I knew that moving downtown would allow us to walk to more. But I did not realize that I would come to just resent getting in the car. "What? I actually have to drive in order to do that? Oh, never mind then, it can wait."
To illustrate my point, I chose just one type of business, restaurants, and then did a little Google mapping. The total number of restaurants within a two-mile radius of my former house = 8.
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| The purple mark in the middle shows the location of my old house in the suburbs. The closest restaurant is .5 miles away, and it's the concession stand at Long Lake Park (open seasonally, fine selection of sunflower seeds and bottled sodas.) |
Here is the same search for my condo downtown. Total number of restaurants within a two-mile radius = 174. See why I just sort of hate the idea of getting in the car now?
Nice job using maps to illustrate your point. It's great that you can walk to so many places in your new neighborhood. And better for our environment and your health! Funny how perspectives can change.
ReplyDeleteI used to leave in a suburb of NYC and even living there, I barely ever used my car. There was so much public transportation and it was always such a hassle to find a parking space that I often left the car behind. Now, I live in a suburb of Orlando. Let's just say that if I didn't have the car, I would starve to death and never make it to work. Having a car is very relative. Some friends from up north who live in the city don't even think about purchasing one. There is no need. On the other hand, in Orlando, I don't have one friend that does not have a car.
ReplyDeleteHaha - you'd starve to death if you didn't have a car. Cracks me up, but I can totally relate.
DeleteLove the map. While I live in suburbia, I can see the benefits of living close enough to walk everywhere I could possibly want to go. My brother lives in downtown Denver, as a young, single guy. I'm jealous sometimes. Then my kids ride their bikes around our cul-de-sac for hours and I forget all about it. :)
ReplyDeleteTrue - the suburbs do have their advantages, otherwise people wouldn't live there. And cul-de-sacs can be awesome if you live in the right one, with good neighbors!
DeleteI love that you can walk everywhere! If I were you I might bike there as well! When my husband and I go on vacation, we love going to cities where we can walk everywhere. It's a nice change from the commute. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you bike a lot?
ReplyDeleteGreat visual and an interesting topic. I was reading about this yesterday, simply how many communities are set up that you have to drive most places. Whereas it used to be easier to walk places = exercise. I have to drive almost everywhere. Luckily I love driving (a mini-van mom), but do wish that there were more options to walk.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Pittsburgh, a car was not really needed. The problem was finding parking on the street close to your apartment.
ReplyDeleteI either walked or took the bus. Living in the Scranton area, a car is necessary because public transportation is poor.