Growing up, I had been in a very small American suburb, learning and growing throughout the tiny realm that I had come to know. The same grocery store with my mom on a Saturday, the same parks throughout every season, and the familiar faces of the neighborhood. I had always enjoyed this, and the closeness of a community yet as a family if we needed to go somewhere different, it would always entail of a long journey in the car, and a long journey back.
As I grew older, and moved from that small town to a town more inner-city, I begin to experience firsthand "The walkable city". Something about it and the feeling of walking around downtown, grabbing a soy latte at my favorite independent cafe, wandering through the bookstore for a new find, hunting for fresh produce at the farmer's market, popping into my favorite vintage store, etc. The pleasance of human interaction, the endorphins being released riding my bike to run errands, I started to become more and more drawn to this, (maybe even a trait that had always been a part of me finally being freed).
Yes the "feeling" and ambiance make these cities desirable, but it is also something much more and greater. The sustainability is crucial, and as Jeff Speck states in his talk, our health care crisis in America and through many western countries is greater than diet, it is a matter of urban design and how we can navigate our lives in a way that is congenial for our generations and today's society.
I now enjoy being a part of a walkable city, though it is just a small one and I need to ride my bike a few mies. I am very eager to see where I end up next and be able to walk right out of my place and go get my groceries. :)
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