Brickell Ranked No. 7 Friendliest U.S. City. Miami Isn’t Buying It.
Journalists’ Skepticism Runs Deep
Journalists at New Times are constantly bombarded with surveys and “studies” that are typically tied to a particular product, then left to discern the reports’ legitimacy and determine if they are just flimsy public relations tactics. Earlier this month, a “study” wound up in South Florida journalists’ email inboxes, declaring Brickell one of the friendliest cities in the U.S., and three popular Miami Instagram accounts decided to run with it.
The Study’s Methodology
The study in question, conducted by a company called Walk Score, analyzed 25 different factors, including crime rates, walkability, and community engagement. According to the report, Brickell’s high ranking is due in part to its walkable streets, accessible public transportation, and strong sense of community.
Miami’s Response
But many in Miami are skeptical of the report’s findings. “I’ve lived in Brickell for years, and while it’s a great neighborhood, I wouldn’t say it’s the friendliest,” said long-time resident Maria Rodriguez. “I’ve seen plenty of people from all walks of life, but it’s not a place where you’ll find a community that’s particularly welcoming to new faces.”
A Lack of Local Perspective
One of the major criticisms of the study is its lack of local perspective. The report’s authors relied on national data and did not conduct any on-the-ground research in Brickell or Miami. As a result, the findings may not accurately reflect the reality of life in the city.
Conclusion
While the study’s findings may be intriguing, they should be taken with a grain of salt. Miami is a complex and diverse city, and any attempt to rank it based on a single factor – such as “friendliness” – is likely to be incomplete. As journalists, it’s our job to scrutinize these reports and provide a more nuanced understanding of the city we cover.
FAQs
* What is Walk Score and how does it determine its rankings?
* Walk Score is a company that provides data and analysis on walkability and community engagement. It uses a combination of data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the American Community Survey to determine its rankings.
* Why is the study’s methodology flawed?
* The study’s methodology is flawed because it relies on national data and does not conduct any on-the-ground research in Brickell or Miami. This means that the findings may not accurately reflect the reality of life in the city.
* Is Brickell really the friendliest city in the U.S.?
* No, according to many long-time residents of the neighborhood, Brickell is not particularly known for being a welcoming community.
