Walk It Off

With everyone a buzz over rising gas prices, it seems like a good time to introduce everyone to Walk Score.

I adore Walk Score and think it's a handy tool for anyone looking for a new residence.  When we were searching for an apartment in L.A., my primary source of listings was craigslist.org, but my "living index" reference was Walk Score.  In addition to all the quirky things we were looking for inside an apartment, it was imperative we find a residence that allowed us to walk to the majority of our daily needs.

Tilework  on an apartment building in our neighborhood

For anyone who hasn't heard of Walk Score, it's a free service that scores an address on a walkability index ranging from 0-100.  Not only does it provide a numerical value, it also maps the address and shows you where grocery stores, schools, restaurants, parks, etc. are located in relation to that address.  It's a fabulous reference tool!

Our apartment is rated an 85, which places it at the high end of the "Very Walkable" slot.  They were spot on in their assessment.  We walk to the grocery store, post office, shopping districts, book store, restaurants....well, just about everything.  It now feels "off" if we have to get in the car to run an errand.  I recently plugged in an address in Portland, Oregon only to have it come back with a Walk Score of 100!  It was the veritable Holy Grail of a walker's paradise.

Nasturtiums in a garden

Walk Score's mission, as stated on their site, is to promote walkable neighborhoods.  Their overall vision, however, goes further as their ultimate goal is for every property listing to read:  Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Walk Score: 84.  Walkable neighbor- hoods benefit the environment, economy, and healthy living.

In my experience, walking provides much greater and far more encompassing benefits.  We have met neighbors (and new friends) as we "ooh and aah" over their dogs they are walking.  It allows us to appreciate the beautiful architecture most people never notice as they whiz by in their car.  When things are crazy or we're stressed, a simple walk to the store provides a breather so we can decompress.  Not to mention, it makes getting the recommended 30 minutes of daily walking/exercise a breeze for us.

How does your apartment or house rate? Check it out....www.walkscore.com  

Welcome to Hancock Park!  A balcony on route to Trader Joe's complete with a pink flamingo.