Do you live in one?
Imagine if you moved to one.
You are starring in a 1950′s family movie. On your morning walk to work, you
drop off your library book,
stop for a coffee and danish, or steak and eggs
high-five some kids walking to school and celebrating last night’s high school game,
pick up a fresh sandwich and a drink at the deli, and
notice what’s playing at the cinema.
Walking home, you
greet an elderly friend on a park bench,
pick up your prescription,
windowshop the new art gallery installation,
grab fresh vegetables and coffee at the supermarket, and
collect your kid from Scouts.
Disney?
No. Millions of people enjoy exactly this sort of walkable neighborhood in major US cities, including these Walker’s Paradises. Even more than cities, towns and villages are likely to provide the compactness, the safe sidewalks and paths, and the vibrant activities that make them a pleasure to walk. (And maybe even better home appreciation.)
So, how walkable is your neighborhood? Or – if you are like us, with a Walk Score of 14 (out of 100) and our house for sale – how walkable could your next neighborhood be!
What’s more, how much would a walkable neighborhood protect your family from the predicted rise in transportation costs?
[Update: Walking is now linked to Alzheimer's prevention.]
[Update: Make sure Walk Score's destinations are your destinations.]
[Update: It's tough to retrofit walkability where you live now.]
I’m finding that the phrase “walkable neighborhood” is being applied by promoters of shopping districts. Such areas may help you use the same parking lot to visit retailers, restaurants, and convenience stores. But to help you make meaningful reductions in commute time, fuel costs, and CO2 emissions, a true “walkable neighborhood” lets your family walk from home to jobs, schools, the doctor, church, the library, and other daily destinations – not just funky pillows, ultra-cute dresses, and all-natural dog food.