cities ever were, and so I don't find them underrated, much as you're not finding S.A. and Austin underrated. The cities that were pinpointed in the "Everyone knows these are cool cities" were the biggies...Chicago, San Francisco, NY, Los Angeles...

[AshleyJordan]

I'm glad they posted Portland, OR (although Portland, ME is also a'ight.) I absolutely fell in love with Portland, it's considered an urban planner's dream, and it's one of the only other cities that I seriously considered relocating to. Beautiful place.

[workaholic?]

1. Baltimore
5. Louisville
6. Minneapolis
7. Pittsburgh

I think there are a few better towns out there than those 4. Reno, Tampa, Flagstaff, and Austin would get my vote before the ones they picked. Although there might not be too many skyscrapers in Reno and Flagstaff. Nashville and Albuquerque might also make my list.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Nashville..........hate Albuquerque..with a passion

[J-girl]

I loved Sacramento!! I went to the quaint little jazz fest they had there.

Also, my cousins went to KU in Kansas City and they loved it. So I want to visit KC someday as well!

[embrassezla]

I am dying to visit Portland. DYING.

[vivo]

How's Indianapolis?

[emmyb]

I'm glad they posted Portland, OR (although Portland, ME is also a'ight.) I absolutely fell in love with Portland, it's considered an urban planner's dream, and it's one of the only other cities that I seriously considered relocating to. Beautiful place.


I went o Portland over the summer and LOVED it. I would consider living there as well. It is so beautiful with such great nature right around the corner. I really enjoyed the people, the food, everything about it. Wish I was there now!!

[and1grad]

Sadly, I haven't been to any of the other cities on the list. I LOVE Oregon though. It would be my dream come true to live in Portland or Eugene. However, the job/money situation is much similar to Austin, where I'd also be thrilled to live again could I afford it.
Portland is a BEAUTIFUL city. I was very impressed with it.

edit: I hadnt seen all the Portland love on this page b4 posting. I agree with those guys. :p

[embrassezla]

What's the COL like in Portland, anyone know? I'm wondering how it compares with the DC metro area.

[cache]

Having grown up relatively close to Cleveland (about 3 hours away), I would DEFINITELY put that on the list.

Having grown up in suburban Cleveland, I would say no effin way. Cleveland is an eggshell city: It has great arts and culture - good museums, sports teams, the rock Hall, Pro Football HoF an hour away, etc.

But the stuff that matters to everyday residents is missing. Community involvement and improvements are non existent. The city is still very racially AND culturally divided, you have to go to the wealthier suburbs to get anything resembling an adequate education.

But!!!!!! Dennis Kucinich is the Representative for the west side of Cleveland and suburbs, and he is a good guy.

[redav]

"I though Grandma & Grandpa were dead. You said they were in a better place."

"Nah. They're in Cleveland."

[and1grad]

Having grown up in suburban Cleveland, I would say no effin way. Cleveland is an eggshell city: It has great arts and culture - good museums, sports teams, the rock Hall, Pro Football HoF an hour away, etc.

But the stuff that matters to everyday residents is missing. Community involvement and improvements are non existent. The city is still very racially AND culturally divided, you have to go to the wealthier suburbs to get anything resembling an adequate education.

But!!!!!! Dennis Kucinich is the Representative for the west side of Cleveland and suburbs, and he is a good guy.
So what I'm hearing is that Cleveland, in fact, does NOT rock. I think I'm gonna have to reevaluate some of the things I've heard on sitcom theme songs now. Maybe Frasier really DOES know what to do about tossed salad and scrambled eggs. Oh this is just ruining my Friday.

[AshleyJordan]

What's the COL like in Portland, anyone know? I'm wondering how it compares with the DC metro area.
I'd be quite certain its cheaper-- but pay is lower, too. I know because I looked at apartments, houses, and jobs in Portland-- and the bottom line was that I'd making, and spending, less. From what I understand, DC isn't really much cheaper than where I live (NYC,) so my experience would probably be applicable to your situation, too.

[wordsmith]

Having grown up in suburban Cleveland, I would say no effin way. Cleveland is an eggshell city: It has great arts and culture - good museums, sports teams, the rock Hall, Pro Football HoF an hour away, etc.

But the stuff that matters to everyday residents is missing. Community involvement and improvements are non existent. The city is still very racially AND culturally divided, you have to go to the wealthier suburbs to get anything resembling an adequate education.

This is the case for a great many cities, many of which are always ranked highly as "cool cities," though.

I love cities, but having lived in them as well as small towns and completely rural areas, I have to say that cities really ARE eggshell cities, to my perspective. They are by far most pandering to visitors, while there isn't always much done by way of things that really matter to everyday residents (and this definitely varies based on your socioeconomic status, as well). If I want the broad culture, entertainment and arts options, high profile athletics, all the eggshelly stuff, I'll take a city. Also if I want a ton of diversity. If I want a tightly knit community with real cohesion and a very civic-minded, involved atmosphere, small towns have cities beat solidly on that score. No question.

[cache]

So what I'm hearing is that Cleveland, in fact, does NOT rock. I think I'm gonna have to reevaluate some of the things I've heard on sitcom theme songs now. Maybe Frasier really DOES know what to do about tossed salad and scrambled eggs. Oh this is just ruining my Friday.

That's funny. When I first moved to CA and told people I was from Cleveland, the first thing they said was "oh, I love The Drew Carey Show." Heard it a dozen times in those first couple weeks here. Actually, that show was not a bad representation of the city and its people.....except for Mimi...never met anyone like her....then again, has anyone?

[Winter Storm]

That's funny. When I first moved to CA and told people I was from Cleveland, the first thing they said was "oh, I love The Drew Carey Show." Heard it a dozen times in those first couple weeks here. Actually, that show was not a bad representation of the city and its people.....except for Mimi...never met anyone like her....then again, has anyone?
That's funny cause whenever I'm away on business and I tell people I'm from Baltimore, lots of people say all they know about Baltimore is what they've seen on The Wire.

And I tell them its true to form! :D

[vivo]

What's the COL like in Portland, anyone know? I'm wondering how it compares with the DC metro area.



http://www.bestplaces.net/city/default.aspx?cat=&city=Washington_DC&ccity=Portland_OR&p=1150000&op=4159000

[cache]

This is the case for a great many cities, many of which are always ranked highly as "cool cities," though.

I love cities, but having lived in them as well as small towns and completely rural areas, I have to say that cities really ARE eggshell cities, to my perspective. They are by far most pandering to visitors, while there isn't always much done by way of things that really matter to everyday residents (and this definitely varies based on your socioeconomic status, as well). If I want the broad culture, entertainment and arts options, high profile athletics, all the eggshelly stuff, I'll take a city. Also if I want a ton of diversity. If I want a tightly knit community with real cohesion and a very civic-minded, involved atmosphere, small towns have cities beat solidly on that score. No question.

I live in a not-so-densely populated, kinda-touristy, small-medium size town, and I love it so much more than a big city. It's like the city actually cares abut the residents and their quality of life. (Then again, when you pay $600K for the average house, you should get something more than 4 walls and a door...) And there is enough of a population so you don't feel isolated socially or economically. Dare I say.....it's perfect...for me. :D

[ebruening]

KC is underrated for sure. I love this town! Every weekend I find something neat and new. We have an unbelievable art gallery, great parks, a baseball team that hasn't been good since I was in grade school but loveable nontheless, AMAZING architecture, good people, great music (American Jazz Hall of Fame is here), excellent food, the list goes on....

Exactly why KC is my favorite summer weekend getaway. The Plaza is amazing! From Lincoln, you can take off at 5:00, right after work, and be at McCormick and Schmick's (sp?) in time for some lovely shrimp and pinot noir. Ah, what fun summer evenings!

I'm a big fan of Omaha, for not much other than the Old Market area and the great local music scene. As goofy as it sounds, I also really like my hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. Football Saturdays are really cool.

[PenforPrez]

Exactly why KC is my favorite summer weekend getaway. The Plaza is amazing! From Lincoln, you can take off at 5:00, right after work, and be at McCormick and Schmick's (sp?) in time for some lovely shrimp and pinot noir. Ah, what fun summer evenings!

KC rocks! :D

[dacrunkest]

Exactly why KC is my favorite summer weekend getaway. The Plaza is amazing! From Lincoln, you can take off at 5:00, right after work, and be at McCormick and Schmick's (sp?) in time for some lovely shrimp and pinot noir. Ah, what fun summer evenings!

I'm a big fan of Omaha, for not much other than the Old Market area and the great local music scene. As goofy as it sounds, I also really like my hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. Football Saturdays are really cool.

I live 3 blocks west of the Plaza! it's nice to live near there...also Westport is an easy 3/4 mile walk. I live in the 'literary' district...all of the apartment buildings were built in the 1920s and named after writers/authors/ect.. Mine is the Washington Irving, across the street is the Longfellow, the Twain, the Hawthorne, ect. My building is a historical landmark too...which is cool because I have old style stuff (like big clunky radiators, really ornate crown molding, a small solarium/florida room, and nice hardwoods).

[GoogleGirl]

As I am planning on moving near Cleveland, I surely hope I can find something fun/entertaining to do there!

[vivo]

As I am planning on moving near Cleveland, I surely hope I can find something fun/entertaining to do there!

lot of stuff from wikitravel about cleveland including this. i guess it's a good resource to find out about different places.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cleveland_(Ohio)

Cleveland is the urban center of Northeast Ohio, the 14th largest combined metropolitan area in the United States. Throughout the twentieth century, the City of Cleveland proper was ranked as one of the 10 largest cities in the U.S. (from 1890 until 1970 per US Census Bureau statistics). Like most U.S. cities, Cleveland proper began to lose population to suburban areas in the 1960s and 1970s. However, in the mid-1980s, Cleveland earned the nickname the "Comeback City" as the urban core experienced a dramatic revitalization process that continues today. As its "comeback" has continued, the official moniker is now the New American City as Cleveland has rightfully earned the reputation as a model of effective public-private partnership for urban planning.

[LaFille]

No one commented on Providence.

<3 Providence <3
WOO HOO!

FREE BUDDY!:D

[dacrunkest]

I know some people have said Cleveland isn't great, but I think it is a cool town. I never lived there, but grew up near it and went at least three or four times a year. My aunt did her residency in Cleveland. The Flats is a fun area, though I have heard that it has died down a lot in the past few years...going to an Indians game at the Jake is always a good time. Actually, I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is kind of overrated, and definitely not the best attraction the city has to offer (though the architecture of the building is worth seeing). Still, there are many other cool things to see in Cleveland

[cache]

Cleveland has rightfully earned the reputation as a model of effective public-private partnership for urban planning.

This is one big line of crap. You know how you can volunteer to clean up stretches of highway? Or pick a star from the tree at Christmas and buy someone a gift? Well, Cleveland did that with TRASH CANS. yes, the city decided the best way to save money was to let people "adopt" city trash cans where they become responsible for emptying them and making sure the area around them is clean.

If that is their idea of "effective public-private parternership for urban planning," then that standard is pretty low.

[wordsmith]

I'm not familiar with that, but I don't think it's bad if citizens are participating in keeping shit clean. Although I would imagine it would be better off as a supplemental measure, rather than the citizens' responsiblity, particularly if the city is employing sanitation workers.

[civicmon]

Philadelphia is very underrated. Most people don't even drive near it when going between Baltimore/Washington and NYC.. the NJ Turnpike doesn't go in PA.

I love it here. Check my locations, and I've lived in more... Philly's a great city. It's a bit dangerous and the weather sucks, but no place is perfect. It has a great urban scene, the restaurants are terrific, tons and tons of museums, events, amphitheaters, parks.. beaches/casinos are 55 miles away, mountains to ski/snowboard are about the same away.

Lakes and rivers are all over the nearby suburbs.. the largest mall in the US is in a western suburb (King of Prussia mall) which is the "wealthy mall" for the area here. All four major sports are represented here, NASCAR isn't that far away in Dover, DE or the Poconos, PA either if that's your thing.

100 miles to NYC and DC. Non-stop flights all over the world via PHL airport... it really can't get any better.

Taxes are steep, weather sucks, it's going to be the US murder capital this year and traffic is horrible... but I'm not leaving anytime soon.

Philly's back.. and it's better than ever.

[civicmon]

Houston? There's nothing special about Houston, unless you consider strip malls and lots of highways specialThat was my first thought. I hate that city. Place is an armpit of America.

Definitely the most underrated city in the south is San Antonio. I love the place. It's cheap, awesome food.. bit boring but during the winter it's usually pleasant.

Baltimore is a dump. I live 80 miles from there and unless i'm on the 95, I have no idea where I am at. I may go for a baseball game, maybe.

Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Providence and Baton Rouge are my other sleeper cities.

Baton Rouge is like a classic southern city except with horrendous traffic and after Katrina, it's gotten 10x worse. Cajun/Creole restaurants there are just as good as New Orleans but without NOLA Tourist trap prices. Mobile, AL is another one, but it's not a large city by anyone's standards.

Damn I could do a crawfish boil right now