Greener Communities

Source

Given the buzz around a new site that ranks your location according to its "walk score", I thought I'd take a look at how the various places I've lived over my lifetime are stacking up today. The general idea is that a community with a higher score is easier to get around in on foot, there by reducing or removing the need for a car. I have to say, my upcoming move is highly motivated by the desire to be rid of my car for a while.

  • Strasburg, VA: 51
  • St. Louis, MO (High School): 26
  • Elsah, IL (College): 9
  • First house (STL): 54
  • First townhome (STL): 35
  • Second house (STL): 57
  • Upcoming move to Portland area: 82

Definitely moving up the score ladder. I'd like to think that in a couple years I'll be able to get car that plugs into the grid rather than into a gas station pump. At the least I'd like a car that can run on ethanol (a great cellulosic ethanol infrastructure would be great) or biodiesel. But who knows, Portland may be destination forever, and public transportation, biking, and walking may meet my transportation needs. At any rate, I'm looking forward to the move on many different levels.