|
|||
Following decades of suburban sprawl, a renewed emphasis on walkable communities is coming on strong. Factors driving the trend: increased gas prices, an aging population, health awareness and, of course, convenience. Recent studies estimate the amount spent on gas to be between 20-30% of household income (those with teenagers on the higher end), as living in suburbia requires driving EVERYWHERE. Folks are now longing for the "good old days" when they could walk to the corner market and stretch their legs. As a result, experts predict that many cities will be reclaiming their waterfronts and investing in downtown area improvements, and that people will come - especially the babyboomers. For more info about walkable communities, including steps you can take in your own community, visit the nonprofit Walkable Communities at www.walkable.org. |