After having tinkered with both, I think I prefer MeshNode MeshCore because it tries to reduce chatter and IMO provide a better structure, however Meshtastic is easier to get into as all nodes will act as a repeater too, reducing the amount of setup required to have a functional network. If you're in a medium sized city, there is likely some MeshCore repeaters out there, so you can try it only with only a companion device.

MeshCore seems to have the ability to reach much further away by reducing chatter (64 hops vs 3 hops in Meshtastic)

I know the network as a whole goes a long way, but how far can a single message actually be sent? Don't both have a maximum number of hops and a hop is only a few km?

It certainly seems interesting, but I am not sure if it could be useful for me. Especially when no one I know is going to buy hardware for it. Is there a reason these don't extend off the internet? Always thought some kind of internet/LoRa hybrid could lower the barrier to entry as most have internet connected devices already, and exposing them to the network some will realise they could pay less by switching to LoRa instead.