Walkable downtown vs. no downtown area? (Newark, Hoboken: mcmansions, work, health)

[emily31]

Having a "walkable downtown" area in one's town seems to be an important aspect for many people in NJ. I agree that it is a wonderful thing to have (I have that now in Hoboken), but I've also noticed that some of the more affordable areas of NJ do not have one (still have good schools and nice homes, just not a cute downtown area with shops and restaurants). Thus I am at the point of trying to decide if my family and I absolutely need this once we move further away from the city. One person I spoke with who lives in an area without a downtown said she just drives to the neighboring town (which has an adorable walkable shopping center) when need be. So I'm wondering...is a walkable downtown a necessity? What are the pros and cons of having or not having a cute downtown area in one's town? Is there less of a community feel if there isn't one? Does one miss out on something integral if they have to drive to the next town?

Thanks for any thoughts and opinions!

[cyntmac]

If you have some transit in the area it would not matter as much if a town center was in walking distance. The worst case scenario is when teenagers are car dependent for everything and can't walk to anything. From age 11,12 on-kids need to have some options out in suburbia. If they don't it is a recipe for problems, imho. A walkable downtown provides some sense of an actual community even if just in the physical sense. I think it is very important. I have always been more of an urban dweller so I am a little biased.

[Cat05]

Hoboken's downtown is very walkable but if you need schools and don't want to pay for private schools then it is not for you.

[BobKovacs]

I think the need (or lack thereof) for a walkable downtown depends a lot on the individual and their needs. I don't think you "miss out" on anything if what you'd be "missing out" on isn't a major need in your life.

I live in Woodbridge, which has a nice downtown area, but honestly, I don't think I get down there more than once a year, if that often- I don't need to. The services provided by the shops aren't things I necessarily need, and I don't feel the need to sit at a table in front of a coffee shop and read the paper, so what am I "missing out" on? My kids go to the local community center for all of their activities, we shop at the Shoprite supercenter (the only grocery store in the downtown area closed around 10 years ago), and I don't need the services of the gun shop, jeweler, barber, etc., that are downtown.

Given the short periods of "decent" weather we get here in NJ, it's not likely that you're going to spend enough time walking around downtown were you're going to forge personal relationships with the shopowners, etc., anyway- not like in San Diego or somewhere that you can hit the same coffee shop every Sunday morning of the year to get your coffee and danish.

I do find that those types of "bonds" are just as easy to make at "non-walkable" establishments too- I know the folks at the counter at my local 7-11, Dunkin Donuts, corner deli and pizzeria by name, and they know me- I just don't "walk" to the shops. So, in essence, I get the "walkable downtown feel" without having to live 5 blocks from Main Street.

Bob

[tiggywink]

Hi Emily,

I have thought the same thing as you and wondered if I really *needed* a walkable downtown. These are my reasons for coming to the conclusion that yes I do!

-- Ecological. If I don't have to drive I won't and that is regardless of the weather. For the last 10 years I have lived happily without driving, and I'm used to walking 45 minutes or more to get someplace if need be (but ordinarily much less). I realize it is unrealistic to expect to live in some NJ places without a car entirely, but I personally am used to not driving places and it's a very pleasant and convenient way to live.

-- I completely agree with cyntmac regarding pre-teen/teenager life. How much more fun and easy to meet up with friends for an ice cream downtown then to have mom drive you to the mall. Extending that concept to the whole family, I like the idea of walking into town for a pizza together, and window shopping, spending birthday money at the toystore, etc.

--I like the idea that if you do these things (above) that is stands to reason that you would see the same people, business owners, neighbors, and friends and eventually feel a part of a community. I also agree with BobKovacs that you can get all of this by driving places too.

I think it depends on your lifestyle. I stay at home with a toddler and only work part-time so I have plenty of time to walk everywhere. If I were working full-time I would have much less time and would need to drive just to get things done, regardless of whether I lived in a walkable town or not. If you don't like the elements and being outside in all kinds of weather (rain, wind, snow, sun) then I guess a walkable town is not necessary. I go out no matter what the weather, just love it. If you're only going to use the town on the weekends I suppose you could just drive there--but for me the whole idea that it's "right there" is life-enhancing. I've grown so accustomed to this way of life that I don't think I could go back.

I'm interested in hearing what others think too, especially those with young children.

[emily31]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments, everyone!

I am also a little bit of an urban dweller, so I wonder if I'd really miss out on not having a walkable downtown. Good point, cyntmac, on the teen-agers. I wouldn't have even thought of that!

It is good to know that bonds can still be formed from driving around, Bob. I wonder about how much my family will actually walk around downtown. We are used to walking a lot, just like tiggywink, but at the same time, since moving further West in Hoboken, I now find myself driving a lot more (and to the suburbs). I don't seem to miss walking downtown, although it is nice to know it is there! Being ecological is also a nice side perk

[mbk]

Hey Emily,
Just thought you might be interested in this article.
http://www.walkable.org/article1.htm

I think a good walkable downtown is wonderful for a family. I have 3 kids and I never intended on a second career as a taxi driver. There are so many better things I can do with my time than be their personal chauffeur, which is sadly my current state. A good town to look for, I'm assuming you have kids, is a town that has a good park and businesses that are geared towards kids (like a good bookstore/library, martial arts, dance studio, ice cream, pizza, etc) anything you might imagine your kids would get into. Plus, it's just simply healthier to live in that kind of town!

good luck, Michelle

[njmom8]

Hi! I live in a walkable downtown- and love it! A few years ago we moved to Hunterdon county in search of a larger home. I hated driving to everywhere I wanted to go. There was a lack of sense of community, also. We moved back to our original town after 2 years.

That being said- it totally depends on your lifestyle. I am a stay at home mom of young kids. We walk to town/ park / school daily. I get social interaction (which I need) that way- all of the other moms are out as well. I think if you work full time, this would be less important. You also must be willing to sacrafice size of house and yard.

I originally moved from Hoboken, if you like it there I think it will be a big step to move to a more rural suburban area: just be sure it is what you want....

[emily31]

Thanks for the article, mbk. Very interesting! And a good point about having places kids can walk to.

Njmom8, I will probably work part-time but on my days off would love to be able to walk around with my kids, meet up with other moms. That's basically what I'm doing now in Hoboken, and I do really like that aspect.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[anatk1]

I wish I lived near a walkable downtown..have to drive my not-driving-yet teenagers everywhere....including to their friends home...Westfield and Princeton have wonderful downtowns with Westfield being my favorite!! They also have an excellent school district. They have designer-type stores (Coach, Lord and Taylors, Ann Taylor, chicos, Gap to name a few) and lots of great restaurants....a park and plenty family activities including a jazz festival. The homes can be pricey but at least there's no "cookiecutter mcmansions" like in my township. There's also a train to Newark where you can switch to NYC...my kids visit close friends there and they love it...they can walk everywhere.....even to the movies. If you ever saw the tv show back in 2004 called Ed, some of it was shot in Westfield