Would you want to live in a world class megacity?

[Aznsilvrboy]

With 10 million+ population such as New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and etc...I've visited some, and their common characteristic is that their life seems very busy and fast paced, but it also seems much more fun and lively, with their vibrant night life standing out the most. By "live" I mean experience it for than than just being a tourist, but not necessarily that you must stay forever.

[epik89]

who wouldnt?

if i wanted to really experience the city i'd have to stay at least 5 years.

[Purgatory]

Nah.. Even Mississauga is too crowded for me! lol!

[15-20_God]

My goal is to live in the Olympic Village for 3 weeks.

[forthewinwin]

I've always been a fast-paced person. I'd like it.

Ideally however, if I had the money, I'd buy properties in multiple places and have family near some of them so they can look after them. I want to live in a place for a while and be able to live in another. Get more experiences. A dream of course.

[Aznsilvrboy]

My goal is to live in the Olympic Village for 3 weeks.

and have lots of sex?

[Manatus]

No. I've lived in some (15+ years total) and I'd never do it again. Just too many people.

[15-20_God]

and have lots of sex?

I figured with the Olympic's I don't have to be ashamed of always coming first since that's the goal.

[Aznsilvrboy]

I figured with the Olympic's I don't have to be ashamed of always coming first since that's the goal.

I see what you did there...

[zz000ter]

I would rather have 10 acres in the country
... and drive into the city when I need to

[rommelrommel]

I would rather have 10 acres in the country
... and drive into the city when I need to

x2

The only thing I would miss is the restaurants.

[stealth]

I would rather have 10 acres in the country
... and drive into the city when I need to

+1
I don't need to live in the heart of the city to be able to enjoy some of what it offers periodically without having to endure its inconveniences on a daily basis.

[LostInTruth]

I would rather have 10 acres in the country
... and drive into the city when I need to

-1

I prefer the diversity and vibrancy of the city. Land and no one to share it with is not worth it.

[Jimboski]

Probably not, To crowded.. Super duper long commute I would think too.

[Aristophanes]

To visit, sure. To live, no thanks. After living in large cities for my childhood, I prefer now the easy, slow paced life of smaller cities (max. 150k population) that's about 1 hour away from a large city. Get the best of both worlds.

[wilsonlam97]

I see what you did there...

Now I do too.

[Jimboski]

Now I do too.

I don't :(.

[willdacanucker]

I don't :(.


I figured with the Olympic's I don't have to be ashamed of always coming first since that's the goal.

:lol: @ 15-20

[Catherine111]

No for living i wouldn't prefer any mega city to live. To get rid of relentless pressures and fast life's problems i would prefer to live in remote city.

[flashy_mcflash]

I need the action of the city for my own sanity. I don't think I could handle living in a rural area for more than two weeks.

Just personal preference.

[Syne]

Zero interest in even visiting really. To each their own

[nalababe]

Yes.

That being said, that does not mean living in a condo etc...there are always places within the city that are houses, have land, and are great to live in....

[Manatus]

-1

I prefer the diversity and vibrancy of the city. Land and no one to share it with is not worth it.

For me, that's the point - not having to share. Isn't that the "American Dream"? To be so wealthy that you don't have to put up with having neighbours? I would much rather have the big country estate with no one else around, rather than have a house downtown or in a good city neighbourhood (which will probably end up costing the same).

[flashy_mcflash]

What am I gonna do with an acre? Get a bunch of goats? Have so many children that I can start a football team? All I see is a titanic amount of grass to mow.

[uber_shnitz]

It's definitely something I'd want to try. I don't know yet if it's something I want to do long term. I don't know about megacities but I suspect if Montreal, a city of 1.5 million people, has people of all ages go out so must they and I'm still not totally used to that. Come midnight and 1-2am, I still see toddlers and seniors out on the street or the terraces just strolling around or enjoying themselves. It's not the mentality I'm used to where babies go to bed at 9pm and seniors eat at 6pm and go to bed by the same time. I'm not sure if at 70-80 that's what I want to be doing but at this point in time yes I'd like to try it out. I like being in crowds actually :lol: You absorb the energy, the atmosphere. That's why festivals and concerts are so popular. Part of it is the music or main attraction, and part of it is the crowds and the atmosphere they generate. I like being somewhere that feels "alive" even if I'm not myself a super going out person. I like being able to find out new things and try new things at any time of the day.

Now I'm not sure how I feel about living in a super tight crowded apartment because of high city density though... Like I said, I'm not a super going out person (partly because I'm broke :lol:) so I *do* like a certain level of comfort in my living space and I know heavily dense cities tend to lack that because of space and population density issues. I'm not the type of person who doesn't do anything in their place except sleep I do spend evenings there so I want it to be livable and depending which megacity we're talking about it might or might not meet my needs (or cost an astronomical price to do so).

Also note, if nightlife is the topic, Beirut is pretty much renowned for it and it's not even a megacity at all :razz:


For me, that's the point - not having to share. Isn't that the "American Dream"? To be so wealthy that you don't have to put up with having neighbours? I would much rather have the big country estate with no one else around, rather than have a house downtown or in a good city neighbourhood (which will probably end up costing the same).
Well most rich people have multiple estates for that reason. They usually have a penthouse in a big city like NYC then a nice estate somewhere in the country to have the bet of both worlds.

[d182]

I would love to live in different mega cities just for the experience. Visiting for a few days isn't the same but it'll have to do since I'm not rich :)

[willdacanucker]

Having lived in major cities all over North America my whole life and now in Toronto, I gotta say, the city life has worn greatly on me. When I was working in DC, I decided to try living on the outer- outer suburbs in VA, to save some cash. It was a hell of a drive into the city everyday, but on the weekends, it was so nice to be able to go home, chill on some land with no neighbours around and do whatever. That said, if it were not for being able to head into the city 5 days a week, I would have lost my mind I think, living and working there exclusively. In the interest of disclosure, I also moved back to the city after my lease was up because it was a pita everyday to keep that drive up.

[Aznsilvrboy]

To visit, sure. To live, no thanks. After living in large cities for my childhood, I prefer now the easy, slow paced life of smaller cities (max. 150k population) that's about 1 hour away from a large city. Get the best of both worlds.

Which large cities have you lived?

[elmst200]

Isn't Toronto a world-class city?
I'd love to live in Toronto.

[uber_shnitz]

Isn't Toronto a world-class city?
I'd love to live in Toronto.

It's not a megacity however:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megacity

"A megacity is usually defined as a metropolitan area with a total population in excess of 10 million people."

[ssainani]

Isn't Toronto a world-class city?
I'd love to live in Toronto.

Yes it is. Just not to the sheep of this website.


Although i think the only tier1 world class cities would be London and NYC.

[uber_shnitz]

What are our criteria for "world class". Megacities are jduged purely on population, but based on what do we judge a megacity is "world class"?

[Aznsilvrboy]

What are our criteria for "world class". Megacities are jduged purely on population, but based on what do we judge a megacity is "world class"?

We can judge them based on economic, political, cultural, and infrastructural characteristics. Toronto definitely loses out on the political and infrastructural side of things. A city like Tokyo for example obviously ranks high in every category.

[flashy_mcflash]

We can judge them based on economic, political, cultural, and infrastructural characteristics. Toronto definitely loses out on the political and infrastructural side of things. A city like Tokyo for example obviously ranks high in every category.

Tokyo's infrastructure (http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2012/07/18/fukushima-watch-japan-orders-another-look-at-earthquake-faults-under-two-nuclear-plants/) isn't exactly setting the world on fire these days, so to speak.

[ssainani]

What are our criteria for "world class". Megacities are jduged purely on population, but based on what do we judge a megacity is "world class"?

Economic characteristics
The New York Stock Exchange, New York Serve as the corporate headquarter sites for multinational corporations, international financial institutions, law firms, conglomerates, and stock exchanges that influence the world economy
Contribute significant financial capacity/output to the city's, region's, or even nation's GDP
House the major stock market / market capitalisation
Provide a variety of international financial services notably in the FIRE industries, banking, accountancy, and marketing

Appear near the top of cost of living lists and have significant agglomerations of personal wealth, e.g. in the number of billionaires residing within the city

Political characteristics
The Palace of Westminster, LondonActive influence on and participation in international events and world affairs; for example, Beijing, Berlin, London, Moscow, New Delhi, Paris, Tokyo, and Washington are capitals of influential nations.
Hosting headquarters for international organizations such as the World Bank, NATO, or the UN.
A large proper, population of the municipality (the centre of a metropolitan area, typically several million

Expatriate communities

Cultural characteristics
The Louvre, Paris International, first-name familiarity. Cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, and London are commonly referred to without needing to specify their country.

Renowned cultural institutions (often with high endowments), such as notable museums and galleries, notable opera, major ballet companies, orchestras, notable film centres and theatre centres. A lively cultural scene, including film festivals (such as the Toronto International Film Festival), premieres, a thriving music scene, nightlife, an opera company, art galleries, street performers, and annual parades.[citation needed]
Several influential media outlets with an international reach, such as the BBC, Thompson Reuters, The New York Times, or Agence France-Presse

A strong sporting community, including major sports facilities, home teams in major league sports, and the ability and historical experience to host international sporting events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, or Grand Slam tennis events.

Educational institutions; e.g., renowned universities,international student attendance, research facilities

Tourism throughout

City as site or subject in arts and media, television, film, video games, music, literature, magazines, articles, documentary[citation needed]
City as an often repeated historic reference, showcase, or symbolic actions

Infrastructural characteristicsAn advanced transportation system that includes several highways and/or a large mass transit network offering multiple modes of transportation.

Extensive and popular mass transit systems, prominent rail usage, road vehicle usage, major seaports

A major international airport that serves as an established hub for several international airlines.

Prominent skylines/skyscrapers

Cities' telephone and mail services, airport flights-range, traffic congestion, availability of water, train facilities, nearby parks, hospitals, libraries, police stations, etc

[Kohanz]

Not anymore. Maybe when I was younger. Not the ideal place to raise a family, IMHO.

[Aznsilvrboy]

Tokyo's infrastructure (http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2012/07/18/fukushima-watch-japan-orders-another-look-at-earthquake-faults-under-two-nuclear-plants/) isn't exactly setting the world on fire these days, so to speak.

That's an article about nuclear power plant safety in Ishikawa prefecture and Fukui prefecture, not Tokyo. Nuclear power plants aren't exactly integral infrastructure for a world class city either. See other guy's post above for detailed description of these characteristics.

[stealth]

I need the action of the city for my own sanity. I don't think I could handle living in a rural area for more than two weeks.

Just personal preference.


even though weve debated heatedly on this topic before, I actually get what youre saying...I grew up in the city, and moved to Oakville in my mid 20's...Hated it. First of all, I was young and single and there was nothign to do...and back then, in the late 90's Oakville was a fraction of what it is now. and all my friends were from the city and couldnt be bothered to come out to see me, I had to always go in to see them. I always tell my new city friends who move out to the burbs that they will quickly learn who their real friends are.

Now I love the burbs, hate going into the city, fun for an occasional day of shopping or dinner out, but really offers nothign to me. I love living in an upscale area, with wide lots, privacy,friendly neighbors that I can communicate with, no parking issues, minimal crime that affects me, and little things like being able to go biking with my dogs at 11pm for 5k and not see a single car on the road on some nights in our neighborhood. I like malls with parking, short lineups, tons of selection and good prices over tiny over priced shops with over-rated service, and little selection. But I know, my suburban experience is not indicative of everyones. I am lucky.

It all depends what stage of life youre at...and of course some ppl are just city ppl (or not-city ppl).

If you got a do-over in life, I wouldnt have moved out to oakville to buy a house so early...I would have bought a condo in a trendy place like Y&E, met a nice girl (after meeting some more bad girls) and then settled down a few yrs later in the burbs.

[flashy_mcflash]

even though weve debated heatedly on this topic before, I actually get what youre saying...I grew up in the city, and moved to Oakville in my mid 20's...Hated it. First of all, I was young and single and there was nothign to do...and back then, in the late 90's Oakville was a fraction of what it is now. and all my friends were from the city and couldnt be bothered to come out to see me, I had to always go in to see them. I always tell my new city friends who move out to the burbs that they will quickly learn who their real friends are.

Now I love the burbs, hate going into the city, fun for an occasional day of shopping or dinner out, but really offers nothign to me. I love living in an upscale area, with wide lots, privacy,friendly neighbors that I can communicate with, no parking issues, minimal crime that affects me, and little things like being able to go biking with my dogs at 11pm for 5k and not see a single car on the road on some nights in our neighborhood. I like malls with parking, short lineups, tons of selection and good prices over tiny over priced shops with over-rated service, and little selection. But I know, my suburban experience is not indicative of everyones. I am lucky.

It all depends what stage of life youre at...and of course some ppl are just city ppl (or not-city ppl).

If you got a do-over in life, I wouldnt have moved out to oakville to buy a house so early...I would have bought a condo in a trendy place like Y&E, met a nice girl (after meeting some more bad girls) and then settled down a few yrs later in the burbs.

I think that's fair. I'm not at the point in my life where I have kids so I may feel differently later on (meaning a move to the burbs - I cannot see myself being happy in an actual rural area even in my twilight years), but having grown up in the burbs I wouldn't want to live there anytime soon. I guess downtown still has that 'exotic playground' factor for me.

Still, I'm in a good location now, geographically, with good schools, LOADS of parks, and very easy access to downtown Toronto so unless we end up having more than two kids (which I sincerely hope doesn't happen) I don't see us moving that far out. And like you, I acknowledge that my situation is hardly typical. We leapfrogged a lot of our now-married friends and bought a property where we did while most of them had other priorities and they're now struggling with Toronto property values or moving out into what they consider 'the sticks'.

[zonetbh]

Yes it is. Just not to the sheep of this website.


Although i think the only tier1 world class cities would be London and NYC.

Toronto is an Alpha class city. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_city

It could be Alpha+ in the future with some good decisions and assuming (good) immigration into the city keeps up at its current rate.

[stealth]

I think that's fair. I'm not at the point in my life where I have kids so I may feel differently later on (meaning a move to the burbs - I cannot see myself being happy in an actual rural area even in my twilight years), but having grown up in the burbs I wouldn't want to live there anytime soon. I guess downtown still has that 'exotic playground' factor for me.
Still, I'm in a good location now, geographically, with good schools, LOADS of parks, and very easy access to downtown Toronto so unless we end up having more than two kids (which I sincerely hope doesn't happen) I don't see us moving that far out. And like you, I acknowledge that my situation is hardly typical. We leapfrogged a lot of our now-married friends and bought a property where we did while most of them had other priorities and they're now struggling with Toronto property values or moving out into what they consider 'the sticks'.

Thats definitely somehting a lot of ppl have, and others never will.
My aunt/uncle have spent their last 40 yrs or so in the Pharmacy/Finch area of Scarborough, which for the most part feels as much like the burbs as anywhere Ive ever been, and at their muskoka cottage in the summer...now that theyre retired theyre contemplating downsizing to a downtown condo....where they each grew up. so almost coming full circle.

I always thought I'd come back to my old neighborhood in Bloor west to raise a family, send my kids to the same schools I went to etc. But things there have just changed too much...and my type A grumpy personality requires me to give myself some more elbow room in my offtime. :)

[NorthYorker]

I used to live in a place like this, but found out that I like Toronto's 2+ mln a better fit for me.

[flashy_mcflash]

Thats definitely somehting a lot of ppl have, and others never will.
My aunt/uncle have spent their last 40 yrs or so in the Pharmacy/Finch area of Scarborough, which for the most part feels as much like the burbs as anywhere Ive ever been, and at their muskoka cottage in the summer...now that theyre retired theyre contemplating downsizing to a downtown condo....where they each grew up. so almost coming full circle.

I always thought I'd come back to my old neighborhood in Bloor west to raise a family, send my kids to the same schools I went to etc. But things there have just changed too much...and my type A grumpy personality requires me to give myself some more elbow room in my offtime. :)

I think Bloor West is still a great place to raise a family...If you can afford it. It's one of the neighborhoods that's stayed on the up-and-up for a long time with good access to High Park and the lake. We put an offer in on something there earlier this year and it went over $100K over :cry:

[stealth]

I think Bloor West is still a great place to raise a family...If you can afford it. It's one of the neighborhoods that's stayed on the up-and-up for a long time with good access to High Park and the lake. We put an offer in on something there earlier this year and it went over $100K over :cry:

ya it would still be near the top to my list if I moved into the city, but the parking situation was nuts then and is even worse now, and youre right, the prices are ridiculous for what you get.

[Aristophanes]

Which large cities have you lived?

Taipei, Taiwan
Johnnesburg, South Africa
Toronto, Canada
Cologne, Germany
And now lovely tiny city of Bern, Switzerland

[stealth]

Taipei, Taiwan
Johnnesburg, South Africa
Toronto, Canada
Cologne, Germany
And now lovely tiny city of Bern, Switzerland
Oh man, I loved Switzerland! Thats a great place to live for sure!

[flashy_mcflash]

Copenhagen was a really awesome city too, but I am legitimately a Lego fanboy and being that close to Legoland was a big deal for me, haha.

[NorthYorker]

Taipei, Taiwan
Johnnesburg, South Africa
Toronto, Canada
Cologne, Germany
And now lovely tiny city of Bern, SwitzerlandTBH, not a single city in your list qualifies as a "megacity". NYC or Mumbai are "mega". GTA is not. No offence, just numbers.

[Aznsilvrboy]

TBH, not a single city in your list qualifies as a "megacity". NYC or Mumbai are "mega". GTA is not. No offence, just numbers.

I believe in his original post he said he's lived in large cities before, and didn't like it. Hence, he wouldn't live in a megacity either.

[gilboman]

With 10 million+ population such as New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and etc...I've visited some, and their common characteristic is that their life seems very busy and fast paced, but it also seems much more fun and lively, with their vibrant night life standing out the most. By "live" I mean experience it for than than just being a tourist, but not necessarily that you must stay forever.

nope unless I'm some ultrarich individual

[sandikosh]

With 10 million+ population such as New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and etc...I've visited some, and their common characteristic is that their life seems very busy and fast paced, but it also seems much more fun and lively, with their vibrant night life standing out the most. By "live" I mean experience it for than than just being a tourist, but not necessarily that you must stay forever.

No. I prefer to live miles away fom it in a small town.

[McClane]

I would love to, sure. I think Montreal has the perfect balance, though. Big enough to have all sorts of things going on, but not so chaotic.

[ali123]

Na I'd prefer living on a island. Granville Island would be ideal..............

[Aznsilvrboy]

No. I prefer to live miles away fom it in a small town.

So are you still living in Toronto?

[Aristophanes]

I believe in his original post he said he's lived in large cities before, and didn't like it. Hence, he wouldn't live in a megacity either.

I find that once a city reach a certain population threshold, it's just big. "Megacity" to me is just another label.

Though, if a city is twice as large as its neighbour, it is likely 15% richer. Article on that (http://www.economist.com/node/21557313).

[NorthYorker]

I find that once a city reach a certain population threshold, it's just big. "Megacity" to me is just another label.Nope. At least, not to me. Megacities I've lived in or visited share certain "speed of life", rush energy flowing along the street. You are going to Chicago, it is pretty much same as in Toronto in terms of pace. You are going to NYC, folks are rushing like crazy there.

[yucksta]

Only if I had serious $, and then only temporarily, otherwise many megacities are a living hell. Ask their slum dwellers.

[gilboman]

I would love to, sure. I think Montreal has the perfect balance, though. Big enough to have all sorts of things going on, but not so chaotic.

Montreal is much too small, no broadway type shows, extremely limited in shopping, poor choices/prices for flights.

[stealth]

Montreal is much too small, no broadway type shows, extremely limited in shopping, poor choices/prices for flights.

how often do you seriously go to "broadway type shows"?


I like mOntreal, but not sure how it got into a discussion about world class mega cities....this isnt 1967.

[manixc]

Tokyo yes I will like to live there
Shanghai no
London yes
New York maybe
Seoul probably yes

Hong Kong was probably the largest (population-wise) I have lived in sine I am born there. However, I don't think I can live there again.

[Aristophanes]

Nope. At least, not to me. Megacities I've lived in or visited share certain "speed of life", rush energy flowing along the street. You are going to Chicago, it is pretty much same as in Toronto in terms of pace. You are going to NYC, folks are rushing like crazy there.

Then if it's the rush you're looking for, it's about density rather than population. You can find the same fast paced life in Singapore as well, and it's not a "megacity".

[gilboman]

how often do you seriously go to "broadway type shows"?


I like mOntreal, but not sure how it got into a discussion about world class mega cities....this isnt 1967.

2-3x a year?

[zonetbh]

So are you still living in Toronto?

The 5th biggest city in North America is a small town. Ugh, the trolls are getting so blatant on here these days.

[heymikey]

Yes, I actually moved to London last week and I just love the city. The Olympics hasn't even started yet (though I've seen athletes in their country's uniforms walking around) and the crowds on a typical weekday night in the West End is about the same as being in Calgary's Stampede (lol, I'm sure that doesn't mean anything to you folks from Toronto). And that's just a typical weekday. I also just love how international the crowd is. Walking around and riding on the tube, more than half of the languages I hear aren't even English. National Rail train stations are so busy, you feel like you're in Pearson. I visited Paddington and Liverpool Street stations just before midnight once on a weekday, and it was still busy with suburban commuters rushing home. And if all these crowds get to you, a quiet garden square is close by. And quiet towns and less busy cities like Paris are just a train away.

[heymikey]

Na I'd prefer living on a island. Granville Island would be ideal..............
What about Manhattan?

[aplayaz2000]

am enjoying toronto so far

[stealth]

2-3x a year?

To each their own...good for you for doing it, but I can't see planning my residence around something I do 2-3 nights a year.

[stealth]

What about Manhattan?

It's very easy to forget youre on an island when you're in manhattan

[CRAZYBUBBA]

I've lived in 2 megacities (I'm actually in one now) but I would love to move back to a small town like the one where I went to college.

[Forhad]

Maybe or maybe not.:confused:

[desidealer49]

Nah. Although i wouldn't mind living on the outskirts of London (UK). Loved that place when i was there.

[hagbard]

Well, you won't have the choice much longer. Better like the megacity. Google "agenda 21".