America is a nation defined by state boundaries. But are there more functional, less contrived ways of defining its geography? Perhaps by culture? By political leanings? Or watersheds? Or by this one -- city-states as defined by commuting patterns....

 

Here Are the Real Boundaries of American Metropolises, Decided by an Algorithm

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/here-are-the-real-boundaries-of-american-metropolises-decided-by-an-algorithm

 

 

That Hinterlands map looks to be quite accurate, actually.

Interesting that the "Cincinnati-Columbus" region would be defined as going all the way through West Virginia to the Virginia border, about as far from Ohio in West Virginia as you can get (i.e., no Virginia region territory spills over into the state of West Virginia at all).

If they're connected to anybody, it's us. Southerners still call them "Yankees".

Interesting that the "Cincinnati-Columbus" region would be defined as going all the way through West Virginia to the Virginia border, about as far from Ohio in West Virginia as you can get (i.e., no Virginia region territory spills over into the state of West Virginia at all).

 

It makes sense as the largest DMA markets in West Virginia border Ohio and West Virginians love Columbus.  I mean, love Columbus.

.  I mean, love Columbus.

 

For those who cannot be lucky enough to live in Cincy

Oh, I'm sure they are glad with their choice ;).

Cincinnatians are more receptive to Kentuckians than they are to West Virginians.

The map looks overgeneralized in places. The red of Detroit includes Toledo and Grand Rapids, which are definitely with Detroit's orbit, but have their own commuting patterns independent of the D. The bunching up of Wichita-KC, Jackson-New Orleans, Cols-Cincy-Dayton, and other interdependent but distinct cities are also examples.

 

OTOH, I'm surprised at how limited Chicago's reach is; does Des Moines really stretch into central Illinois? That has to be Chicago territory.

 

I don't consider these to be regions; the map does a better job of showing how large CSAs can be, but I consider a region to be much larger than a city-state.

State of Erie, anyone? ;)

That Hinterlands map looks to be quite accurate, actually.

 

You sound so white! Haha.

Woah...what's up with the Montana region? They didn't even bother naming it anything. The only time Montana seems to exist or matter is every four years during election season when it manages to help screw the country over.

Interesting that the "Cincinnati-Columbus" region would be defined as going all the way through West Virginia to the Virginia border, about as far from Ohio in West Virginia as you can get (i.e., no Virginia region territory spills over into the state of West Virginia at all).

 

 

It makes sense as the largest DMA markets in West Virginia border Ohio and West Virginians love Columbus.  I mean, love Columbus.

 

 

that old joke:

 

what do the schools teach in wv?

 

the 3 r's.

 

'readin, 'ritin and the road to columbus

Yep, and the Portsmouth equivalent: "Readin', 'Writin' and Route 23"

And oldie but a goodie...

 

How Hyperconnected Cities Are Taking Over the World

“Political geography is not determinant anymore, because cities are more important.”

http://www.citylab.com/housing/2016/04/cities-drive-the-new-world-order-parag-khanna-connectography-maps/480165/

The Case for British Parliament of Mayors (stunning how far behind is the US has fallen on this) - - https://t.co/cAJiPTsmQa