From the article: Stop Sprawl: How to Design a Walkable Neighborhood
Many people say that we need to re-think the way we design our neighborhoods. But how? Should neighborhoods have big yards and vast stretches of parkland? Or, is it more important to have shops and restaurants within walking distance? Tell us what features you look for in an ideal neighborhood.
Access, Amenities and Activity
- I think great neighborhoods are mixed use. Residential, entertainment, commercial, employment and recreational activities are all available in the immediate vicinity -- preferably in walking distance. I live in a pretty good neighborhood now. Depending on which section you live in, you can walk to restaurants, groceries, drugstores, dry cleaners, the post office, a few bars, yoga studios, a farmers market and a couple of parks. I live in a pretty good section of the neighborhood, and I am within a .5-1 mi walk of most of the amenities and within a block of a few bus stops. The neighborhood is diverse in age, ethnicity and income. There aren't many schools in walking distance, but they are within 2 miles. My neighborhood would be perfect if there was more frequent transit, more people were walking around at night and the schools were better, but I realize I am better off than most people in terms of walkability with a Walkscore of 88.
- —Guest Jaded
Good question
- I am a member of a planning and zoning board and we are looking at this very subject for a new town center (there is currently not one). I am looking for creative ideas on this subject and would appreciate any feedback or reference material you can provide. happen to like the feel of Celebration, FL, but I also sense it is designed primarily for upper incomes. I would prefer a more balanced income strata.
- —drive4dough
Lauren in Newtown
- After making a mistake upon moving out of the city to the country with our toddlers, we need sidewalks (for strollers and bicycles) parks, mass transit, easy access to airports, good hospitals and doctors, and things that are relatively close in proximity. We bought our house and I wish we hadn't. Many of our new friends' marriages are suffering under the stress of long to commutes to jobs they aren't even certain will be there tomorrow, children's activities in different parts of town and at overlapping times, foreclosures bringing down the value of their own homes. All of us thought we were getting the American dream but what we got was stuck. Stuck in our cars and stuck in homes we will never be able to sell. All we looked at was the school rating. The schools are great but everything else is misery. The ability to get out of the car and get the things we need within walking or short drive is the ideal world. Especially now.
- —Guest Lauren
Inner city has too much social housing
- I live in Bowness which is part of Calgary. It started as an exburb 100 years ago, was annexed in 1966 into Calgary and is now one of Calgary's most economically diverse neighbourhoods. The biggest problem I have with my neighbourhood is they put to much social housing in it. This subsidized apartment near my house always has cops their on Friday or Saturday dealing with God knows what and I wish they would demolish that place. What I like about Bowness is it is a real neighbourhood with a small commercial district. I also love being in a neighbourhood that has a river running through it and lots of parks around it.
- —Guest Peter
Dream Neighborhood
- Children can play safely outdoors. Space available for informal chatting/playing with neighbors. Neighborhood store. Bus stop. Lots of canopy trees along the streets. Safe. Mix of housing types. Good schools. Close to natural amenities. Energy efficient. Volunteer programs to assist elders.
- —Guest Maria
