Walk Score is a tool that evaluates the walk-ability of neighborhoods based on nearby restaurants, grocery stores, bars, parks, schools, etc. Most addresses around Broadway get around 97 out of 100 points possible.
Capitol Hill has a lot going for it in terms of walkability, including:
- Easy access to Broadway and the Pike/Pine corridor.
- Close proximity to downtown work locations.
- Roads are laid out in a grid pattern with many traffic circles and other "speed control" devices.
- Cal Anderson and other parks just off Broadway.
- Seattle Central. I know there are also some K-12 schools in the area as well.
- Limited parking lots, so pedestrians can easily get in/out of shops.
The tool was created by the Front Seat Management project, which promotes environmental living. It's headed up by a former 'softie and fellow Seattlite, Mike Mathieu.
By the way, apparently a neighbor just to the south on Madison Ave reached a perfect walkable score of 100. So we have something to work toward... I wonder if the north Broadway condo development will help.
