Quote:
Originally Posted by DCReid
Any thoughts on why Memphis has not grown rapidly as a metro (and city) to other metros like DFW and Atlanta, and even Nashville? I think it is halfway between those two metros and is a good transportation hub. I would think it could have capitalized on its location to be the major Southeast hub. Maybe it was not racially progressive enough compared with Atlanta, or in a major state, like TX. Or maybe because its state has other major cities, like Nashville, which has pulled away from Memphis is size and stature? Or maybe because northern cities like Chicago and St Louis were more draws for the people that would consider moving there - I believe a lot of African Americans from Mississippi ended up in Chicago, so they must of went through Memphis on their way to settling in Chicago.
|
Memphis is not a state capital which would otherwise provide a solid base of recession-proof high paying white collar jobs. Being a state capital AND a railroad hub makes Atlanta a regional superpower over Montgomery, Jackson, Tallahassee, and Columbia.
Instead, Memphis is a river city with a similar economic base as New Orleans and St. Louis which are also in deep distress. Competing with Nashville in the same state just makes a hard situation more difficult.
Ranching, rail, and early industry gave Dallas an economic headstart compared to other cities in the region-an advantage that compounded with the establishment of a regional airport hub. Major airport hub applies to Atlanta as well.
Alabama-Montgomery
Arkansas-Little Rock
Florida-Tallahassee
Georgia-
Atlanta
Louisiana-Baton Rouge
Mississippi-Jackson
North Carolina-
Raleigh
South Carolina-Columbia
Texas-
Austin
Tennessee-
Nashville
Virginia-Richmond