How Walkable is Your Neighborhood?

Here's the top 10 most walkable cities in America, surprise surprise Portland makes the list:

San Francisco, CA
New York, NY
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Seattle, WA
Washington D.C.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Portland, OR

But what makes a neighborhood walkable?

A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.

Density: The neighborhood is compact enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to run frequently.

Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.

Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.

Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.

Nearby schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.

Test your neighborhood here: http://www.walkscore.com/

The 2009 Transportation Bill is a once-in-a-decade opportunity. Walk Score will hand-deliver the list of supporters to Congress on foot, on bike, on bus, and on subway. http://www.walkscore.com/transportation-bill.shtml