From a Distance: What Makes Great Cities Great

Through A Traveling Phoenician’s Eyes

As someone who has had the great fortune of living and working in some of the world's most renowned urban landscapes, I’ve often pondered the question:

What makes a city great?

Having spent the better part of my life in the bay areas of Boston and San Francisco ~ I’m what you might call, bi-coastal! ~ I’ve absorbed the energy of the East Coast’s historical gravity and the West Coast’s innovative spirit.

Now, after 27 years as a Phoenician, I find myself reflecting on the differences and parallels between these and other cities I’ve traveled ~ and what it means for a place to rise to greatness.

Defining a sense of place

A great city, I’ve learned, offers a palpable sense of place ~ a distinctive personality shaped by its history, culture, and people.

But, greatness isn’t tied to these markers alone. It may reveal itself over time in the way cities adapt and evolve into places where people feel deeply connected to their surroundings, whether through the natural environment, opportunities for growth, or the rich tapestry of human experience.

These observations align with the insights of major urban thinkers, who have observed that cities thrive when they prioritize human experience, creativity, and social interaction.

Jane Jacobs (The Death and Life of Great American Cities) and Jan Gehl (Cities for People) emphasize the importance of walkability, vibrant street life, and community-driven development; they advocate for human-centered urban design that fosters social connection.

Charles Montgomery (Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design) highlights how city design profoundly impacts residents' happiness, while Rem Koolhaas (Delirious New York) views cities as engines of creativity and invention. Richard Florida (The Rise of the Creative Class) and Charles Landry (The Creative City: A Toolkit for Urban Innovators) explore the role of culture and creativity, arguing that diverse, innovative environments attract the "creative class" and drive urban success.

Meanwhile, Edward Glaeser (Triumph of the City) focuses on the economic advantages of dense cities, promoting policies that support innovation and productivity.

Thinkers like David Harvey (Rebel Cities) and Lewis Mumford (The City in History) caution that cities must balance technological and economic progress with humanistic values, advocating for urban spaces that prioritize social equity, historical continuity, and community well-being.

In essence, great cities are not just economic hubs or technological marvels, but places where people feel connected, creativity is nurtured, and communities thrive through inclusive, human-centered design.

The contrasts that define greatness

With these observations in mind, let’s look at the contrasts between Phoenix and other urban centers.

When I arrived in Phoenix, the metro population was nearing 2.6 million; today, it’s over 4.7 million. The headline has been one of growth and sprawl, turning Phoenix into the fifth-largest city in the U.S. However, despite this rapid expansion, I quickly noticed that Phoenix lacked the sense of self that characterizes places like Boston, San Francisco, or even its neighboring cities like Tempe and Mesa. It was a "big" city with a small-town mentality, searching for an identity. It felt like a blank canvas when I arrived ~ a city defined by its climate and its endless quest to accommodate new growth and welcoming to newcomers and new visions.

Phoenix has evolved significantly since my arrival. Though it’s a far cry from the cultural hubs of the East Coast, it’s slowly carving out its own identity. Its arts and culture scenes are budding, and its sports franchises offer a unifying thread for a diverse population. Over time, the small-town mentality has given way to something more, even as the summers continue to drive people from one air-conditioned refuge to another.

Phoenix is a city that teaches you to find beauty in scarcity ~ whether it's water, shade, or green spaces. It’s a place where canals might be mistaken for rivers and the fight against the relentless desert sun is a daily struggle. It’s a relatively young city that feels like it’s still beginning to write its story, building new subdivisions where history barely seems to have left a footprint.

In contrast, cities along the New England Coast ~ where I now find myself traveling ~ seem to revel in their established personalities. The region’s abundant trees, ocean breezes, and historical landmarks offer a visceral sense of place. It’s easy to feel connected to the centuries of life that have shaped these cities. In Boston, for example, you can feel the weight of history in the cobblestone streets and smell the Atlantic Ocean’s salt in the air. It so easily reminds me of my other home…San Francisco, with its foggy mornings and artistic enclaves, exuding a culture of innovation and resilience.

While Boston and San Francisco ~ and let’s not forget Chicago, London, Rome, and Athens ~ have years of cultural development behind them, Phoenix’s story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by the harsh desert and the challenges of modern urban sprawl.

As I trade Phoenix’s cacti for New England’s clam chowder, heatwaves for harbor breezes, and desert sunsets for Atlantic coastal sunrises, I can’t help but reflect on these contrasts…and remind myself that the greatness of a city lies not in its adherence to a single formula but in the unique ways it responds to the needs and dreams of its people.