To some of my clients living in a walkable neighborhood is important. I guess it is important to me too. There is a web site that will give a "walk score" for any address. WalkScore.com
Walkscore.com defines walkable as:
- A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernible center, whether it’s a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
- Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.
- Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
- Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
- Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
- Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
The neighborhood I live in Upper town, in St. Paul has a score of 78 out of a possible 100. We have a couple of parks close by, restaurants, and can walk to the grocery store. There are three schools close by, a hospital and coffee shops.
The chart is for the corner of Selby Avenue and Western Avenue in St. Paul, MN. The map shows the location of businesses close to the intersection and a walk score score is generated. I think this is a great tool for anyone looking for a home in a walkable neighborhood.
This is a great tool thanks for sharing it. Here in Tucson Arizona not many areas are too “walkable” due to the way the city is super spread out. Oh also the 100 degree plus days that start in May and continue through October kind of hinder most people wanting to take a long walk anywhere. At least during the daytime.
Michael – in my opinion none of the neighborhoods here are walkable from about the middle of January to the end of February. We walk in the skyways or in the malls instead.
Another handy resource for walking is Google Maps. They have recently included an option for Walking Directions instead of Driving Directions. It takes into consideration things like a pedestrians ability to walk the wrong way on a one way street. Pretty cool.
I can’t wait to get a WalkScore for Miami. I wonder if the WalkScore takes into account the fact that it’s 100 degrees outside and 100% humidity?
You look very walkable.
Aloha,
Keahi
That is a really neat tool. I wonder what costs are associated with developing it to use on ones website. If anyone know how much it costs to have it loaded on your domain, not just framed in, please tell me.