
I've waxed poetic many times about my own hood, and one of the reasons I've always loved Silver Lake is its walking friendly nature (we even have a local celebrity known for his daily walking habits!). Want to find out how walking friendly your neighborhood is? Check out Walk Score, which displays a score between 1-100, calculating walkability by the proximity of destinations such as grocery stores, restaurants, schools, libraries, bookstores and parks...all the places that make for a vibrant community. Who says nobody walks in LA? We scored an 83!
Comments (14)
as a Los Feliz-er I agree! the walkability of the east side is what makes it so attractive I think
hmmm, the sight seems to be down at the moment.
Specifically, it says, "We've reached our Google Maps API limit and are in touch with Google to get the site back up.
Add to Favorites and try visiting us tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience!"
Perhaps too many ATers?
Wow, feel the power and presence of AT! We're like Digg readers, except with exceptional decor ;)
I'm a Los Feliz-er walker too!!!!! My feet have power!
Love it - can walk to just about anything you would need!! The hills, market(s), banks, movies, restaurants, friends, my old job, etc etc etc.....
I am in Hancock Park/Windsor Square and live a block from Larchmont Blvd. To be able to go to the bank, drycleaner, newsstand pharmacy and restaurants without getting in my car is such a pleasure. I see at least one of my neighbors doing the same every time I am on Larchmont.
I was getting the java syntax error so could not see how my neighborhood rates.
I live in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood and despite the hilly terrain, it's quite walkable and I walk everywhere, to the grocery store, restaurants and the like. It's fantastic.
In the Miracle Mile, we got a very respectable 78 and my neighbor's address down the street (closer to Wilshire) got an 85! There are walkable areas throughout LA, you just have to have faith...
I was getting that error this morning too.
West L.A. I got myself a score of 66! My parents in the San Diego suburbs had a 20! Yikes!
However this doesn't take into account if the places you are walking are places you'll actually utilize. I border a few areas that aren't so great and wouldn't walk toward those areas alone. I am, unfortunately, much more likely to drive a further distance the opposite direction. Also, restaurants and bars listed I wasn't too sure about...
I looked up my mother's beautiful lakeshore house in New Hampshire and the road that runs along the lake was rated as, "Worst." I guess not spending money while looking at natural beauty is a bad thing according to Walk Score.
Hey Hoot, don't take it too personally, I believe your mom's lakeshore 'hood is all that despite the score. Walk Score clearly states their score is far from perfect:
We'll be the first to admit that Walk Score is just an approximation of walkability. There are a number of factors that contribute to walkability that are not part of our algorithm:
* Street width: Narrow streets are better for walking because they slow traffic.
* Block length: Short blocks make it easier to navigate the grid.
* Freeways: Freeways can divide neighborhoods and hurt walkability.
* Public transit: Good public transit is important for walkable neighborhoods.
* Safety: How much crime is in the neighborhood? How many traffic accidents are there? Are crosswalks well marked and streets well lit?
* Aesthetics: Are the sidewalks shaded by trees? Are there appealing parks and public spaces?
* Pedestrian-friendly design: Are buildings close to the sidewalk with parking in back? If buildings have large parking lots in front, they are less inviting to pedestrians.
As MarlonBain said, "You should use the Web 3.0 app called going outside and investigating the world for yourself" before deciding whether a neighborhood is walkable!
As expected - 0 out of 100. I read all the "green" ideas about using a bike/walking/reducing automobile use. LOL! We're about 2.5 miles of mountainous terrain to the nearest anything. With two kids in tow, no thanks. Disclaimer: We're about 300 ft from National Forest trails with private access and wouldn't move if you paid us. :-)
Cool site & idea!
100 outta 100! Woo hoo! Yes, in L.A. County (South Bay). But, I'm seeing a lot of empty store fronts popping up recently in my neighborhood. Buying from independent retail and walkability are interdependent, you're right.
Okay, just seeing this posting now...but ran my walk score and got a 57 out of 100??? I live in Santa Monica 4 blocks from the beach and a local park overlooking the pacific and a few blocks from Montana shops and right near the Santa Monica stairs! This makes no sense, people come into our area to walk and jog all the time. Any time of the day there are people walking to shops or walking their dogs. We bought our place because of how walkable it is. According to Gregory's list, we should have a high number, based on those criteria. If a place like our scores low yet Loz Feliz scores high (which I used to live there for many years) then this makes me think this site is not correct at all, both places are equally walkable.
I got a score of 71 (in LA, on the east side between Silverlake/Los Feliz and Koreatown). I do walk a lot in my neighborhood, but people are always surprised that I do. It's not the most scenic, but I can get around very easily and I love being able to walk to the corner store when I need something or walk to the library. And I'm also nearby a Metro station. But when we first moved, my boyfriend and I made sure that we would be by Metro/bus lines as he doesn't drive. So I think it's just one of those things that you can choose to make a priority. I grew up in a very affluent, beautiful neighborhood that was great for taking scenic walks, but where the closest stores were 40 minute walks. So I really enjoy being able to walk to things easily.