I'm comparing Atlanta to other cities of similar size in which I have spent some time, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Manhattan, Chicago, Cinci, Dallas, New Orleans. Atlanta does have a lot in common with Chicago, but I have been chaulking that up to the sheer size and the pressure of having to live in close proximity to 3-4 million people. She is certainly less southern than Smaller cities like Montgomery or Lake Charles LA. New Orleans is unique. Each of these cities have their own character. To me the trait that defines Atlanta in comparison to other large cities is her ties to The South.