What Phoenix Lacks is.... (Tucson, Scottsdale: house, rent, work)

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by yakijy

Actually, I find a lot more places to walk about in the Phoenix area than someplace like Chicago. There are trails around the zoo, small lakes and parks to fish or walk. Malls are much better here. Desert Ridge has free music every weekend. I walk my dog regularly 4 blocks to the park off-leash, and can do it 9 months out of the year. In Chicago I would go around the block, but not much more - too many lights, traffic. There's much more a feel of empty space here. You can be absolutely alone in a number of places pretty easily.

To a degree, I can agree. But, having walked Michigan Ave, over to the Navy Pier and down the pier and around the area, there are few areas that we can do that here in the Valley.

I would however note that there are some very walkable areas here - Tempe Town lake area - and down Mill Ave. Scottsdale 5th Ave area. Up in Carefree - Sundial Plaza. Downtown Phoenix - around Chase Field and USAirway arena - to Alice Cooperstown - to Herberger, to AZ Center to all the little boutiques and shops and galleries in the area. And there is more.

But we have to remember, each community is unique - it is impossible, absolutely impossible IMO to compare one to the other - Chicago is not San Diego, Tampa is not San Francisco - Corpus Christi is not Boston - Sante Fe is not Las Vegas. And so on.

[TurcoLoco]

If car thefts continue, the city of Phoenix will naturally become a 'walk about city'...

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Phoenix is more walkable than Chicago? LOL Now Ive heard it all. LOL

Yeah, even "walkable" means different things to different people. The person responding to you is apparently the hiking, jogging, dog-walking type. I can see how they like the open space for nature walks.

Examples of AZ walkable:





This type has a blast in AZ and I can see his/her point. To me and others "walkable" means having a lively and walkable downtown - streets lined with stores, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, etc.

Examples of city walkable:





In other words, we can't even agree on the definition of "walkable," so we should all just give it a rest!

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

In other words, we can't even agree on the definition of "walkable," so we should all just give it a rest!

For me, both definitions are equally important. I love the idea of living within the boundaries of a major city and still having hiking trails immediately available. That exists right now. What's needed, then, are more pedestrian-centered shopping, nightlife, and cultural districts. Imagine the level of greatness Phoenix would attain if it combined the two types of walkability?

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Yeah, even "walkable" means different things to different people. The person responding to you is apparently the hiking, jogging, dog-walking type. I can see how they like the open space for nature walks.

Examples of AZ walkable:





This type has a blast in AZ and I can see his/her point. To me and others "walkable" means having a lively and walkable downtown - streets lined with stores, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, etc.

Examples of city walkable:





In other words, we can't even agree on the definition of "walkable," so we should all just give it a rest!

What an excellent comparison. I agree, "walkable" means different things to everyone. I prefer the "walkable" street like you. I LOVE Europe because of it!

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

I agree, "walkable" means different things to everyone. I prefer the "walkable" street like you.

And I, the trail...

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Yeah, even "walkable" means different things to different people. The person responding to you is apparently the hiking, jogging, dog-walking type. I can see how they like the open space for nature walks.

Examples of AZ walkable:





This type has a blast in AZ and I can see his/her point. To me and others "walkable" means having a lively and walkable downtown - streets lined with stores, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, etc.

Ah, ok. I see where youre coming from.

But if thats the case, Chicago is STILL walkable, with tons of parks, some of them HUGE (for being in a major metropolitan area and especially downtown). Yes, PHX does have more trails in the hills because, well, you have hills. Our trails here are along the lake and in the parks. Similar, but different. But you do have a good point. And the dog park? Well, not really what I consider "walkable", but thats ok. lol

[BillyBaroo]

I've always enjoyed sporting events for people watching. The FBR Open is one of the best, even though it only lasts for one week. You can walk around the course or just find a nice spot on a hill and watch the world go by.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by BillyBaroo

I've always enjoyed sporting events for people watching. The FBR Open is one of the best, even though it only lasts for one week. You can walk around the course or just find a nice spot on a hill and watch the world go by.

This year, you have the FBR and the Super Bowl!

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by Greatday

This year, you have the FBR and the Super Bowl!

Doesn't get much better than that!