Hey Kyle, Chicago resident here, in the East Lakeview neighborhood. You don't need to live in the Loop to not need a car. A ton of us 2 miles north of the loop live a car-free life, walking to the grocery store, the Walgreens, doctor and dentist and therapy all within a half mile! Plus countless restaurants of all varieties. Next time you're in town cruise down Broadway between Belmont and Fullerton, it's a great stretch!
@@rhettbuckley2660 Uptown on the edge of Ravenswood and Edgewater. Yup, the car free life is awesome even this far up. The train to GO to the Loop is just a few blocks away and everything is within walking distance. And everything is way less expensive than downtown. And the architecture in this area (including) Lakeview, Edgewater, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park and so forth, is definitely worth seeing.
I loved Chicago downtown by the train station. I now want to visit Chicago for a weekend. I never had a desire to see Chicago before just flying in and out. I have missed out.
Agreed, I’m a Chicago resident and have never seriously considered living downtown. Although downtown is great to visit, the outlying “neighborhoods” near the lake are amazing (Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown etc). Endless restaurants of all cuisine varieties, any shopping that you need, a quick walk or ride to the beach and walking trails, and tons of nightlife, whereas the downtown has large portions that die down at night. And a quick 20-30 minute CTA ride will get you right into downtown if you wish.
Yup, I am Lakeview also and these northside neighborhoods people are talking about are probably the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. South Loop, Lakeshore East, West Loop, and Streeterville adjacent to The Loop are too, those are basically like Midtown Manhattan but the rents are much higher. Gold Coast as well. A lot of Chicago ones prefer living a little further out from the loop where the activity and nightlife might be better, honestly.
Shocked to see milwaukee, but at the same time there's a reason it's so hard to move out of this city! There's so much to love, and in my opinion the most underrated part of Milwaukee is the true diversity of our buildings downtown from an architectural perspective. From old gargoyles or modern high rises, there's a lot to love for a city that didn't tear down every historic building in favor of a parking lot.
I'm shocked to see Milwaukee and Cincy too. I think downtown Minneapolis, Portland, Indianapolis, and two he had on the worst downtowns Columbus and DC. Columbus has Short North, The Peninsula, North Market District, German Village and Franklinton with more infrastructure on the way and The Scioto Mile.
Yes, Milwaukee kept its beautiful historic buildings. They're taken care of & preserved. The ugly warehouses in the Third Ward were turned into beautiful apartments & condos. In areas where it make sense to build new, high rises are going up like crazy. I think the downtown will just keep getting better.
Downtown MKE is dope! My hometown and I love that it's become such a "trendy" place. When I grew up, I remember all the real estate around the Milwaukee River couldn't be given away...now it's cleaned up and remains a hot spot. Say what you will about the sometimes TOO provincial leanings of Milwaukee architecture, but few cities could combine a place as iconic as Milwaukee City Hall--which actually held the record as the tallest building in the world in the late 1890s!--and the now iconic art museum, which was Santiago Calatrava's first project in the States.
Thank you for ranking my city Chicago downtown no.1. we have the best shoreline in the country. The loop is culturally and architecturally beautiful. Plus we have lots of festivals here. Millennium Park with the Bean is cool. The loop streets are bustling 7 days a week.the el trains helps makes the loop the loop.😊
I've visited Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh in the past 13 months. Chicago obviously is god-tier for US downtown/urbanism (all good 80's movies prove this, I will not be taking questions). I was very surprised by Pittsburgh, I genuinely loved it. Saying "designed before the car" is spot on. Most streets are skinny, sidewalks safe, and tons going on. As for Detroit, we stayed in Corktown and did plenty in both Downtown and Mexicantown. Great trip, cannot wait to go back. All three of these cities will not disappoint.
Pittsburgh really is a little-known gem. People associate Pittsburgh with sports and blue-collared industry, but it's one of the most beautiful cities in the country. You get the urban feel walking around, but it also has a small town vibe plus a feeling like you're not too far from nature. I felt like I could walk anywhere downtown, and it was all safe and accessible. Driving of course is a nightmare. They're starting to get more transplants with a shift in economic focus to technology.
pre-brown world was designed to perfection for our white population. the white people have now been ethnically cleansed via racial riots and mass 'migration' (invasion/occupation) and the city is being decomposed.
So glad to see a solid Midwest presence on this list! As a Chicagoan who moved to Cleveland and has spent a lot of time in Cincy, couldn’t agree more about them having great downtowns. All I have to say to folks is give Cleveland a shot!
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I also have lived in all three (worked in the Chicago loop, but lived down in Calumet though), and I think Kyle has their relative rankings' just right'.
So glad you included Cleveland!! Had to take a work trip there a few years ago, and I was blown away at how great it was in their downtown/CBD! Great videos, you should consider cities that have a “big reveal” when you drive in!
Center City Philly is incredibly vibrant without any stadiums. Let’s keep it that way. We don’t need huge surface parking lots in CC. That is for suburban sports fans. It’s as walkable as any city - including, Boston, SF and Montreal. I really like Pittsburgh, but being used to Philly it was significantly less dense, less walkable, and less vibrant, imho!
Great video... when it started my first thoughts were Chicago and Seattle, both are great for travel - a lot to do in walkable distances and felt much safer than people were making it out to be. Glad to see Cleveland in there too - we were only there part of a day but it looked and felt quite nice.
Chattanooga is awesome! If there was a list of cities that balance having a cool downtown but also being close to amazing nature then Chattanooga would be on that list. But I get why it wouldn't be on this kind of list. And Chicago is amazing. Of the US's biggest cities I think Chicago and San Antonio are the most underrated. And I say that realizing that a lot of people love Chicago. I still think it's underrated.
@zacg_ Interesting that you bring up San Antonio. I'm from Chicago, but I visited San Antonio a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I liked the Riverwalk and the Spanish and Mexican influence. My only issue with San Antonio are the long and hot summers, but it's a great winter destination
Thrilled to see both Cleveland and Milwaukee! Cleveland has improved the downtown significantly since I was a kid in the 90s, I absolutely love going back to visit. I moved to Milwaukee 10 years ago now and didn't spend a ton of time downtown for the first few years, but I went back to school and ended up working right by Cathedral Square. So many great restaurants and bars, and there are big festivals and events all through the summer right in the middle of downtown. The River Walk is great, tons of parks, and it's super easy to get around. I absolutely love this city.
I really enjoyed your list. Chicago has always been a great city. I just love to visit even today, Pittsburgh has always been a great town too, now I live in Detroit presently right downtown and couldn’t agree with you more , 10 years ago. It needed help , now it’s absolutely fabulous and getting better and better, And the nice thing about Detroit is it has some fabulous neighborhoods adjacent to downtown , my Lafayette Park area is incredible and getting better and better. Tons of restaurants, culture, museums, incredible riverfront awarded best two years in a row by USA today. Campus Martius entertainment park downtown was also nominated the best inner city entertainment park. Lots of cool neighborhoods, pro sports, and beautiful biking, and walking trails. It also surprisingly has lots of new retail popping up , pretty wild to think there’s even a Gucci store in downtown Detroit. I’ve also just recently sold my condo from Cleveland when I was there, love it too. It’s a great city, I used to always think Cleveland was better downtown than Detroit, but not anymore , they’re both really great towns.
Thank you for including Pittsburgh!! I feel blessed to have such a beautiful skyline in a smaller city. I love traveling but coming home is always a highlight, since I get to see such a great view.
I think Philly might have been left off this list because Center City isn't thriving as much as some of these other cities. Covid hit it really hard and it still has a long way to fully recover.
Peace. It was not koh-vid that undermined American spunk, ingenuity, self-determination. It was so-so sew-shall-ism proponents. It is only Treasury decisions by officials that caused current inflation. Place direct culpability with those who are running the show. All the world is a stage with politicians as main actors impressing stationery onlookers. Peace.
I'm in my hometown, Chicago, this weekend. However, it's not for sightseeing but to lay my mom to rest. But, naming Chicago the number 1 downtown made my day. Thanks!
I live in STL, but travel to CLE about once every 6ish weeks for work. You absolutely nailed the downtown in CLE. I am constantly impressed every time I go and stay downtown. It beats our STL downtown hands-down; and I'm definitely someone who actually likes downtown STL, not one of the doom and gloomers. But, I'd love it to be how CLE is.
Today the new Seattle Aquarium opened on the waterfront and is spectacular. This is now connected to Pike Place Market by a winding staircase with multiple viewing platforms. 5 new light rail stations just opened up to the northern suburb of Lynwood. Downtown in coming back since Covid but had a rough couple of years. The surrounding neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Queen Anne are very vibrant,
I would swap Nashville for Philadelphia. Thanks for including Detroit and Pittsburgh-two of my favorites. Can't argue with Chicago and Boston. Happy to see love for our Midwestern towns.
I like Cincinnati more than Cleveland but both are really underrated.
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I've lived and worked in both Cle and Cin and I think Cleveland has more to do, has a more "big city" feel, actually safer (in the immediate downtown), less aggressive policing and now more people moving downtown (including near West side a la Ohio City, Tremont & Detroit-Superior). In fact, I totally agree w/ Kyle's list but wonder why S.F. didn't even make the 'top 10'?
SF is a nice city but downtown is not the best part of it. It’s strictly business and poverty, not so much fun and culture. You have to go to other parts of the city to get that.
Downtown SF emptied out during the pandemic with everyone working from home. It still hasn't recovered, which means a lot of the shops and restaurants that depended on those workers are gone. Right now, downtown SF has a sort of dying mall feel to it. Pretty depressing.
@@fixpacifica Correct. I live in SF and downtown kinda stinks. Not much going on there besides a couple high end restaurants here and there. It's other neighborhoods where all the positive activity is.
Agree with Boston’s spot. I was there in June and I just loved how compact and walkable the city is. I also loved the mix of historic buildings intermixed with European architecture. Then you walk into the north end and you are transported back in time. Such a fun city and I can’t wait to get back sometime soon.
Nice. Lived there for 9 years and still like it when I occasionally hear it called the most European city in America, or occasionally “America’s Walking City”
For goodness sakes, visit Seattle again! There have been many changes since you were last here, most notably the demolition of the Alaskan Way viaduct (opening the waterfront to downtown), renovation of King Street station, extensions of light rail, and much more. And BTW, love your shirts!
It's been a while, and not many cities have grown as much since my last visit. Being a road tripper living in the South and often going to CA and the southwest, the Midwest, or New England means I've often missed that NW corner of the country. But we will be doing a national park and city road trip in the NW next year.
@@GeographyKingSeattle is underwhelming. I think you Will find less in that downtown than the other cities on your list. Why not New Orleans? Much prettier city with more history and culture.
Love your comments about Cincinnati, my hometown, and Pittsburgh, near my college. I loved these places 50-60 years ago growing up during their industrial past. Good development policies breed great places to live and work.
As a born & bred Torontonian of exactly 73 years on the day I write this , I thank you for your review of my hometown and for your efforts in general on this channel Kyle . As an " old school " (as the kids say ) Torontonian I must dispute the inclusion of Montréal on your list ( that's compulsory ) but I commend to you Quebec City and especially St. John's Newfoundland , mostly for its geographical location and its people . Thanks again Kyle , I love your channel .
Cincinnati has completely transformed! When I was a kid, we called it "Cinci-nasty" and as an adult, it's become so cool that I lived there for a couple years. Dayton, an hour north, is well-integrated and their downtown is massively transforming too. I'm hoping the state or fed gov will build a train connecting the two, so you could hop between them.
Totally agree with your list! Only city I haven't been to in your ranking is San Diego. I've lived in Detroit the last several years so have seen lots of exciting things happen. A lot of the nicest and best downtowns in the country are Midwestern and Rust Belt cities. Cincinnati's riverfront is my favorite. Have visited Nashville lots of times to see family, always enjoyed it but in recent years it's just gotten too touristy and crowded. It's been quite a few years since I went to Seattle and Boston but I loved both. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities. IMO Chicago is the best city in the USA and agree with being the best downtown.
Montreal is great. I was there in May and it was very walkable and I loved the markets, restaurants, and arts scene. I need to get to Chicago some day - it seems like people either love it or hate it, so I want to go and decide for myself.
I think New York got Robbed. Because new York has numerous downtowns. Midtown, downtown, uptown, downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, long island city, Jamaica, flushing, etc etc not to mention all the cool neighborhoods in Brooklyn, queens and the Bronx...but it's your opinion so I respect it
New York is less of the typical American city which all these cities are. A typical American city has a "downtown" with the 10 tall buildings and offices and then all the office workers go home and its dead, except for the "hip" street or district that gets exciting at night. We know that's not NYC. (Chicago is also like NYC in that regard, but very few other cities are.)
for as good nyc is, there is a good amount of downsides with cleaniness in downtown brooklyn and manhattan that probably weighed it down his list. He's from the south and probably values certain things more than someone like me, who live in nyc my entire life.
Briggs sucks. He used to be good before he started showing his face, but nowadays he’s just pulling up topics out of hot air with little to no research and fake backstories for “entertainment”. You’re better off googling a city before listening to him 😂
Briggs is good, but less encompassing. Anybody see City Nerd? He's specialized, but anti-car, therefore extra pro-public transit. Many with an MUP are (but not me).
I was just in Chicago for St Paddy's this year, and it is definitely awesome. Hugely underrated, especially considering how affordable it is. Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati are easy weekend trips for me since I live in Pittsburgh now, definitely going to want to go check them out soon.
@@ZoraDelaney Particularly to anyone old enough to remember when it was completed in 1973, it will always be the Sears Tower. However, the Hancock Center (Big John) will always be the coolest skyscraper in Chicago, hands down.
Usually agree with your lists almost 100% but Philly and NYC missing from this is crazy to me! Having lived in Boston and spent lots of time in Pittsburgh as well, I’d easily take the walkability and variety of those 2 cities over Boston or Pitt. Not to mention the improvement of bike and pedestrian infrastructure recently too. Montreal rules though. Looking forward to the next vids!
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have really attractive downtowns. I used to love Nashville but it's such a cheesy tacky mess now. Absolutely Chicago's Loop and Grant Park. Gorgeous. NYC.
Really enjoyed this one. I had no idea that Cleveland had such a nice downtown. So glad you included Toronto and Montreal. Toronto is a place where you feel like you live in the downtown of the United Nations: such a mixture of cultures, foods, etc.
I’ve traveled to plenty of places as well, and your list is pretty solid. I think I know why you left off my two favorite cities, Philadelphia and San Francisco, but I’m not entirely mad about it!
@@SissyFlower5I’d say the entire manhattan island could be the downtown lmao but it’s so big there’s downtown manhattan and midtown manhattan. Downtown Brooklyn is really nice too
Thank you Kyle for recognizing the great improvements in Detroit. It is a fabulous city with great historic buildings. What should also be mentioned is Detroit’s Riverwalk, which has been voted best Riverwalk in the country. Detroit is booming. 👏👏👏🥰
I visited downtown Seattle about a year ago and I think you made a good assessment. I stayed someone near the airport and took the Link into downtown and walked around all day. I was able to see a bunch of stuff there relying completely on public transit and on foot. There were also a ton of people out and about, and it felt like a good energy there. I'd definitely return!
Thanks for including Detroit! The Hudson's Detroit development will feature GM's future HQ, and an Edition Hotel, which are found in global destination cities.
Agree. I’ve stayed in DT Chicago (River North/Streeterville) for 7 years and it’s easiest the best place I’ve ever lived. The one downfall for me was the occasional harsh winter.
Philly does have a fabulous downtown. The blocks are closer together and the roads more narrow so it's augments its walkable feel because everything feels on a human scale. The architecture is amazing too.
I'm Chicago born and raised but lived in Philadelphia for the last fifteen years... I like the people of Philadelphia, but there are other cities far more developed and nicer than it. You all's downtown business district is small...
I grew up in Cleveland but lived away from there for years. I was back visiting the Rock Hall of Fame and chatting with an out of town person. He had never been to Cleveland and was impressed and said it is unfairly judged.
Detroit has come such a long way in the past 50 years, thank you for including it. The old Michigan Central Station that used to be Ground Zero for “decay porn” photography has been transformed into the beautiful Ford HQ in Corktown.
I was in San Diego in June. I found the downtown pretty walkable while occasionally riding the trams. What surprised me is that there are intersections downtown with STOP signs, not traffic lights. It is not a crowded, noisy place even during a work day.
Chicago also has 6 major museums: Museum of the Art Institute (as seen in Ferris Bueller), Museum of Science and Industry. Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography. There is also the Ancient Cultures Museum on the Univ. of Chicago Campus a little further south and the Lincoln Park Zoo a little further north. Soldier Field (Chicago Bears Football). Northerly Island concert venue. A theater district. Great beaches, jogging/biking paths along the lake. Tons of restaurants, almost any kind of food you want.. Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, Burgers and of course Hot Dogs. Architecture tour boats up and down the river. Lakefront tour boats. Plenty of rental bikes.
I used to live in an apartment on the street at 10:46 and it was great. I really loved my time in Cleveland and did not expect to at all when I first showed up.
@@mykael9447 Clearly you haven't spent that much time there... nor Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Detroit, Cincinnati et. al. for that matter. I've lived in all except Seattle (but was there for work many, many times).
I love your list! I used to live in Pittsburgh and it was a great city. The only change I would make would be to put Minneapolis in there instead of Milwaukee. Otherwise, there are some great picks in here! Thank you so much!
Thanks for putting Chicago in the top spot and adding Toronto and Montréal beyond the 10 -but how is Philadelphia not on this list? Ditto San Francisco, Washington DC, NYC [multiple downtowns]... and DTLA [i.e., Downtown LA].
As a Clevelander one of our problems has been connectivity of the nice neighborhoods but that’s getting better year by year. Shout out to our big brother to the West, Detroit. I’ll always have a kinship with the D. Don’t forget little brother Buffalo either…
We get a lot of hate from our fellow Canadians... People say we are cold, unfriendly, self centered... Ironically that's most usually from people from Vancouver lol! In all seriousness, as someone who has spent a lot of time in numerous locations across Canada, downtown Toronto is pretty great. Is it noisy? Yes. Is it busy? Yes. Is it expensive? Absolutely. That being said, it's the most diverse place ON THE PLANET, has developed a pretty interesting culture of its own over the centuries and decades, has probably the widest selection of international food of anywhere I've ever been, and c'mon, take a second to sit down and chat with a local at a bar and you'll find we are generally some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Just don't call us Americans or bash maple syrup ;) Hope you enjoy your stay!!
Thanks for shouting out Milwaukee! I just moved here back in May for a job and I was instantly taken aback by how lovely the downtown was. It's clean, safe, plenty of sights to see. The architecture of the old buildings is beautiful. Truly one of America's most underrated cities. There are some bad parts of town but honestly this is my favorite city I've lived in, and I've lived in a lot. Don't plan on leaving anytime soon.
I completely agree. It's a tough walk, up and down some of the steepest hills imaginable. I used to think San Francisco's hills were steep, but in Seattle, everything feels like it's uphill. And with Uber being expensive, walking is often the best option, so make sure to wear comfy shoes and dress warm. Still, it's such a beautiful city!
As a life long New Yorker, I only recently spent a long weekend really exploring Boston and can say I was very impressed. Very manageable size to walk, relatively clean and beautiful walkable waterfront areas.
Hey Kyle, Chicago resident here, in the East Lakeview neighborhood. You don't need to live in the Loop to not need a car. A ton of us 2 miles north of the loop live a car-free life, walking to the grocery store, the Walgreens, doctor and dentist and therapy all within a half mile! Plus countless restaurants of all varieties. Next time you're in town cruise down Broadway between Belmont and Fullerton, it's a great stretch!
Agreed, the Loop isn't the best for living. The dense neighborhoods near downtown and along the lake are where it's at, and a bit cheaper
@@rhettbuckley2660 Uptown on the edge of Ravenswood and Edgewater. Yup, the car free life is awesome even this far up. The train to GO to the Loop is just a few blocks away and everything is within walking distance. And everything is way less expensive than downtown. And the architecture in this area (including) Lakeview, Edgewater, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park and so forth, is definitely worth seeing.
I loved Chicago downtown by the train station. I now want to visit Chicago for a weekend. I never had a desire to see Chicago before just flying in and out. I have missed out.
Agreed, I’m a Chicago resident and have never seriously considered living downtown. Although downtown is great to visit, the outlying “neighborhoods” near the lake are amazing (Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Uptown etc). Endless restaurants of all cuisine varieties, any shopping that you need, a quick walk or ride to the beach and walking trails, and tons of nightlife, whereas the downtown has large portions that die down at night. And a quick 20-30 minute CTA ride will get you right into downtown if you wish.
Yup, I am Lakeview also and these northside neighborhoods people are talking about are probably the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. South Loop, Lakeshore East, West Loop, and Streeterville adjacent to The Loop are too, those are basically like Midtown Manhattan but the rents are much higher. Gold Coast as well. A lot of Chicago ones prefer living a little further out from the loop where the activity and nightlife might be better, honestly.
I've been to three countries. I have not seen a big city as beautiful as Chicago yet
Check out Rotterdam
Word? Keep looking, sweetheart.
Thank you for giving Chicago (and many other Midwest cities) the respect deserved
Shocked to see milwaukee, but at the same time there's a reason it's so hard to move out of this city! There's so much to love, and in my opinion the most underrated part of Milwaukee is the true diversity of our buildings downtown from an architectural perspective. From old gargoyles or modern high rises, there's a lot to love for a city that didn't tear down every historic building in favor of a parking lot.
I'm shocked to see Milwaukee and Cincy too. I think downtown Minneapolis, Portland, Indianapolis, and two he had on the worst downtowns Columbus and DC. Columbus has Short North, The Peninsula, North Market District, German Village and Franklinton with more infrastructure on the way and The Scioto Mile.
I grew up in Chicago, and never went to Milwaukee, but people in recent years keeping talking about how great it is
Yes, Milwaukee kept its beautiful historic buildings. They're taken care of & preserved. The ugly warehouses in the Third Ward were turned into beautiful apartments & condos. In areas where it make sense to build new, high rises are going up like crazy. I think the downtown will just keep getting better.
I really enjoy Milwaukee. Kind of reminds me of a smaller Chicago (with its proximity to Lake Michigan), but with plenty of its own great qualities.
Downtown MKE is dope! My hometown and I love that it's become such a "trendy" place. When I grew up, I remember all the real estate around the Milwaukee River couldn't be given away...now it's cleaned up and remains a hot spot. Say what you will about the sometimes TOO provincial leanings of Milwaukee architecture, but few cities could combine a place as iconic as Milwaukee City Hall--which actually held the record as the tallest building in the world in the late 1890s!--and the now iconic art museum, which was Santiago Calatrava's first project in the States.
Thank you for ranking my city Chicago downtown no.1. we have the best shoreline in the country. The loop is culturally and architecturally beautiful. Plus we have lots of festivals here. Millennium Park with the Bean is cool. The loop streets are bustling 7 days a week.the el trains helps makes the loop the loop.😊
I've visited Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh in the past 13 months. Chicago obviously is god-tier for US downtown/urbanism (all good 80's movies prove this, I will not be taking questions). I was very surprised by Pittsburgh, I genuinely loved it. Saying "designed before the car" is spot on. Most streets are skinny, sidewalks safe, and tons going on. As for Detroit, we stayed in Corktown and did plenty in both Downtown and Mexicantown. Great trip, cannot wait to go back. All three of these cities will not disappoint.
what are some of those movies? I’d like to watch them
@@dattmougherty_5392The John Hughes movies of the 80 s. There are several.
Pittsburgh really is a little-known gem. People associate Pittsburgh with sports and blue-collared industry, but it's one of the most beautiful cities in the country. You get the urban feel walking around, but it also has a small town vibe plus a feeling like you're not too far from nature. I felt like I could walk anywhere downtown, and it was all safe and accessible. Driving of course is a nightmare.
They're starting to get more transplants with a shift in economic focus to technology.
pre-brown world was designed to perfection for our white population. the white people have now been ethnically cleansed via racial riots and mass 'migration' (invasion/occupation) and the city is being decomposed.
there is not much of a night life in Pittsburgh down town when I was there. It was kind of lame ngl. It felt like it was really missing something
So glad to see a solid Midwest presence on this list! As a Chicagoan who moved to Cleveland and has spent a lot of time in Cincy, couldn’t agree more about them having great downtowns. All I have to say to folks is give Cleveland a shot!
I also have lived in all three (worked in the Chicago loop, but lived down in Calumet though), and I think Kyle has their relative rankings' just right'.
I'm the opposite. I'm from Cleveland and moved to Chicago. 🎉❤🎉❤🎉😂
The Land is nice
So glad you included Cleveland!! Had to take a work trip there a few years ago, and I was blown away at how great it was in their downtown/CBD!
Great videos, you should consider cities that have a “big reveal” when you drive in!
So nice to hear your kind words about Cleveland!! 🙌🏼
Straight from the Land!
Mid ass city
@@treywilkins252bro is from Minnesota
@@WetMonkey697 I’m from Chicago
Shout out for calling it Sears Tower! (And no ketchup!)
Always be sears tower as long as I live.
For me it's either the Sears Tower or the *Wesley* Willis Tower
All 4 Philadelphia teams play within a 1/2 mile of each other, however those venues aren’t downtown.
I do still think Philly has a decent downtown / center city area though, I was surprised not to see it on this list
And then there’s the union who play in almost Delaware 😅
Damn they all be playing in the same spot?
NY teams play in a different state. A state unliked by New Yorkers! Somehow it all makes sense
Center City Philly is incredibly vibrant without any stadiums. Let’s keep it that way. We don’t need huge surface parking lots in CC. That is for suburban sports fans. It’s as walkable as any city - including, Boston, SF and Montreal. I really like Pittsburgh, but being used to Philly it was significantly less dense, less walkable, and less vibrant, imho!
I feel the same way about Broadway in Nashville and Cincinnati definitely has an underrated downtown area to walk around in. Great video!
Great video... when it started my first thoughts were Chicago and Seattle, both are great for travel - a lot to do in walkable distances and felt much safer than people were making it out to be. Glad to see Cleveland in there too - we were only there part of a day but it looked and felt quite nice.
As a Chattanoogan who moved to Chicago I am glad to see you've put it on top!
As a foreign tourist, Chattanooga was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the Choo-choo area and also driving up to lookouts in the nearby mountains.
Chattanooga is awesome!
If there was a list of cities that balance having a cool downtown but also being close to amazing nature then Chattanooga would be on that list. But I get why it wouldn't be on this kind of list.
And Chicago is amazing. Of the US's biggest cities I think Chicago and San Antonio are the most underrated. And I say that realizing that a lot of people love Chicago. I still think it's underrated.
I used to live in Highland Park!
@zacg_ Interesting that you bring up San Antonio. I'm from Chicago, but I visited San Antonio a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I liked the Riverwalk and the Spanish and Mexican influence. My only issue with San Antonio are the long and hot summers, but it's a great winter destination
I was beginning to think you'd forgot about Chicago. Michigan avenue!
Thrilled to see both Cleveland and Milwaukee! Cleveland has improved the downtown significantly since I was a kid in the 90s, I absolutely love going back to visit. I moved to Milwaukee 10 years ago now and didn't spend a ton of time downtown for the first few years, but I went back to school and ended up working right by Cathedral Square. So many great restaurants and bars, and there are big festivals and events all through the summer right in the middle of downtown. The River Walk is great, tons of parks, and it's super easy to get around. I absolutely love this city.
I really enjoyed your list. Chicago has always been a great city. I just love to visit even today, Pittsburgh has always been a great town too, now I live in Detroit presently right downtown and couldn’t agree with you more , 10 years ago. It needed help , now it’s absolutely fabulous and getting better and better, And the nice thing about Detroit is it has some fabulous neighborhoods adjacent to downtown , my Lafayette Park area is incredible and getting better and better. Tons of restaurants, culture, museums, incredible riverfront awarded best two years in a row by USA today. Campus Martius entertainment park downtown was also nominated the best inner city entertainment park. Lots of cool neighborhoods, pro sports, and beautiful biking, and walking trails. It also surprisingly has lots of new retail popping up , pretty wild to think there’s even a Gucci store in downtown Detroit. I’ve also just recently sold my condo from Cleveland when I was there, love it too. It’s a great city, I used to always think Cleveland was better downtown than Detroit, but not anymore , they’re both really great towns.
You really are a nerd & I’m here for it. Thanks for your consistently excellent nerdy content.
Seattle just built a brand new AMAZING downtown waterfront with a gorgeous aquarium tank visible from the new waterfront.
Thank you for including Pittsburgh!! I feel blessed to have such a beautiful skyline in a smaller city. I love traveling but coming home is always a highlight, since I get to see such a great view.
I think Pittsburgh actually has a beautiful skyline too
Love this list! I agree with Chicago being number 1! Planning to go to Pittsburgh soon!
Center City Philadelphia is the epitome of what a downtown should feel like in scale, walkability, and amenities.
I think Philly might have been left off this list because Center City isn't thriving as much as some of these other cities. Covid hit it really hard and it still has a long way to fully recover.
Too bad it's Philly
@@TheUnshatterd exactly. one of the three best cities in the US alongside NY and Boston.
Peace. It was not koh-vid that undermined American spunk, ingenuity, self-determination. It was so-so sew-shall-ism proponents. It is only Treasury decisions by officials that caused current inflation. Place direct culpability with those who are running the show. All the world is a stage with politicians as main actors impressing stationery onlookers. Peace.
Philly is WAY underrated
I'm in my hometown, Chicago, this weekend. However, it's not for sightseeing but to lay my mom to rest. But, naming Chicago the number 1 downtown made my day. Thanks!
Just spent a day in Montreal. Loved it for all the reasons you mentioned, plus the poutine!
Montreal is a great city. The transportation is super fast and easy. Far less rough than most US cities and awesome food.
I live in STL, but travel to CLE about once every 6ish weeks for work. You absolutely nailed the downtown in CLE. I am constantly impressed every time I go and stay downtown. It beats our STL downtown hands-down; and I'm definitely someone who actually likes downtown STL, not one of the doom and gloomers. But, I'd love it to be how CLE is.
I love downtown Pittsburgh. I went to a convention there this summer and was absolutely blown away by how pleasant it is to look at
Today the new Seattle Aquarium opened on the waterfront and is spectacular. This is now connected to Pike Place Market by a winding staircase with multiple viewing platforms. 5 new light rail stations just opened up to the northern suburb of Lynwood. Downtown in coming back since Covid but had a rough couple of years. The surrounding neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Queen Anne are very vibrant,
I need to get back there. I was a wee lad in my early 30s last time I was there.
@GeographyKing get back here to Seattle. It'll be your #1 then
@@johnchristie9904Fuck Seattle that city is trash.
been to that aquarium and if you are not a child, it's pretty lame and not worth the money. It's super tiny.
I would swap Nashville for Philadelphia. Thanks for including Detroit and Pittsburgh-two of my favorites. Can't argue with Chicago and Boston.
Happy to see love for our Midwestern towns.
I am a city nerd too and this guy makes the best videos.
I like Cincinnati more than Cleveland but both are really underrated.
I've lived and worked in both Cle and Cin and I think Cleveland has more to do, has a more "big city" feel, actually safer (in the immediate downtown), less aggressive policing and now more people moving downtown (including near West side a la Ohio City, Tremont & Detroit-Superior). In fact, I totally agree w/ Kyle's list but wonder why S.F. didn't even make the 'top 10'?
SF is a nice city but downtown is not the best part of it. It’s strictly business and poverty, not so much fun and culture. You have to go to other parts of the city to get that.
Downtown SF emptied out during the pandemic with everyone working from home. It still hasn't recovered, which means a lot of the shops and restaurants that depended on those workers are gone. Right now, downtown SF has a sort of dying mall feel to it. Pretty depressing.
@@fixpacifica Correct. I live in SF and downtown kinda stinks. Not much going on there besides a couple high end restaurants here and there. It's other neighborhoods where all the positive activity is.
Both are nowhere NEAR Miami or NY
Agree with Boston’s spot. I was there in June and I just loved how compact and walkable the city is. I also loved the mix of historic buildings intermixed with European architecture. Then you walk into the north end and you are transported back in time. Such a fun city and I can’t wait to get back sometime soon.
Agreed. Walkability 10/10. Drivability -100/10
Nice. Lived there for 9 years and still like it when I occasionally hear it called the most European city in America, or occasionally “America’s Walking City”
For goodness sakes, visit Seattle again! There have been many changes since you were last here, most notably the demolition of the Alaskan Way viaduct (opening the waterfront to downtown), renovation of King Street station, extensions of light rail, and much more.
And BTW, love your shirts!
Agreed, plus the new addition (Ocean Pavilion) to the aquarium down at the waterfront just opened.
It's been a while, and not many cities have grown as much since my last visit. Being a road tripper living in the South and often going to CA and the southwest, the Midwest, or New England means I've often missed that NW corner of the country. But we will be doing a national park and city road trip in the NW next year.
@@GeographyKingSeattle is underwhelming. I think you Will find less in that downtown than the other cities on your list. Why not New Orleans? Much prettier city with more history and culture.
Love your comments about Cincinnati, my hometown, and Pittsburgh, near my college. I loved these places 50-60 years ago growing up during their industrial past. Good development policies breed great places to live and work.
Cincinnati resident here. I wish he'd shown some of our murals! Looking forward to Blink this year.
As a born & bred Torontonian of exactly 73 years on the day I write this , I thank you for your review of my hometown and for your efforts in general on this channel Kyle .
As an " old school " (as the kids say ) Torontonian I must dispute the inclusion of Montréal on your list ( that's compulsory ) but I commend to you Quebec City and especially St. John's Newfoundland , mostly for its geographical location and its people .
Thanks again Kyle , I love your channel .
Happy birthday!!!
@@StamfordBridge Thank you very kindly sir (or madam).
Midwest really represented in this video. Nice to hear!!! Chicago is also my favorite.
Nice to see the 3 C's getting their due....Chicago, Cincinnati, and Cleveland! Wonderful places!
Cincinnati has completely transformed! When I was a kid, we called it "Cinci-nasty" and as an adult, it's become so cool that I lived there for a couple years. Dayton, an hour north, is well-integrated and their downtown is massively transforming too. I'm hoping the state or fed gov will build a train connecting the two, so you could hop between them.
100%, Cleveland down to Cincy
You don’t want to drive 3 1/2 hours? 😂😂😂😂
Gentrification. Same thing happened in Miami.
Thanks for giving my hometown of Chicago props on being #1
Another great video again! This is why I’m a geography and Urban Planning nerd!
As someone who's spent 3 years living in Cleveland, I'm not surprised at all that the land is at #4 in the list!
Best thing I ever did was leave Florida and move to Chicago. Never been happier. An amazing amenity rich city. I approve of your ranking :)
I don't blame you.
I would rather be warm than frozen.
But I would rather be frozen than washed away 3xs a year!😂
Totally agree with your list! Only city I haven't been to in your ranking is San Diego. I've lived in Detroit the last several years so have seen lots of exciting things happen. A lot of the nicest and best downtowns in the country are Midwestern and Rust Belt cities. Cincinnati's riverfront is my favorite. Have visited Nashville lots of times to see family, always enjoyed it but in recent years it's just gotten too touristy and crowded. It's been quite a few years since I went to Seattle and Boston but I loved both. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities. IMO Chicago is the best city in the USA and agree with being the best downtown.
Montreal is great. I was there in May and it was very walkable and I loved the markets, restaurants, and arts scene. I need to get to Chicago some day - it seems like people either love it or hate it, so I want to go and decide for myself.
You will love it here in Chicago
I think New York got Robbed. Because new York has numerous downtowns. Midtown, downtown, uptown, downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, long island city, Jamaica, flushing, etc etc not to mention all the cool neighborhoods in Brooklyn, queens and the Bronx...but it's your opinion so I respect it
New York is less of the typical American city which all these cities are. A typical American city has a "downtown" with the 10 tall buildings and offices and then all the office workers go home and its dead, except for the "hip" street or district that gets exciting at night. We know that's not NYC. (Chicago is also like NYC in that regard, but very few other cities are.)
for as good nyc is, there is a good amount of downsides with cleaniness in downtown brooklyn and manhattan that probably weighed it down his list. He's from the south and probably values certain things more than someone like me, who live in nyc my entire life.
It's weird that he never addressed it though. I literally rewatched intro and outro i was so surprised.@@tylerb2523
Most of what you mentioned sucks. And manhattan's downtown is where the courts are. Yuck.
@@jamiemaloney1552 ragebait
Your channel is way better than Briggs
Preach
Briggs sucks. He used to be good before he started showing his face, but nowadays he’s just pulling up topics out of hot air with little to no research and fake backstories for “entertainment”. You’re better off googling a city before listening to him 😂
@lukasgestrine Briggs hates cities and...I suspect other things!
I quit following Briggs because of his obvious political preaching and his 'facts' which a quick Google showed were not correct.
Briggs is good, but less encompassing.
Anybody see City Nerd? He's specialized, but anti-car, therefore extra pro-public transit. Many with an MUP are (but not me).
I was just in Chicago for St Paddy's this year, and it is definitely awesome. Hugely underrated, especially considering how affordable it is. Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati are easy weekend trips for me since I live in Pittsburgh now, definitely going to want to go check them out soon.
Thank you for calling it the Sears Tower! - a fellow Chicagoan
what else is it called?
@@VitoD226 It is officially called Willis Tower, its official name since 2009 / 2010. However, everyone here still calls it the Sears Tower!
@@ZoraDelaney Particularly to anyone old enough to remember when it was completed in 1973, it will always be the Sears Tower. However, the Hancock Center (Big John) will always be the coolest skyscraper in Chicago, hands down.
@@ZoraDelaney oh wow, I'm in NYC and I call it the Sears Tower lol
@@leestamm3187 My favorite is the newly built St. Regis Tower
Your videos are so good. Appreciate your efforts and dedication. Cool travels!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Respect from Chicago using the correct name for the Sears tower
For anyone questioning why New York City is not on this list, it would be unfair to compare the center of the world to any "downown" in the provinces.
got to agree with your number one pick of Chicago.
Usually agree with your lists almost 100% but Philly and NYC missing from this is crazy to me! Having lived in Boston and spent lots of time in Pittsburgh as well, I’d easily take the walkability and variety of those 2 cities over Boston or Pitt. Not to mention the improvement of bike and pedestrian infrastructure recently too.
Montreal rules though. Looking forward to the next vids!
Excellent video. It looks like you prefer the 'overachievers/underdogs' just as I do.
I agree with your top two (Boston & Chicago), plus Toronto! I've thoroughly enjoyed visiting each of those cities and would live to visit again!
Visited Cleveland this past July 4th... I was so pleasantly surprised.
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have really attractive downtowns. I used to love Nashville but it's such a cheesy tacky mess now. Absolutely Chicago's Loop and Grant Park. Gorgeous. NYC.
Nashville is still great outside of the entertainment district, but it does get too crazy inside it.
Really enjoyed this one. I had no idea that Cleveland had such a nice downtown. So glad you included Toronto and Montreal. Toronto is a place where you feel like you live in the downtown of the United Nations: such a mixture of cultures, foods, etc.
Milwaukee, very impressed with how waukable it is
Kyle, still trying to get over that shirt... and a great video - Thanks
Chicago is just plain awesome and I say that as a Minneapolis resident.
I’ve traveled to plenty of places as well, and your list is pretty solid. I think I know why you left off my two favorite cities, Philadelphia and San Francisco, but I’m not entirely mad about it!
Can’t wait for best and worst downtowns in Canada videos.
Good list Geography King! I would say Philadelphia, NYC, Portland Oregon, and Denver could be honorable mentions.
Without NYC this list can never be complete. Honestly I don't even think any city comes remotely close. But I respect your opinion.
Unless you're talking downtown Brooklyn, NYC doesn't really have a traditional downtown I feel?
NYC is in a league of their own. To compare NY with any other is unfair.
@@SissyFlower5I’d say the entire manhattan island could be the downtown lmao but it’s so big there’s downtown manhattan and midtown manhattan. Downtown Brooklyn is really nice too
NYC not being on the list discredits it…. I have been to pretty most of these and they are not NYC. Maybe Chicago is there…
Agreed!
You really do a fabulous job with these videos. Thanks.
Thanks love from Milwaukee hoping to be higher up the list but maybe one day we’re not done with downtown yet 😊
Totally agree with Chicago. Lived there for three years back in the day. Never had a car and never needed one.
Went to college in Milwaukee. One of the most underrated cities in the US!!
Love that you shout out Toronto as a Canadian viewer! And been to Montreal a few times, it’s amazing for walking and partying
Thank you Kyle for recognizing the great improvements in Detroit. It is a fabulous city with great historic buildings. What should also be mentioned is Detroit’s Riverwalk, which has been voted best Riverwalk in the country. Detroit is booming. 👏👏👏🥰
Nice list Kyle! Thanks!
I visited downtown Seattle about a year ago and I think you made a good assessment. I stayed someone near the airport and took the Link into downtown and walked around all day. I was able to see a bunch of stuff there relying completely on public transit and on foot. There were also a ton of people out and about, and it felt like a good energy there. I'd definitely return!
Thanks for including Detroit! The Hudson's Detroit development will feature GM's future HQ, and an Edition Hotel, which are found in global destination cities.
Philly is top 3 you know this King
Great list! I was amazed how b3autiful the Pittsburgh and Nashville skylines were!
Agree. I’ve stayed in DT Chicago (River North/Streeterville) for 7 years and it’s easiest the best place I’ve ever lived. The one downfall for me was the occasional harsh winter.
Thanks for speaking highly of Detroit. Now I'm less worried.
How is Philly not a top 5 let alone a top 10 downtown. Wow
Philly does have a fabulous downtown. The blocks are closer together and the roads more narrow so it's augments its walkable feel because everything feels on a human scale. The architecture is amazing too.
Facts
I'm Chicago born and raised but lived in Philadelphia for the last fifteen years... I like the people of Philadelphia, but there are other cities far more developed and nicer than it. You all's downtown business district is small...
Miami > Philly
@@busyrand Damn thats not a fair take you grew up in chicago philly has the 5th biggest downtown in the US thats still very big
I grew up in Cleveland but lived away from there for years. I was back visiting the Rock Hall of Fame and chatting with an out of town person. He had never been to Cleveland and was impressed and said it is unfairly judged.
NYC and Philly were robbed
NYC is devouring itself.
Detroit has come such a long way in the past 50 years, thank you for including it. The old Michigan Central Station that used to be Ground Zero for “decay porn” photography has been transformed into the beautiful Ford HQ in Corktown.
Cool video, thanks for your insight!
Great breakdown. In Chicago since the 90s. Didn't need a car until the kids arrived. Weather aside. Best place to host on any budget. 🎉😂
I was in San Diego in June. I found the downtown pretty walkable while occasionally riding the trams. What surprised me is that there are intersections downtown with STOP signs, not traffic lights. It is not a crowded, noisy place even during a work day.
Chicago also has 6 major museums: Museum of the Art Institute (as seen in Ferris Bueller), Museum of Science and Industry. Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography. There is also the Ancient Cultures Museum on the Univ. of Chicago Campus a little further south and the Lincoln Park Zoo a little further north. Soldier Field (Chicago Bears Football). Northerly Island concert venue. A theater district. Great beaches, jogging/biking paths along the lake. Tons of restaurants, almost any kind of food you want.. Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, Burgers and of course Hot Dogs. Architecture tour boats up and down the river. Lakefront tour boats. Plenty of rental bikes.
If I were going to move from Cincinnati, I would seriously consider Chicago. It has everything NYC has, but considerably less expensive.
Fun times in Cleveland today! CLEVELAND!
@@Scottrick come on down to Cleveland town everyone, come look at both of our buildings.
@@davekoser3938 Buy some food that's prepared near the street. Who knows? You might even see this guy.
@@Scottrick my sons and I were in Cleveland a couple years ago, and we swear we saw “this guy”
I agree!
I used to live in an apartment on the street at 10:46 and it was great. I really loved my time in Cleveland and did not expect to at all when I first showed up.
Cleveland has great amenities but the people suck imo
Politics affecting your opinions huh?
@@mykael9447 Clearly you haven't spent that much time there... nor Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Detroit, Cincinnati et. al. for that matter. I've lived in all except Seattle (but was there for work many, many times).
I love your list! I used to live in Pittsburgh and it was a great city. The only change I would make would be to put Minneapolis in there instead of Milwaukee. Otherwise, there are some great picks in here! Thank you so much!
Chicago is great. Seven day vacation, walked every day, and maybe saw 10% of everything the city has to offer. Live there in a heartbeat.
Thanks for recognizing Detroit
Thanks for putting Chicago in the top spot and adding Toronto and Montréal beyond the 10 -but how is Philadelphia not on this list? Ditto San Francisco, Washington DC, NYC [multiple downtowns]... and DTLA [i.e., Downtown LA].
Agree with Chicago at #1. So does Condé Nast, which voted in top big city in the US for the past seven years.
As a Clevelander one of our problems has been connectivity of the nice neighborhoods but that’s getting better year by year. Shout out to our big brother to the West, Detroit. I’ll always have a kinship with the D. Don’t forget little brother Buffalo either…
Detroit is the reason Cleveland has some of the best sunsets over Lake Erie.
@@kamduke1394 Detroit isn't on lake erie
@@kamduke1394They don't call Cleveland the Miami of the North for no reason. It's actually beautiful but with less coke than Miami.
Heheh, thanks for the Canada shout out at the end! I know you've been to Vancouver, would we have made your North America list?
Most definitely! Vancouver is awesome!
Thanks for mentioning Toronto. I'm heading there for the first time this fall.
If you’ve never been there why is it so important for you to be on the list…??
We get a lot of hate from our fellow Canadians... People say we are cold, unfriendly, self centered... Ironically that's most usually from people from Vancouver lol! In all seriousness, as someone who has spent a lot of time in numerous locations across Canada, downtown Toronto is pretty great. Is it noisy? Yes. Is it busy? Yes. Is it expensive? Absolutely. That being said, it's the most diverse place ON THE PLANET, has developed a pretty interesting culture of its own over the centuries and decades, has probably the widest selection of international food of anywhere I've ever been, and c'mon, take a second to sit down and chat with a local at a bar and you'll find we are generally some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Just don't call us Americans or bash maple syrup ;) Hope you enjoy your stay!!
BOSTON!!! I always say my love is biased but I’m glad you could confirm it here 🤩🤩
And Chicago and Boston being the Top 2 feels correct.
Thanks for shouting out Milwaukee! I just moved here back in May for a job and I was instantly taken aback by how lovely the downtown was. It's clean, safe, plenty of sights to see. The architecture of the old buildings is beautiful. Truly one of America's most underrated cities. There are some bad parts of town but honestly this is my favorite city I've lived in, and I've lived in a lot. Don't plan on leaving anytime soon.
Wow plot twist with Toronto, my home and Montreal. Definitely helps make a list of great places to visit in the USA
Seattle isn't the most walkable city. There are neighborhoods and pockets that are good but in-between them is a no man's land.
Was thinking this exactly.
I completely agree. It's a tough walk, up and down some of the steepest hills imaginable. I used to think San Francisco's hills were steep, but in Seattle, everything feels like it's uphill. And with Uber being expensive, walking is often the best option, so make sure to wear comfy shoes and dress warm. Still, it's such a beautiful city!
As a life long New Yorker, I only recently spent a long weekend really exploring Boston and can say I was very impressed. Very manageable size to walk, relatively clean and beautiful walkable waterfront areas.