If you're a regular reader of my blog, you may remember that back in October 2013, I wrote a blog entitled Live-able Neighbourhoods. Following the release of that blog, I was contacted by a local grassroots group that is also interested in the viability and sustainability of life within neighbourhoods. I have become involved in one of their projects and while I wholeheartedly support their efforts am unable to commit too much time to their projects. Whatever we can do, individually or as a group, to direct attention back to the extinction of live-able neighbourhoods is commendable.
I was pleasantly surprised one day, while browsing the MLS listings, to find something called a walk score at the bottom of the page of each listing, with a number from 1-100 on the walk ability of the neighbourhood.
This is an interesting and useful tool for those looking to buy a house in a neighbourhood with which they are unfamiliar.
Not only does it tell you the score, it also indicates what businesses and amenities are within walking distance. The higher the score, the more likely you would be able to live comfortably within your neighbourhood. Dependency on a car or other form of transportation is minimised. I personally like this factor, preferring to live in a neighbourhood that is a 10 minute walk to the city core, but, also a 10 minute walk to the main park, which is at a lake. This is a live-able neighbourhood. I can live here, walk for shopping if I desire and enjoy a fabulous park facility. It's also encouraging to see more businesses moving into the down town core, make the live-ability factor rise dramatically. It's great to live in the downtown, but, if there are no businesses that you need, it's not so convenient after all.
What is the live-ability factor of your neighbourhood? Do you need transportation to do most things you like to do? If so, your score may be quite low - good for golf, not so good for live ability.
Big box stores have decentralized our shopping habits, the loss of corner gas stations replaced by corporate owned mammoth stations has not only decentralized the service station, but, also allows big oil companies to keep tighter control on gas prices.
While these things seem to be convenient, you're giving up your local influence. It's never a good thing! Your local grocer, jeweller, druggist, etc., adjusted to their clientele and exchanges with employees are usually more amicable. Local businesses know, there are only so many customers and/or employees in their neighbourhood.
I personally like going into the local coffee shop, book store, etc., and be greeted by the owner. These connections are important to me.
Try it out for yourself. How many errands can you complete by walking through your neighbourhood?
I was pleasantly surprised one day, while browsing the MLS listings, to find something called a walk score at the bottom of the page of each listing, with a number from 1-100 on the walk ability of the neighbourhood.
This is an interesting and useful tool for those looking to buy a house in a neighbourhood with which they are unfamiliar.
Not only does it tell you the score, it also indicates what businesses and amenities are within walking distance. The higher the score, the more likely you would be able to live comfortably within your neighbourhood. Dependency on a car or other form of transportation is minimised. I personally like this factor, preferring to live in a neighbourhood that is a 10 minute walk to the city core, but, also a 10 minute walk to the main park, which is at a lake. This is a live-able neighbourhood. I can live here, walk for shopping if I desire and enjoy a fabulous park facility. It's also encouraging to see more businesses moving into the down town core, make the live-ability factor rise dramatically. It's great to live in the downtown, but, if there are no businesses that you need, it's not so convenient after all.
What is the live-ability factor of your neighbourhood? Do you need transportation to do most things you like to do? If so, your score may be quite low - good for golf, not so good for live ability.
Big box stores have decentralized our shopping habits, the loss of corner gas stations replaced by corporate owned mammoth stations has not only decentralized the service station, but, also allows big oil companies to keep tighter control on gas prices.
While these things seem to be convenient, you're giving up your local influence. It's never a good thing! Your local grocer, jeweller, druggist, etc., adjusted to their clientele and exchanges with employees are usually more amicable. Local businesses know, there are only so many customers and/or employees in their neighbourhood.
I personally like going into the local coffee shop, book store, etc., and be greeted by the owner. These connections are important to me.
Try it out for yourself. How many errands can you complete by walking through your neighbourhood?
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