In my quest to identify the ideal location for a Jedi Temple in the United States, I’ve narrowed my focus to five cities that align closely with the project’s criteria. These cities not only face significant challenges in crime and urban dynamics—making them potential hotspots for Jedi peacekeeping—but they also offer access to nearby quieter, natural areas suited for meditation and training. Let’s take a closer look at why I’ve chosen these locations and how GIS will help uncover the best options.
1. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is a city with a well-documented history of high violent crime rates. Its urban challenges make it a prime candidate for Jedi intervention, where peacekeeping efforts could have a significant impact. Beyond the city’s boundaries, the nearby Ozarks and Mark Twain National Forest provide serene and remote environments for a Jedi Temple—perfect for fostering introspection and training. This balance between urban need and natural retreat makes St. Louis a compelling choice.
2. Oakland, California
Oakland’s crime rates, especially in certain neighborhoods, make it another strong candidate for Jedi peacekeeping. The city’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay and surrounding regional parks offers a blend of accessibility and tranquility. The redwood groves and coastal views in areas like Joaquin Miller Park could provide an inspiring backdrop for a Jedi Temple. Additionally, Oakland’s diverse cultural history adds a layer of depth to its potential selection.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has long faced challenges with violent crime and socio-economic disparities. Its strategic location near the Chesapeake Bay and the Appalachian Mountains provides an interesting mix of urban accessibility and rural solitude. A Jedi Temple located here could benefit from the peaceful landscapes of the bay region while remaining within reach of the city’s urban core. This duality aligns perfectly with the project’s goals.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s reputation as a major metropolitan hub with high crime in specific neighborhoods makes it a prime location for Jedi peacekeeping activities. Despite its urban density, Chicago is surrounded by open spaces such as the Indiana Dunes National Park and the prairies of Illinois. These areas offer potential for a secluded and meditative temple location, striking a balance between the needs of the city and the Jedi’s spiritual and training requirements.
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis’s crime rates and its role as a cultural and economic center of the South make it an intriguing choice for this project. The Mississippi River and nearby natural areas provide opportunities for a secluded Jedi Temple location. The Delta region’s unique landscape and rich history could also offer symbolic significance, emphasizing renewal and resilience.
Comparison to Austin, Texas
During my college days, my original focus on Austin, Texas, stemmed largely from its proximity to Texas State University, where I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Geography. In addition to being a city most of my peers were familiar with, Austin offered a balance of urban challenges as well as a number of quiet neighborhoods with access to nature nearby. However, according to my own research assisted with generative AI, these five cities better align with the broader criteria for a Jedi Temple. Their higher crime rates and access to diverse natural landscapes offer a more compelling backdrop for this expanded analysis, reflecting the ideal conditions for both peacekeeping and meditation.
Next Steps
Using GIS, I plan to delve deeper into the spatial dynamics of each city and its surrounding areas. Specifically, I will:
- Analyze crime data to identify the most impacted urban neighborhoods.
- Examine land use and environmental datasets to locate quiet, natural areas near each city.
- Evaluate transportation networks for accessibility to both urban and remote areas.
- Continue to brainstorm additional criteria that may help me come to a decision.
By exploring these factors in detail, I hope to identify which city best fulfills the balance of urban need and meditative retreat that defines the ideal location for a Jedi Temple. In my next post, I hope to get this list narrowed down to just one or two cities, and from there, explore the options in each city to find the best location.
Stay tuned for updates as I dive into the data and map out potential locations for the Jedi Order’s new home. May the Force, and GIS, guide this journey!