Get Your Walk On!
Although I moved to Portland over a year ago, I am still overwhelmed by all of the distinct neighborhoods that dot the city. Because Portland is a patchwork of nestled hot spots, tucked between the trees and hills, it can be difficult to know what is down the street, let alone across town.
Thankfully, however, a recent Cash4Books customer informed us that they had located our company through the website WalkScore.com. Walk Score both rates the walkability of neighborhoods, as well as provides a wealth of information about pedestrian-friendly destinations in an area. You simply put in an address, and Walk Score generates a map and list of nearby cafes, movie theaters, libraries, bookstores, grocers, even public transportation. In addition, Walk Score provides contact information and reviews for each attraction within walking distance. As it turns out there is a café a quarter mile from my front door. Because it’s down the hill from my home, behind quite a few trees (including a cool monkey puzzle tree), I honestly would never have found this little gem without Walk Score.
But why walk? Isn’t driving faster and easier? Walk Score lists the environment, health, our pocketbooks and the community as benefactors of high walkability neighborhoods. Not to mention, by walking you get to take in that sweet sunshine, and inevitably discover far more than is possible peering from the window of your car!
With summer weather on the horizon, I am antsy to get out and explore. Although my own address scored a mere 52 out of 100 – rated as “somewhat walkable” – I am ready to check out what my new neighborhood has to offer. What’s your Walk Score?
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