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Detroit vs Cleveland--without a car

Replies: 9 - Last Post: May 26, 2012 10:59 AM Last Post By: Jay_Huhman

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smokingcrayon

smokingcrayon avatar

May 23, 2012 7:05 PM
Posts:  7

Detroit vs Cleveland--without a car

I'm planning an extended car-free trip around the U.S. and had it in mind to stop over in Detroit and Cleveland because I wanted to see these cities that used to be booming, fell into a depression, and are now making a comeback with urban renewal. For instance, Ohio City Farm, located in Cleveland, is of great interest to me because it is one of the largest urban farms in America.

I've since tacked on other cities on my trip and will now need to drop one of the aforementioned cities.

Potentially Influential Factors:

Single female travel. No car. Willing to rent a bicycle. Only staying for two nights.

Not interested in sports (I know Cleveland and Detroit have famous stadiums...), am interested in street art, walkable/bikeable areas, urban farming/parks, and evidence (either in the arts, transit, infrastructure, etc.) of how the city is making a comeback.

Thanks!

bzookaj

bzookaj avatar

May 23, 2012 8:05 PM
Posts:  5,224

1

Stick with xDetroit.

I know Cleveland and Detroit have famous stadiums...
Not really.

mrpenney

mrpenney avatar

May 23, 2012 8:15 PM
Posts:  6,129

2

This is a tough one. If you're truly interested in rebirth, Cleveland seems the closer of the two cities to truly turning the corner. But the blight in Detroit was much worse to begin with, which might make it the better story for you.

Note that the public transit in Cleveland is better.

Not interested in sports

Cities often try to make new stadiums the centerpieces of urban renewal projects. The stadium does draw people downtown...but on the other hand, it's never been clear that the investment really gets recouped. So if you're interested in urban planning, you might have to become a sports fan (or at least a stadium fan) in spite of yourself.

--M.

Edited by: mrpenney

Usher73

Usher73 avatar

May 24, 2012 12:02 AM
Posts:  3,451

3

Detroit had a famous baseball stadium, Tiger Field. They tore it down and built a new one. Much more remains to be torn down. Public transit is undependable.

If Detroit hasn't reached bottom yet, it's close.

I wouldn't walk or ride a bicycle alone around Detroit myself, so I recommend you don't either.

pizwat

pizwat avatar

May 24, 2012 7:26 AM
Posts:  880

4

I agree with mrpenney. The intensity of the decay may be more intense in Detroit. However, I looked at your other posts and it looks like you are traveling in December. If that's the case, with the shorter days I might be inclined to pick Cleveland since there are nice sections and I'd want to have something to do after 5pm. Random bit of Americana:

http://www.clevelandstyle.com/

zeldasdad

zeldasdad avatar

May 24, 2012 12:34 PM
Posts:  923

5

If you want to see how Rome looked after the Vandals, see Detroit.

smokingcrayon

smokingcrayon avatar

May 25, 2012 5:34 AM
Posts:  7

6

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided I'm going to go to Cleveland over Detroit.

ianw6705

ianw6705 avatar

May 25, 2012 5:52 AM
Posts:  8,205

7

I guess it's like saying you would rather be swallowed whole than bitten in half. And have a great time.

Usher73

Usher73 avatar

May 25, 2012 9:47 AM
Posts:  3,451

8

The difference between Detroit and Rome is the Vandals who sacked Rome were from out of town. The vandals in Detroit are natives.

Jay_Huhman

Jay_Huhman avatar

May 26, 2012 10:59 AM
Posts:  17

9

OP, I've vacationed in Cleveland however it was over the summer to see the White Sox play the Indians at Jacobs Field. Not possible in December even if you were interested.

Cleveland does have the rock and roll museum, a great classical orchestra, an interesting new public library, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the campus of Case-Western U.

A friend describes Cleveland as a great place to live but a lousy place to look for work.
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